The 2010-2011 school year begins Tuesday,...

Civics                                                    (grade 9) 1 credit

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) 1 credit

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) .5 credit

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.

Economics                                         (grade 10) .5 credit

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) .5 credit

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.