SOCIAL STUDIES
HONORS UNITED STATES HISTORY - 1 Credit
Grade: 9
The Honors United States History is a course designed to develop within the students a better understanding of how
events and decisions of the past have played a significant role in the shaping of our present-day nation. The
emphasis of this course will be research, critical debate, and formal writings. A high standard of logical and critical
thinking and insights will be expected, along with the ability to gain some knowledge independently. The class will
analyze the social, political, diplomatic, and economic development from the eve of the Civil War to our modern
nation of today. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Civil War, World War I, the Great Depression, World
War II, the Cold War, the turbulent Sixties and the Vietnam War. Current events will constantly be utilized to
connect the present with the past as well as to analyze how these events may play a role in helping shape the
future. Special attention will be given to DSTP type questions and state test taking strategies.
UNITED STATES HISTORY - 1 Credit
Grade: 9
The United States History is a course designed to develop within the students a better understanding of how events
and decisions of the past have played a significant role in the shaping of our present-day nation. The class will
analyze the social, political, diplomatic, and economic development from the eve of the Civil War to our modern
nation of today. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Civil War, World War I, the Great Depression, World
War II, the Cold War, the turbulent Sixties and the Vietnam War. Current events will constantly be utilized to
connect the present with the past as well as to analyze how these events may play a role in helping shape the
future. Special attention will be given to DSTP type questions and state test taking strategies.
HONORS WORLD HISTORY - 1 Credit
Grade: 10
Honors World History is a survey course of the histories and cultures of various countries in Europe, Africa, the
Middle East, and Asia. Encompassing the years of Middle Ages to the present, this survey will stress the DSTP Social
Studies standards in History, Economics, Civics, and geography. The emphasis of this course will be research,
critical debate, and formal writings. A high standard of logical and critical thinking and insights will be expected,
along with the ability to gain some knowledge independently. Students will be required to have an open mind in
order to understand and appreciate cultures unlike their own. In the new millennium, the world is becoming a
smaller place. There is no longer room for ethnocentrism: this course is designed to open student’s eyes to that fact.
WORLD HISTORY - 1 Credit
Grade: 10
World History is a survey course of the histories and cultures of various countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle
East, and Asia. Encompassing the years of Middle Ages to the present, this survey will stress the DSTP Social Studies
standards in History, Economics, Civics, and geography. Students will be required to have an open mind in order to
understand and appreciate cultures unlike their own. In the new millennium, the world is becoming a smaller
place. There is no longer room for ethnocentrism: this course is designed to open student’s eyes to that fact.
HONORS GOVERNMENT – 1 Credit
Grade: 11
The Honors U.S. Government & Politics course provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the
United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis
of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that
constitute U.S. political reality. Stressing the DSTP Social Studies standards, this course is concerned with a study of
government, the American political system, contemporary issues, the role of the citizen in our democratic society, and
the constantly changing position of the United States in global affairs. It also emphasizes the role of economics in
political and personal decisions. Government is studied on the national, state, and local levels with the primary
emphasis being placed on the national level. Much attention is given to the United States Constitution as well as
other forms of government. Citizenship in the home, school, and community is studied, as well as taking a general
look at how the American economy works, focusing on micro- and macro- economics. Current events are
incorporated through newspapers, class discussion, etc.
CIVICS / ECONOMICS - 1 Credit
Grade: 11
Stressing the DSTP Social Studies standards, this course is concerned with a study of government, the American
political system, contemporary issues, the role of the citizen in our democratic society, and the constantly changing
position of the United States in global affairs. It also emphasizes the role of economics in political and personal
decisions. Government is studied on the national, state, and local levels with the primary emphasis being placed on
the national level. Much attention is given to the United States Constitution as well as other forms of government.
Citizenship in the home, school, and community is studied, as well as taking a general look at how the American
economy works, focusing on micro- and macro- economics.
LAW AND SOCIETY - 1 Credit
Grades: 10 - 12
This course examines the philosophy and history of law as part of United States Society. Areas of study emphasized
are Criminal and Juvenile Law. Included in this area of study is the Judicial System and how it operates in our
society, and the types of punishment applied according to the law. Guest speakers dealing with the law are invited
to the classroom to explain the every day workings of our legal system. Trips include a visit to Superior Court and
witnessing a Criminal Trial, (Subject to availability), Sussex Correctional Institute, and the new correctional
institute known as the “Boot Camp.”
HONORS INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY -1 Credit
Grades: 10 - 12
Psychology is the social science of human behavior. This course will include a study of development, learning and
behavior, states of consciousness, and abnormal behavior. An open mind is needed for this course, due to its
inclusion of experiments, surveys, and group projects.
It is highly suggested that those students wanting to take AP Psychology pass this course with a minimum of a ‘C.’
PSYCHOLOGY ADVANCED PLACEMENT - 1 Credit
Grades: 11 - 12
Psychology is the social science of human behaviors and experiences. This college preparatory course covers such
topics as perception, consciousness, memory, developmentalism, and mental illness. A student will need an open
mind entering this class due to the variety of experiments and personal demonstrations used to illustrate numerous
psychological points. This course is beneficial to any student interested in a career dealing with people especially
education, law / law enforcement, and health care.
Prerequisites: Psychology
MENTORSHIP - 1 Credit
Grades: 11 - 12
The purpose of the mentor program is to provide an opportunity to interact with younger students under the direct
supervision of classroom teachers of the District. Job expectations vary with each assignment and building.
Mentors must keep a time card and adhere to all school regulations. Mentor students must have a valid driver’s
license on file, an insured vehicle, and pay the fee for a school parking permit. For the purpose of evaluation, a
750-word self-evaluation is required. Two after-school group sessions will be held to discuss projects. It is
expected that both the mentors and the younger students will mutually benefit from the experience.
This is for students who are pursuing a Social Science / Human Services Pathway or are considering a career in
teaching. Student must have a valid drivers license, insured vehicle and LHS Parking Permit.
Prerequisites: See Instructor or Counselor for an application.
SOCIOLOGY – 1 Credit
Grades 10 – 12
Sociology can be defined as the study of human beings as social animals, it is a scientific study of social
phenomenon, human interaction and culture, and it attempts to explain the social worlds of individuals and
groups and how they interact. This course is beneficial to any student interested in a career dealing with
people especially education, law / law enforcement, and health care.
ECONOMICS – 1 Credit
Grades: 10 - 12
Economics is a one-semester course that covers the fundamental concepts of micro and macro economics. This
class will include the following topics: supply and demand, the stock market, big business, and the government’s
role in the economy. Students will be involved in independent projects such as product marketing and advertising
for businesses created by the students.