History and Social Studies Course Composites

History and Social Studies Department

The goal of the History and Social Studies curriculum is to enable students to acquire knowledge, skills and judgment that foster lifelong learning. Through systematic study and source driven inquiry, students will be prepared to participate intelligently, justly and responsibly in civic life and to avail themselves to historic and cultural resources locally and globally. As a part of the History and Social Studies curriculum, students will engage in various research and writing activities designed to expand students' capacity to research and utilize relevant and accurate information, use citations properly and to defend a thesis. This skill development is a critical component to future success in all courses offered by the department. This process is intended to support the understanding of content as well as develop critical thinking and communication skills.

Criteria for Placement - Honors and Advanced Placement Course

In order to enter an Honors class, students must:

Receive a recommendation from their History and Social Studies teacher and demonstrate the ability to read and critically analyze written material and…

… earn at least a 85 average in an honors level course or

… earn at least a 90 average in a college preparatory (CP) level course.

For World History II, students must achieve at least a 95 average in grade 8 Social Studies (Civics).

In order to enter an Advanced Placement class, students must:

Receive a recommendation from their History and Social Studies teacher and demonstrate the ability to read and critically analyze written material and…

… earn at least a 87 average in an honors level History and Social Studies course or

… earn at least a 95 average in a college preparatory (CP) level History and Social Studies course and must follow the override process.

199 - World History II CP - 5 credits (9)

This freshman course will trace the major events, themes and patterns of change from the Enlightenment to the 20th century. This course will trace the major events, themes and patterns of change from the Enlightenment to the 20th century. Units of study will include the Napoleonic era that led to the Age of Revolution in Europe and America, the Industrial Revolution, European social and political change that gave rise to nation-states, imperialism and colonial resistance and the Great Wars, the Cold War & the contemporary world.

World History 199 is offered to students who have been identified and recommended by the Social Studies Department as benefitting from more individualized instructional practices. The course affords students time to practice and master concepts, as well as become familiar with test-taking strategies and techniques.

A major component of the History and Social Studies curriculum is an emphasis on inquiry, critical thinking, reading, research and writing, including the examination of primary as well as secondary sources. A major term paper is a requirement of this course.

200 - World History II CP - 5 credits - (9)

201 - World History II Honors - 5 credits - (9)

Students selecting this course must - receive a recommendation from their sending Social Studies teacher and have achieved at least an A (95) average in Grade 8 Social Studies.

This freshman course is designed for enthusiastic history students who have demonstrated excellent achievement in Grade 8 Social Studies, who possess skills in reading complex informational texts, in research and writing and engaging in critical thinking. This freshman course will trace the major events, themes and patterns of change from the Enlightenment through the 20th century. Units of study will include the Napoleonic era that led to the Age of Revolution in Europe and America, the Industrial Revolution, European social and political change that gave rise to nation-states, imperialism and colonial resistance, the Great Wars, the Cold War and the contemporary world.

Students will engage in rigorous analysis of primary source documents and other resources to enhance a deeper understanding of these periods of history. Extensive daily reading and long-term assignments will challenge students to master their study of Modern World History.

Independent research, writing and projects will provide a format for critical and insightful written analysis. Thoughtful group discussions and productive team synergy are expectations of all students to enrich the course experience. Teacher recommendation required. See requisite requirements.

204 - United States History I CP - 5 credits - (10)

This course brings students through the origins of the American Revolution, through its expansion and internal conflict, to its emergence as a powerful, finally becoming an industrialized nation and world power in the early 20th century. Students examine the historical and intellectual origins of the United States from the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras including the basic framework of American democracy and concepts of America government such as popular sovereignty, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights. This study includes America's westward expansion, the establishment of political parties, and economic and social change. Students will learn about the growth of sectional conflict and how it led to the Civil War. This course culminates in examining America’s role in the early twentieth century through the events of the Industrial Revolution, Progressive Era and emergence as a world power.

US History 204 is offered to students who have been identified and recommended by the Social Studies Department as benefitting from more individualized instructional practices.

Pursuant to Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018, the Civics Project graduation requirement will be met through this course during Sophomore year.

