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Lower Merion School District

Off-Canvas

Social Studies

The Social Studies Curriculum is designed to prepare students for the career, academic and citizenship demands of the 21st century. To this end, all social studies courses invite students to investigate historical questions by employing discipline-specific reading strategies such as sourcing, contextualizing, corroborating, and close reading. All LMSD Social Studies courses require students to read and analyze complex primary and secondary source materials, acquire increasingly sophisticated vocabulary, research purposefully from a variety of sources, write expository essays that successfully inform, analyze, explain, and argue, make cogent, insightful presentations, and listen purposefully.

Graduation requirements include four credits in Social Studies. To meet these requirements students typically take the following courses in sequence:

  • 9th grade - Global Studies 1
  • 10th grade - Global Studies 2
  • 11th grade - United States History
  • 12th grade - United States Government

The completion of a research paper is a requirement of each of these year-long courses.

The Lower Merion School District requires all students to take a full-year U. S. Government course. Students enrolled in Honors and College Preparatory courses typically take U. S. Government as a 12th grade course. Students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Harriton often take U.S. Government in Summer School (if offered), concurrent with 11th and 12th grade IB Social Studies courses, or in 10th grade. If IB Students take U. S. Government in their sophomore year, they are strongly encouraged to request Global Studies 2 in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade as an additional course, subject to availability.

Global Studies 1 or Global Studies 1 H

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade: 9
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that students who opt for the Honors level have earned a grade of "A" or "B" in 8th grade Social Studies.
  • Course Number: 02010402
  • Course Number H: 02010413

Course Description: The goal of the two-year Global Studies Program is to understand the complexities of our 21st century world through multiple lenses. In Global Studies 1, students delve into the world's history, cultures, human and physical geography, economic, and political structures from 1450-1850 through an inquiry process of learning. Honors level students have increased rigor in their study and application of learning.

Global Studies 2 or Global Studies 2 H

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade: 10
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that students who opt for the Honors level have grades of "A" or "B" in the previous year's Honors Global Studies I course or an "A" in the previous year's College Preparatory Global Studies I course.
  • Course Number: 02020422
  • Course Number H: 02020423

Global Studies 2 is the second half of a two-year study begun in 9th grade. For 10th grade, Global Studies 2 continues an investigation into the complexities of our 21st century world through multiple lenses such as examining the world's history, cultures, human and physical geography, and economic and political structures. With an opening unit that recalls lessons from the 17th and early 18th century to help students recognize this continuity, Global Studies 2 concentrates on the past 300 years, from 1750 to the modern era. Like Global 1, this course uses an inquiry-based framework. Honors level students have increased rigor in their study and application of learning.

United States History or United States History H

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade: 11
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that students who opt for the Honors level obtain the grade of "A" or "B" in previous year's Honors Global Studies 2 course or an "A" in the previous year's College Preparatory Global Studies 2 course.
  • Course Number: 02030202
  • Course Number H: 02030303

Course Description: This course surveys the historical growth of the United States socially, economically, and politically from 1920s to modern day. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the course traces movements and events that led to progressive reform, social and political conflict, cultural trends, the emergence of the United States as a world power, and the resulting issues thereby created. Honors level students have increased rigor in their study and application of learning.

AP United States History

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade: 11
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students have grades of "A" or "B" in the previous year's Honors Global Studies 2 course or an "A" in the previous year's College Preparatory Global Studies 2 course.
  • Course Number: 02030404

Course Description: This course is taught at the college level and is designed to give students the opportunity to explore the scope of American history through the analysis of primary documents and the critical evaluation of various forms of historical evidence. The curriculum is prescribed by the College Board and covers the American experience from colonial times through the twentieth century. Social, political, and economic trends as well as major movements, conflicts, and events require considerable reading before and during the course and refined skills in research and writing are expected and practiced. One of the goals of this course is to prepare students to successfully complete the AP examination in United States History.

United States Government or United States Government H

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade: 12 and pre-IB students in grades 10
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that students who opt for the Honors level have grades of "A" or "B" in the previous year's Honors Social Studies course or an "A" in the previous year's College Preparatory Social Studies course.
  • Course Number: 02040222
  • Course Number H: 02040323

Course Description: Students acquire an understanding of the institutions and processes of the three branches of government in the American political system including the Presidency, the Congress, the Judicial System, Interest Groups, and Lobbying and Political Parties. This course also places an emphasis on Civics with an experiential civics' component focusing on local, regional, or state governmental issues. Politics and policy are examined from a historical perspective, and students apply this knowledge to current issues to develop in-depth understandings of the forces at work in our democracy. Students are expected to deepen reading and writing skills. Honors level students have increased rigor in their study and application of learning. Students taking this course complete a District-created Act 35 Assessment of Civics Knowledge.

