GLOBAL STUDIES - A, B, C18 weeks
1credit
This will be a survey course teaching the cultures and contributions of early civilizations, as well as the intricacies of the Middle Ages. The ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome will be examined, as well as the importance of the development of Christianity.
The various aspects of the Middle Ages-feudalism, manorialism, the development of Islam, the contributions of Byzantine Civilization, and the Crusades will then be studied as a carry-over to the birth of modern-day European nations and civilization.
Consideration will also be given to developing an awareness of World Geography, with special emphasis on the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
In addition, part of the course will include a brief overview of New Hampshire history and geography, demonstrating the interdependency of our state and community with the rest of the world.
Also included will be a section on the history of Berlin and the surrounding area. The sections on the City of Berlin, and the State of New Hampshire will meet the state required New Hampshire History component.
HEALTH AND CONTEMPORARY ISSUES - A, B, C18 weeks
1 credit
This eighteen-week period will be devoted to a topical approach to the physical, mental and social well-being of the individual. The topics selected are academically sound and comply with state-mandated health course requirements. The material covered will include units on sexually transmitted diseases, sexual risks and responsibilities, substance and substance abuse, stress and mental health. Conflict resolution, the aging process, family dynamics and current social issues will be examined. It is understood that any student may request to be excused from a particular area of study that they or their parents might find objectionable.
UNITED STATES HISTORY - A, B, C11, 12
18 weeks
1 credit
United States History is a required course for juniors at Berlin High School. This course is a survey of American history from the Age of Exploration to the present day with major emphasis on the twentieth century.
Along with a typical study of history, students will be given political, economic and social concepts which will aid in dealing with today's and, hopefully, tomorrow's problems.
The nature and amount of work will be commensurate with the student's abilities. In all cases there will be an emphasis on class participation, group work and independent study. In addition to basic text, some groups will have extensive outside reading assignments and research papers.
The course is divided into two semesters. One semester reviews exploration to the Civil War and continues with a detailed study into the twentieth century.
The other semester is twentieth century U.S. History. Recent problems and conflicts are studied as well as the growth and changes that have affected our nation in this century.
UNITED STATES HISTORY - HONORS11,12
18 weeks
1 credit
This level of United States History is an elective for exceptional college-bound students which also fulfills the state requirement. This course will use a typical approach and make use of extensive outide reading material. Political, economic and social concepts will be examined in a time frame that begins with early exploration but major emphasis will be on the 20th Century.
Major consideration will be placed on the student's ability to think critically. Numerous writing assignments will constitute the major source of student evaluation, and superior writing and comprehension skills are a requirement.
PSYCHOLOGY11, 12
18 weeks
1 credit
Psychology is an elective course. It is concerned primarily with students' personality development and intellectual growth. It is a "consciousness raising" course designed to help students gain an understanding of themselves, their relationships with others, and the society in which they live. Students are encouraged to relate the issues and perspectives studied to their own experiences. Topics that will be covered are: culture, criminology, heredity vs. environment, child development, birth defects, adolescence and adulthood. all areas will be supplemented by films, guest speakers and outside readings. Some of the outside readings include: In Cold Blood, After the First Death, Hey Dummy, I Am the Cheese, Jordi, Go Ask Alice.
MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY and MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY AP11,12
18 weeks
1 credit
This is an elective course offered to Grade 11 and Grade 12 students. The course traces the development of European
civilization from the Renaissance through the 20th century.
The course will include investigations of the Renaissance and Protestant Reformation, as well as the development of European nations, especially England and France.
The importance of the American Revolution, as it affected Europe, and the shattering impact of the French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte will be covered, as well as the impact of the Industrial Revolution.
The unification of Italy and Germany will be investigated, as well as the early developments of Communism.
Imperialism, World War I and the Russian Revolution will be considered as well as the development of Nazism/Fascism as causes of World War II.
As time permits, post-World War II events and current events will be considered.
A text book will be supplemented by a vast array of readings, many of them primary source, as well as video information.
Several short papers and creative projects are also part of the course curriculum.
Students taking the AP course will be encouraged to take the appropriate AP exam in May.
INTERNSHIP IN HISTORICAL RESEARCH11,12
135 hours
1 credit
The Intern program is designed to give exceptional history students experience working with primary resources. The students will be assigned to work at the Northern Forest Heritage Park in Berlin, New Hampshire. The program will be individually structured by staff representative from the park and the Berlin High School Social Studies department.
Students will be required to work a minimum of 135 hours under supervision. The park will complete a detailed assessment of the student's performance in the Social Studies department will require a daily work journal.
Students must have completed or currently be enrolled in the American Hostiry Honors program. The Social Studies department along with the guidance department will select students to participate in the program.
FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL STUDIES9,10,11,12
18 weeks
1 credit
Foundations of Social Studies is designed to service students with individual needs. The course is designed to develop a working knowledge of fundamental social science concepts. The four one credit course offerings are explained seperately below. Progress will be monitored closely to determine the appropriateness of the placement. Students may move to other social studies offerings if the team feels it is an advantageous move for the student. Students having difficulty in other Social Studies courses may transfer into the program with department approval.
Foundations of Social Studies - Health & Contemporary Issues
This eighteen-week period will be devoted to a topical approach to the physical, mental and social well-being of the individual. The topics selected are academically sound and comply with state mandated health resource requirements. The material covered will include units on sexually transmitted diseases, sexuals risks and responsibilities, substance and substance abuse, stress and mental health. Conflict resolution, the aging process, family dynamics and current social issues will be examined. It is understood that any student may request to be excused from a particular area of study that they or their parents might find objectionable.
Foundations of Social Studies - History
This course will explore the history of the United States giving special emphasis to prejudice and discrimination, war and conflict, citizen rights and responsibilities and local history and geography.
Foundations of Social Studies - Psychology
Psychology is an elective course. It is concerned primarily with students' personality development and intellectual growth. It is a "consciousness raising" course designed to help students gain an understanding of themselves, their relationships with others, and the society in which they live. Students are encouraged to relate the issues and perspective studied to their own experiences. Topics that will be covered are: culture, criminology, heredity vs. environment, child development, birth defects, adolescence and adulthood. All areas will be supllemented by films, guest speakers and outside readings. Some of the outside readings include: In Cold Blood, After The First Death, Hey Dummy, I Am the Cheese, Jordi, Go Ask Alice.
Foundations of Social Studies - Consumer Economics
This course will concentrate on consumer economic issues that will be helpful I neveryday life. Banking skills, insurance knowledge, budget skills and independent living skills will be the main emphasis of the course.
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