Social Studies Department

Grade: 9

This course fulfills 5 of the 10 credits of the NJ US History requirement. A chronological/topical survey of United States history from Sectionalism (1844) to America on the World Stage (1929) is studied, with an emphasis on historical thinking skills, literacy, and speaking and listening skills. U.S. History I is taught within a global framework, with historical comparisons in different time periods receiving special emphasis. This course prepares students for the remaining courses in the social studies program, and creates engaged, informed student citizens.

Grade: 9

This course has the same objectives and proficiencies as #101, but is a developmental course intended for students who need instruction at a level to help them gain skills necessary for standards based assessments. Students are placed into this course based upon review of their standardized test performance, as well as other information provided by middle school faculty.

Grade: 10

Prerequisite: United States History I

This is the second in a three year required sequence in social studies. A chronological/topical survey of U.S. History from the Great Depression to the present is studied. U.S. History II is taught within a global framework, with historical comparisons in different time periods receiving special emphasis. U.S. History II continues and refines the development of literacy and historical thinking skills, behaviors, and knowledge taught in U.S. History I. This course examines the American experience through the lens of various identities. It builds upon the citizenship focus begun in U.S. History I and prepares students for Global Studies and in-depth study of social studies electives.

Grade: 10

Prerequisite: United States History I

This course has the same objectives and proficiencies as #122, but is a developmental course intended for students who need instruction at a level to help them pass standards based assessments. Students are placed into this course based upon teacher recommendations and prior performance in U.S. History I #109 or related academic assistance courses.

Grades: 10

This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination in United States History offered by the College Board. This college level course provides a chronological/thematic study of United States History from 1491 to the present, emphasizing critical reading, research, oral participation and analytical writing skills. This course addresses NJ Student Learning Standards and College Board requirements. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grade: 11

Prerequisite: United States History I and United States History II

This is the final course in the three-year required sequence in social studies. Global Studies builds upon the skills and knowledge taught in United States History I and II. Students will explore world history topics from 900 CE through the present focusing on such skills as inquiry, independent research, document analysis, and application of knowledge. Students will be introduced to and study the concept of human rights, global security, and the development of vibrant diverse world cultures.

Grade: 11

Prerequisite: United States History I and United States History II

This course has the same objectives and proficiencies as #127 but is a developmental course intended for students who need instruction at a level to help them pass standards based assessments. Students are placed into this course based upon teacher recommendations and prior performance in United States History II #125 or related academic assistance courses.

Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Completion of 10 credits of United States History

AP World History explores the history of the world, from 1200 CE to present day, from a truly global stance rather than from the dominant perspective of Western civilization. This approach therefore places emphasis on worldwide historical processes and connections among the whole gamut of human societies. In order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of these events, students need both factual knowledge and the ability to critically assess such information. This course helps students on both fronts, teaching the historical facts in the context of how progressive changes – environmental, social, scientific, and political – influenced the various societies they touched, as well as how these groups interacted with each other. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply. Students who drop the course and still need to satisfy their World History requirement will need to take Global Studies the following year. This course may be taken as an elective or to satisfy the World History graduation requirement.

Grades 9-12

Introduction to Behavioral Sciences is an elective course open for freshmen through seniors (9-12). The course serves as an introduction to key concepts, theories, and figures in the fields of anthropology, psychology, and sociology. It explores the self and the human condition through case studies, conversation and debate, research, observations, and written work. Students examine topics ranging from human development theories to recent research findings on the brain, group dynamics, multiculturalism, and social stratification. Larger social issues provide a framework for discussions about human behavior, including identity, interpersonal relationships, and wellness. The course helps to prepare students for future classes in psychology, sociology, and other social sciences. Success in Introduction to Behavioral Sciences requires active participation.

This course replaces the former Introductory courses in Sociology, Anthropology, and Psychology. Students interested in these courses and topics are encouraged to select the new Introduction to Behavioral Sciences course. For the 2024-2025 school year, students who have taken Introduction to Sociology, Anthropology, or Introduction to Psychology are eligible to take this class.