AP United States Government & Politics

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade: 12 and pre-IB students in grade 10
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students have grades of "A" or "B" in the current honors or AP level Social Studies core course and recommendation from a member of the Social Studies Department.
  • Course Number: 02040424

Course Description: This course is taught at the college level and is designed to give students a critical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of the Constitutional underpinnings of the American system and the processes within our democracy including political parties, interest groups, voter participation and behavior, and civil liberties and civil rights. The student undertakes considerable reading at an advanced level. One of the goals of this course is to prepare students to successfully complete an AP examination in United States Government and Politics. This course satisfies the United States Government graduation requirement. Students taking this course complete a District-created Act 35 Assessment of Civics Knowledge.

Social Studies Electives

Students may select from the following Social Studies electives in addition to the core Social Studies courses.

Black Excellence: The Politics, Economics, and Culture of an American People or Black Excellence: The Politics, Economics, and Culture of an American People H

  • Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
  • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
  • Course Number: 02130102
  • Course Number H: 02130203

Course Description: This course studies the Black experience in America, both the effect of society on Black Americans as well as Black Americans' influence on society. It examines the history, culture, and politics of Black people within America and centers the experiences, voices, and accomplishments of Black Americans as a challenge to traditional narratives. Through the lens of Black Excellence, this course examines Politics, Business, Education, Culture, and Legacies. It embeds a discussion of culture throughout and includes a culminating project where students focus on legacies of excellence in the past, in the future, and in their own lives. Honors level students have increased rigor in their study and application of learning.

Economics or Economics H

  • Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
  • Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
  • Course Number: 02070102
  • Course Number H: 02070203

Course Description: This one-semester course is an introduction to fundamental micro and macroeconomic concepts. Major topics include supply and demand, prices, market structures, financial markets, money, and banking, monetary and fiscal policy, government regulations, and comparative economic systems. There is an emphasis on economic literacy, and a major goal is to develop an understanding of the vocabulary and analytical techniques used by economists. Honors level students have increased rigor in their study and application of learning as well as undertake considerable reading at an advanced level.

AP Economics

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade (s): 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students have grades of "A" or "B" in the current honors or AP level Social Studies core course and recommendation from a member of the Social Studies Department.
  • Course Number: 02070604

Course Description: AP Economics covers introductions to both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics is focused on helping students develop a thorough understanding of principles of economics that apply to the functions of both consumers and producers within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Macroeconomics gives students a thorough understanding of principles of economics that apply to economic systems as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination and develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. This course prepares students to take both the AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics exams.

IB Economics-SL - offered at Harriton High School only

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade (s): 11, 12
  • Course Number: 02070305

Course Description: The Standard Level IB Economics class provides students a solid foundation in microeconomics and macroeconomics. Basic economic terminology is emphasized, and students become familiar with analyzing economic models, graphs, and data. While the course focuses on the central economic questions of "What?", "How?", and "For whom?" students apply economic theory to the real-world issues of economic development, market structures, the environment, and the impact of technology. Students are required to prepare commentaries linking the material in the classroom to contemporary situations described in published news media. This course is offered depending on enrollment and may be taken by non-IB students. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete all International Baccalaureate assessments.

IB Economics-HL (Part 1) - offered at Harriton High School only

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade (s): 11, 12
  • Course Number: 02070405

Course Description: This course is the first year of the two-year Higher Level IB Economics class and provides students with an in- depth study of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Basic economic terminology is emphasized, and students become familiar with analyzing economic models, graphs, and data. While the course focuses on the central economic questions of "What?", "How?", and "For whom?" students apply economic theory to the real-world issues of economic development, market structures, the environment, and the impact of technology. Students are required to prepare commentaries linking the material in the classroom to contemporary situations described in published news media. This course is offered depending on enrollment and may be taken by non-IB students as well. Please note that taking Part 1 of this course does not guarantee that Part 2 will fit into your schedule the following year. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete all International Baccalaureate assessments.

IB Economics-HL (Part 2) - offered at Harriton High School only

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade (s): 12
  • Prerequisite: IB Economics-HL (Part 2) HL.
  • Course Number: 02070505

Course Description: This course is the second year of the two-year Higher Level Economics class and will expand on the economic foundations covered in Part 1. There is a further analysis of such topics as cost theory, market structures, Veblen and Giffin goods, multipliers, and accelerators, inflation measures, Philips curves, Laffer curves, Lorenz curves, comparative advantage, Marshall-Lerner conditions, and trade issues. This course is offered depending on enrollment and may be taken by non- IB students as well. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete all International Baccalaureate assessments.

