BPS High School Course Catalog 24-25 - Flipbook - Page 81
the context of exploring world history. A variety of literature and informational texts are used as vehicles
for discussion. Students write in multiple writing genres including narrative, argumentative, research,
impromptu, and journal writing. Emphasis is placed on reading, writing, research, and discussion skills.
To meet 9th grade Social Studies standards, Excel begins with an exploration of early civilizations and
the origins of the world’s great belief systems, and continues through the twentieth century, examining
how communities cope with stress and change, and how power struggles impact societies. Students
develop their ability to read and critique texts, using primary source documents, as well as drawing from
a wealth of contemporary materials. Students are challenged to think critically and communicate their
learning through a variety of assessment tasks.
Prerequisites: None
Grades Taught: 9
Credit: 2
NCAA Approved
Excel 10: American Studies (Groves)
Honors Excel 10: American Studies (Groves)
From the era of Reconstruction to the economic, social, and geopolitical developments at the end of
the 20th century, students will be engaged in those persisting questions which directed America’s
historical, literary, and cultural development. Key areas of study include Post Civil War Reconstruction,
Westward expansion, American Imperialism, World War 1, the Progressive Era and women’s rights, the
Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression and the New Deal, World War 2, the Cold War, the Vietnam War,
Civil Rights, and America’s role as a world superpower. Alongside these eras, modes of American literary
trends and expression, inspired by social phenomena and geographical connections, will be explored.
Students will take an active part in their education by participating in mock trials, recreating Senate
debates, conducting oral histories, analyzing artifacts, refashioning constitutional amendments and
government policies. Students will react to the literature and historical materials of 19th and 20th
century America, by recording their responses in a variety of modes including journal reflections,
editorials, formal essays, creative projects, position papers, critical reviews, and literary analyses.
An honors student will complete additional project expectations, writing requirements, and test
questions that require the student to demonstrate cognitive understanding and skill development
at a deeper level than academic students. Additionally, standards and expectations on essays and
assignments will exceed those of Academic level. Honors students will also read an additional novel or
non-fiction book each semester and compose a synthesis essay that connects this reading to Excel
topics and themes. Students must earn a B- final grade to earn Honors credit.
Prerequisites: Excel 9 or English 9 and World History
Grades Taught: 10
Credit: 2
NCAA Approved
Excel 11: Global Studies (Groves)
Honors Excel 11: Global Studies (Groves)
Excel 11 offers an interdisciplinary course that blends English, Economics, and Global Issues. The overall
objective of this interdisciplinary course is to develop students into strategic critical thinkers and
problem solvers in an interdependent world of competition and conflict. Through the study of literature,
essays, and films, the class analyzes how American foreign policy has attempted to navigate issues of
war, human rights, envi-ronment, and economics with the powers of China and Russia. The work of the
class pushes students to assess the options of a “weak player” under the jurisdiction of a group that
does not consider them to be citizens. Ultimately, students will consider how much we should care
about “righting” wrongs in the world versus prioritizing our security in a world that is permanently
interconnected.
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