Program of Studies - Hunterdon Central Regional High School

#138 - HUMAN RIGHTS AND GENOCIDE AFTER WORLD WAR II – 2.5 CREDITS
Grades: 11-12
(SOC 138 HUM RIGHTS/GENOC)
Prerequisite: #034 Honors Humanities 3, #128 CWS 2 or #130 CWS 2 Basic Skills
Human Rights violations and genocides did not end with the perpetrators of the Holocaust being brought to justice at the post
World War II Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals. This course builds on the introduction to human rights and global security
issues studied in #128 Comparative World Studies 2, as well as the 20 th century genocides examined in both U.S. 2 and the
Holocaust and Human Behavior. The course addresses essential questions about the contemporary protection of international
human rights and the continuing problem of genocide in the world community. Among these are:
1. Why do massive human rights violations and genocides persist?
2. How did the international community resolve the crises that were created in the aftermath of WWII?
3. How did the Nuremberg and Tokyo tribunals shape future legal proceedings?
4. How are perpetrators brought to justice?
5. How can genocide be stopped or prevented?
6. What has been done to rebuild societies that have been decimated by massive human rights violations?
Students taking the course will examine in depth the role of the UN and other international organizations, as well as
actions of varied world states, studying a wide range of sources including historic documents, literature, films, and
survivor testimonies. A comprehensive social action project dealing with prevention of human rights violations and
genocide will be incorporated to help students develop a personal understanding of the continuing problems of
genocide and human rights violations in today’s world.
#139 – HONORS INTRO TO WESTERN PHILOSOPHY - 2.5 CREDITS
Grades: 11-12
(SOC 139 HON W PHILOSOPHY)
Prerequisite: None
This course is a general overview of philosophical traditions beginning with ancient times and continuing to the present. The
purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the study of philosophy and its basic questions, which are relevant to all
disciplines. A concentrated reading schedule structured around central questions such as, “What can we know?” “What is
right?” and “Why am I here?” will allow students to analyze the writings of major philosophers and their answers to these
questions as well as helping students begin to answer these questions for themselves. The course ought to be challenging to
students of high academic ability. Philosophy is a course valuable to students planning to major in the humanities, and it
provides opportunities to develop critical skills helpful for students entering the fields of law and medicine. This course is
available for college credit in the FDU Middle College Program.
#141 - AFRICAN STUDIES - 2.5 CREDITS (SOC 141 AFRICAN STUDIES)
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: None
African Studies explores the rich diversity of sub-Saharan African cultures in a contemporary setting. The course provides a
comprehensive and accurate description of modern Africa, emphasizing the political, economic, geographical, cultural and
social developments currently underway on the continent. Topics include: colonialism, the Atlantic Slave Trade, family
structures, gender issues, music, politics, urbanization and village life, education, healthcare, environmental concerns, and
human rights issues. Students are expected to read course materials, be active participants in class discussions, complete oral
and written projects, and utilize technology applications to complete class investigations and projects. As the Kiswahili proverb
suggests, "Hapa umefika" which translates, "This is the place you are looking for." Karibuni (welcome)!
79