Social Studies

Juniors and Seniors
The purpose of the AP course in microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. It is at the pace of, and has the demands of, a rigorous college-level course. Significant nightly reading assignments are required, as is a summer reading requirement. Students who are successful in this course may be encouraged to pursue AP macroeconomics as an independent study. PREREQUISITES: It is recommended that students have a grade of B+ or better in the preceding CP World and U.S. History course, or a B- in AP History. Students who are interested but do not meet the grade recommendation must have department chair approval. Students opting to take the AP exam are responsible for the exam fee of approximately $100. (Fee reduction applications are available in the school counseling office.)

Seniors
AP Psychology is designed to help students gain knowledge of what psychology really is, understand their own behaviors and the behaviors of others, and to correct misconceptions about human behavior. This year-long course is designed for students who wish to earn three college credits while in high school, and who are highly motivated to read and write about areas of psychology. Assessments include chapter tests, projects, and daily quizzes. A summer assignment is required. Text: Myers’ Psychology for AP (Worth, 2014). PREREQUISITES: It is recommended that students have a grade of B+ or better in the preceding CP World and U.S. History course, or a B- in AP History. Students who are interested but do not meet the grade recommendation must have department chair approval. Students opting to take the AP exam are responsible for the exam fee of approximately $100. (Fee reduction applications are available in the school counseling office.)

Juniors and Seniors
May be taken as an elective or in place of CP World and U.S. History 3
This in-depth study of American history is at the pace of, and has the demands of, a rigorous college-level course. Starting with a review of the pre-contact and colonial eras, students study the political, economic, social, geographic and other factors that shaped the nation. Taught in a seminar format, the course demands daily preparation and participation. Students have significant nightly reading assignments and many writing opportunities. Text readings are continually supported with additional primary and secondary sources. A significant summer assignment is required. PREREQUISITES: It is recommended that students have a grade of B+ or better in CP World and U.S. History 2. Students who are interested but do not meet the grade recommendation must have department chair approval. Students opting to take the AP exam are responsible for the exam fee of approximately $100. (Fee reduction applications are available in the school counseling office.)

1 arts or 1 social studies elective credit
This course ignites students' knowledge about the meaning and message behind artwork created from the Renaissance period to the present day. Students gain an understanding of art as a tool to document the cultural and historical significance of a period of time, and they see how artists are influenced by those who have come before them. Students explore art through a variety of methods, including gallery visits and hands-on projects. This course fulfills the arts requirement for graduation.

Juniors and Seniors
Contemporary Issues is a study of modern world and national issues. The dynamic nature of these issues means that course content changes yearly. Current political and social conditions, international conflicts, important legislation, national and international economic conditions, major ideologies, the United Nations and other areas are all a part of this course. Special use of videos, periodicals, and up-to-date readings are emphasized. There is considerable use of discussion, debate, seminars, and simulations as a means of trying to solve problems. Students are assigned nightly reading, regular projects, papers and presentations.

1 social studies or 1 English credit
Students in this course examine the history of hip hop music to develop a deeper understanding of both American and African-American culture. Students explore Black music history from the spirituals of enslaved Africans to contemporary hip hop. They learn about the rich culture of hip hop, trace influences, and use music to make connections to history. Readings include a wide variety of nonfiction and fiction; students also listen to diverse music in order to learn to “read” songs and to analyze them. Literary study, creative writing, historical research, and the opportunity to make original music are all featured aspects of the class. This course fulfills either the senior English or senior social studies requirement for graduation.

This course is offered every other year (Offered in 2023-2024)
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
With the events of the Nazi Holocaust as a focus, students engage in active study of human nature as it relates to the good and evil in each of us. How do fundamentally intelligent, cultured individuals and societies become perpetrators of evil? How should one react to evil? What lessons can be learned from the Holocaust? Students view a variety of films as well as read, discuss, and debate works by Elie Wiesel, Adolf Hitler, Jean-Paul Sartre, Robert Coles, and others. Students have the opportunity to investigate contemporary situations related to the issues raised in this course and to create a final project in a medium of their choice.

