Social Studies
Social Studies is the integrated study of history, economics, geography and civics. At Shen, the social studies curriculum is based on the New York State Standards and the New York Social Studies Curriculum Framework which has integrated the Common Core Learning Standards.
Beginning in the 2015, teachers are implementing NYSED’s Toolkit for Social Studies. Using materials released by NYSED, teachers will be using and developing instruction based on four dimensions:
- Developing questions and planning inquiries
- Applying disciplinary concepts and tools
- Evaluating sources and using evidence and
- Communicating conclusions and taking informed action.
For more information on the Social Studies Curriculum Framework, watch the Engage NY SS Framework video. For more information on the Tool Kit, visit the Engage NY Social Studies Toolkit Web page.
NYS Assessments
There are no N.Y.S. assessments for social studies in grades K-8. There are two social studies Regents Exams: Global History & Geography (typically taken in Gr. 10) and U.S. History and Government (typically taken in grade 11).
Elementary School
The elementary school social studies program builds on the students’ understanding of families, schools, and communities and highlights the political institutions and historic development of their local communities with connections to New York State and the United States. Students learn about the rights, responsibilities, and duties of citizenship. Students study about the significant people, places, events, and issues that influenced their life.
Social Studies Progressions (K-5)
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Social Studies Units |
Grade K |
Grade 1 |
Grade 2 |
Grade 3 |
Grade 4 |
Grade 5 |
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People |
Self, Families, Communities |
Family, Community, Diversity |
Communities: Urban, Suburban, Rural |
Heroic Figures |
Native Americans, Dutch settlers, Colonists |
Explorers, Early Peoples of America, Comparative Cultures and Diversity |
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Geography |
Maps and Globes |
Maps and Map Tools |
Physical Map Features |
Geographic Regions |
Geography of New York |
Geography of Western Hemisphere |
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Economics |
Needs vs. Wants |
Goods and Services |
Economics within Communities |
Human vs. Natural resources Goods and Services in other countries |
Industrialization |
Economic Systems |
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Civics/ Government |
Responsibilities and Rules |
Citizenship, Rules and Laws |
Rules and Laws within a Government |
Governments Around the World |
Levels of Government Freedom and Change |
Complex Societies and Civilization Government Branches |
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Writing |
Ask questions to obtain information |
Make observations to construct an evidence-based account of … |
Construct an argument with evidence…. |
Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem |
Obtain and combine information to construct an argument |
Support an argument |
Middle School
Beginning in gr. 6, students participate in daily social studies courses. The curriculum at the middle school begins with a study of the ancient civilizations of the Eastern Hemisphere and ends with the study of American History.
Social Studies Honors begins in Grade 7. Student achievement is reviewed and teachers make recommendations for these courses. In addition, grade 7 and 8 students of the highest level of ability and achievement in the Humanities will be invited to participate in the ELA/Social Studies Acceleration program.
Social Studies Progressions (6-8)
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Courses |
GRADE 6 |
GRADE 7 |
GRADE 8 |
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Note: These progressions are typical progressions; however, students are encouraged to talk to their teachers and counselor about placement in a different level. |
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Regents Social Studies Progression |
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Honors Social Studies Progression |
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Accelerated Social Studies Progression |
(and Gr. 7/8 English) |
Global History & Geography 9 Accelerated (and Gr. 9 English Honors) |
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Class Descriptions
Full year course
Course description
The social studies curriculum in Grade 6 introduces students to the history and geography of the ancient world, mostly located in the Eastern Hemisphere. The curriculum emphasizes the interdependence of all people and their connection to the interaction of geography and economics. Various civilizations, empires, and city-states are studied from the four perspectives of history, geography, economics, and government. Students will participate in numerous activities that develop their skills in Social Studies, including reading, writing, discussion and thinking.
Full year course
Course description
This year’s study of United States history from pre-Columbian time through the period of Reconstruction is part of a two-year sequence which is completed in grade 8. The seventh-grade program will also include the study of New York State within the framework of U.S. history. Students also learn about the establishment of the U.S. government. Primary sources are emphasized. Instruction in Social Studies skills (i.e., organization, speaking, sequencing, composition) is continued. Students will continue to work on writing evidence-based claims and document-based paragraphs.
