Social Studies

ECONOMICS

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: None

In this course, students study and compare the different economic systems of the world, as well as take an in-depth look at how the U.S. economy works. Some of the topics covered include the law of supply and demand, competition models, international trade, government spending, commercial banks and the Federal Reserve System, income inequality, unemployment and poverty, labor unions and specialization of labor, budgets and consumer assistance, and more. Students will explore these topics through online research assignments, hands-on interactive applications, and traditional lessons.

Economics Syllabus

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ECONOMICS HONORS

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: None

In this honors course, students study and compare the world’s economic systems and take an in-depth look at how the U.S. economy works. Some of the topics covered include the law of supply and demand, competition models, international trade, government spending, commercial banks and the Federal Reserve System, income inequality, unemployment and poverty, labor unions and specialization of labor, budgets and consumer assistance, and more. Students will explore these topics through online research assignments, hands-on interactive applications, and traditional lessons. The course culminates with a field study of behavioral economics based on the Nudge Theory.

Economics Honors Syllabus

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (NCAA approved)

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: None

Students in this course will learn the basics of psychological theories and the history of psychology. Topics also include the biology of the mind, methodologies of research, ethical standards in the profession, and psychological disorders. Assignments combine outside research with traditional lessons. Students are encouraged to think critically about the purpose and application of psychology in society and their own lives.

Introduction to Psychology Syllabus

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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 credit
Prerequisite: None

In the first semester of this course, students learn the basics of the United States government, including history, composition, and general duties carried out by the three branches. Specific topics covered include the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the Continental Congress, the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation, the US Supreme Court, and other topics leading up to the present government.

United States Government Syllabus

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT / ECONOMICS (NCAA Approved)

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: None

In the first semester of this course, students learn the basics of the United States government, including history, composition, and general duties carried out by the three branches. Specific topics covered include the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the Continental Congress, the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation, the US Supreme Court, and other topics leading up to the present government.

In the second semester of this course, students study and compare the different economic systems of the world, as well as take an in-depth look at how the U.S. economy works. Some of the topics covered include the law of supply and demand, competition models, international trade, government spending, commercial banks and the Federal Reserve System, income inequality, unemployment and poverty, labor unions and specialization of labor, budgets and consumer assistance, and more. Students will explore these topics through online research assignments, hands-on interactive applications, and traditional lessons.

Note: As we explore important and thought-provoking topics in political science throughout this course, some texts may present ideologies that challenge different perspectives or address sensitive subjects. The course is grounded in primary documents such as The Federalist Papers, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, Supreme Court cases, and other foundational texts. These materials are used to encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the issues. Whitmore School remains politically neutral on these topics. We encourage students to research multiple viewpoints, form their own opinions, and express them respectfully.

United States Government / Economics Syllabus

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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT / ECONOMICS HONORS (NCAA Approved)

Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: None
GPA Weighting: 1.0

In the first semester of this honors course, students learn the basics of the United States government, including history, composition, and general duties carried out by the three branches. Specific topics covered include the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the Continental Congress, the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation, the US Supreme Court, and other topics leading up to the present government.

In the second semester of this honors course, students study and compare the different economic systems of the world, as well as take an in-depth look at how the U.S. economy works. Some of the topics covered include the law of supply and demand, competition models, international trade, government spending, commercial banks and the Federal Reserve System, income inequality, unemployment and poverty, labor unions and specialization of labor, budgets and consumer assistance, and more. Students will explore these topics through online research assignments, hands-on interactive applications, and traditional lessons. The course culminates with a field study of behavioral economics based on the Nudge Theory.

Note: As we explore important and thought-provoking topics in political science throughout this course, some texts may present ideologies that challenge different perspectives or address sensitive subjects. The course is grounded in primary documents such as The Federalist Papers, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, Supreme Court cases, and other foundational texts. These materials are used to encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the issues. Whitmore School remains politically neutral on these topics. We encourage students to research multiple viewpoints, form their own opinions, and express them respectfully.

United States Government / Economics Honors Syllabus

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT / WORLD GEOGRAPHY (NCAA Approved)

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: None

In the first semester of this course, students learn the basics of the United States government, including history, composition, and general duties carried out by the three branches. Specific topics covered include the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the Continental Congress, the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation, the US Supreme Court, and other topics leading up to the present government.

In the second semester, World Geography explores the connection between students and the world around them by emphasizing how geography and its related topics, such as weather, climate, population density, and resource availability, affect our lives every day.

United States Government / World Geography Syllabus

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AP U.S. GOVERNMENT & POLITICS (NCAA Approved)

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: None
GPA Weighting: 1.0
*Deadlines: Must enroll and begin the course by October 1, and complete the course by May 1 if taking the AP Exam, or June 31, if not taking the AP Exam.  

