2025-26 TA Program of Studies | Page 36

credibility , engaging in civil discourse , and understanding their role in a democracy . Through discussions on voting rights , civic participation , and global issues , students will be prepared to engage thoughtfully in both American and international contexts .

Civics and Government Honors

0.5 Credit

Prerequisites : School counselor and teacher recommendation for Honors level

In this course , students will explore the foundations of U . S . democracy and the evolving role of citizens in shaping government . They will gain a deep understanding of the U . S . Constitution , how it has adapted over time , and how it continues to influence the rights and responsibilities of Americans today . Students will examine key historical events , such as the American Revolution , and explore the philosophical ideas that shaped the country ' s government . The course also focuses on the structure of government at local , state , and federal levels , and how these systems work together — and sometimes clash — in the everyday lives of citizens . In addition , students will develop important skills such as evaluating news and information for credibility , engaging in civil discourse , and understanding their role in a democracy . Through discussions on voting rights , civic participation , and global issues , students will be prepared to engage thoughtfully in both American and international contexts . At the Honors level , students should expect a challenging academic experience that focuses on developing the college-level historical thinking and academic skills necessary for continued study at the Honors and Advanced Placement level , including extensive outside of class reading , writing , and research requirements .

ELECTIVES

Beyond the slate of required courses , students may also choose from a wide array of course offerings in history and the social sciences , including semester and year-long electives , and a variety of AP courses . Students who may study the humanities , history , and / or the social sciences at the collegiate level are strongly encouraged to consider , in consultation with their school counselors , AP electives prior to graduation .

Blind Eye of History

0.5 Credit • Grades 11 & 12

The idiom “ turning a blind eye ” describes the custom of ignoring undesirable information . Blind Eye of History will examine the story of those treated as “ undesirable ” throughout American history - the people and groups who have been ignored , mistreated , and abused . Students will explore the roots of race hatred , religious persecution , and prejudice based on ethnicity , disability , gender , sexuality , and social class . Highlighting remarkable people and events that contributed to the story of these groups , this course will allow students to delve into specific and impactful events that reverberate through time and lead us to the present . The development of media literacy skills and an overview of American Civics will also help students to make connections between the history of marginalized groups and the evolution of American government .

AP European History

1 Credit • Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites : School counselor and teacher recommendation for AP level

Napoleon , Bismarck , and Churchill are but three figures that have left their mark on the course of modern history , yet are rarely addressed in other history classes . Through an exploration of the events that have shaped the path of Europe ’ s existence , a greater understanding of global , national and local topics is possible . Students should expect to be challenged not just with voluminous readings but also in the organization and analysis of new data , through their writing and verbal skills and in myriad other ways which will challenge their understanding of the world . Reaching back as far as 1450 and spanning to the current age , students in this challenging college-level course will learn the critical reading , writing , and historical thinking skills necessary to develop an advanced understanding of European history and succeed on the AP European History exam . At the AP level , students should expect significant outside of class reading , writing , and research , similar to that of an introductory history course at the collegiate level . Students are required to take the AP European History exam .

AP Government and Politics : United States

1 Credit • Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites : School counselor and teacher recommendation for AP level

AP United States Government and Politics is an intensive study of the formal and informal structures of government and the processes of the American political system , with an emphasis on policy making and implementation . This course explores political theory and everyday practices that direct the daily operation of our government and shape our public policies . Students will develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system , as well as their rights and responsibilities as citizens . Students will be expected to refine text reading and analysis skills as well as critical inquiry of relevant scholarly articles in preparation for college . They will be responsible for accessing a range of news media sources in order to keep up with daily events in the nation and the world . Students in this challenging college-level course will learn the critical reading , writing , and historical thinking skills necessary to develop an

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