Social Sciences Department

Ms. Jennifer DiFrancesca, Director

Phone: 508-841-8823 Email: jdifrancesca@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us

The Social Sciences are rooted in a diverse but common heritage, and together they offer insights into the nature and causes of political affairs, social and economic patterns, and human behavior.  Critical inquiry about man, society,  and history generates a broad awareness and deeper understanding of the human experience.  The social sciences encourage students to develop an interdisciplinary perspective of the world around them through the study of history, literature, economics, society, philosophy, and psychology. 

In all of the courses offered by the SHS Social Sciences Department, students are provided with challenging and diverse learning opportunities, which encourage them to explore their role in and relationship to their local community, country and the world.   Students also examine issues of individualism, socio-economic class, race, nationalism and globalization.  In addition, students will develop their ability to research effectively, think critically and to express their ideas in written, visual and oral formats.  Our goal as Social Science teachers is to empower students to be active, capable and caring contributors to the world in which they live.

World Civilizations, United States History I and United States History II are aligned with the content, Standards of Practice and Guiding Principles outlined in the Massachusetts History and Social Science Frameworks. The elective courses offered by the Social Sciences Department are also aligned with the Standards of Practice and Guiding Principles of the Massachusetts History and Social Science Frameworks.

 

World Civilizations (4019)                                           

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Required   Full Year    Grade:  9                A Level

In the first semester, students will investigate world history from 1500 until 1900 through the following units of study:  World Religions, Power & Wealth, Revolution, Nationalism, Industrialization, and Imperialism.  The second semester will include an examination of world events from the 1900s through the late 20th century through the following units of study:  the Great War and its aftermath, Rise of Facism and World War II, the Cold War, and the Global Age.  Politics and diplomacy will be studied as well as the social, economic, religious, scientific and technological factors that have shaped world history. Students will develop skills in working with primary sources, research, discussion, reading, and writing.  Throughout the year, students will connect their learning to current events.  Assessment strategies will include written and oral presentations, objective questions, open-response questions, and research projects.

U.S. History I (A-4036, Honors-4018)                        

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Required Full Year    Grade:  10              A Level or Honors

Prerequisite: Course placement is based on the teacher’s recommendation and past academic performance. 

This is the first year of a two-year course in American history.  Following a chronological approach, the course will begin with Native American societies and conclude with the Gilded Age.  Students will study the causes and consequences of the American Revolution, as well as the development of the U.S. Constitution.  Other units of study will include Federal vs. State power, Economic & Social Change, Civil War, Reconstruction, and the West.  The core content is the same for both the Honors and A-level courses, however, the pace and focus on skills will be different.   Honors level students will read more in-depth primary and secondary source documents, as well as participate in more independent learning.  All students will continue to develop their skills working with primary sources, research, discussion, reading, and writing. Throughout the year, all students will connect their learning to current events.  Assessment strategies for all students will include written and oral presentations, objective questions, open-response questions, and research projects.

Essential History 9/10 (9906)  

Meets Expectations for Student Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor 

This course, which features smaller class sizes and more individualized learning experiences is designed to align with the curriculum of US History I. The goal of this class is to teach students the fundamentals needed in order to be successful in a social sciences class. In this course, students cover the topics of the American Revolution, as well as the development of the Constitution. Other topics of study include the reform movements of the 1800's, Westward Expansion, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. The pace and focus on skills will be adapted to meet the specific needs of each student. 

U.S. History II (A-4021T, Honors-4017T)                                                  

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Required   Full Year    Grade:  11              A Level or Honors

Prerequisite: Course placement is based on the teacher’s recommendation and past academic performance. 

This is the second year of a two-year course in American history. Following a chronological approach, the course will begin with the Progressive Era and conclude with America in the 21st century.  Units of study will include US foreign policy, the 1920s and 1930s, the World War II Era, Cold War Abroad, Rebellion & Reaction including the Civil Rights Movement and Modern America. During the second semester of the course, students will engage in the six stages of a Civics Action Project as identified by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education.  The core content is the same for both the Honors and A-level courses, however, the pace and focus on skills will be different.   Honors level students will read more in-depth primary and secondary source documents, as well as participate in more independent learning.  All students will continue to develop their skills working with primary sources, research, discussion, reading, and writing. Throughout the year, all students will connect their learning to current events.  Assessment strategies for all students will include written and oral reports, objective questions, open-response questions, and research projects questions. 

U.S. History II:  American Studies (A-4034, Honors-4035) 

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Required   Full Year    Grade:  11              A Level or Honors

Prerequisite: Course placement is based on the teacher’s recommendation.

