Social Studies
HSS400
Economics
This one semester required course for 11th/12th graders builds economic literacy in students. The overarching problem of scarcity, unlimited human wants pursuing limited resources, is a focal point of the course. Students deepen their prior knowledge of basic economic concepts and apply them to national and international economic systems and problems as a whole. In addition to their study of macroeconomics, students study how interactions of buyers and sellers impact prices and supplies, as well as the role of trade-offs and incentives in consumer and business decisions. Using a variety of media, they compile, analyze, and present statistical data pertinent to economic problems. Students use their economic knowledge to make informed decisions as consumers and to participate as citizens in deciding matters of economic policy. This course is designed to develop students' global perspective in an economically interdependent world.
**For the class of 2028 and beyond this course also meets the Personal Finance graduation requirement.
**Pathway: Human Services
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
HSS300
Civics
This required course for 11th/12th graders provides a thorough exploration of the essential knowledge and skills. This one-semester course deepens students’ knowledge of government, with a particular focus on national, state, and local government in America. It will prepare students for their role in a democratic republic by teaching them how to effectively participate in deliberative and policy-making contexts. In addition to understanding how our system of government works, students develop skills for civic engagement by addressing public problems individually and collaboratively in an effort to maintain, strengthen, and improve the communities to which they belong.
**Pathway: Human Services
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 11-12
HSS100A
U. S. History A
This required course for 9th/10th graders comprises a broad study of 20th Century American History. Students will explore major events, trends and issues that have given shape and definition to our time and laid the groundwork for the 21st Century. They will explore in depth major events such as the World Wars, The Great Depression, and the Cold War. Key concepts will be developed from social, political, and economic perspectives, as well as Core Democratic Values.
**Pathway: Human Services
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-10
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS100B - U. S. History B
HSS100B
U. S. History B
This required course for 9th/10th graders comprises a broad study of the second half of 20th Century American History. Students will explore major events, trends and issues that have given shape and definition to the present day. Some of the topics they will explore include the Cold War from the end of WWII through the fall of the Soviet Union, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and the various Civil Rights Movements. Key concepts are explored through multiple viewpoints and lenses, including social, political and economic perspectives.
**Pathway: Human Services
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-10
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS100A - U. S. History A
HSS803
Psychology
This introductory course explores the fundamental principles of psychology, offering students a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and mental processes. Students will investigate key domains, including Scientific Inquiry and Research, Biological Bases of Behavior, Cognition, Development and Learning, Social/Personality, and Mental/Physical Health. Through engaging discussions and research-based learning, students will gain insights into how psychological concepts apply to real-world experiences. This course is ideal for students interested in the human mind and behavior, preparing them for further study in psychology and related fields.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
HSS200A
World History A
Through a global and comparative approach, students examine worldwide events, processes, and interactions among the world’s people, cultures, societies, and environment. Interregional and regional scales provide students with the opportunity for a deep investigation of examples of global trends
**Pathway: Human Services
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS200B - World History B
HSS200B
World History B
Through a global and comparative approach, students examine worldwide events, processes, and interactions among the world’s people, cultures, societies, and environment. Interregional and regional scales provide students with the opportunity for a deep investigation of examples of global trends
**Pathway: Human Services
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS200A - World History A
HSS804
Sociology
In this course, students will study the behavior and involvement of groups within society. The focus will be to analyze society, the impact it has on an individual and the influence the individual has upon it. Our journey will lead us from the inception of sociology through the exploration of world cultures to relationships developed through life. The course will incorporate discussions, readings, simulations, and projects. Objectives include the enhancement of student knowledge concerning the inner workings of society as well as the student's active participation within it.
**Pathway: Human Services
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9-12
COREQUISITES: HSS100A/B - U.S. History or HSS610A/B - AP U.S. History
HSS805
African American History
This course is designed to develop students’ awareness and understanding of topics, events, and issues that illustrate Black agency, resistance, and perseverance; celebrate Black achievement, identities, and culture; and provide opportunities to explore local history. Units will be shaped by both chronological and thematic threads. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the historic roots of the progress and challenges faced today by this community and will be provided with opportunities for community engagement.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
HSS806
History of International Affairs (after 1945)
This course will focus on the historic, economic, and geopolitical forces have shaped the modern world. There will be an emphasis on how nations cooperated and competed beginning with roots in the Cold War era and progressing through globalization and a post 9-11 world. Students will analyze the importance: Culture in international relations; the role of international organizations; national interests and foreign policy; diplomatic schools of thought and problem solving.
**Pathway: Human Services
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: HSS100A/B - U.S. History or HSS610A/B - Advanced Placement US History
HWL800
World Religions
In this course students will explore the religions of the world. Units of study will focus on each religion’s basic beliefs, literature, origins, symbols, practices, and festivals. This course will address fundamental concepts geographically, historically, culturally, and comparatively. In class students will read representative texts from different faiths. They will use journals to record our thoughts and reflections, write papers and give presentations.