Full Year Course
Course description
Grade 7 Social Studies Honors is the first Honors-level Social Studies course available to middle school students. Students will study events in U.S. history from the pre-Columbian time period through Reconstruction. Students will investigate historical events at a more complex level, relying more on the use of primary sources. Instruction in skills essential to success in Social Studies (e.g., reading primary and secondary texts, writing, note-taking, researching, speaking) will be continued. Students will learn about the establishment of the U.S. government.
Course requirements/recommendations:
- Students are recommended for Social Studies 7 Honors based on a combination of grade 6 teacher recommendations, past and current academic achievement.
Social Studies 7/8 Accelerated
Full Year Course
Course description
Acceleration in Social Studies is an opportunity for the student entering Grade 7 to complete the entire Grade 7 and 8 U.S. history curriculums in a single school year. Students will work at a more rapid pace to study events from Exploration through the modern day. There is a more intense focus on independent research and writing.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
- Students are selected for the Social Studies/English Acceleration Program based on their past and current achievement, and recommendations from their Social Studies, English and Reading or Critical Inquiry teachers. Students chosen for the acceleration program are notified by mail in the spring of their Grade 6 year.
- Students complete a summer assignment for this course.
- Additionally, and of great importance to future coursework, if a student is selected to participate in Social Studies 7/8, the student must also be enrolled in the 7/8 English course. Given that the student is dually enrolled and successfully completes both courses, he or she will be enrolled in Global History and Geography 9 Acceleration (and English 9H) in grade 8. Students who complete the Acceleration program graduate from high school with five units of credit each in English and Social Studies upon graduation.
Full Year Course
Course description
Grade 8 Social Studies continues the chronological study of U.S. History through the modern day. Students investigate the political, social, geographic, historic, and economic development of the United States in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Primary sources are emphasized. Instruction is provided in writing evidence-based claims, analyzing primary sources and identifying enduring issues. Students will participate in discussion about selected current events.
Full Year Course
Course description
This is the second Honors-level Social Studies course available to middle school students. Students will study events in U.S. history from the late 1800’s to the modern day. Students will investigate historical events at a more complex level, relying more on the use of primary sources. Instruction in skills essential to success in Social Studies (e.g., reading primary and secondary texts, writing, note-taking, researching, speaking) will be continued. Students will participate in discussion about selected current events.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
Students are chosen to participate in Social Studies 8 Honors based on a combination of Grade 7 teacher recommendations, past and current academic achievement.
Social Studies Global History 9/Accelerated
Full Year Course
Course description
Global History and Geography 9 is the first course of a two-year (grades 9-10) sequence. In the Global 9 course, students study the history and cultures of the world from the beginning of civilization (early man) up to and including the study of Absolutism in Europe through the 18th century. This is accomplished through a cross-cultural/historical analysis of both Western and non-Western societies during specialized time periods. Students will participate in seminar-type discussions of historical and selected current events.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
There is a final exam worth 20% of students’ grades at the end of the course.
This course is only available to students who have been accelerated in Social Studies and English beginning in 7th grade.
Students will earn one high school credit after successfully completing this course.
High School
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REQUIREMENTS |
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4 Units including:
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Passing (65+) one Social Studies Regents examination is required for a Regents Diploma
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Social Studies Progressions (9-12)
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Program |
GRADE 9 |
GRADE 10 |
GRADE 11 |
GRADE 12 |
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Note: These progressions are typical progressions. Most students may customize their progression at any time. |
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Regents Social Studies |
Global History & Geography 9 |
Global History & Geography 10 |
US History & Government |
National Issues -OR-Civics Capstone* -AND- Economics (1/2 year courses) Electives for additional credit: SUPA Psychology** SUPA Sociology** |
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Honors/AP Social Studies |
Global History & Geography 9 Honors |
World Culture & Literature-Honors (Integrated SS/English Course) -OR- AP World History-Modern |
American Stories -Honors* (Integrated SS/English Course) -OR- AP US History |
Advanced Economics Honors -AND- SUPA Intro to Policy Studies** (1/2 year courses) Electives for additional credit: SUPA Psychology** SUPA Sociology** |
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Accelerated Social Studies |
World Culture & Literature-Honors (Integrated SS/English Course) |
AP US History |
Advanced Economics Honors -AND- SUPA Intro to Policy Studies** -OR- Civics Capstone Course* (1/2 year courses) |
SUPA Psychology** -AND- SUPA Sociology** (1/2 year courses) |
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*pending Board Approval
**Syracuse University Project Advance
Class Descriptions
NINTH GRADE
Global History and Geography 9 (NCAA Core)
1 Year/1 Unit
Course Description
In Global 9, students will learn about the achievements and struggles of people around the world from roughly 10,000 BCE to 1750 CE. We will focus on issues that have endured across time and place in Asia, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Students will learn about the impact of geography, the origins of major world religions, spread of disease, and the rise of empire and global trade. Students’ reading and writing skills will be a focus to prepare for the Global Regents exam. Students will participate in lessons to understand multiple perspectives on both current and historical events.
