Listed below are all of the Social Studies classes available to Senior High students:

World Cultures 9 (Level 1)

After a brief review of World Geography, Prehistory, Ancient Civilization and the Medieval Period, this course is an in-depth/survey course of the major cultural regions of the world except the United States. The areas of concentration are Europe (including Russia), China, Japan, Latin America, Middle East, India and Africa. Each unit of study encompasses a comparative analysis of the political, economic, geographic, historical and social institutions of respective areas.

World Cultures 9 (Level 2)

After a brief review of World Geography, Prehistory, Ancient Civilization and the Medieval Period, this course is an in-depth/survey course of the major cultural regions of the world except the United States. The areas of concentration are Europe (including Russia), China, Japan, Latin America, Middle East, India and Africa. Each unit of study encompasses a comparative analysis of the political, economic, geographic, historical and social institutions of respective areas.

United States History (Level 1)

This course is designed to provide a study of the political, social, economic and cultural developments of the United States from European contact through industrialization of the late 19th century. Specific attention will be directed to the colonial era, establishment of the new nation, sectional problems, national growth, disunion, reconstruction and economic growth. Focus as often as possible will be on viewing the history of the United States through the lives of the people who created the new nation and the new society.

United States History (Level 2)

This course is designed as a survey study of the major political, social, economic and cultural developments of the United States from European contact through industrialization of the late 19th century. Specific attention will be directed to the colonial era, establishment of the new nation, sectional problems, national growth, disunion, reconstruction and economic growth. Focus as often as possible will be on viewing the history of the United States through the lives of the people who created the new nation and the new society.

United States History 2 (Level 1)

This course will thoroughly examine the political, economic and cultural development of the 20th century. Areas of focus will include America's role as a military and diplomatic power, the expansion of federal power with economic and social life and the rights conscious movement and their impact on legislation. Emphasis will be placed on connecting 20th century events to contemporary ones and analysis of persistent themes and trends in our history will be highlighted.

United States History 2 (Level 2)

This course will thoroughly examine the political, economic and cultural development of the 20th century. Areas of focus will include America's role as a military and diplomatic power, the Cold War, technological advances and their economic and social impact, the Civil Rights Movement and the New Deal. Emphasis will be placed on establishing a connection between 20th century events and contemporary ones.

AP United States History  (weighted)

The advanced placement program in United States History will provide an opportunity for juniors to pursue and receive credit for college-level course work. The course content will include topics that display United States History in a logical sequence. The Colonial and Revolutionary period to 1789, Republicanism, Nationalism and Democracy (1789-1844), Expansion, War and Reconstruction (1845-1877), The New Nation (1865-1895), Foreign and Domestic Change (1895-1928), Domestic and World Crises (1929-1945), and Contemporary America since 1945. (PREREQUISITES: B in Level 1 Social Studies, B in English and department approval)

Senior Social Studies (Level 1)

The first semester of this course covers United States government focusing on the Constitution, the political process, our criminal justice system and the role of the government in determining fiscal and monetary policy. The second semester will examine the theoretical principles of economics and their practical applications. The goal is to foster and inform students/citizens with regard to fiscal and monetary policy, as evidenced by student knowledge of the following standards/categories: Scarcity and Choice, Economic Systems, Work and Earnings, Markets and the Function of Governments and Economic Interdependence. Both semester courses reinforce research skills using the library and Internet resources. Supplemental readings, essays, and evaluations are required in this college preparatory level course. A research paper is mandatory.

Senior Social Studies (Level 2)

The first semester covers United States government focusing on the living Constitution, the political process, our criminal justice system, and the role of the government in determining fiscal and monetary policy. The second semester will examine the theoretical principles of economics and their practical applications. The goal is to foster and inform students/citizens with regard to fiscal and monetary policy, as evidenced by student knowledge of the following standards/categories: Scarcity and Choice, Economic Systems, Work and Earnings, Markets and the Function of Governments and Economic Interdependence.

AP European History (weighted)

This course is intended as an equivalent to a six-credit undergraduate college course -- "History of Western Civilization." All sections of the course reflect college programs in terms of subject matter and approach. Therefore, content in intellectual-cultural, political-diplomatic, and social-economic history form the basis for the course. Students are expected to demonstrate a knowledge of basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present.

Analysis and interpretation of original/primary source reading material is an integral part of the course and is one of the featured that make the AP course unique among the other history course offerings. Even though the stated culmination of an AP course is the taking of the National College Board AP test in May, this is by no means an absolute requirement. This challenging course is also open to any outstanding history students who may merely seek personal enrichment and/or background in preparation for college. (elective grades 10, 11, 12) (PREREQUISITES: B in Level 1 Social Studies, B in English and department approval)

AP Government and Politics (weighted)

This course is a traditional college level survey elective in American Government. The major emphasis is placed on the study of American political ideology and the evolution of its democratic institutions. The student will develop a sophisticated understanding of majority rule democracy, constitutionalism, and civil liberties. This course is specifically designed to meet the needs of the student who plans to take the AP exam in Government and Politics. (PREREQUISITES: B in Social Studies 11, B in English and department approval)

AP Psychology (weighted)

This course is a traditional college-level survey elective in psychology. The major emphasis is placed on the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of the human beings and other animals. The student will develop an in-depth understanding of theories, terms, and major concepts in psychology. This course is specifically designed to meet the needs of the student who plans to take the AP exam in psychology. (PREREQUISITES: B in Level 1 English, B in Biology and department approval)

Military History

This course will examine the critical moments during the story of the United States of America in the area of warfare that have influenced the development of the nation. The class will be chronological covering all facets of military history. These aspects are: the political, social, economic and cultural aspects of warfare. Not only will the course cover the guns and tactics of warfare but the personalities and strategies that have made America the number one military power in the world. The course will include much opportunity for discussion in the area of military affairs which normally would not be facilitated in a general Social Studies class. All students enrolled in the course must have a final grade of a C in their previous Social Studies class. (PREREQUISITE: C in Social Studies) *Not offered in 2008-2009

Local History

This course will trace the story of the local region through the people, places, material objects and culture of Lancaster, Chester and Berks Counties. Particular emphasis will be placed on the study of Berks County and more specifically the Governor Mifflin School District. A thematic approach in chronological order will be the outline of the content presented. Students who are in tenth to twelfth grade that have maintained a C average in Social Studies are eligible for this course. Methods of instruction shall include: individual projects, internet activities, power point presentations, group activities and field trips to local sites. Content of the course includes: geography, Native Americans, early settlement, French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, religion, early industry, local politics, education, Civil War, entertainment, folk ways, material culture, archeology, food, Berks County as a vacation site, business leaders, scandals and crime, the Great Depression, Berks County today, and the future possibilities. (PREREQUISITE: C in Social Studies)

Positive Thinking

Positive Thinking is a one semester course designed to help students claim their self-esteem, identify their individual talents, create the internal motivation and drive to expand those talents, and assume responsibility for themselves and interact responsibly with others. Students develop specific skills enabling them to internalize and develop their self-esteem, a sense of responsibility, the skill of effective interaction, and problem solving and goal setting strategies. (PREREQUISITES: Grades 10-12) *Not offered in 2008-2009