Democracy in Action                                     Grade 9, Credit 1.0

In this course, students become familiar with the rights and responsibilities of United States citizenship.  They explore the structure of the federal government as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, and the organization of state and local governments.  They also learn the basics of the American free enterprise system and United States foreign policy.  Students will recognize the influences of political parties and other special interest groups on public policy, outline the division of powers and the rights of citizens as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, describe the division of federal and states' rights, analyze the role of the United States in world policy making, and explain the basic elements of the American economic system. 

United States History                                                             Grade 11, Credit 1.0

This course is a survey of the development of the United States from 1877 to the present.  Geographical, social, political, and economic themes are examined in a thematic approach as the United States moved from the problems created by the Civil War into a modern super power.  Students will examine how the United States develops into an industrial power as well as their involvement in world affairs.  Students will also examine expansion, industrialization, immigration, civil rights, and social and political changes. This course will emphasize historical analysis, analytical writing, and research skills and incorporates Problem Based Learning.

Rhode Island History                                      Grade 10, Credit .5

This course is a survey of the history of Rhode Island from the early exploration period to the modern era.  There will also be a focus on labor, industry, and geography as well as the social, economic, cultural, and political themes facing Rhode Island.  This course will emphasize historical analysis, analytical writing, and research skills and will incorporate Problem Based Learning.

Basic Economics                                            Grade 12, Credit .5

This course provides students with user-friendly understanding of the basic principles and issues of economics.  Participating in this class will empower students with skills to help them make intelligent decisions in their public and private lives.  Issues such as supply, demand, scarcity, opportunity costs, markets, unemployment, and inflation will be discussed.  Students will also learn how to:
          1.  Apply reliable information and systematic decision making to personal financial
               decisions.
          2.  Develop a plan for spending and saving.
          3.  Maintain creditworthiness, borrow at favorable terms, and manage debt.
          4.  Organize personal finances and use a budget to manage cash flow.

American Civil/Labor Law                          Grade 11 - 12, Credit .5

This interactive course, which follows a Problem Based Learning approach, is designed to acquaint students with the rights and responsibilities of citizens under the criminal justice system.  The course examines our Constitutional rights, the criminal court system, juvenile justice, crime, and corrections.  This course also examines the interaction of legality, morality, and ethics through the nature of law, the court system, tort law, consumer law, and landlord-tenant law.  Students learn communication skills and improve thinking skills as they examine case law, are participants in role-plays, and conduct mock trials.

Geopolitics                                                 Grade 9 - 12, Credit .5

The concept of geopolitics and its affect on global issues will be studied in this semester course. Students will examine pertinent international law, and economic principles and institutions by analyzing current world dilemmas. They will study the reasons why global awareness and global citizenship have become increasingly important in the 21st century. This course will enable students to acquire an understanding of the connection between themselves and the world. American national and economic security concerns will be addressed by examining multiple perspectives of cultures in other nations. Students will improve problem solving skills and gain a deeper sense of responsibility for cultural diversity.