Course Requirements
Students will complete a final project worth 10 % of the final course grade.
Global History and Geography 9 Honors (NCAA Core)
1 Year/1 Unit
Course Description
In Global 9 Honors, students will investigate the development of belief, political, trade and cultural systems throughout the world from 8000 B.C.E. through 1450 C.E. This course is designed to introduce students to the expectations of high school Honors and AP courses in Social Studies. Students will work on developing their historical thinking skills, and work with primary and secondary sources. They will be introduced to a college-level text. Students’ abilities to analyze, reason, identify point of view and write will be developed through this course. A summer assignment is required.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
If a final exam at the end of the course is offered, it represents 20% of the final course grade.
Recommendation: A positive teacher recommendation, above-grade level reading skills and a minimum average of 95% in Social Studies 8 Honors are strongly recommended.
TENTH GRADE
Global History and Geography 10 (NCAA Core)
1 Year/1 Unit
Course Description
In Global 10, students continue their investigation into the achievements and struggles of people around the world from 1750 C.E. to the present. Students will investigate the historical role of conflict and change in shaping modern society. Students will continue to examine issues, themes, and historical events from multiple perspectives and make global connections that lead to in-depth understanding. A review book will be supplied by the district. Students’ reading and writing skills will be a focus to prepare for the Global Regents exam.
Course Requirements
The Global History & Geography Regents exam score is worth 20% of the final average.
World Culture and Literature – Honors (NCAA Core)
1 Year/1 Unit
Course Description
World Culture-Honors is part of an interdisciplinary course with World Literature-Honors. In these humanities courses, students learn about the connections between art and architecture, literature and historical events in global history. The works of 18th-20th century writers, artists and architects are studied. Students develop their analytic and communication skills in this course, through a variety of writing assignments, research-based activities, and a major oral presentation. A summer assignment is required. A summer assignment is required.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
Students are required to complete a final project and take the Global History & Geography Regents exam. The final project is worth 10% of the final course grade. The Global Regents exam score is worth 10% of the final course grade.
Recommendation: Positive recommendations from the Global 9 and English 9 teachers; a minimum of an 85% average in both English 9 and Global History and Geography 9 is highly recommended.
Advanced Placement World History-Modern (NCAA Core)
1 Year/1 Unit
Course Description
AP World History Modern is the first college level course available in Social Studies. The course provides an intellectual challenge for students with advanced Social Studies reading, writing and thinking skills. AP World History Modern begins with the Late Middle Ages (1200-1450) and concludes with the present day. Students will develop the ability to think analytically, compare, contextualize, analyze documents, write and support historical arguments, and identify patterns of continuity and change over time. The course requires a significant time commitment for reading and preparation outside of class and uses a college-level text. A summer assignment is required.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
Students are required to take both the AP Examination in AP World History and the Global History & Geography Regents exam. The score for the Global Regents exam will not be included in the course final grade. The AP Exam must be taken in order to earn the AP designation on the transcript and the multiplier in the weighted rank calculation. The fee for the AP exam is approx. $95.00. The fee is greatly reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program. Please see your counselor if you do not qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program and the fee would present a financial hardship.
Recommendation: A positive teacher recommendation and a minimum of a 90% average in Global 9 Honors or a 95% average in Global 9 is strongly recommended.
ELEVENTH GRADE
U.S. History & Government (NCAA Core)
1 Year/1 Unit
Course Description
In U.S. History & Government, students investigate the complex history of the United States, and learn about how individuals and groups have addressed civic and constitutional issues. An examination of U.S. history gives students a basic understanding of the interrelationship between political, economic and social issues faced by the nation since our founding. Emphasis is placed upon the development of critical thinking skills, the analysis of primary and secondary sources, and students’ ability to construct and communicate historical argument and evidence in short and long essay formats. The course prepares students for the U.S. History & Government Regents exam. A review book will be provided by the district.