**Pathway: Human Services
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: HSS100A/B - U.S. History or HSS610A/B - Advanced Placement US History
HSS610A
Advanced Placement US History A
AP United States History focuses on developing students’ abilities to think conceptually about U.S. history from approximately 1491 to the present and apply historical thinking skills as they learn about the past. Seven themes of equal importance — identity; people; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in the world; environment and geography; and ideas, beliefs, and culture — provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. These require students to reason historically about continuity and change over time, analyze causation, and make comparisons among various historical developments in different times and places.
**Pathway: Human Services
COURSE NOTE: This course satisfies the 1 credit of the US History requirement for graduation. Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 9-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS610B - Advanced Placement US History B
HSS610B
Advanced Placement US History B
AP United States History focuses on developing students’ abilities to think conceptually about U.S. history from approximately 1491 to the present and apply historical thinking skills as they learn about the past. Seven themes of equal importance — identity; people; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in the world; environment and geography; and ideas, beliefs, and culture — provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. These require students to reason historically about continuity and change over time, analyze causation, and make comparisons among various historical developments in different times and places.
**Pathway: Human Services
COURSE NOTE: This course satisfies the 1 credit of the US History requirement for graduation. Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 9-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS610A - Advanced Placement US History A
HSS650A
Advanced Placement Psychology A
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive examination of the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Students will explore the facts, principles, and phenomena associated with all the major subfields of psychology from various perspectives. Course activities, investigations, discussions, and readings will prepare students for the optional Advanced Placement exam.
**Pathway: Human Services
COURSE NOTE: Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS650B - Advanced Placement Psychology B
HSS650B
Advanced Placement Psychology B
This course is designed to provide a comprehensive examination of the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Students will explore the facts, principles, and phenomena associated with all the major subfields of psychology from various perspectives. Course activities, investigations, discussions, and readings will prepare students for the optional Advanced Placement exam.
**Pathway: Human Services
COURSE NOTE: Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS650A - Advanced Placement Psychology A
HSS620A
Advanced Placement World History A
This college-designed course offers a comprehensive analysis of World History. It is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the materials in World History. The purpose of this course is to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in interaction with different types of human societies.
**Pathway: Human Services
COURSE NOTE: This course satisfies the 1 credit World History requirement for graduation. Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS620B - Advanced Placement World History B
HSS620B
Advanced Placement World History B
This college-designed course offers a comprehensive analysis of World History. It is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the materials in World History. The purpose of this course is to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in interaction with different types of human societies.
**Pathway: Human Services
COURSE NOTE: This course satisfies the 1 credit World History requirement for graduation. Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS620A - Advanced Placement World History A
HSS602
Advanced Placement Comparative Government and Politics
This is a college level course designed to prepare students to take the AP exam and potentially earn college credit. Students will study the current political system of six core nations: Russia, China, Nigeria, Mexico, Iran and the United Kingdom. Students will compare these nations based on the following themes: history and political culture, state institutions, policy issues and relationship with the United States. Students will participate in lengthy simulations, group discussions and political problem-solving. The course will expose students to a broad analytical approach to government and provide depth to their understanding of global politics.
**Pathway: Human Services
COURSE NOTE: AP World History or World History completed or taken concurrently with this course. While the class is available to juniors and seniors, seniors have traditionally found greater success with the concepts. This course satisfies the .5 Civics requirement for graduation. Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 11-12
PREREQUISITE: HSS200A/B - World History or HSS620A/B - Advanced Placement World History
HSS600A
Advanced Placement Human Geography A
The purpose of the AP Human Geography course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students learn to employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications.
**Pathway:Human Services
COURSE NOTE: Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 9-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS600B - Advanced Placement Human Geography B
HSS600B
Advanced Placement Human Geography B
The purpose of the AP Human Geography course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students learn to employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications.
**Pathway:Human Services
COURSE NOTE: Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 9-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take HSS600A - Advanced Placement Human Geography A
HSS600
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics
The purpose of the AP course in macroeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. This course is designed for the serious student who wishes to complete studies in secondary school that are equivalent to college level economics.
**Pathway: Business, Management, Marketing & Technology
COURSE NOTE: This course satisfies the .5 credit Economics requirement for graduation. Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12
HSS601
Advanced Placement Microeconomics
The purpose of the AP course in microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. The combination of these two one-term courses (along with 11520 - AP Macroeconomics) is designed for the serious student who wishes to complete studies in secondary school that are equivalent to college level economics.
**Pathway: Business, Management, Marketing & Technology
COURSE NOTE: Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: HSS400 - Economics or HSS600 - Advanced Placement Macroeconomics
HSS603
Advanced Placement U.S. Government & Politics
AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college level course designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement exam. Students will examine the origin, development, structure, and operations of all levels of government, with a specific emphasis on the federal level. Additional areas of study include political culture and ideology, the role of the media and interest groups, the policy-making process, and civil rights and civil liberties. Students will apply their understanding of our political system to contemporary events through frequent class discussions and essay-writing activities. Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics is designed to foster a deep appreciation of our American freedoms and an enthusiastic desire to be a full participant in our democratic processes.
