Social Studies

SOC 201: Global Studies Seminar
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
This course begins with a focus on some of the major political, economic, and social principles and systems that have shaped and organized the global community over time. Grounding their study in both history and current events, students will develop their own fictional country and form a global community in miniature, before exploring broad phenomena (conflict, migration, environmental change, cultural diffusion, epidemics, and disruptive technologies) that have challenged communities throughout history to react, adapt, and redefine themselves in relation to one another. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to creatively and collaboratively develop solutions to a series of complicated and contemporary global challenges.

SOC 301: United States History
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
Critical analysis of the entire breadth of the American experience is the theme of this college prep course. This course examines the social, political, and economic history of the United States from the Colonial Era through the nineteenth century. Students will learn to evaluate history, analyze the relationships between people and events, uncover the roots of present-day problems, evaluate the successes and failures of politicians, social reformers, business leaders, military strategists, and everyday people to define and maintain the liberties, rights, and responsibilities integral to the character and ideals of the nation.

SOC 311: Honors United States History
Full-year course (1 credit)
Honors
This course examines the social, political, and economic history of the United States from the Colonial Era through the nineteenth century and is recommended for students interested in taking AP U.S. History later on. Students will learn to evaluate history, analyze the relationships between people and events, and uncover the roots of present-day problems. They will also gain an understanding of how historians develop interpretations of the past through the use of primary sources and scholarly research. Prerequisite: instructor permission.

SOC 401: Comparative Government and Politics
Full-Year course (1 credit)
College Prep
This course will introduce students to comparative politics emphasizing the study of the political institutions, identities, and organized interests in countries around the world. Students will learn to make meaningful comparisons between systems in countries with different histories, political systems, and from various regions. They will examine questions about democracies and democratization, electoral systems and political parties, authoritarian regimes, political mobilization and change, economic development and globalization, nationalism and identity politics, among other topics. The comparative method of the course offers a unique way for expanding student understanding of social and political phenomena. Prerequisite: U.S. History. NEW COURSE!

SOC 411: Economics
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
The course introduces students to Economics through a focus on “classical” microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and principles, as well as the emerging field of behavioral economics. Students will explore the mechanics and ethics of individual and collective economic decision- making, navigate such economic challenges as inflation, unemployment, and poverty, and consider the government’s role in setting regulatory, fiscal, and monetary policies. Students will also be introduced to foundational principles of entrepreneurship, as well as the basics of investing and personal economic planning. Prerequisite: U.S. History (may be taken concurrently).

SOC 421: Psychology
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
This course offers an introductory approach to the study of the human mind and behavior. It covers much of the same content as the AP Psychology course, but in a less comprehensive fashion. Students will be introduced to topics such as the biological foundations of behavior, states of consciousness, learning and memory theories, lifespan development, theories of personality and emotion, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. The course will be taught through a combination of reading, discussion, writing and project-based work with the goal of increasing student understanding of the many aspects of human behavior. Prerequisite: U.S. History (may be taken concurrently).

SOC 431: Contexts for Hip-Hop
Full-year course (1 credit) 
College Prep
In this yearlong course, students will explore the dynamics of hip-hop culture, surveying its historical development, political significance, and social influences. Students will learn about Black culture’s many inspirations by studying events, individuals, and artistic movements from 1619 to the present. They will also examine the connections between popular music and political change and consider the ways in which hip-hop artists from a variety of backgrounds borrow and learn from one another, both in the United States and around the world. Prerequisite: U.S. History (may be taken concurrently). NEW COURSE!

SOC 441: A Global History of the UN
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
This course will examine the form and function of the United Nations through an historical lens and a study of current events, as well as through project-based learning in effective diplomacy. Founded in 1945 in the wake of World War II, the United Nations is an international organization built to address issues confronting the global community and provide a mechanism for international dialogue, negotiation, and collective action. Since its founding, it has navigated such historical events as The Cold War and the collapse of Communism, revolutions in Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East, and dramatic global economic and social movements. As the class addresses events and topics related to peace and security, climate change and sustainable development, human rights and gender equality, and humanitarian and health emergencies, students will prepare for and participate in the Maine Model United Nations Conference, where they will hone and test their skills in analysis, problem-solving, communication, and compromise. Prerequisite: U.S. History (may be taken concurrently). Additional course fees apply. NEW COURSE!

