Social Studies
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY REGENTS
2011 Freshmen 1 credit
The first part of a two-year course that examines the historical, cultural and social developments from the Stone Age to the French Revolution. Students study societies from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. During the course of the year, students will write papers and participate in group presentations. Students will also be responsible to construct responses to maps, graphs, charts, speaker quotations, and primary sources. In addition, students will be required to analyze and complete document-based essay questions.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY REGENTS B
2008 Freshmen 1 credit
The first part of a two year course that examines the historical, cultural and social developments from the Stone Age to the French Revolution. Students study societies from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Students will concentrate on test taking skills such as essay writing. In addition, students will be required to analyze primary sources and complete document-based essay questions.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY II REGENTS
2021 Sophomores 1 credit
The second part of a two year course that examines the historical cultural and social developments from post French Revolution through present day. Students study societies from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Students will be expected to analyze and complete document-based essays, evaluate maps, charts and graphs so as to compare and understand the political, economical and social facets of each society. In addition, students will be preparing for the Regents exam which will be taken at the conclusion of the course.
GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY II REGENTS B
2024 Sophomores 1 credit
The second part of a two year course that examines the historical, cultural and social developments from the French Revolution through present day. Students study societies from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Students will concentrate on test taking skills such as essay writing. Students will compare and contrast the political, economical and social facets of each society. Students will continue to analyze primary sources and complete document-based essay questions. In addition, students will be preparing for the Regents exam which will be taken at the conclusion of the course.
THE STUDY OF HISTORY THROUGH MUSIC & FILM
2063 Seniors Only .5 credit
This course offers a unique perspective of looking at historical time periods and events throughout the world by studying songs of various eras (1960's, the Cold War, etc.) and by viewing films depicting historical events (“The Swing Kids”-Nazi Germany; “Glory”-the Civil War). Students will be expected to compare and contrast different historical events and to differentiate historical fact from fiction as presented in the various artistic presentations.
AMERICAN HISTORY REGENTS
2031 - Juniors 1 credit
This course offers a survey of the political, cultural, economic and social development of the American people. The purpose of this course is to develop the major concepts that underlie an understanding of an identity with the American people. There is an emphasis on the people of America, American cultural patterns, government and politics and the role of the United States in world affairs. In order to prepare for the Regents which will be taken at the conclusion of this course, students will be expected to analyze and complete document-based essays, evaluate maps, charts and graphs so as to compare and understand the political, economic, and social facets of United States society.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN HISTORY
2032 Juniors/Seniors 1 credit
This course is designed for the above average student. It is an in depth study of history, politics, economics and culture of the United States. Qualifying exam in May, if passed, will give the student college credit. Inclusion in the program is determined by academic achievement and teacher recommendation. Student should have maintained a 90 average or higher in American History.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
2040 - Seniors .5 credit
The student will gain a greater understanding of how our democracy functions by exploring the history and structure of the government of the United States. Students will also explore the meaning and function of the American political system. Special emphasis will be given to ways students can participate in government and what it means to be an American citizen.
ECONOMICS
2045 - Seniors .5 credit
The student will gain an understanding of economics by studying the history, principles and functions of the Free Market System of the United States. Students will also explore “personal economics” - budgets, credit, career, taxes, etc.
A.P. US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
2046 1 credit
Students in this course examine the principles and processes of government and of the US government in particular. Emphasis is on the study of the national government, with inclusion of state and local levels throughout the course and later as a separate unit. The American political and economic systems, and the people and institutions that facilitate those systems, are the focus of this course.
ADVANCED ECONOMIC THEORY & APPLICATIONS
6440 Seniors 1 credit
This more in-depth class will be team-taught (i.e. two instructors) by one teacher in the History Department and one teacher in the Business Department. It will focus on applied examples of both micro and macro economics by studying the history, principles and functions of the Free Market System of the United States. Topics include: theories of the consumer and the firm, supply and demand, market structures, the study of national income, inflation, interest rates and the impact of monetary and fiscal policy on the economy. This course satisfies the senior graduation requirement of Economics/Government, or can be used as either a History or Business elective credit. Considering the rigorous nature of this course, grades will be weighted into students’ overall averages at a rate of 1.04.
SOCIOLOGY
2050 - Juniors/Seniors .5 credit
This course is intended as a general introduction to the field of sociology. There will be an investigation into the presuppositions, basic concepts and approaches of sociological thought. Care will be taken to examine such fundamental ideas as history, culture, progress, utopias and the closed society as opposed to the open society.
