Global History & Geography I
Prerequisite — Social Studies 8
1 Unit
Grade 9
This course is designed as the first year of a two-year Global Studies program. The curriculum includes a chronological view of global history and includes area studies along with the development of world culture. Grade 9 will focus on the development of world history through the mid-eighteenth century. Emphasis is placed on the development of student skills in writing, research, analysis and evaluation. Students will prepare for an end of year Common Core Global exam administered in June.
HVCC Global 9H
Prerequisite – 85% average in Social Studies 8
85% average in English 8
Grade 9 Teacher Recommendation, Writing sample
1 Credit
This is a one-year course focusing on world history from the prehistoric age to age of revolutions (1750). This course is designed to introduce students to the expectations of AP World History/HVCC Western Civilizations I & II. Students work to develop historical thinking skills through analysis of both primary and secondary sources. Students are expected to exhibit comprehension of the curriculum via essays and assessments consistent with the guidelines of the Advanced Placement program. The course culminates in the 9th Grade Common Core Global History and Geography exam. Students are required to complete a summer assignment before entering 9th grade.
HVCC Western Civilization I
Prerequisite — 85% average in Social Studies 8, 85% average in English 8 Grade 9
1 Unit
Teacher recommendation, Writing sample
This is a one-year course focusing on world history from the prehistoric age to age of revolutions (1750). This course is designed to introduce students to the expectations of AP World History/HVCC Western Civilizations I & II. Students work to develop historical thinking skills through the analysis of both primary and secondary sources. Students are expected to exhibit comprehension of the curriculum via essays and assessments consistent with the guidelines of the Advanced Placement program. The course culminates in the 9th Grade Common Core Global History and Geography exam. Students are required to complete a summer assignment before entering 9th grade.
Global History & Geography II
Prerequisite — Global History & Geography I
1 Unit
Grade 10
This course is the second year of the two-year Global Studies program. The course begins with the examination of the Enlightenment and its impact on the political structures of 17th and 18th Century Europe. The course will progress through five major themes which are examined for each region: The Physical/Historical Setting, The Dynamics of Change, Contemporary Nations and Cultures, Economic Development, and The Region Within Global Context. Skills in research, writing, analysis and problem solving are developed during this course. The Regents Exam for the Global Studies 10 is taken at the end of the course.
Global History & Geography AIS
This remedial course offers academic intervention services to students who have not yet passed the NYS Regents Examination in World History. Also, students who require additional development of social studies skills may be placed in this lab as preparation for state assessments with the approval of the Social Studies Teacher Leader. A modified curriculum and test taking skills are emphasized.
AP World History/HVCC Western Civilization II
Prerequisite — 85% average in Global 9 Honors, 85% average in English 9 Honors -OR- 95% average in Global 9R and English 9R, Teacher recommendation, Writing sample
1 Unit
Grade 10
The purpose of the AP World History course is to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, interactions with different types of human societies. This course covers material beginning with Prehistory and will progress through to modern day curriculum. This course makes demands on students equivalent to those of introductory college-level courses. Students will be expected to read more extensively, complete more in-depth and challenging writing assignments, do more individual study, and discuss topics in greater depth than the Regents-level course. Students are required to take an AP World History exam as well as the NYS Regents exam in Global History at the end of the course. Students are required to complete a summer assignment before entering 10th grade. Completion of Global 9 Honors is highly recommended.
United States History & Government 11R
Prerequisite — Global History & Geography II
1 Unit
Grade 11
This course affords an analysis of American institutions, covering the economic, political and social history of the United States chronologically from the colonial period to the present day. It aims to develop concepts and understandings and to develop a fuller appreciation of American studies. Students will be use a variety of primary and secondary sources to further develop their ability to think critically and analyze information. The Regents exam in United States History & Government will be taken at the completion of the course.
US History and Government AIS
This remedial course offers academic intervention services to students who have not yet passed the NYS Regents Examination in US History. Also, students who require additional development of social studies skills may be placed in this lab as preparation for state assessments with the approval of the Social Studies Teacher Leader. A modified curriculum and test taking skills are emphasized.