205 - United States History I CP - 5 credits - (10)

Pursuant to Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018, the Civics Project graduation requirement will be met through this course during Sophomore year.

206 - United States History I Honors - 5 credits (10)

This course is designed for enthusiastic students of United States history who have demonstrated achievement in World History and who possess skills in reading complex informational texts, in research and writing and engaging in critical thinking.

Pursuant to Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018, the Civics Project graduation requirement will be met through this course during Sophomore year.

208 - United States History II CP - 5 credits (11)

This course traces the economic, political and social development of the United States from 1920 to the present. Students will be expected to further refine skills in reading and writing to demonstrate their understanding of the material and illustrates the ability to make connections between various historic events and their lives today. Through a variety of class activities, students will analyze and evaluate significant events and concepts that have shaped both American foreign and domestic policies. Primary as well as secondary sources are used in this course. A term paper is a requirement of this course. Units of study will span the 1920s, the Great Depression, World War II and America in the Cold War, the Emergence of Modern America and America’s role in the world since 1980. A combination of social, economic and political themes will encourage students to develop a better understanding of America's emergence as the superpower of the 20th century and better understand its place in the 21st century.

US History 208 is offered to students who have been identified and recommended by the Social Studies Department as benefitting from more individualized instructional practices.

Pursuant to Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018, the Civics Project graduation requirement will be met through this course during Junior year.

209 - AP United States History - 5 credits - (11)

This course is designed for students who are prepared for an advanced and intensive study of U.S. history. For the first quarter students will review information from the 10th grade USI course supplemented with additional reading and writing assignments to help them prepare for the AP exam in May. The remainder of the course covers American history from Reconstruction to the present. Using a combination of a discussion/seminar approach as well as active participation in presentations and debates, students will take an active role in the learning process including independent study. In preparation for the A.P. exam in May, students will have the opportunity to improve their writing and research skills and their ability to develop forceful arguments, using primary sources and interpretive articles. Students will gain experience in interpreting graphs, cartoons and charts and in evaluating written sources to develop the skills needed to prepare for the writing and multiple-choice questions on the AP examination. Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement U.S. History exam in May. Teacher recommendation required. See requisite requirements.

Pursuant to Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018, the Civics Project graduation requirement will be met through this course during Junior year.

210 - United States History II Honors - 5 credits (11)

The course is designed for students who are seeking a challenging approach to the study of American history and who possess skills in reading complex informational texts, in research and writing and engaging in critical thinking.

Pursuant to Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018, the Civics Project graduation requirement will be met through this course during Junior year.

211 - United States History II CP - 5 credits (11)

Pursuant to Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018, the Civics Project graduation requirement will be met through this course during Junior year.

Elective History and Social Studies Courses

Both full year and semester courses open to juniors and seniors.

The Social Studies department offers three levels of PSYCHOLOGY courses. These courses are leveled as a means of offering access to the study of psychology to all students. This is offered with the understanding that students may take only one psychology course offered here.

The Social Studies department offers two levels of ECONOMICS courses. These courses are leveled as a means of offering access to the study of economics to all students. This is offered with the understanding that students may take only one economics course offered here.

212 - Psychology CP - 2.5 credits (11-12)

This semester course is designed for those students interested in the behavioral sciences. The course covers topics in human behavior such as learning, memory, personality, perception, hypnosis, dreams and psychological disorders. The major objective of the course is to understand the basic concepts in these areas through experimentation and the exchange of ideas. This is not a prerequisite for Psychology AP. Students who select this course may not drop/add to AP Psychology or Honors Psychology.

213 - Psychology Honors - 5 credits (11-12)

This full year survey course offers students an in-depth study of human behavior, covering the five major content domains of psychology. We will place special emphasis on certain topics including personality, intelligence, dreaming/hypnosis, abnormal psychology and psychotherapy. Throughout this course, emphasis will be on relating and applying ideas and concepts to current events and social trends occurring in our local community and the world at large. This course will hope to provoke ideas on the degree of control we have over our own thoughts and behaviors and that of others. Scholarly articles, reflection essays and focused classroom discussion will be used to supplement the text. Students who select this course may not drop/add to AP Psychology. This is not a prerequisite to other psychology courses. Teacher recommendation required. See requisite requirements.