Course Requirements
All students must take the U.S. History and Government Regents exam. The U.S. History and Government Regents exam score will be worth 20% of the final average.
American Stories – History Honors* (NCAA Core)
English – 1 Year/1 Unit,
Social Studies – 1 Year/1 Unit
Course Description
There is no one American story. The meaning of America, and what it means to be American, has evolved over time, and is experienced differently by Americans depending on their perspectives. American Stories-Honors integrates the disciplines of English and Social Studies to investigate the eras of American history through the lenses of the diverse groups of people who experienced them. Students analyze the documents, literature, film and artwork of the time periods being studied to more deeply understand the complexities of the nation’s past. Connections between historical national issues and contemporary challenges are regularly explored. Another unique facet of the course is a long term inquiry project on a topic of the students’ choice in which they use research, critical thinking, writing, and creative expression to demonstrate their learning. The completion of this project can earn points toward the New York State Civics Readiness Diploma Seal and the Seal of Biliteracy.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
All students are required to take the U.S. History and Government and English Regents examinations at the conclusion of the course. The English Regents and U. S. History & Government Regents exams will be part of the final course grades in each course.
*pending Board of Education Approval
Advanced Placement United States History (NCAA Core)
1 Year/1 Unit
Course Description
In AP US History, students are prepared to think critically about the issues that have confronted and influenced the United States. Students’ ability to integrate the examination of factual knowledge, develop and apply analytic skills, and assess primary and secondary sources will be developed in this course. The course provides a college-level, intellectual challenge that requires time to complete assignments (reading, essays and projects) outside of class. The course uses a college-level text. Assignments in this course will improve the ability to write clearly and logically, and develop and communicate historical arguments. A summer reading and writing assignment is required.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
Students are required to take both the AP Examination in United States History and the U.S. History & Government Regents exam. The score for the U.S. History and Government Regents exam will not be included in the final average. The AP Exam must be taken in order to earn the AP designation on the transcript and the multiplier in the weighted rank calculation. The fee for the AP exam is approximately $95.00. The fee is greatly reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch
program. Please see your counselor if you do not qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program and the fee would present a financial hardship.
Recommendation: A positive teacher recommendation and a minimum of 90% average in World Culture-Honors or AP World History or a 95% average in Global 10 is strongly recommended.
TWELFTH GRADE
Economics (NCAA Core)
1/2 Year/.5 Unit
Course Description
In Economics, students will learn about how the U.S. economy works, and their role in the national and global economy. Using economic reasoning, students will gain financial literacy by completing projects based on real-world problems. Topics include current issues like the role of supply and demand in determining price, changes to the workforce in the United States, the role of entrepreneurs, as well as the effects of globalization. This course also introduces students to principles of investing, smart use of credit and saving.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
The final exam is worth 20% of the final grade.
Advanced Economics – Honors (NCAA Core)
1/2 Year/.5 Unit
Course Description
In Advanced Economics-Honors, students will practice economic reasoning to become informed, rational citizens who use the economic way of thinking to analyze major life issues (i.e., college and student loan issues, acting as consumers, investors, etc.) Through the study of microeconomic and macroeconomic principles students will understand major issues facing the U.S. including the national debt, taxation, unemployment, income inequality. Students will investigate the role of scarcity, supply and demand, markets, the how and why of measuring the economy (including GDP, CPI, and unemployment) as well as monetary and fiscal policy actions. Students will learn and apply mathematical formulas and logic to analyze economic problems. The course uses a college-level textbook.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
The final exam is worth 20% of the final grade.
Recommendations: A positive teacher recommendation and a minimum of an 85% average in students’ 11th grade Social Studies course is strongly recommended. In addition, a minimum of an 85% average in Algebra 2 & Trigonometry-Honors or a 90% in Algebra 2 & Trigonometry is strongly recommended.
