Program of Studies 2011-2012 - Gorham High School!

nature of forces. Students are provided with opportunities to develop their ability to interpret and analyze data and
are urged to solve problems by reasoning rather than by rote memorization.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C in Chemistry and Algebra 2.
375 Advanced Physics 1 Credit
Honors Physics is a demanding college preparatory course intended to give the student an understanding of the
physical phenomena from a mathematical viewpoint. Major areas of study will include motion, mechanics,
electricity and magnetism, heat and work, light and sound, and the nature of forces.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of A in Pre-calculus or teacher recommendation.
380 AP Biology 1 Credit
This demanding senior course will offer an in-depth survey of important biological principles. New advances in
biology will be incorporated into the course, and time will be spent preparing to take the Advanced Placement
Biology test. Students enrolling in this course must complete a summer assignment prior to the start of
the course. Grades will be based upon lab reports, tests, and quizzes.
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of 93 in Biology and Chemistry.
SOCIAL STUDIES
REQUIRED COURSES:
Note: It is the goal of the department that students end their three required years of Social Studies with a
solid understanding of the foundations of civilization and geography, the historic and economic roles of the United
States, and the philosophical worldviews that make up contemporary international relations, thereby concluding
their studies ready to become global citizens. Senior electives offer additional opportunities for students to
develop these understandings in particular areas of focus.
405 World History 1 1 Credit
Students in this class will apply the skills of a historian while examining the development of civilizations from
prehistoric times to 1800. Aligned with the Maine Learning Results, World History 1 class has a particular focus
on geography skills, with basic economic concepts and the roles of government taught within the larger historical
context. While emphasis is on the western hemisphere, study will be globally inclusive to help students
understand the historical factors that led to the colonization of the Americas, and in preparation for the continuing
examination of World History as juniors.
420 American History 10 1 Credit
Students in American History will learn the story of the United States of America, from its foundation to its role in
current world affairs. Students will also become proficient at interpreting and constructing timelines, graphs and
charts, recognizing bias and developing understandings through the completion of projects.
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Freshman SS teacher. Administrative Approval.
425 American Studies 2 Credits
This interdisciplinary course combines the disciplines of English and History. The two credits must be earned
simultaneously. Students must have earned a credit for freshman English before registering for this course. After
a review and overview of America’s Constitutional era, this course will focus its work on twentieth-century issues
through social, cultural, economic, political, philosophical and military lenses. In addition to our text, we will be
studying a wide range of historical research, primary documents and fiction that is both thematically and
chronologically relevant to the time periods. Major units of study will include the Constitution and founding
documents, Industrialization and Progressivism, America as a world power, Civil Rights, Modern commercialism,
and Global economic interdependency. Major works of literature may include Anthem, Our Town, The Great
Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, The Crucible, The Color Purple and The Things They Carried.
430 AP United States History 1 Credit
Open to sophomores and seniors, this class is designed to provide students with the factual knowledge and
analytical skills to deal critically with the issues and materials of American history. Therefore this class requires
intensive reading and writing as well as frequent seminar-style discussions.
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Freshman SS teacher for sophomores.
Program of Studies: 2011-2012 Page 21