Minnechaug Regional High School History and Social Science Page


Course Offerings


Ninth Grade

World History
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 semester
Grade: 9
Level: 1 & 2
Students will review ancient history and focus on world geography, historical events, and related studies from the 500?s to 1700.

 Intermediate World History
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 9
Level: 2 & 3
Students of varying abilities will review ancient history and focus on world geography, historical events and related studies from the 500?s to 1700.

Tenth Grade

Modern World History
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 10
Level 1 & 2
This course involves in-depth study of selected topics in the development of the modern world which begins with the age of revolutionary change (1750-early 1900?s). Topics such as the rise and impact of the Industrial revolution, Imperialism, Colonial Nationalism, Global Conflicts, the 20th century, World, and contemporary problems are examined.

World Geography
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 10
Level: 2 & 3
This course meets the National Geographic guidelines for teaching of geography. It includes the five major themes of geographic study: location, place, human-environmental interaction, movement, and region. Among the places of the world studied are China, Japan, Latin America, The Middle East, Europe, Russia, and Africa. The historic, economic, cultural, political, as well as geographic aspects of these areas are studied. Outside reading and writing about current events are required.

Eleventh Grade

United States History (Honors)
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 11 on a limited, seats-available basis
Level: Honors, elective or selective
This course is an in-depth study of selected topics in American social, cultural, economic, and political history. Students are required to study historical problems on an individual or semi-independent basis. The course covers from the American revolution through the gilded age (1820-late 1800?s). Methods used in this course range from debates and trials on historical questions to discussion of current affairs. One research paper is required.

Honors U.S. History Prerequisites:

  • English 2, Level 1, minimum grade of B

  • Recommendation by English teacher

  • Recommendation of social studies teacher

  • Recommendation of guidance counselor

  • Complete application

  • Preference will be given to students who have taken World History A and/or Modern World History and earned a minimum grade of B

United States History
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 11
Level: 1 & 2
This course begins with a study of slavery, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction Era. Other topics include the gilded age, the growth of industry, America?s rise as a world power, World War I, the 1920?s, The Great Depression, and World War II. This course concludes with a study of the Cold War era to the present.
Current events are regularly analyzed and discussed throughout the course.

Intermediate U.S. History
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 11
Level: 2 & 3
This course is very similar in content to the level 1 and 2, college preparatory U.S. History course offered but is recommended for those juniors who require a more structured and direct approach to history. Students study the Civil War/Reconstruction Era through the 1990?s.

American Studies
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 11-12
Level: 1,2,3
This interdisciplinary humanities course examines many aspects of  the twentieth century American culture with special emphasis on the relationship of history and literature. Students examine important issues that have shaped the century such as immigration, was, civil rights, technology, and the women?s movement. Course material is drawn from many sources: fiction, newspapers, magazines, diaries, letters, poetry, music, art, architecture, dance, and film. Guest speakers, debates, individual and group projects, and a possible field trip are special features. Students are graded on essays, projects, debates, homework, participation, and semester exams. Traditional tests and quizzes are not given. Regular attendance is absolutely essential for success in this course. This course is taught by a social studies teacher and an English teacher.

Twelfth Grade

Senior Seminar in United States History (Honors)
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 Semester
Grades: 12, on a limited, seats-available basis
Level: honors, elective or selective
This course is for the very capable student with a strong interest in history. The seminar approach utilizes mock trials, debates, and computer simulations. Students acquire knowledge of the trends and forces that shaped the United States since 1914. The course focuses on the period 1914-1990 including World War I, The Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II and the Vietnam conflict.  Writing and student involvement are emphasized. Students are also required to complete a thesis paper and a group media project.

Government, The Law, And You
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 12
Level: 1,2, and 3
This course will involve a combination of civics, law, and current events focusing on the study of the American government at the national level, contemporary public and legal issues in America, as well as case studies involving civil and constitutional rights, i.e., freedom of speech, searches and seizures, etc.  Emphasis will be placed on the rights of individuals under our system of government and their responsibilities of citizenship. A major theme will be examining legal rights (the law) which affect both students and citizens.

Multicultural Studies
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 12
Level: 1,2,3
            This course will attempt to combine a variety of topics to introduce and help students think critically about cultural diversity, racism, discrimination, historical contributions of minorities, legal aspects of cultural pluralism, and the perception in today?s media of people of various American sub-cultures. This course will be taught through the use of individual projects, cooperative activities, case studies, class discussions, and various readings. A good understanding of the importance of many different people and groups of people and the ability to think critically about the contributions of many people to the creation of our society is the cornerstone for this course. 

Psychology
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 12
Level: 1,2,3
This is an introductory course in psychology, the science of human behavior. Topics include a short history of psychology, scientific methods in psychology, the biological basis of behavior, perception, sensation, learning, memory, thought, emotion, and motivation. Students study human development from prenatal period through late childhood. Additional studies include the individual?s development from adolescence through old age, personality, adjustment, stress, disturbance and breakdown, therapies, and social psychology. Extensive reading and writing and the ability to work independently and cooperatively are necessary for success in this course.

Our World And Times
Credits: 5
Duration: 1 Semester
Grade: 12
Level: 1,2,3
This course includes an in-depth look at selected topics in United States History from 1945 to the present.
Topics include the Civil Rights Movement, John F. Kennedy and his assassination, the Vietnam War, the space race, music and sports of the era, Nixon and Watergate, The Reagan years, issues of the 1990?s, and others. Activities include individual and group projects, debates, class discussions, opinion papers, and class trials.

Independent Study ? History and Social Science
Credits: As arranged and approved by the Administration
Duration: As arranged and approved by the Administration
Grade: 12
Level: 1,2,3
This offering provides an opportunity for students to study outside the regular senior elective program for any level. It may be used for special study such as remedial work, individualization instruction, or advanced individual research. This program relies heavily on student-centered study,and is dependent on teacher availability.