**Pathway: Human Services
COURSE NOTE: Prerequisite and complete or concurrently enrolled in US History. This course satisfies the .5 credit Civics requirement for graduation. Students will be encouraged to take the AP Exam in May, from which they may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12 (9th grade IB students)
PREREQUISITE: HSS100A/B - U.S. History or HSS610A/B - Advanced Placement US History
IBSS100A/B/C/D-IB
IBDP History A/B/C/D
This class is a two-year college-level course (four semesters), started in 11th grade. This course can be taken as part of the IB Diploma Programme OR as an individual course separate from the Diploma Programme.
Junior Year (IBDP A&B) - World History
Semester 1 topic is “Move to Global War”. The focus is on the rise of the Axis powers, Germany, Italy and Japan, from the late 1800’s to the start of WWII. The IB exam for this portion of the course is focused on document analysis and interpretation. As a result, the course is divided between learning content, document exposure and skill development.
Semester 2 has two topics; “Causes and Effects of 20th Century Wars” and “The Cold War”.
The causes and effects of the 20th Century Wars require students to study and understand two different wars and be able to compare them with each other. The topic focuses on WWII and the Vietnam War. The Cold War is a comprehensive study of the entire Cold War (1945-91). Both of these topics are studied from the perspective of multiple countries. The IB exam for this portion of the course is in an essay format. It requires students to demonstrate in depth content knowledge and the ability to present an interpretation on a chosen topic supported by historical evidence. A total of two essays are written in 90 minutes.
Senior Year (IBDP C&D)- History of the Americas
There are three topics of study for the senior year; U.S. Civil War, The Great Depression and Civil Rights and Social Movements post 1945. Each of the topics is studied from the perspective of at least two countries in the Western Hemisphere. The focus is on in-depth knowledge, perspective and historiography. These topics are assessed by IB in an essay format. The quality of writing and analysis is set to a higher standard than the essays from the world history topics, particularly with regards to perspective and historiography. The exam requires students to write three essays in 150 minutes.
COURSE NOTE: This class is a two-year college-level course (four semesters), started in 11th grade. Each semester builds upon the previous semester in content and skills. This course can be taken as part of the IB Diploma Programme OR as an individual course separate from the Diploma Programme.
Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. The most important aims of assessment in the Diploma Programme are that it should support curricular goals and encourage appropriate student learning. Both external and internal assessments are used in the Diploma Programme. IB examiners mark work produced for external assessment, while work produced for internal assessment is marked by teachers and externally moderated by the IB. Students who successfully pass the IB assessments may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: International Baccalaureate
GRADE: 11-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take IBSS100B-IB - IBDP History B
IBSS800A/B/C/D-IB
IBDP Psychology A/B/C/D
This class is a two-year college-level course (four semesters), started in 11th grade. This course can be taken as part of the IB Diploma Programme OR as an individual course separate from the Diploma Programme.
Psychology is the systematic study of behavior and mental processes. Psychology has its roots in both the natural and social sciences, leading to a variety of research designs and applications, and providing a unique approach to understanding modern society.
IB Psychology examines the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behavior, thereby adopting an integrative approach. Understanding how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied enables students to achieve a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human behavior. The ethical concerns raised by the methodology and application of psychological research are key considerations in IB psychology.
IB Psychology takes a holistic approach that fosters intercultural understanding and respect. At the core of the IB psychology course, the biological level of analysis demonstrates what all humans share, whereas the cognitive and sociocultural levels of analysis reveal the immense diversity of influences that produce human behavior and mental processes. Cultural diversity is explored and students are encouraged to develop empathy for the feelings, needs and lives of others within and outside their own culture. This empathy contributes to an international understanding.
COURSE NOTE: This class is a two-year college-level course (four semesters), started in 11th grade. Each semester builds upon the previous semester in content and skills. This course can be taken as part of the IB Diploma Programme OR as an individual course separate from the Diploma Programme.
Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning. The most important aims of assessment in the Diploma Programme are that it should support curricular goals and encourage appropriate student learning. Both external and internal assessments are used in the Diploma Programme. IB examiners mark work produced for external assessment, while work produced for internal assessment is marked by teachers and externally moderated by the IB. Students who successfully pass the IB assessments may earn college credit and/or advanced standing.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: International Baccalaureate
GRADE: 11-12
COREQUISITES: If you take this course, you must also take IBSS800B-IB - IBDP Psychology B
HSS801A/B - HSS802A/B
American Studies - English/Social Studies
This 9th grade course is only available at North Farmington. This is an interdisciplinary course combining Social Studies and English, open to students of all ability levels, where students will be exposed to multiple viewpoints while learning about the people and events that influence and shape our country. The course aims to create a challenging learning environment through the disciplined and integrated study of history and literature, where students will develop the skills for critical thought, analysis, empathy, and expression (written and oral) that are essential for citizens in a democratic society.
This course is team-taught by an English teacher and a Social Studies teacher, in a two-hour block, which allows for in-depth study, research, and the development of major projects. This course satisfies the English 9 Language and Literature and U. S. History requirements
CREDIT: 2.0
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 9 (NFHS)
COREQUISITES: Students must take HSS801A/B - American Studies - English concurrently with HSS802A/B - American Studies - Social Studies.