Grades: 11-12

AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with authentic and varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. Given the interdisciplinary nature of African American studies, students in the course will develop skills across multiple fields, with an emphasis on developing historical, literary, visual, and data analysis skills. This course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African diaspora. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grades: 10-12

AP European History is a chronological and thematic examination of European History from 1300 to the present day. The course emphasizes the development of critical reading, oral participation, research and analytical writing skills in preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination in European History. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grades: 9-12

Note: This course meets the Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement

This course introduces students to the study of economics and principles of financial investment. Fundamental microeconomic principles of scarcity, opportunity costs, comparative advantage, supply and demand, elasticity, and price controls are discussed. Macroeconomic principles include issues of national output, unemployment, inflation, and the Federal Reserve’s use of monetary policy for stabilization of the economy. The personal finance component includes an ongoing study of the securities market through the use of an online stock simulation.

Grades: 10-12

Note: This course meets the Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement for students.

This course is intended for students seeking an in-depth background in micro-economic and macroeconomic principles. It prepares students for the AP Microeconomics exam and AP Macroeconomics exam. Basic concepts discussed include scarcity, opportunity costs, specialization and comparative advantage. Microeconomic concepts include supply and demand; consumer theory; the theory of the firm under perfect competition, monopoly and other market structures; factor markets; and market failure. Macroeconomic principles discussed include measurements of economic performance such as gross domestic product, inflation and unemployment; national income, aggregate supply and demand analysis, Classical and Keynesian viewpoints, monetary and fiscal policy; and international economics and growth as well as topics related to exchange rates and balance of payments. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grades: 9-12

This course focuses on the practical applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and the five fundamental geographic themes (location, place, human-environment interactions, movement, and region). Each theme is examined and introduced, and then applied to various world areas including Africa, Latin America, Asia and North America.

Grades: 9-12

This history course provides a comprehensive examination of the development of ancient Near Eastern (including Sumer, Judea, Assyria, and Persia), Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the ancient Mediterranean world beginning with ancient Near East and ancient Egypt, continuing through ancient Greece and Rome and concluding with Muslim contact with the Byzantine Empire. Themes emphasized include the growth of democracy, imperialism, the expansion of empires, cultural and social influences on modern societies, and causes for the decline of these ancient civilizations. This course is recommended to all students planning to pursue studies in the liberal arts and humanities.

Grades: 9-12

The Medieval World provides students with a window into the Middle Ages in Europe and demonstrates the significance of this time period in the context of both European and global history. Students will identify and develop connections between the Middle Ages and antiquity, early modern history, and the contemporary world. The course commences with the fall of Rome and concludes with the start of the Renaissance, roughly the period 500 through 1350 C.E. Units of study include the rise of kingdoms and nations in Europe, Medieval concepts of gender, social class, and chivalry, The Medieval city and economic developments, art and architecture, Medieval warfare, and the role of religion as a force for unification and division in the Medieval world. The students will explore the content through project-based learning, discussions, simulations, and other student-centered activities. Students will be exposed to the history and culture of the Medieval world through literature, primary texts, art, and film. The course may include a field trip to the Cloisters Museum in New York City.

Grades: 10-12

Psychology emphasizes an intensive study of many key questions that psychologists attempt to answer. The course focuses on topics such as: the effectiveness of psychotherapy, the effects of viewing violent television programs, the consequences of diagnostic labels, the potential benefits and drawbacks of the Internet and social media, and extent to which intelligence is more a result of nature or nurture. The course begins with examination of the major perspectives in psychology and how research methods are used to study phenomena. A major focus of the course is on the theories and concepts of positive psychology. Wellness activities are taught and incorporated throughout the course.

