Clarification 1: Students will identify examples of the powers reserved and shared among state and the national governments in the American federal system of government.

Clarification 2: Students will examine the role the Great Compromise had on the eventual establishment of a federal system of fifty equal states.

Clarification 3: Students will explain specific rights that are granted to the states in the language of the U.S. Constitution and its amendments (e.g., 10th Amendment, defense and extradition).

Clarification 4: Students will analyze how states have challenged the national government regarding states’ rights (e.g., Civil War, the New Deal, No Child Left Behind, Affordable Health Care Act, Civil Rights Movement).

• Students study primary source documents to understand the philosophical underpinnings of the American Republic and the root cause of American exceptionalism. 
• Students compare the success of the United States and the success or failure of other nations’ governing philosophies to evaluate their past, present and likely future effects. 
• Students have a sense of civic pride and participate regularly in all levels of government. 
• Students reflect upon United States civic history, so they understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, including the process of advocating properly with government officials. 

This course must include a comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.

• Students study primary source documents to understand the philosophical underpinnings of the American Republic and the root cause of American exceptionalism. 
• Students compare the success of the United States and the success or failure of other nations’ governing philosophies to evaluate their past, present and likely future effects. 
• Students have a sense of civic pride and participate regularly in all levels of government. 
• Students reflect upon United States civic history, so they understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, including the process of advocating properly with government officials. 

This course must include a comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.

• Students study primary source documents to understand the philosophical underpinnings of the American Republic and the root cause of American exceptionalism. 
• Students compare the success of the United States and the success or failure of other nations’ governing philosophies to evaluate their past, present and likely future effects. 
• Students have a sense of civic pride and participate regularly in all levels of government. 
• Students reflect upon United States civic history, so they understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, including the process of advocating properly with government officials. 

This course must include a comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.

• Students study primary source documents to understand the philosophical underpinnings of the American Republic and the root cause of American exceptionalism. 
• Students compare the success of the United States and the success or failure of other nations’ governing philosophies to evaluate their past, present and likely future effects. 
• Students have a sense of civic pride and participate regularly in all levels of government. 
• Students reflect upon United States civic history, so they understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, including the process of advocating properly with government officials. 

This course must include a comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.

The purpose of this Pre-IB course is to prepare students for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP). As such, this course will provide academic rigor and relevance through a comprehensive curriculum based on the state academic standards (SAS) and standards taught with reference to the unique facets of the IB. These facets include interrelatedness of subject areas, a holistic view of knowledge, intercultural awareness, embracing international issues, and communication as fundamental to learning. Instructional design must provide students with values and opportunities that enable them to develop respect for others and an appreciation of similarities and differences. Learning how to learn and how to critically evaluate information is as important as the content of the disciplines themselves.

• Students study primary source documents to understand the philosophical underpinnings of the American Republic and the root cause of American exceptionalism. 
• Students compare the success of the United States and the success or failure of other nations’ governing philosophies to evaluate their past, present and likely future effects. 
• Students have a sense of civic pride and participate regularly in all levels of government. 
• Students reflect upon United States civic history, so they understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, including the process of advocating properly with government officials. 

This course must include a comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.

The Humane Letters 1 –History course has content strands of Geography, Civics and Government, and History.   Goal of the course is understanding the foundational principles of the American Republic and the structures and frameworks of government that supports the constitutional republic.  It will explore the philosophical ideas around the function of the state, civil society, political movements, and ideologies as well as comparative forms of government.  Additionally, the course pertains to the study of government institutions and political processes and their historical impact on American society. Content should include philosophical influences of the American Founders, the fundamental ideas and events that shaped the founding of the United States, the functions and purpose of government, the function of the state, the constitutional framework, federalism, separation of powers, functions of the three branches of government at the local, state and national level, and the political decision-making process.

• Students study primary source documents to understand the philosophical underpinnings of the American Republic and the root cause of American exceptionalism. 
• Students compare the success of the United States and the success or failure of other nations’ governing philosophies to evaluate their past, present and likely future effects. 
• Students have a sense of civic pride and participate regularly in all levels of government. 
• Students reflect upon United States civic history, so they understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, including the process of advocating properly with government officials. 

This course must include a comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.

The Humane Letters 1 –History course has content strands of Geography, Civics and Government, and History. Goal of the course is understanding the foundational principles of the American Republic and the structures and frameworks of government that supports the constitutional republic. It will explore the philosophical ideas around the function of the state, civil society, political movements, and ideologies as well as comparative forms of government.  Additionally, the course pertains to the study of government institutions and political processes and their historical impact on American society. Content should include philosophical influences of the American Founders, the fundamental ideas and events that shaped the founding of the United States, the functions and purpose of government, the function of the state, the constitutional framework, federalism, separation of powers, functions of the three branches of government at the local, state and national level, and the political decision-making process.

Students will analyze and interpret philosophical texts and arguments, developing critical thinking and logical reasoning skills. The course also examines the impact of philosophical ideas on historical and contemporary issues, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of philosophy in shaping human thought and society.

Students will engage with the foundational principles of philosophical inquiry, including semantics, logic, inductive and deductive reasoning, and the contributions of major philosophers. The curriculum covers the works of ancient philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and modern thinkers like Descartes, Kant, and Nietzsche. Emphasis is placed on developing logical reasoning skills through practice in logical analysis, critical thinking, and argument evaluation. 

Additionally, students will explore the impact of philosophical ideas on social, political, and religious contexts throughout history. They will analyze and interpret philosophical texts and arguments, understanding the relevance and application of philosophical principles in contemporary issues. 

By the end of this course, students will have a solid foundation in the principles and history of philosophy, enhanced analytical and reasoning skills, and a greater appreciation for the depth and diversity of philosophical thought. This course aims to prepare students for advanced studies in the humanities and encourages a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.