SOC 451: Introduction to Women’s Studies
Full-year course (1 credit)
College Prep
Introduction to Women’s Studies is a year-long course that introduces students to the Women’s Liberation Movement in the United States through a chronological exploration of the four waves of feminism. Starting with the road to Women’s Suffrage and concluding with the modern-day fight for gender equity, students will explore the evolution of feminist consciousness throughout history, and critically analyze the successes and failures of each wave of American feminism. Utilizing both theoretical and historical lenses, students will be introduced to important authors and individuals within the women’s movement, including, but not limited to, Sojourner Truth, Alice Paul, Susan B. Anthony, Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Bell Hooks, and Audre Lorde. Assignments will include a variety of readings plus regular class discussions, creative projects, and several traditional essays. Prerequisite: U.S. History (may be taken concurrently). Additional course fees apply. NEW COURSE!

SOC 511: AP Psychology
Full-year course (1 credit)
Advanced Placement
In this year-long course, students will cover the content of a college-level Introductory Psychology course. It is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. The course includes topics such as the historical roots of psychology, research design, the biological bases of behavior, memory and cognition, lifespan development, personality theory, states of consciousness, abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Prerequisites: U.S. History (may be taken concurrently) and instructor permission. Students are required to take the AP Exam and pay the accompanying fee. NEW COURSE!

SOC 521: AP United States Government and Politics
Full-year course (1 credit)
Advanced Placement
In this course, students will practice the skills used by political scientists by studying data, political writings from the founding era to the present, the structure of the government as established by the Constitution, and constitutional interpretations handed down by the Supreme Court. They will delve deeply into the three branches of federal and state governments while studying the election cycle, partisan politics and democracy as an institution.  Students will show mastery of these skills on the exam through a variety of means, including concept application, data analysis, Supreme Court case comparisons, and writing political science arguments. Prerequisites: U.S. History and instructor permission. Students are required to take the AP Exam and pay the accompanying fee.

SOC 531: AP United States History
Full-year course (1 credit)
Advanced Placement
In this course, students will investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from 1491 to the present. They will develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change. The course challenges students to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures. Prerequisite: instructor permission. Students are required to take the AP Exam and pay the accompanying fee.

SOC 601: Principles of Entrepreneurship and Management
Full-year course (1 credit)
Dual-Enrollment
Whether in college or in a rapidly changing global economy, our graduates will navigate a world of change and uncertainty, and entrepreneurship education will help them to develop a collaborative, problem-solving, growth mindset, and the skills associated with learning through setbacks and perseverance. This course will focus on the principles of entrepreneurship and the process of small business development. Prerequisites: U.S. History and instructor permission. Economics strongly recommended. Students who successfully complete this course will receive college credit. Additional course fees apply.

SOC 611: Principles of Investment and Financial Planning
Full-year course (1 credit)
Dual-Enrollment
Demand for our students to be exposed to the topics of personal finance and planning is increasing each year. Many states are making it a requirement for graduation. This course will dive deep into topics such as retirement, tax planning, estate planning, risk management and investments along with budgeting, credit/debt, saving, spending, market trends, insurance, college loans, and more. This course will focus on all aspects of personal finance and how decisions regarding money throughout a person’s life affects long-term investments, wealth building, and planning for the future. Students will acquire knowledge in the world of finance and develop habits that will last through their lives. Prerequisites: U.S. History and instructor permission. Economics strongly recommended. Students who successfully complete this course will receive college credit. Additional course fees apply.

SOC 621: Principles of Leadership
Full-year course (1 credit)
Dual-Enrollment
This course is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of leadership across varied areas of application. While the goal of the course is to familiarize students with leadership theory and terminology, our discussions, activities, and projects will provide opportunities to apply what we learn in different environments. Students will examine leadership in business, athletics, the military, and the outdoors, and develop an understanding of the approaches that are specific to each group and task. We will use school groups, teams, and a backpacking trip to apply our learning. Prerequisites: U.S. History and instructor permission. Students who successfully complete this course will receive college credit. Additional course fees apply.