Grades: 11-12

Advanced Placement Psychology is a course offered for students desiring an intensive, in-depth study of major topics in psychology. The course follows the standards set forth by the American Psychological Association for the teaching of psychology in secondary schools and utilizes the learning objectives defined by the CollegeBoard for an AP Psychology curriculum. Students are required to complete written essays; be active participants in classroom discussions, demonstrations and peer consultations/evaluations; complete independent research; and, prepare for comprehensive examinations by developing student-generated review sessions. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Fairleigh Dickinson University. Eligible students can earn 3 credits for FDU’s course, PY 103, Psychology 101. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grades: 10-12

This course emphasizes the in-depth study of selected social problems inviting students to explore how social problems are interpreted by various social theorists. Course topics include socialization processes, gender relations, juvenile crime, disability, analysis of social institutions (family, education, work, religion, the mass media and others) and case studies in racial/ethnic relations. A research study is completed by each student that includes collection, interpretation and written analysis of data using methods employed by practicing sociologists. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Fairleigh Dickinson University. Eligible students can earn 3 credits for FDU’s course, SO 101, Sociology 101. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grades: 9-12

Human rights violations and genocides did not end with the perpetrators of the Holocaust being brought to justice at the post World War II Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals. This course builds on the introduction to human rights and global security issues studied in #127 or #129 Global Studies, as well as the 20th century genocides examined in both United States History and the Holocaust and Human Behavior courses. The course addresses essential questions about the contemporary protection of international human rights and the continuing problem of genocide in the world community. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Stockton University. Eligible students can earn 4 credits for Stockton’s course, GSS 1232, Holocaust/Genocide/Human Rights. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grades: 11-12

This course is a general overview of philosophical traditions beginning with ancient times and continuing to the present. The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the study of philosophy and its basic questions, which are relevant to all disciplines. A concentrated reading schedule structured around central questions such as, "What can we know?” “What is right?” and “Why am I here?” will allow students to analyze the writings of major philosophers and their answers to these questions as well as helping students begin to answer these questions for themselves. The course ought to be challenging to students of high academic ability. Philosophy is a course valuable to students planning to major in the humanities, and it provides opportunities to develop critical skills helpful for students entering the fields of law and medicine. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Fairleigh Dickinson University. Eligible students can earn 3 credits for FDU’s course, PL 101, Philosophy 101. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grades: 9-12

The Holocaust is one of the turning points in human history, whose critical influence in our lives remains decades after the end of World War II. This course builds on the introduction to the Holocaust and genocide studied in US History 2, and addresses essential questions about the Holocaust and its impact on human behavior. Among these are: the origins of the Holocaust; the role of Anti-Semitism and racism; who were the perpetrators, victims and bystanders; patterns of resistance; the response of the United States and other countries; and universal lessons for today. This course may incorporate a field trip to the U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC. This course has a dual enrollment agreement with Stockton University. Eligible students can earn 4 credits for Stockton’s course, GSS 2240, The Holocaust. Visit the HCRHS dual enrollment webpage for more information.

Grades: 9-12

This course begins with a survey of basic concepts of feminist theory and the subsequent development of gender theory. Students will assess the definition of femininity and women’s unique participation in the development, operation, and advancement of society. Students will explore the inherent and social constructions of masculinity and how these notions evolve into elastic social norms. The congruence between gender and sexual orientation will be studied. Projects will investigate representations of gender in television and film and their reciprocal impact on society. Students will be taught to critically examine effective legal policy, the impact of social institutions on gender, and the development of gender equality activism. A relevant selection of current topics including race, class, religion, economics, education, sports, and health will be examined through readings and discussions. Students will also compare contemporary manifestations and perceptions of gender in non-Western societies through the context of established gender theory.

Grades: 9-12

Political Science and Citizenship in the 21st Century Is a project based learning course for students interested in local, state and national politics, public policy, political parties and campaigns, and the impact of technology on the American political system. It is designed both for students interested in pursuing careers in public service and those that desire to be well-informed and active citizens. The course includes community involvement through student designed projects and direct contact with elected and appointed government workers, as well as interaction with private sector citizens that influence policy. Students meet and question guest speakers throughout the course and attend oral arguments of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court and of the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Students will research political issues unique to citizens of the 21st century. Students will also investigate the role of social media on government and citizenship. Recommended to be taken after AP Government and Politics #165.

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 5 credits of United States History.