Global Citizenship or Global Citizenship H

  • Length/credit: 1 semester – 0.5 credit
  • Grade (s): 9, 10, 11, 12
  • Course Number: 02020512
  • Course Number H: 02020503

Course Description: This course invites learners to become positive forces as global citizens. This curriculum's student-centered approach combines academic learning with experiential service experiences. Students study poverty, gender equity, income inequality, human and civil rights, environmental sustainability, globalization, and interdependence, as well as cultural diversity. This course requires 30-40 hours of community service per semester. Because these service opportunities are informed by academic study, they increase intercultural competence and global awareness in both practical and scholarly ways. Honors level students have increased rigor in their study and application of learning.

AP Human Geography

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade (s): 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students have grades of "A" or "B" in the current honors or AP level Social Studies core course and recommendation from a member of the Social Studies Department.
  • Course Number: 02120104

Course Description: This course enhances understanding of how humans interact with the world around them. The course focuses on the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface and the tools geographers use to study how humans interact with the earth and the consequences of those actions. During the course, students interpret maps and analyze geospatial data, understand, and explain the implications of associations and networks among phenomena in places, recognize and interpret the relationships among patterns and processes at different scales of analysis, define regions and evaluate the regionalization process, and characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places. Essentially, students' study "where stuff is and why it's there." This college-level course includes class discussions, geography activities, practice exams, essay exams, and geographic fieldwork. The course prepares students to take the AP Human Geography exam.

Philosophy and Modern Culture or Philosophy and Modern Culture H

  • Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
  • Grade(s): 11, 12
  • Course Number: 02080102
  • Course Number H: 02080103

Course Description: This course is a study of philosophical questions and their application to modern life. Students study great thinkers and the ways in which their viewpoints are relevant to the modern world. Issues such as the role of science and technology, theories of knowledge, and moral philosophy are discussed. Contemporary readings and films are used for illustration. The honors course involves significantly more reading, writing, and research than the college preparatory level.

Psychology or Psychology H

  • Length/credit: 1 semester - 0.5 credit
  • Grade(s): 11, 12
  • Course Number: 02060102
  • Course Number H: 02060203

This course is an introduction to the field of psychology with special emphasis on applying course content to students' life experiences. The content spans a wide range of topics such as learning, development, the brain, personality, the senses, psychological testing, and psychiatry. The course seeks to help students develop healthy and realistic personal attitudes as they approach adulthood. Included in the course is a moderate amount of reading, writing, experimental projects, and class discussions. Honors level students have increased rigor in their study and application of learning.

AP Psychology

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 11, 12
  • Prerequisite: It is recommended that interested students have grades of "A" or "B" in the current honors or AP level Social Studies core course and recommendation from a member of the Social Studies Department.
  • Course Number: 02060304

Course Description: This course is the secondary school equivalent to an introductory college-level course in psychology. The course is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. 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. This course prepares students to take the AP Psychology exam.

IB Psychology SL - offered at Harriton High School only

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 11, 12
  • Course Number: 02060305

Course Description: The IB Psychology-SL class provides students with a solid foundation in the historical background of psychology as a social science. Students are exposed to the study of the behavior of organisms, both animal and human. They study various methodologies and philosophical positions as they have developed in modern psychology. Students are exposed to the utilization of the scientific method in the social sciences and its importance in the growth of the psychological sciences. This course may be taken by non-IB students as well. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete all International Baccalaureate assessments.

IB Psychology HL (Part 1)  - offered at Harriton High School only

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 11
  • Course Number: 02060405

Course Description: The IB Psychology-HL (Part 1) class is the first year of the Higher Level Psychology class. The HL course expands on the foundational information covered in the SL course. In addition to the historical and theoretical background information, HL students produce an original research project following IB guidelines. This course is offered depending on enrollment and may be taken by non-IB students as well. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete all International Baccalaureate assessments.

IB Psychology HL (Part 2)  - offered at Harriton High School only

  • Length/credit: 1 year - 1.0 credit
  • Grade(s): 12
  • Course Number: 02060505

Course Description: The IB Psychology HL (Part 2) class is the second year of the Higher Level IB Psychology class. This class continues to expand on foundational information begun in the first year of the class. In addition, students study an assigned area in depth. This is the year in which their experimental study is completed, requiring 25 hours, 1500- 2000 words, and includes the use of inferential statistics as part of the analysis of data. All students enrolled in this class are required to complete all International Baccalaureate assessments.