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Eighth Grade Parent Orientation
January 18, 2012

January 18, 2012
Dear Parents:
On behalf of the Social Studies Department I would like to welcome you to our annual orientation for the parents of next year’s ninth grade students. The Social Studies Department provides a rich and diverse program. It is designed to enable each student to understand, cope with and help direct societal changes in a manner consistent with the system of values derived from our American tradition. The program also engages students in the rich multicultural heritage of the United States and the world.
Social Studies is a unique discipline concerned with the processes of thinking, decision making, value analysis and inquiry skills. The program prepares your children to be active participants in an ever evolving American and Global society.
I hope your evening will be an informative and rewarding one. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Bryan Frank
Chairperson
767-5942

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1.
Introduction to Global History and Geography
2.
Ancient World: Civilizations and Religion
4000 BC - 500 AD
3.
Expanding Zones of Exchange and Encounter
500 - 1200
4.
Global Interactions 1200 - 1650
5. The First Global Age 1450 - 1750

Introduction to Global History and Geography: includes methods of the Social Sciences including history, geography, economics, political science and culture.
Ancient World: Civilizations and Religion 4000 BC - 500 AD: includes early peoples, Neolithic Revolution and early river civilizations, classical civilizations, the rise and fall of great empires, and the emergence and spread of belief systems.
Expanding Zones of Exchange and Encounter 500 - 1200:
includes Gupta Empire, Tang dynasty, Byzantine Empire, Islamic Civilization, the spread of Islam in southwest and southeast Asia, North Africa, and Europe,
Medieval Europe, and the Crusades and their impact upon southwest Asia,
Byzantium, and Europe.
Global Interactions 1200 - 1650: includes early Japanese history and feudalism, the rise and fall of the Mongols and their impact on Eurasia, global trade and interactions, social, economic, and political impacts of the plague on Eurasia and Africa, and resurgence of Europe.
The First Global Age 1450 - 1750: includes the rise of Mesoamerican empires (Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, and Incan) before 1500, rise and fall of African civilizations (Mali and Songhai), the Ming
Dynasty, the impact of the Ottoman Empire on the Middle East and Europe, Spain on the eve of encounter, the encounter between Europeans and the peoples of
Africa, the Americas, and Asia, case study – Columbus, political ideologies – global absolutism, the response to absolutism – the Puritan Revolution and the Bill of Rights.

The Learning Standards in Social Studies
A.
Understanding the History of the United States and New York State
B.
Understanding World History
C.
Understanding the Geography of the World
D.
Understanding Economic systems
E.
Understanding Civics, Citizenship, and Government
The Assessments - Regents Examinations
A.
All entering 9 th graders will take the Global History and Geography
Regents at the end of 10 th grade. All 11 th grade students must pass the
U.S. History Regents at the end of their Junior year.
B.
Document Based Essays and Thematic or Essays
C.
Multiple Choice questions based on standards
D.
Constructed Response Questions based on specific stimuli
E.
Scope and sequence for Global History and Geography

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GRADE 9
– All students take the required course Global History I.
GRADE 10 – Most students will take Global History II. Students demonstrating an aptitude for
Social Studies can take the examination for Advanced Placement European History. A select group of students can go through an extensive evaluation process and upon completion of this process can gain admission to the Social Science Research course.
GRADE 11 – Most students will take United States History and Government. Some students who demonstrate an aptitude for Social Studies can take an examination for admission to
Advanced Placement American History.
GRADE 12 – All students must take a one year course combining the Participation in
Government and Economics curriculum. There are electives which can be taken in addition to the required course. These include: Advanced Placement American Government, Advance
Placement Comparative Politics, Advance Placement Economics, Basic Concepts in Psychology,
Advance Placement Psychology, Sociology, World War II, Civil War; and Senior Options.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is there an “honors option in the 9 th grade?
Yes. Students can consult with their teacher and undertake an
approved honors project. A project must be completed for the year to receive
honors credit. A complete package of information regarding this
option is available in the Social Studies Resource Center.
2.
What options does my student have in the 10 th grade?
Students usually will take Global History II, but may qualify for Advanced Placement
European History. Qualification is based on grades earned in Global History I and passing a qualifying exam. Students in the A.P. European History course earn honors credit and may qualify for college credit by passing the A.P. exam which is taken in
May of the 10 th
grade. A select group of ninth graders may go through the selection process for Social Science Research course. This demanding course requires a three year commitment beyond the required Social Studies courses.
3.
Is there an honors option in the 11 th grade?

Yes. Advanced Placement American History. Students can qualify for A.P.
American History in two ways. First, students who successfully completed A.P.
European History in 10 th grade automatically go on to A.P. American History. The second option s to pass a qualifying exam for entrance into the A.P. American History course.
4.
What about senior electives?
Students can take senior electives, but they still must take the required course in
Economics and Participation in Government. The Advanced Placement courses in the senior year carry an honors designation.
If you have any other questions or concerns regarding the courses and options for your child in our Social Studies program, please do not hesitate to call me at 767-5942.
Sincerely,
Bryan Frank
Chairperson