2 credits (1 English, 1 social studies)
Co-taught by an English teacher and a social studies teacher, this year-long class is a simultaneous exploration of literary genres and culture. The essential skills and understandings from both English and social studies are combined to offer students context and connection, as well as opportunities to explore issues and themes from multiple perspectives and make global connections that lead to in-depth understanding. Students learn how to become active readers and develop their writing skills in a variety of genres. Students transition to their new school through an orientation to the library, the technology, and the culture of Burr and Burton. Using historical as well as contemporary issues as a lens, students consider the following essential question: what does it mean to be human? Through this question, students explore the themes of individualism and community, tradition and change, and culture as a source of power. Students write memoir, poetry, fiction, and response to text essays; they work towards synthesis of evidence and the development of arguments. Texts include The White Tiger and Born a Crime, as well as classic and contemporary science fiction. The course features projects involving oration, debate, art, and music as students develop an understanding of the human condition through literature, history, art history, and philosophy.

This course is offered every other year (Offered in 2022-2023)
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
One of the great misnomers in history is the “Dark Ages.” In fact, the period from the fall of Rome to the emergence of the Renaissance was full of cultural, political, military, and philosophical activity. Students in this class come to understand the many ways that Medieval European society shaped the world we live in today. How was the Black Death good for society? How did Crusaders re-discover technology lost to Western Europe? Did the Magna Carta influence modern democracies, or just consolidate power for a few nobles? Students explore these questions and others as they learn about the influence of religion on the structure of society, as well as the castles, nobility and warfare that characterized the politics of this time period. Students conduct quality research and produce papers and projects to demonstrate their learning.

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
When it comes to determining the outcome of war, how battles are fought can sometimes matter more than why. In this course, students get a chance to look at the geography, decisions, resources, strategies, and technologies that have tipped the scales in military campaigns throughout history, from the plains of Marathon to the caves of Afghanistan. Students dive into documentary evidence in order to construct a sound historical interpretation of each battle.

Seniors. Recommended Juniors as a social studies elective if space is available.
CP Psychology is designed to help each student gain knowledge of what psychology really is, understand their own behaviors and the behaviors of others, and to correct misconceptions about human behavior. Topics covered include: research methods, the biological foundation of behavior, sensations and perceptions, states of consciousness, learning, lifespan development, gender and sexuality, personality, social psychology, and psychological disorders and treatments. Assessments include chapter tests, projects and daily quizzes. Text: Psychology 3E by Ernst (Worth).

1 math or 1 social studies credit
This course focuses on teaching students the practical knowledge, skills and methods for writing a business plan based on a business model. Local small business owners help students to learn basic microeconomic concepts, principles of accounting and finance, and strategies for managing customers, employees and resources. Students learn about business model generation and how to build/create a business through problem solving, researching potential target markets, and marketing. Students are expected to build and iterate a business model, develop a plan to bring their product to market, budget expenses, and develop financial documents (including income and cash flow statements). At the end of the course, students have a better understanding of how to create and build a viable small business. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of the algebra and geometry math requirements.

America was founded on the belief that people have certain natural rights, but American history is a history of different groups of people fighting to win those rights. Is America closer to achieving the ideals upon which it was founded? The second of the three-part World and U.S. History series, this course explores the roots and evolution of democracy, democracy in America, the gaps of liberty that have existed between democratic ideals and American reality, and social movements of oppressed people. The course focuses on students’ continued development of persuasive writing, critical reading, and public speaking skills. Students explore difficult questions concerning injustice in America, often through experiential and collaborative learning. Areas of study include the American Revolution, the U.S. Constitution, the women’s suffrage movement, slavery, the civil rights movement, and modern day reform movements. At the end of the course, students conduct their own research of a modern day “gap of liberty” and develop possible solutions for closing it. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, document-based questions and the completion of a research paper/project. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of a freshman Humanities course.

The third of the three-part World and U.S. History series, this course examines the U.S. and the world in the 20th and 21st centuries. Major themes include the rise of American globalism, the world at war, and issues of wealth and poverty in American economic development. The course demands daily preparation and participation. Assessments include nightly assignments, group and individual research projects, unit exams, document-based questions and the completion of a research paper/project.