214 - AP Psychology - 5 credits - (11-12)

For those students seeking a more challenging alternative in the area of psychology, this full year course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students will be exposed to the psychological theories associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Much emphasis is placed on learning and applying the research methods that psychologists use in their science and practice. Students are required to conduct an experiment of their own using an original hypothesis. The course is intended to provide the scope and academic challenge expected at the college level. Critical thinking, reading, writing, research and debate are stressed. Students may not select Psychology AP if they have already taken Honors or CP1 Psychology. Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Psychology exam in May. Teacher recommendation required. See requisite requirements. Summer work is required and students who do not complete their summer work will be unenrolled from the course.

215 - Sociology CP - 2.5 credits - (11-12)

The objective of this semester course is to investigate our modern society and, through this investigation, better understand how people behave both individually and in groups. Topics include group dynamics, leadership, conformity, peer pressure, collective behavior, socialization, prejudice, gender roles, and the influence of the media on society. Student participation is an essential part of this course. Included in the curriculum are recent films on the various subjects studied as well as role playing, small group problem solving, large group discussion, review of current writings in sociology and a written or oral semester project.

218 - Micro and Macro Economics Honors - 5 credits - (11-12)

This full year honors-level course is designed to appeal to that student who is interested in a comprehensive introduction to the study of both micro and macroeconomics. Students will be engaged in learning through textbook studies, current media and other economic data and through participation in simulations such as the Stock Market Game and a fiscal policy field trip.

The course begins with an introduction into an economic way of thinking that examines how broad social goals determine types of economic systems, how the concept of scarcity relates to how a society meets its needs and wants and the basics of supply and demand. Several economic models will be introduced along with other microeconomic topics to include; the impact of trade and specialization, the study of a variety of government interventions designed to address market failures and their subsequent intended and unintended consequences. Other topics may include forms of competition, and public and private goods. On the macroeconomic side, the basic units of evaluating an economy's performance will be studied to include gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, unemployment, national productivity and growth, monetary and fiscal policy and international trade.

Students may not select this course if they have previously taken Economics CP1.

Those students who desire to take an AP economics exam will find this course a good start; however, it is recommended that certain topics be more fully examined independently. Teacher recommendation required. See requisite requirements.

219 - Western Civilization Honors - 5 credits - (11-12)

This full year course will study Western Civilization from its roots in the Ancient Near East through the Middle Ages. Included are the major ideas, events and individuals that have shaped the Western world. Students will engage and explore primary historical documents, interpretive articles, philosophy, art, literature and economics to gain a deeper appreciation for the human experience of this period and trace the rise of the West in history.

This course is designed to delve beyond the basics of World History I to get a real feel for the life and times of the early Western world with a major emphasis on Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome. A strong focus is put on class participation, project based learning, and experiential learning. Past assignments have included participation in Classics Day at the College of the Holy Cross, Roman food day and fashion show, and recreation of the Greek polis. Teacher recommendation required. See requisite requirements.

224 - American Government Honors - 5 credits - (11-12)

A full year course examining the purpose, history, and function of American government. Studies will emphasize the ideas behind and government framework established by the US Constitution, the political process within a representative democracy, and the relationship between and responsibilities unique to the federal, state, and local levels. Students will be required to demonstrate their mastery of content and research skills through a variety of written and performance-based products and to remain abreast of ongoing current affairs. In addition to a course text, a variety of supplementary sources will be used to examine the topic. Teacher recommendation required. See requisite requirements.

226 - AP European History - 5 credits - (11-12)

AP European History offers students a fast paced, content rich advanced course that investigates the political, economic, social, intellectual and cultural history of Europe from the Renaissance to the present. In addition to gaining factual knowledge, students will master key concepts, develop historical thinking skills, and examine textual documentation, visual sources and secondary sources. Students will develop analytic and interpretative writing skills and practice both short answer and document-based questions in preparation for the national AP European History exam. The instructional model includes lecture and discussions within a seminar format. Students taking this course should expect extensive and frequent reading and writing assignments, to take an active role in the learning process and be independent learners. Students selecting this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement European History exam in May. Teacher recommendation required. See requisite requirements.