American Studies includes the core content of eleventh grade English and U. S. History II, but focuses on the relationship between the two by studying them together in an environment that emphasizes collaborative and independent learning. Classes are scheduled during consecutive periods, providing flexibility in grouping and allowing for some common assessments.  Students will examine themes such as gender roles, racial identity, and war as well as technological and social developments. During the second semester of the course, students will engage in the six stages of a Civics Action Project as identified by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education.  Throughout the year, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers, and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats.  Students who register for this course must also register for English 11:  American Studies at the same level.

Essential History 11/12 (9906)

Meets Expectations for Student Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor 

This course, which features smaller class sizes and more individualized learning experiences is designed to align with the curriculum of US History II. In this class, students cover the topics of The Second Industrial Revolution, World War 1, The Great Depression, World War II, and The Vietnam War.  The pace and focus on skills will be adapted to meet the specific needs of each student. 

Advanced Placement United States History (4013)           

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Full Year    Grade:  11              Advanced Placement

Prerequisite: Course placement is based on the teacher's recommendation and past academic performance. 

AP US History is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal with issues in United States history from the age of discovery to the present.  It is also designed to prepare students for college by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses.  Solid reasoning and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to studying, are necessary to succeed.  A variety of approaches will be used to analyze American politics, society, economics, and history.  Students will use a college-level textbook, read extensive primary and secondary sources, and demonstrate their ability to learn independently.  This course meets the College Board’s expectations for an AP US History course.  This course fulfills the US History II requirement for eleventh graders and will include the Civics Action Project identified by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Students are expected to successfully complete the summer work and take the Advanced Placement Exam in May.  

American Government (A-4039, Honors-4041)

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning:  1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Semester    Grades:  10-12                   A Level or Honors

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the structure, purpose, principles, and practices of American government at the local, state and national levels. Students will investigate their rights and responsibilities as American citizens and how they can exercise these rights and responsibilities at different levels through current issues, class discussions, and guest speakers.  Throughout the semester, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning including student choice.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats

Economics (A-4026, Honors-4071)                                                                              

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Semester    Grades:  10-12       A Level or Honors  

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to economics.  Students will examine topics such as scarcity, supply and demand, market structures, the role of government, personal finance, and the role of financial institutions. Throughout the semester, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning including student choice.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats.

Law (A-4094AT, Honors-4094HT)

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning:  1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Semester    Grades:  10-12                   A Level or Honors

This course will introduce students to the United States justice system through an examination of Constitutional, civil and criminal law.  Students will gain a deeper understanding of the law through an examination of case studies, current issues, participation in mock trials as well as discussions with guest speakers.  Throughout the semester, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers, and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats.

Local & Global Studies (A-4031T, Honors-4073T)                                                           

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective      Full Year or Semester      Grades: 10-12        A Level or Honors

This course will provide students opportunities to explore their role in as well as issues facing local, national and global communities. Some topics students will research and propose action steps for are the experiences of indigenous peoples, the process of urbanization, the impact of climate change as well as issues related to poverty and inequality. As part of their learning, students will engage with StoryCorps, the UNSDG, elected officials, as well as the Beal History Wall. Throughout the semester, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning especially student choice and a public product.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats.

Pop Culture (A-4093A, Honors-4093H)

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning:  1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Semester    Grades:  10-12                   A Level or Honors

This course will provide students an opportunity to examine how popular culture has both shaped and been shaped by American politics, economics, society and technology in the 20th and 21st centuries.  Students will also examine the role of individuals, including themselves, as creators and consumers of pop culture, including TV, movies, fashion, comics, art, and music.  Throughout the semester, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers, and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats.

Psychology (A-4011, Honors-4023)                                                                            

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Semester    Grades:  11-12                   A Level or Honors

Students who have taken a semester of Psychology are not eligible to take AP Psychology.

Psychology students will explore human behavior and the mind including social psychology, adolescence, methods of research, consciousness, learning, neuroscience, personality, abnormal behavior and therapy.  Classes will include a combination of discussions, lectures, films, and presentations.  Throughout the semester, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats.

Sociology (A-4010, Honors-4069)                                                                       

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

 Elective                  Semester    Grades: 11-12                    A Level or Honors

Students will explore human society in a variety of ways.  This will involve the investigation of social institutions as well as social group dynamics and organization.  Sociological research will be used throughout the course to conduct surveys, interviews, and studies. Throughout the semester, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats.

