• SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE COURSES

    AIS Social Studies Support:  No Credit, MHS
    This is a course for those identified or recommended students who need assistance in mastering the skills necessary to maximize success on the Global and American History Regents exams.

     Introduction to Law I (Fall) and Introduction to Law II (Spring):  .5 Credit/.5 Credit, MHS

    Introduction to Law Courses Video

    • Intro to Law I:  Civil Law (Fall) - This elective course is designed to allow the student to gain an understanding of a citizen’s legal rights and responsibilities.  It will provide practical knowledge of civil laws such as contracts, torts, and family law.  Students also learn and practice the basic skills of public speaking, debate, and crafting arguments.  All students will participate in mock trial competitions as attorneys or witnesses.  These competitions culminate in the law night competition that takes place at Village Court in Massapequa.  This course can also be taken individually as an alternate day course.
    • Intro to Law II:  Criminal Law (Spring) - This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Introduction to Law I - Civil Law.  Using mock trial as a vehicle, students will participate in in-depth studies of criminal law, such as crimes against the person and against property.  This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their ability to use expert testimony and evidence during a trial.  It also allows students to further develop and practice their skills of public speaking, debate, and crafting arguments.  All students will participate in mock trial competitions as attorneys or witnesses.  These competitions culminate in a law day celebration which takes place in the Massapequa High School courtroom in front of practicing judges and attorneys.

     Introduction to Law II (Fall) and Introduction to Law III (Spring):  .5 Credit/.5 Credit, MHS

    Introduction to Law Courses Video

    • Intro to Law II:  Criminal Law (Fall) - This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Introduction to Law I - Civil Law.  Using mock trial as a vehicle, students will participate in in-depth studies of criminal law, such as crimes against the person and against property.  This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their ability to use expert testimony and evidence during a trial.  It also allows students to further develop and practice their skills of public speaking, debate, and crafting arguments.  All students will participate in mock trial competitions as attorneys or witnesses.  These competitions culminate in a law day celebration which takes place in the Massapequa High School courtroom in front of practicing judges and attorneys.
    • Intro to Law III:  Public Advocacy (Spring) - This course is designed to allow students, who have been successful in Introduction to Law I - Civil Law and Introduction to Law II - Criminal Law, to learn more about public advocacy.  A law mentor program is an integral part of this course, and students are able to hone advanced skills in public speaking and debate.  The course begins by having students use advanced mock trial techniques in various controversial areas, such as discriminatory practices and usage of the death penalty.  The second half of this course focuses on moot court cases and appellate law using materials from Street Law.  This course culminates in a moot court competition which takes place at the federal courthouse in Central Islip in front of practicing judges and attorneys. This course can also be taken individually as an alternate day course.

     Sports in American Culture:  .5 Credit, MHS
    This course will examine the nature of various sports and their role in American society, from an historical and contemporary perspective. Issues such as gender, race, class, ethnicity, nationalism and the role of the media will be examined. Students will also have the ability to explore the opportunities offered by the sports world on and off the field. Grade 10 - 12 students

    Navigating New York City:  .5 Credit, MHS

    Navigating New York Course Video

    This course focuses on the social, economic and political history of New York City. This course will require outside readings, research papers and projects. It will also include a trip into Manhattan to see historical landmarks and navigate the New York City subway system. Grade 11 and 12 students only

    Psychology:  .5 Credit, MHS

    Psychology Course Video

    This course concentrates on areas such as learning, motivation, perception, experimentation, research methods, child development, and abnormal behavior. The course includes an evaluation of Piaget’s Stages of Development through interaction with pre-school and elementary school children. Grade 11 and 12 students only

     

     

    SOCIAL STUDIES COLLEGE ELECTIVE COURSES

    College Sociology:  .5 Credit, MHS; optional 3 College Credits, Molloy College
    This is an introductory course in sociology which will evaluate the consequences of human relations. Topics include cultural growth, social institutions, the adolescent individual and the group, and social problems such as crime, poverty, addiction and race relations. Grade 12 students only

    College Psychology: .5 Credit, MHS, optional 3 College Credits, LIU/Post
    This course may be taken for college credit as it aligns with the expectations required by LIU/Post. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the methods, theory and research of psychology. Students will explore the facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology.  The course includes an evaluation of Piaget’s Stages of Development through interaction with pre-school and elementary school children. Grade 12 students only

    College Criminal Justice:  .5 Credit, MHS; optional 6 College Credits, LIU/Post
    This course may be taken for college credit as it aligns with the expectations required by LIU/Post. The goal of this course is to provide students with an in-depth study of the criminal justice system. Focusing on police investigation, criminal trials, the appellate process, and the ways in which society has sought to prevent crime. A strong understanding of the U.S. Constitution is a must for this course. Grade 12 students only

    Advanced Placement European History:  1 Credit, MHS; optional 3 College Credits, St. John's University
    This course is equivalent to an introductory college level course in European History. The course examines the development of Western civilization from a European perspective. College level readings are used to evaluate time periods from the Renaissance through Contemporary Europe. Students will be required to complete a summer assignment and take the Advanced Placement Exam in May. Grade 11 and 12 students only