Social Studies Electives
FULL YEAR COURSES
European History AP
1 Credit
Advanced Placement European History is a college-level course intended for students with excellent intellectual ability and a desire for a challenging and comprehensive experience. It covers the historical period from the end of the Middle Ages to modern times.
The course is intended to prepare students for the European History Advanced Placement Examination and requires strong commitment to do an extensive amount of work. The student assumes financial responsibility for all administrative and examination costs associated with the European History Advanced Placement Examination. Open to seniors only.
The student may receive three college credits through the Community College in the High School Program at SUNY Orange. In order to receive the credits, all course requirements must be successfully completed. Students are responsible for all SUNY Orange course fees.
Requirement to enroll in European History for college credit:
Seniors need a minimum combined course average (cumulative GPA) of 85 in all Regents courses.
Humanities Program – 9H, 10H, 11H
1.5 Credit
The Monroe-Woodbury High School Social Studies and English Departments offer an opportunity for interdisciplinary study through the integration of Social Studies and English courses which facilitates in-depth learning and potentially improved academic performance. Students are grouped in one of two grade level cohorts, and experience these classes together in their schedule. The program provides an additional lab type experience on alternate days in the high school cycle. The “conference” period, a smaller class, allows teachers and students increased time to deepen their learning by providing time for writing workshops, writing conferences, research, and integrated projects that enhance the learning opportunities of the courses. For this extra time commitment, students will earn an additional .5 units of credit toward their diploma, in addition to the full credit earned for each subject.
Enrollment is limited to 50 students per grade level.
SEMESTER COURSES
America: A Cultural Mosaic
1/2 credit
America: A Cultural Mosaic focuses on a study of the contribution, both historical and contemporary, that a variety of ethnic and social groups have made to creating the cultural mosaic that describes American society. Through primary source readings, individual and group projects, media presentations, and guest speakers, students will examine the challenges and successes of the various ethnic and social groups that make up America’s cultural mosaic through the lenses of class, race, and gender.
Open to seniors and juniors.
Anthropology/Sociology
1/2 credit
Anthropology/Sociology focuses on developing an understanding of culture and the progression of human society. Topics include: nature of culture, social and cultural norms, man’s relation to his past, theories of the origin of man, group dynamics, roles, and the scope/type of career opportunities in the social sciences.
Open to seniors and juniors with priority given to those students who need to satisfy the requirements for an Education Major.
College African American History
1/2 credit
African American history focuses on the history and contributions of people of African heritage to the development of the social, political, economic, and cultural history of the United States. The course will examine the nature and impact of enslavement and segregation on African Americans, as well as the many achievements that African American people made in their struggle for full equality. In addition, the course will also explore the impact of current issues relative to civil rights and their intersection with class, gender, and sexual orientation.
Open to seniors and juniors.
The student may receive three college credits through the Community College in the High School Program at SUNY Orange. In order to receive the credits, all course requirements must be successfully completed. Students are responsible for all SUNY Orange course fees.
Requirements to enroll in African American history for college credit:
Seniors need a minimum combined course average (cumulative GPA) of 85 in all Regents courses.
Juniors need a minimum combined course average (cumulative GPA) of 90 in all Regents courses.
College Criminal Justice
1/2 credit
Criminal Justice focuses on the development of the criminal justice system in a democratic society. Subject matter includes the relationship between law enforcement, courts and the correctional system as they balance public order and individual rights in our diverse society. In addition, the historical and theoretical development of the criminal justice system and the impact of current issues are examined.
Open to seniors and juniors.
The student may receive three college credits through the Community College in the High School Program at SUNY Orange. In order to receive the credits, all course requirements must be successfully completed. Students are responsible for all SUNY Orange course fees.
Requirements to enroll in Criminal Justice for college credit:
Seniors need a minimum combined course average (cumulative GPA) of 85 in all Regents courses.
Juniors need a minimum combined course average (cumulative GPA) of 90 in all Regents courses.
History Through Film
1/2 credit
History through Film is intended to develop an understanding of the important role the film industry plays in the creation and interpretation of U. S. history. Tracing the development of film from the 1920s to the present, students compare cinematic interpretations and/or representations of warfare, propaganda, labor history, cultural groups, biographies, and social commentary to the actual event(s).
Open to seniors, juniors, and sophomores.
Practical Law
1/2 credit
Practical Law is designed to cover everyday aspects of criminal law, family court law, civil rights law, education law, real estate law, and zoning law.
Open to seniors and juniors.
Psychology
1/2 credit
Psychology course focuses on general topics of interest from a psychological point of view including: theories of learning, suicide/death, group dynamics, mental illness, child and adolescent psychology, and the family and society.
Open to seniors only unless otherwise required to satisfy the requirements for an Education Major.
Women’s History
1/2 credit
Emphasizing the diversity of women in the United States, Women’s History is intended to examine the origins and the purpose of the feminist movement and its progression through the 21st century. Additionally, this course is particularly focused on how politics, economics, societal forces, and popular culture affect the lives of women past and present.
Open to seniors, juniors, and sophomores.