SUNY/AP United States History
Prerequisite — 85% average in AP World History, 85% average in English 10 Honors -OR- 95% average in Global 10R and English 10R, teacher recommendation, Writing sample
1 Unit
Grade 11
AP/SUNY American History is a survey of American History from the age of exploration and discovery to the present. This course is taught at the college level. Students can expect more rigorous work, including more reading and the focus of learning. Previous history courses stress “what happened?” intending to provide sufficient background knowledge to ensure good citizenship. This course stresses “why and how” things happen as well as the consequences of actions. Significant attention is paid to a student’s ability to read and digest materials and provide critical analysis to make sensible judgments while writing analytical essays. In addition to the textbook, students read journal articles from leading scholars and write DBQ’s — Document-Based Questions. Students take the AP U.S. History exam in May. Students are eligible to receive up to 6 credit hours of UAlbany college credit. Students are required to complete a summer assignment before entering 11th grade. Completion of Global 9 Honors and AP World History is highly recommended.
Participation in Government
Prerequisite — Global I & II, U.S. History 11
½ Unit
Grade 12
This half-year course focuses on the U.S. government and economy and how citizens participate in it. Topics include how government works, citizens’ rights and how tax dollars are spent. Throughout the semester, students complete various assignments and activities — some of which involves group work. Students are required to perform 15 hours of community service and provide proof of completion via a form signed and dated by the organization explaining the nature of the volunteer work performed.
Economics
Prerequisite — Global I & II, U.S. History 11
½ Unit
Grade 12
Economics is a half-year course that provides students with an analytical perspective of economics. This course includes both a study of general concepts used to understand basic economics and a detailed study of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Students will be expected to think analytically about past economic issues to effectively analyze specific contemporary examples. Economics places an emphasis on student-centered projects, research activities, reading and analysis of primary and secondary sources. Students are expected to have a basic understanding of current domestic and international events that influence the economy.
SUNY/AP Psychology
Prerequisite — Global I & II, US History 11
1 Unit
Grade 12
The AP Psychology 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 are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
SUNY Child Development
Prerequisite – Teacher recommendation, Successful completion of Global I and II, completion of SUNY/AP Psychology
1 Credit, Grades 11 & 12
This course is a study into the principles of child growth and development from conception to adolescence. The course content will focus on the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains of development. The student will be required to observe the development of a child outside the classroom in order to complete a comprehensive child study project. In order to complete this major project, 10-20 hours of outside observation are required.
SUNY- Introduction to American Politics
Prerequisite — U.S. History & Government
1 Unit
Grade 12
This course is an introduction to the study of American politics that introduces students to basic concepts that shape American politics by critically examining the founder’s conflicts and struggles over leadership, structure, and policies that shape the political system and preserve civil liberties. In addition, the course investigates the government’s impact on society by examining public opinion, the role of media, political parties, campaigns and elections, grassroots politics and political movements that shape American politics. The overarching goal of this course is to learn the basics of the political process and which institutions are involved. Completion of AP World and AP U.S. History are highly recommended.
SUNY Child Development
Prerequisite: Completion of AP/SUNY Psychology
1 Unit
Grades 11 & 12
This course is a study into the principles of child growth and development from conception to adolescence. The course content will focus on the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains of development. The student will be required to observe the development of a child outside the classroom in order to complete a comprehensive child study project. In order to complete this major project, 10-20 hours of outside observation are required.
SUNY – Introduction to American Politics
Prerequisite — U.S. History & Government
1⁄2 Unit
Grade 12
This course is an introduction to the study of American politics that introduces students to basic concepts that shape American politics by critically examining the founder’s conflicts and struggles over leadership, structure, and policies that shape the political system and preserve civil liberties. In addition, the course investigates the government’s impact on society by examining public opinion, the role of media, political parties, campaigns and elections, grassroots politics and political movements that shape American politics. The overarching goal of this course is to learn the basics of the political process and which institutions are involved. Completion of AP World and AP U.S. History are highly recommended.
SUNY Holocaust
Prerequisite — Global I & II
½ Unit
Grades 11, 12
This half-year course is designed to trace the history of anti-Semitism throughout the world and the events leading to the Holocaust. Attention is given to the rise of Nazi Germany and the life of Adolf Hitler.
HVCC History Through Film I & II
Prerequisite — None
½ Unit
Grades 11, 12
This course examines both U.S. and World History through Hollywood feature films and historical dramas as historical evidence. A major goal of this course is determining what is valid in contemporary films and historical dramas. A wide range of primary source materials will be used for this purpose. Students view movies on various topics and compare evidence from the film to information in more traditional sources, such as articles, film reviews and critical commentaries. The course culminates in a final project that requires the application of interpretation and analysis of both film and primary sources in the creation of their own film. Successful completion of Global II & US History is strongly recommended.