National Issues Forum (NIF) (NCAA Core)
1/2 Year/.5 Unit
Course Description
National Issues Forum is an issues-based course that examines the public policy process at the local, state, and national level. The goal of the course is to prepare students for their role as active and well-informed citizens. Students are provided with opportunities to investigate and analyze relevant social issues, simulate or engage in the political process, and exercise the skills needed to develop informed opinions. They will also research and evaluate existing public policies from multiple perspectives and propose logical alternatives. Students are expected to take an active, participatory role using the skills they have developed over the course of the entire K-12 Social Studies program. The completion of the final project will count towards the requirements of the NYSED Civics Diploma Seal. This course meets the Participation in Government requirement.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
There is a final project that is worth 20% of the final course grade.
Civics Capstone* (NCAA Core)
1/2 Year/.5 Unit
Course Description
The Civics Capstone course is a culminating, experiential problem-based learning course. Students will complete the New York State Civic Readiness Capstone Project in this course. Successful completion of the Capstone project is one component of eligibility for the New York Civics Readiness Diploma Seal. Students will identify an issue, investigate and analyze the issue, research and evaluate existing public policies from multiple perspectives, propose logical alternatives and take informed action to address the issue. Students are expected to take an active, participatory role using the skills they have developed over the course of the entire K-12 Social Studies program. This course meets the Participation in Government requirement.
*pending Board of Education approval
Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) Introduction to Policy Studies (NCAA Core)
(SYR PST 101) 1/2 Year/.5 Unit
Course Description
+College Credit Option
This introductory college level course examines current public policy issues. Students will examine societal problems on the national, state and local levels, evaluate the effectiveness of current public policies, and develop and analyze alternative policies. Group and individual projects will require students to conduct extensive research and conduct interviews. Students are also expected to observe public meetings and complete minimum community service requirements. Students will develop critical thinking skills and acquire an understanding of the impact that public policies have on a democratic society. This course meets the Participation in Government requirement.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
This course can be taken for 3 college credits through Syracuse University Project Advance by paying a tuition fee of approximately $350. Tuition may be reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program. Please see your counselor if you do not qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program and the fee would present a financial hardship.
Transcripts of students who do not register for the course with Syracuse will be modified to reflect a course title of College Participation in Government.
Recommendation: Students are successful in this course with above-average reading, research and writing skills.
SENIOR ELECTIVES
Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) Psychology (NCAA Core)
(SYR PSY-205)
1/2 Year/.5 Unit
Course Description
+College Credit Option
This introductory college level course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the scientific basis of psychology and an increased awareness of their everyday environments. The course will examine such topics as learning, motivation, human development, abnormal behavior, and psychological disorders. Students will use a college textbook, professional journals, and extensive library research to develop an understanding of the psychological factors that influence human interaction. In addition to several college level examinations, students will also research and write a psychological study of a selected topic.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
This course can be taken for 3 college credits through Syracuse University Project Advance by paying a tuition fee of approximately $350. Tuition may be reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program. Please see your counselor if you do not qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program and the fee would present a financial hardship.
Transcripts of students who do not register for the course with Syracuse will be modified to reflect a course title of College Psychology.
Requirement: Seniors or Academic Administrator’s Approval
Recommendation: Students are successful in this course with above-average study, reading, research and writing skills.
Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) Sociology (NCAA Core)
(SYR SOC-101)
1/2 Year/.5 Unit
Course Description
+College Credit Option
This course is designed as an analytic, skills-based introduction to sociology as an empirical social science. It emphasizes analytic reading and conceptual analysis. The readings are based on empirical research studies or are review articles of research in an area of sociological investigation. It is a writing-intensive course. This course introduces C. Wright Mills’ classic notion of “the sociological imagination” and the promise of sociology; it encourages students to see and think about the social world, themselves and the relations between themselves and the social world in new ways. As the course progresses, students should obtain increasing skill in analytic reading and writing, sociological reasoning, empirical investigation and the ability to make empirical and conceptual generalizations about self and society in an increasingly global world.
Course Requirements/Recommendations
This course can be taken for 3 college credits through Syracuse University Project Advance by paying a tuition fee of approximately $350. Tuition may be reduced for students who qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program. Please see your counselor if you do not qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program and the fee would present a financial hardship.
Transcripts of students who do not register for the course with Syracuse will be modified to reflect a course title of College Sociology.
Requirement: Seniors or Academic Administrator’s Approval
Recommendation: Students are successful in this course with above-average study, reading, research and writing skills.
