History & Social Science

This course explores the evolution of global societies from the 15th century to the modern era. Students first examine the social and economic shifts that realigned world power dynamics with religion and trade taking center stage, followed by an in-depth study of competing political systems, nationalism, industrial capitalism, imperialism and militarism, and the rise of global trade. Through class work, large projects, reading, essay writing, and research, students lay the groundwork for thoughtful understanding of the defining systems, innovations, and complex problems that inform and paint the 21st century.

This course examines the history of the world from 1200 CE to the present with a review of world religions and philosophies that predate 1200. The purpose of the course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. Some examples include the impact of international trade networks and their significance. The advancements made in China and the Islamic World and how they further developed societies in Europe and Asia, the consequences of European contact with the New World and African societies, and global involvement in 20th century warfare. The course emphasizes the use of analytical reading and writing skills, a critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources, analysis of historiography, oral presentations, and discussion groups. After the AP exam in May, the culminating project for the year will be a student-centered research paper.

This course surveys the history of the United States from the colonial period to the present, including national independence, slavery, the Civil War, urbanization and industrialization, the expanded role of the federal government, and the involvement of the United States overseas. Students review the U.S. Constitution and the operation of federal and state governments, and explore the experiences of women, workers, and ethnic and racial minorities. In addition to traditional unit tests, students analyze primary sources to craft analytical writings, engage in debates and presentations, and produce a variety of creative projects. This course is recommended for juniors and seniors.

This is a course designed for students interested in entrepreneurship, business practices, and market analysis. This course offers an immersive introduction to the aforementioned themes while equipping students with essential personal financial literacy. With the help of major case studies like Bombas, Coca Cola, Stanley (etc…), the curriculum is built around the core disciplines of entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, management, and finance, allowing students to explore how businesses create value and compete in diverse markets. Through the study of supply and demand, risk management, and ethical decision-making, students build a robust foundation for future studies in business administration. In studying all this, students better understand their role as consumers in the global economy. Specific time is also spent on practicing multiple-choice and free response answers in preparation for the AP exam.

AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college-level year-long course that seeks to provide students with the political knowledge and reasoning processes to participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions and debates that are currently shaping American politics and society. It is important to note that this course is not a history course but a political science course that examines the interconnectedness of the American political system and the behaviors and attitudes that shape it, with topics of study including the foundations of American democracy, constitutionalism, liberty and order, interactions among the branches of government, competing policy-making interests, civil liberties and civil rights, American political ideologies and beliefs, and political participation, all analyzed through methods of political analysis. The course prepares students for the exam through thoughtful practice of the exam elements through class activities and take-home assignments.

This course investigates the diversity of global political life through a rigorous comparative lens. Students move beyond basic facts to explore the fundamental "Big Ideas" of power, authority, and legitimacy across six core nations: the UK, Russia, China, Iran, Mexico, and Nigeria. Through the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, students test comparisons and examine how globalization and economic shifts influence policy. Active discussion and evidence-based reasoning are central as students evaluate how different regimes address similar global challenges. This course is reading and writing heavy – the design allows for rich and substantive discussions that significantly broaden our understanding of global issues. The course prepares students for the exam through thoughtful practice of the exam elements through class activities and take-home assignments.

This is a survey course introducing major topics in philosophy. Topics covered include personal identity; freedom and determinism; the meaning of life; social and political philosophy; epistemology; philosophical writing; and four branches of ethics: metaethics, normative ethics, descriptive ethics, and applied ethics. In addition, the course will focus on Ancient Greece with readings of the Platonic dialogues, focusing on the arguments and ideas as offered by Plato's character Socrates, the first martyr in Western Civilization. The curriculum guides students in describing the general development of philosophical traditions and discussing influential philosophers alongside their primary works. Furthermore, students will analyze and evaluate various philosophical viewpoints and positions, ultimately developing thoughtful essays to argue a specific position. The students will participate in daily reads, Socratic discussions, and review films, podcasts, and lectures in philosophy.

This course takes a deep dive into the importance of sports and athletes in forming identity for people and places. Through major case studies of the 2022 and 2026 FIFA controversies, the growth of the WNBA, the use of public funds for sports expansion, and rivalry culture in Southeast Asian cricket, students will learn about the impact on society by sports around the world. The course examines the culture of fandom, the levity of sporting events, and the history and impact of sports on politics and society. This course will build on the philosophical, ethical and economic movements in modern times. This is a reading and writing-intensive course and students will engage in debates, research and argumentative writing. A prior knowledge of major figures and events in sports is a plus, but is not required.