AP U.S. Government & Politics is an introductory college-level course that provides a nonpartisan look at the key concepts, institutions, and processes of the US political system. Students will spend 45-60 minutes daily studying primary documents, including the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution of the United States, the Federalist Papers, the Declaration of Independence, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts to understand the relationships between political institutions, processes, and behaviors. The course emphasizes analytical thinking and the application of political science concepts to interpret current and historical events. 

Instruction includes readings, engaging videos, and Advanced Placement-style assessments. This course prepares students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam. Students earning an exam score of  3, 4, or 5 may earn Dual Credit for this course (1.0 credit toward their Whitmore School graduation requirements and 3.0 college credits).

**As we explore important and thought-provoking topics in this course, some texts may include themes or ideas that challenge different perspectives or touch on sensitive topics. These works are chosen to deepen our understanding of complex issues and to encourage critical thinking. Click on the Syllabus below for a list of readings. As with all courses, Whitmore School will remain politically neutral. We expect students to explore both sides of an issue and take an informed stance based on their research and findings.

U.S. Government & Politics Syllabus

UNITED STATES HISTORY (NCAA Approved)

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: None

United States History is an in-depth study of our nation’s history from the early beginning of English colonization to the present day. Students are required to read individual lessons, review articles, and then write several essays.  Students are required to think critically about primary historical documents including political cartoons, letters, and articles that shed light on the mores of the times and the cultural context of these historical events.

Note: As we explore important and thought-provoking topics in political science throughout this course, some texts may present ideologies that challenge different perspectives or address sensitive subjects. The course is grounded in primary documents such as The Federalist Papers, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, Supreme Court cases, and other foundational texts. These materials are used to encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the issues. Whitmore School remains politically neutral on these topics. We encourage students to research multiple viewpoints, form their own opinions, and express them respectfully.

United States History Syllabus

Demo Lesson

UNITED STATES HISTORY HONORS (NCAA Approved)

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: None
GPA Weighting: 1.0

United States History Honors is an in-depth study of our nation’s history from the early beginning of English colonization to the present day.  Students are required to think critically about primary historical documents, including political cartoons, letters, and articles that shed light on the mores of the times and the cultural context of these historical events. Students are required to conduct outside research and write several essays and presentations. For the final project, students will critique the historical accuracy of a historically based movie or a historically based novel.

Note: As we explore important and thought-provoking topics in political science throughout this course, some texts may present ideologies that challenge different perspectives or address sensitive subjects. The course is grounded in primary documents such as The Federalist Papers, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, Supreme Court cases, and other foundational texts. These materials are used to encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the issues. Whitmore School remains politically neutral on these topics. We encourage students to research multiple viewpoints, form their own opinions, and express them respectfully.

United States History Honors Syllabus

Demo Lesson

WORLD GEOGRAPHY

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 credit
Prerequisites: None

This course explores the connection between the student and the world around them by emphasizing how geography and its related topics such as weather, climate, population density, and resource availability affect our lives every day.

World Geography Syllabus

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WORLD HISTORY CP (NCAA Approved) 

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: None

This survey course covers world history from the Industrial Revolution (Approximately the 1830’s) through the collapse of communism in the 1990’s. The course emphasizes key historical concepts through a variety of lesson formats. Emphasis is placed upon the student being able to utilize both the Internet and traditional sources to obtain information. Students are required to think critically about the causes, effects, and implications of historical events.

World History CP Syllabus

Demo Lesson

WORLD HISTORY HONORS (NCAA Approved)

Grade Levels: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 credit
Prerequisites: None
GPA Weighting: 1.0

This survey course covers world history from the Industrial Revolution (Approximately the 1830’s) through the collapse of communism in the 1990’s. The course emphasizes key historical concepts through a variety of lesson formats. Emphasis is placed upon the student being able to utilize both the Internet and traditional sources to obtain information. Students are required to think critically about the causes, effects, and implications of historical events. The course culminates with a research paper on a topic of the student’s choice.  

World History Honors Syllabus

Demo Lesson

AP WORLD HISTORY (NCAA Approved)

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 1.0 credit
Prerequisite: None
GPA Weighting: 1.0
*Deadlines: Must enroll and begin the course by October 1, and complete the course by May 1 if taking the AP Exam, or June 31, if not taking the AP Exam.  

AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.

Instruction includes readings, engaging videos, and Advanced Placement-style assessments. This course prepares students for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam. Students earning an exam score of  3, 4, or 5 may earn Dual Credit for this course (1.0 credit toward their Whitmore School graduation requirements and 3.0 college credits).