227- US Foreign Policy Beyond the Cold War CP - 5 credits (12)

The purpose of the course is to expose students to the interaction of USA and the world through the study of White House foreign policy from the time of President H. W. Bush to the present day. Using Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure students will assume roles of point/counter point positions on various topics and reveal their knowledge and standing on the topics through a series of presentations/role play (graded on rubric) followed by small written quizzes on focus material.

228 - Westford History CP - State and Local History Research Seminar - 5 credits - (11-12)

In a seminar setting, this full year course will encourage students to further develop their skills in the methods of historical research and writing, using the history of Westford and its surrounding communities as material for case studies. Students will identify a research topic based on their own interests and available community resources. A significant portion of the course will be centered on establishing a productive working relationship with the Westford Historical Society, participating in field trips to local museums and historic sites and student-driven discussions that provide an opportunity to share and evaluate research experiences. The course will culminate with student-generated oral presentations and projects with the ultimate goal of connecting research to both students' personal history and to the greater Westford community.

229 - Westford History Honors - State and Local History Research Seminar - 5 credits - (11-12)

Students seeking to engage in upper-level thinking and historical analysis have the opportunity to further develop their skills in historical research and writing skills in this full year course. Using the history of Westford and its surrounding communities as material for case studies, students will identify a research topic based on their own interests and available community resources. A significant portion of the course will be centered on establishing a productive working relationship with the Westford Historical Society, participating in field trips to local museums and historic sites and student-driven discussions to discussions that provide an opportunity to share and evaluate research experiences. The course will culminate with student-generated oral presentations and projects with the ultimate goal of connecting research to both students' personal history and to the greater Westford community. Teacher recommendation required. See requisite requirements.

234 - "Criminal Minds" Collage - Forensics of American Crime CP - 5 credits - Open to Seniors only

This course is designed to provide seniors with a diverse and high-interest seminar series that focus on modern approaches to criminology. By the end of the third term, students will have completed three different seminars. This structure is designed to accommodate those seniors taking an internship.

This Collage series is comprised of the following seminars:

Forensic Psychology

Students will study a broad overview of the field of forensic psychology and the numerous ways that psychology interacts with the law. The discipline of forensic psychology has become extremely popular, in part because of numerous television programs addressing the topic such as Law and Order, CSI, and Criminal Minds. Forensic psychology addresses the application of psychological research, methods and theories to issues that come before the legal system. Topics of this section include criminal profiling, serial killers, insanity, and eyewitness testimony and lie-detection.

Criminal Law

Designed like a mini Law School course, students in Criminal Law will journey through the philosophical underpinnings of our criminal justice system before learning to spot, charge, and raise defenses to various crimes. The crimes we will examine run from theft offenses from larceny to racketeering, and homicides from 1st degree to manslaughter. We will also determine what elements are required for a charge of an "attempted" crime, and what constitutes collective criminality, such as a conspiracy to commit a bank robbery.

American Conspiracies

Students will learn the skill of investigative historical study and apply those skills to explore how historiography has given credibility to American conspiracy theories. In combination of primary and secondary sources as well as forensic findings, students will analyze American conspiracies and conspiracy theories including the Masonic foundation of American democracy and the assassination of Presidents Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and the attacks of September 11th.

Law Enforcement

Spark your interest in the field of Criminal Justice and gain a new understanding of the importance of a citizen's roles and responsibilities as a member of American Society! This course will introduce students to crime scene response and investigation by police officers. It will discuss the use of force, police policy and procedures, current crimes, and more. This course is taught through real life experience and training from the instructor as well as numerous guest speakers from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

World Terrorism

World Terrorism will study the historical forces that shaped terrorism in the world today. Numerous theories, events and individuals will be examined from a broad range of religious, ethnic and political groups to uncover the origins of terrorism. The influence of the media on terrorism globally will also be explored. This course will follow both a topical and geographic outline to better understand the evolution of the modern terrorist.