Comparative World Religions provides a comprehensive examination of global religious traditions and practices and promotes a greater understanding of the role(s) and significance of world religions in contemporary society. The course examines major world religions using both historic and contemporary sources, while preparing students for life in a pluralistic society. The course covers Foundations, Early & Indigenous Religions, Six major religious and philosophical traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism & Daoism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam), and the role of religion in philosophy, ethics, civics, social/emotional wellness, and peace and conflict. Students will use a variety of texts and various forms of electronic media, including primary source materials, to compare these traditions, examine how the traditions have evolved over time, and evaluate their impact on cultural traditions and practices in contemporary societies.

Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 10 credits of United States History

Students who secure a summer governmental internship will meet with the Supervisor of Social Studies to develop a unique service learning plan and contract. The service learning plan and contract will address New Jersey. Core Curriculum Content Standard 6.3 and be tailored to the specific functions that the internship may entail. To receive credit, students must complete 60 hours of service learning, as well as, a written research project and presentation. The course is an Option II: Alternate Path experience. Click on the link for information on enrolling in an Option II course.

By arrangement with the advisor

Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: Consultation with the Supervisor of Social Studies

This course is open to students with a strong interest in history who wish to pursue guided independent research in the study of archives and local history. Interested students must complete a detailed application which includes a prospectus, outline of work and evaluation plan, along with completing written assignments that address the following topics:
A. History and development of professional archives and how they inform research in local history
B. Structure, function and roles of archives in institutions such as schools, universities, the private sector and government
C. Collection management and development processes
D. Standards for organization and categorization of archival collections
E. Methods for design and completion of finding aids
F. Methods for design and preparation of exhibits

Credits are by arrangement with the Supervisor of Social Studies: 1.25 credits can be earned by successful completion of projects requiring 30 hours of in-school work, while 2.50 credits can be earned by successful completion of summer projects requiring 60 hours work. Actual work plans for each student will be developed jointly with the Supervisor of Social Studies prior to the beginning of the course. The course is an Alternate Credit Pathway experience. Please click on the link for information on enrolling in an Option II Course.

Grades: 11-12

Students will examine current events and controversial issues dealing with social justice . Students will explore the causes and effects of inequality, privilege, opportunity, and justice. They will begin to unravel the role of race and socioeconomic status in creating and perpetuating social inequities. Students will discuss relevant issues and solutions and work to help raise awareness of these problems in American society and in our community. Students will gain an appreciation and understanding of emerging public policy and grassroots efforts. Guest speakers from various community organizations will be presenting their areas of expertise in order to enhance student understanding of how these issues manifest and are addressed in our community.

Grades: 9-12

This course is an in-depth and intensive study of geographic themes and issues, both historic and contemporary. It prepares students for the advanced placement test in Human Geography. Topics include demography, cultural geography (language, religion, identity and ethnicity), economic geography, political geography, the history of agriculture and the role of agriculture in the global economic system and urban geography. Through these topics, students will explore and analyze the intricate and complicated interactions between human beings and their environment. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply.

Grades: 9-12

This course will encourage students to develop an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States . Students in this course will study the key concepts and institutions of the political system and culture of the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U .S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples . It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U. S. government and politics. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the AP Exam. In addition, students enrolled in an AP course who take the AP Exam will receive full AP weight for the course. Otherwise, Honors weight will apply. Recommended to be taken prior to Political Science and Citizenship in the 21st Century #156.

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Consultation with the Supervisor of Social Studies

This course is open to students with a strong interest in history who wish to pursue guided independent research to prepare to compete in New Jersey's History Day. In this independent study, students will conduct an in-depth historical investigation aligned with the theme of National History Day (NHD). Students will research a historical topic of their choice, related to the annual NHD theme, culminating in creating a final project that may take the form of a paper, exhibit, documentary, performance, or website. This course encourages critical analysis, effective research methodologies, and mastery of historical content. Emphasis will be placed on using primary and secondary sources, constructing a historical argument, and communicating ideas to various audiences. Students will meet with the Social Studies Supervisor who will serve as mentor, guide, and instructor during the process. The course is an Option II: Alternate Path experience. Visit this webpage for information on enrolling in an Option II course.