Sports in America (A-4042A, Honors-4042H)

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning:  1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Semester    Grades:  10-12                   A Level or Honors

This course will provide students an opportunity to do an in-depth analysis of the role of sports in America including the evolution of sports and how they have both reflected and responded to developments in United States history.  Students will also investigate the psychology of sports including leadership, team dynamics, and individual competition.   Throughout the semester, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning including a public product.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats.

World Religions (A-4060, Honors-4061)                                                                       

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Semester    Grades:  10-12                   A Level or Honors

Students will explore the history, structure, beliefs, and traditions of a variety of religions including but not limited to Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Shintoism.  Throughout the semester, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning including student choice.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats.

The World at War (A-4087, Honors-4091)

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning:  1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Semester    Grades:  10-12                   A Level or Honors

This course will provide students an opportunity to investigate the causes, courses, and consequences of military conflicts from World War I to the present.  Class discussions, guest speakers and research will provide students the opportunity to explore and analyze not only the events of the wars but also on the governments, economies, and societies that created and were created by these conflicts.  Throughout the semester, students will be expected to demonstrate growth as critical thinkers, readers and writers as well as their ability to take personal responsibility for their learning when engaged in aspects of Project Based Learning including student choice.  Honors students will be expected to do extensive and sustained independent research and analysis outside of class and present their findings in written, visual and oral formats.

Advanced Placement Comparative Government & Politics (4102)

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Full Year    Grade: 12               Advanced Placement

Prerequisite:  Course placement is based on the teacher’s recommendation and past academic performance.  

AP Comparative Government & Politics will introduce students to the diversity of political life outside the United States.  The course uses a comparative approach to examine the political structures; policies; and political, economic and social challenges of six selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom.  Students compare the effectiveness of approaches to many global issues by examining how different governments solve similar problems.  Students will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence based arguments.   The reading, writing, and discussions are aligned with those of a college Social Science course. Students will read extensively and take responsibility for their own learning.   Students are expected to successfully complete the summer work and take the AP exam in May. 

Advanced Placement Human Geography (4072)                 

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Full Year    Grade: 12               Advanced Placement

Prerequisite:  Course placement is based on the teacher’s recommendation and past academic performance.  

AP Human Geography will introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of the Earth’s surface.  Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences.  Students will investigate geographic concepts, population trends, cultural patterns and processes, political organization of spaces, agricultural and rural land use, industrialization and economic development, cities, and urban land use.  Throughout the course, students will develop and refine their ability to understand how cultural landscapes and regions emerge; use maps and other spatial data to pose and solve problems; identify and analyze the local, regional, national and global factors that influence a phenomena; and understand the ways in which events and processes operating in one place influence those operating at other places. The reading, writing, and discussions are aligned with those of a college Social Science course. Students will read extensively and take responsibility for their own learning.   Students are expected to successfully complete the summer work and take the AP exam in May. 

Advanced Placement Psychology (4012)                                 

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 1,2,3,4,6,7

Elective                  Full Year    Grade:  12              Advanced Placement

Prerequisite: Course placement is based on the teacher’s recommendation and past academic performance.  

AP Psychology is the equivalent of a college introductory psychology course.  It will explore human behavior and the mind by addressing such questions as: "What makes us who we are?  What are the biological bases of behavior?  How do we learn?  What are sensation and perception?  What is adolescence?  What is mental illness and how is it treated?  What motivates people?"  Classes will include a combination of discussions, lectures, films, and presentations.  A variety of theories will be examined including Freud, Skinner, Piaget, and Kagan.  Students will develop a better understanding of themselves and the forces acting upon them, as well as improve their critical thinking and writing skills. This course meets the College Board’s expectations for an AP Psychology course. The reading, writing, and discussions are aligned with those of a college Psychology course. Students will read extensively in a college level textbook and take responsibility for their own learning.   Students are expected to successfully complete the summer work and take the Advanced Placement Exam in May.

Social Science Internship (4030)                                                         

Meets Expectations for Student-Learning: 3,4,6,7,8

Elective        Semester              Grades: 11-12                    A Level

Prerequisites: Teacher Recommendation and director approval

Students will be assigned by the department director to work in a World Civilizations or US History I class as an assistant to the teacher in that class.  Interns will help students with class work, including projects, in-class activities and other assignments.  Interns will be expected to facilitate work with small groups of students or create study guides and review materials with or for students.  Interns will also assist students with the organization of their notebooks, test preparation, projects and long-term planning.  Students who participate in this program will meet with their cooperating teacher and/or the director on a weekly basis.  Interns will also complete a written reflection at the end of each quarter.  The grade for this class will be a pass/fail grade and determined by attendance, written reflections, weekly meetings and contributions to the class.