High School Social Studies
Through the lens of courses in the Social Studies department, students will learn how to defend historical arguments, analyze stimulus based sources, interpret the events of the past, and engage in inquiry student-based projects. Our primary focus is to assist and provide tools, for student development to make informed and reasoned decisions for themselves. In addition, make decisions for the public good as members of a culturally diverse community, democratic society, and an interdependent world. Ultimately, students will use these tools to become more empathetic, active and informed citizens, and lifelong 21st century learners. New York State requires two examinations in Social Studies:
Grade 10 - Regents Examination in the Social Studies Framework Global History and Geography II
Grade 11 - Regents Examination in the Social Studies Framework American History and Government
Course Offerings:
REGENTS GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY 9 Full Year, 1 credit (B202) Global History and Geography 9 is the foundation of the two-year Global History and Geography program. This program is based on the New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework which covers ancient civilizations up to 1750. The Framework serves as a consistent set of expectations for what students should learn and be able to do so that we can ensure that all students are prepared to be active and engaged citizens who are ready to pursue college or a career. In addition, this course will focus on the teaching and learning needs for the 21st century, highlighting core skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and technology integration.
PRE-AP WORLD HISTORY Full Year, 1 credit (B223PAP) Pre-AP World History and Geography focuses deeply on the concepts and skills that have maximum value for high school, college, careers, and civic life. The course builds students' essential skills and confidence and helps to prepare them for AP World History: Modern. The course examines major themes in world history starting from prehistory and continuing to the middle 15th century. This course is designed for students who have excelled in middle school and have above average writing skills.
REGENTS GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY 10 Full Year, 1 credit (B204) Global History and Geography 10 is based on the New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework which covers 1750-present era. The Framework serves as a consistent set of expectations for what students should learn and be able to do so that we can ensure that all students are prepared to be active and engaged citizens who are ready to pursue college or a career. In addition, this course will focus on the teaching and learning needs for the 21st century, highlighting core skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and technology integration. Students will take a Regents examination that consists of stimulus-based multiple-choice questions, three sets of short constructedresponse questions, and one extended-essay task.
AP WORLD HISTORY: MODERN Full Year, 1 credit (B224AP) The course examines major themes in world history from 1200CE until the present and is designed for students who excel in writing and critical thinking skills. Students will begin a rigorous exploration of the world and examine major themes of modern World History. Through an exploration of primary and secondary materials, students will be challenged to analyze, interpret and evaluate the sources, to assess the complexities of issues and to discover how historians reach conclusions about the past. Skill emphasis will include reading, analysis, speaking, note-taking, and writing, research, and project-based learning. This course will help you develop and refine critical thinking and writing skills necessary in all academic courses. Students will be well prepared for the Advanced Placement Exam in World History which will be offered in May. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Pre-AP World History or Global 9. Students will take the Regents examination in Global History and Geography at the conclusion of this course. AP Examinations are required in order to receive AP course weighting and AP credit. Please see page 14 of the course guide for more information.
REGENTS US HISTORY & GOVERNMENT 11 Full Year, 1 credit (B208) This course follows the mandated State syllabus in social studies which this year emphasizes the history, geography, government and economic developments of our own country. The history of American growth from the colonial period to the present is developed. The enduring issues of constitutional principles are stressed with a post 1865 emphasis on social, political and economic themes. Writing and research skills are integrated continuously. At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Regents examination in the new Social Studies Framework: United States History and Government.
AP US HISTORY Full Year, 1 credit (B210AP) The course content will emphasize major themes of American history from the founding of the first colonies to the present. The techniques of sifting evidence, creating hypotheses, and the writing of coherent, college-level essays with theme, focus and depth will be demonstrated and practiced. Artistic, philosophical and historiographical analysis will be highlighted. Students will be well prepared for the Advanced Placement Exam in United States History which will be offered in May. At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Regents examination in the new Social Studies Framework: United States History and Government. Students will take the Regents examination in US History at the conclusion of this course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP World Modern or Global 10. AP Examinations are required in order to receive AP course weighting and AP credit. Please see page 14 of the course guide for more information.
ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP Full year, 1 credit (B215) Active Citizenship is a full-year, everyday, project-based learning approach to the study of economics and participation in government that emphasizes real-life skills and content. Students will gain experience in personal financial literacy, long term savings planning, and navigating loans and credit. The course will also prepare students for their role as citizens by participating in projects that emphasize taking action in civic life. This course will satisfy NYS graduation requirements for both Economics and Participation in Government.
AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Full Year, 1 credit (B213AP) This course meets the Government and Economics requirement for senior Social Studies. AP United States Government and Politics is a college-level full year class that focuses, in depth, on the institutions of American government and the behavior and responsibilities of its citizens. Students will be well prepared for the Advanced Placement Exam in United States Government and Politics which will be offered in May. Prerequisite: Successful completion of US History AP Examinations are required in order to receive AP course weighting and AP credit. Please see page 14 of the course guide for more information.
FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES Full Year, Alternate Day, ½ credit (B214) The Facing History and Ourselves course is constructed to help students and teachers examine our shared history and learn how it shapes our views while filtering our studies through multiple perspectives. Resources are used in the course to empower students to think critically about pivotal moments in history. This course focuses on studying human behavior ranging from social and political messages in music, the psychological aspects of school violence and the consequences of genocides such as the Holocaust. Facing History and Ourselves is ultimately designed to motivate students to become upstanding citizens in inside their classroom, their communities, and our country abroad. This course is designed to help students and teachers face our collective history and learn how it informs our attitudes and allows us to choose a world of equity and justice.
INTRODUCTION TO LAW Full Year, 1 credit (B211) This full year course is designed to create a knowledge base, understanding and appreciation for the development of law; the role of law in American society; the basic concepts of the different types of law; and the development and history of the Police and other law professions. It is also designed to provide an in-depth study of all aspects of law in the United States. Topics of study will include the development of law, understanding our legal system, examinations of different types of laws and their sources, analysis of criminal versus civil law, police development, the basic procedures of civil actions and criminal prosecutions, and constructing a mock trial. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Global 9 and 10.
AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES Full Year, 1 credit (B225AP) AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with 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 character 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. Prerequisite: Successful completion of English and Social Studies 9, 10 and/or 1.1 AP Examinations are required in order to receive AP course weighting and AP credit. Please see page 14 of the course guide for more information.
The Seal of Civic Readiness Bellport High School will be taking part in the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Initiative. The Seal of Civic Readiness may be used as a 4+1 pathway. The Seal of Civic Readiness may also be a standalone diploma seal for students who choose a different 4+1 pathway. Students who receive the NYSED Seal of Civic Readiness must earn a total of 6 points, with at least 2 points from Criteria for Demonstrating Proficiency in Civic Knowledge and at least 2 points from Criteria for Demonstrating Civic Participation. More information and to see the criteria, please visit the NYSED website or speak to your Social Studies Teacher. http://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/civic-readiness-initiative