PSYCHOLOGY
2051 - Juniors/Seniors .5 credit
This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of the concepts and theories of psychology. It will help you understand your personal growth as well as others. You will explore and analyze the different theories that exist to explain human behavior. The main theorists that will be studies include: Sigmund Freud, Karen Horney, Carl Jung, John Watson and Erik Erikson.
ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY
2052 Juniors/Seniors .5 credit
This course discusses those issues facing adolescents today. It is designed to provoke discussion and debate amongst peers. Popular topics include self-esteem, self-concept, peer pressure, relationships and dating, eating disorders, and alcohol/drugs. Students will also discover the legendary psychological theories concerning adolescence. Articles and media will be presented to assist the students in gaining better understanding.
STREET LAW
2053 - Juniors/Seniors .5 credit
Students will examine Federal, State and local laws and how these laws impact their lives and others around them. Students will be expected to participate in class debates periodically during the term. Class discussions and participation are vital to this class.
ISSUES IN EDUCATION
2967 - Juniors/Seniors .5 credit
(Fall Semester Only) This course will meet before school at 7:30-8:15 on Days A, C and E. The purpose of this schedule is to maximize flexibility for students to “intern” in an academic department at St. Edmund’s or in the elementary school. From this experience and from an examination of the assigned readings the student will learn about teaching methods, testing and grading, behavior problems in the classroom, religion and character formation, teacher training and the psychology of teaching. The course is open all juniors an seniors; it is recommended for any student who is thinking about being a teacher.
INTRODUCTION OF ANTHROPOLOGY
2064 Juniors/Seniors .5 credit
This course is a general introduction to anthropology and its sub fields: archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and physical anthropology. We will study the rituals, traditions, and practices of many cultures and tribes in areas including: the West Indian Island, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
THE HISTORY OF NEW YORK CITY
2066 - Juniors/Seniors 1 credit
In this course you will study New York City from its origins to the present. We will study New Amsterdam under the Dutch and English imperial periods, the Battle of Brooklyn, slavery, immigration, housing and architecture, the building of highways and tunnels, crime and violence, an the September 11th terrorist attack.
INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
2055 - Juniors/Seniors .5 credit
This is a one semester college level course which includes the fundamental introduction of the basic research findings and theories that make up the study of psychology. Topics of study include the exploration nature and methods involved in the scientific study of human behavior, stressing such topics as learning, emotions, personality assessment, psycho pathology, sensation and perception and psychological treatment. Students will be required to hand in a research paper and dream journals. Emphasis on theory into practice. In order to enroll in the course, students must meet the following criteria: juniors must have an 85 average or better; seniors must have an 80 average or better. There is an additional charge for this course. Students will receive three (3) college credits from St. John’s University (with grade of C or better).
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
2056 - Juniors/Seniors .5 Credit
(Spring Semester Only) This course is open to students who have successfully completed Introduction to Psychology. This course has been designed to give students a continuation of the study of psychology with a focus on child development. An in-depth study of personality and social development, physical growth, cognitive development and intellectual aspects are covered from infancy through adolescents. An emphasis is put on students to become aware of their own development. Students will be required to hand in a term paper and participate in a group presentation. There is an additional charge for this course. Students will receive three (3) college credits from St. John’s University (with grade of C or better).
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
2058 - Juniors/Seniors .5 credit
(Spring Semester Only) This course is open to students who have successfully completed Introduction to Psychology. The course will offer an introduction to the study and treatment of mental illness. Topics will include major disorders in behavior such as anxiety disorders, sociopath and mental deficiency. In addition, an in-depth study of the therapeutic theories of treatment is included. Students will be required to hand in a term paper on one of the topics covered, as well as participation in a group presentation. There is an additional charge for this course. Students will receive three (3) college credits from St. John’s University (with a grade of C or better).
AMERICAN CULTURE
2070 .5 credit
This is an interdisciplinary course that examines American culture from a variety of perspectives. Students will explore American history, literature, philosophy, theology, art, and music to gain a deeper understanding of American life, culture, and history. Some examples which may be studied include letters from John and Abigail Adams, poetry by Walt Whitman and Langston Hughes, and music by Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan.
AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES
2158 .5 credit
This is an interdisciplinary course that examines the experiences of African Americans. Students will examine topics such as slavery and abolition, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Civil Rights Movement through various artistic presentations including art, music, and literature.
WOMEN’S STUDIES
2160 .5 credit
This course will examine women’s historical role in society, as well as the issues facing women today. Topics that will be covered include the roll of women in fighting for social change, the suffrage movement, the movement of women into the work force, the women’s rights movement, and the place of women in society today. Class discussions and participation are vital to this class.