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of CP World and U.S. History 2.

Classic Music History highlights the development and history of music within a cultural and social context, up to the 20th century. Students explore various ways in which music from Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic Periods influence contemporary artists as well as provide examples of how this music continues to thrive for current consumers and performers. This course fulfills either the arts requirement or fourth year social studies elective requirement for graduation. Students who wish to pursue advanced topics/projects and who demonstrate subject mastery may take this course for honors credit.

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
Entrepreneurship is designed for any student interested in working on real-world problems with local leaders, businesses, and nonprofits. Based on the Babson College philosophy of entrepreneurship, where students practice play, empathy, creation, experimentation, and reflection, this class is not just for students interested in business. While students learn how to create a business model, they also develop creative thinking, collaboration, and problem solving strategies so they can apply entrepreneurial thinking to multiple contexts. Students work with local businesses, charities, and/or organizations to help research and solve problems, and make recommendations to local leaders on how to solve economic problems in the community. Students also work in teams to develop student-generated business, invention, or nonprofit ideas, with space to seek funding and investment for their ideas. Students work closely with others, are pushed out of their comfort zones, learn how to speak in front of crowds, give and accept constructive criticism, lead, follow, design, make prototypes, fail, and iterate. Students may take this class for CP or honors credit.

This class is an introduction to the fundamentals of music theory through the exploration of clefs, scales, key signatures, intervals, chords, progressions, cadences, four part writing, non-harmonic tones, transposition, modulation, phrase structures, textures and song forms. Music theorists apply unit concepts to analyzing, composing and performing music, using a variety of tools such as musictheory.net, online notation software and Berklee Music Theory workbooks. Students who wish to pursue advanced topics/projects may take this course for honors credit. This course fulfills the arts or technology requirement for graduation.

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
Honors Model United Nations introduces students to the organization and actions of the UN and other international organizations. Students become well versed in modern day political, social, economic and environmental conflicts, and learn how these conflicts are negotiated and solved. This course includes a great amount of discussion and debate; students take an active role in the daily class dialogue. One significant component of the course is participation in a Model United Nations seminar, in which each student represents a different country and advocates its opinions while solving international problems. Students are asked to contribute funds to defray the cost of attending a Model UN Seminar off campus; scholarships are available. PREREQUISITE: Department chair approval.

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
May be taken as an elective or in place of CP World and U.S. History 2
Honors U.S. Government and Politics is for students who want to make sense of how the American political system really works. Students examine democratic theory and the various institutions and processes of American government. This class is for students who want to push their critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. It is at the pace of, and has the demands of, a rigorous honors level course. Nightly reading assignments are required, as is a summer assignment. Assessments include formal and informal discussions, position papers, research, and action projects.. PREREQUISITES: It is recommended that students have a grade of B+ or better in the preceding CP Humanities course/CP World and U.S. History course, or a B- in AP History. Students who are interested but do not meet the grade recommendation must have department chair approval.

1 arts or 1 social studies elective credit
Students explore multicultural music through listening, watching, reading, researching, field trips, special guests and project based learning. Participants delve into the communal aspects of music that bind societies together, examine the role of music through personal and collective emotional experiences, and engage in discussions about cultural appropriation. Ultimately, students foster an understanding and appreciation for the shared aspects of the human experience through a musical lens, understanding how music serves as a universal language that connects cultures across borders and eras. Students who wish to pursue advanced topics/projects may take this course for honors credit.

2 credits (1 English, 1 social studies)
This course is modeled on the CP Humanities 1 course but includes greater opportunities for review and practice. Directed at the improvement of the student’s reading, writing, thinking, problem solving, and research skills, this full-year course for freshmen is taught by one humanities teacher and one special educator in a workshop setting. Using historical as well as contemporary issues as a lens, students consider the following essential question: what does it mean to be human? Through this question, students explore the themes of individualism and community, tradition and change, and culture as a source of power. Texts include Born a Crime, The Gilded Ones, and Insurgent. Admission to this class is determined by the English and social studies departments, in consultation with the school counselors, the academic dean, and the special services department.