Social Studies

The American Government course allows students to evaluate and synthesis Constitutional principles and the makeup of the federal government. In this course students will examine the origins of American Government, rule of law and the nature of Constitutional governance, the makeup and roles of the three branches of government, the balance between cooperative federalism and state rights, the two-party system and more. In addition, students will be expected to synthesize what they have learned to produce insightful responses to current problems that our nation’s government must address. 

Grade 10

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

AP United States Government and Politics offers an opportunity to locate, evaluate, and synthesize Constitutional law, the Federal Government, and State Governments. Students will examine the foundations of American government (including European influences), strict and liberal Constitutional interpretation, the makeup and roles of the three branches of government, political parties and their influence on the government, the two-party system, and more. Students who enroll in the AP US Government and Politics course should be aware that taking the AP Exam is expected. High achievement on the Advanced Placement Exam may qualify students for college credits and/or placement. The exam fee is paid for by the student and costs approximately $98.

Grades 10 - 12

AP

Full year   1 HS Credit/3 College Credits

Students will examine the chronology of American History up to the Industrial Revolution with an emphasis on how events have shaped society. Students will analyze the primary sources of the time period and determine their relevance and importance in American History. Students will analyze historical evidence skeptically and critically to determine bias and reliability of primary sources such as speeches, treaties, petitions, letters, journals, and political cartoons. Students will critically analyze documents and use their analyses and acquired historical knowledge to develop well-organized essays with well-developed and supported thesis. This course is designed as the first of two courses to prepare students for college and success in the Advanced Placement U.S. History course. Students will complete a summer assignment prior to the course start date or be removed.

Grade 11

Honors

Full year   1 Credit

Students will critically examine the events of American History from the Reconstruction Era (1865-1877) to the modern era. Students will formulate questions regarding US decisions and involvement in world events. Students will analyze historical data and draw conclusions regarding the actions of the US Government both abroad and domestically. Students will learn how to develop a well-organized historical essay with a well-developed and supported thesis to increase their ability to communicate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively. Students will frame, analyze, and synthesize information related to significant national, international, political, social, and environmental issues in order to solve problems. Using group activities, students will assume shared responsibility for collaborative work to achieve a common goal. Students will also use technology to access and evaluate information that they then communicate to others. 

Grade 11

Academic

Full year   1 Credit

This course is a continuation of Honors Early American History. High achievement on the Advanced Placement Exam in May will give students the opportunity to earn college credit. Students will continue to access, synthesize, and evaluate information actively and creatively using primary source documents from the Post-Civil War period up through modern day. Through various writing and research activities, students will connect their existing knowledge of history to events of both the past and present to create more diverse perspectives and alternative solutions to problems faced by the nation. Historical content will be analyzed in order to identify the complexity of choices made on political, social, and technological levels that reflect the interconnectivity of all institutions and people. Students who enroll in the AP U.S. History course should be aware that taking the AP Exam is expected. High achievement on the Advanced Placement Exam may qualify students for college credits and/or placement. The exam fee is paid for by the student at the beginning of the academic year and costs approximately $98.

Grade 12

AP

Full year   1 HS Credit/3 College Credits

In this course students will examine the development and functions of the human mind, the nature of a person’s perception, human development, social interaction, personality mental illness and the various branches of modern psychology. Students will enhance their understanding of the field of psychology by compiling, interpreting, and communicating their findings in a logical manner.

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Full Year   1 Credit

The economics course introduces the basic principles of the free enterprise system in comparison to the other economic systems of the world. Major topics include supply and demand, comparisons of businesses, and the stock market. During the course, students will read various sources to understand the foundations of the American economy. During daily activities, students will access, evaluate, and use information related to the economy to gain a better understanding of the interconnectivity of global, national, and world issues. The various topics undertaken will allow students to make complex choices, identify significant questions, and solve problems. 

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

Criminal and Civil Law is a half-year course that provides students with exposure to legal concepts, terms, and practices. The focus of the class will be to introduce students to the various components of the legal system. During the course, students will compile, interpret, and communicate evidence related to court cases of the past and present. As students collect information, they will be asked to formulate logical statements that support their opinions of the legal system. 

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

The Ancient Civilizations course surveys the major campaigns and events that led to the development of civilizations that established the foundations of modern Europe. The course provides an examination of the roots of civilizations in the ancient world including Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Medieval Europe. In the course, students will use a variety of media outlets to convey information learned through writing and projects. Writing clearly and practicing responsible use of technology systems, information, and software will be focal points in the class. 

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

How and why did colonists in North America go from being loyal British subjects to ardent revolutionaries and ultimately independent Americans? This course will examine the process of the birth of our nation. In the first intercession we will begin with a brief overview of Colonial America, then in weeks 2-3 we will trace the causes that led these colonials to rebel against the Mother Country. In the second intercession we will examine the key battles, events, and people of the Revolutionary War. Finally, we will briefly look at the formation of the new government and the issues that arose from that awesome task. 

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

This semester course is designed to provide students with a greater understanding of the current social and political issues that are currently being debated in the United States and around the world with the goal of acquiring a sense of responsibility in relation to the communities in which they live (more immediate and global). Students will draw on related knowledge to create insightful questions for exploration concerning issues related to race relations, women’s rights, immigration, the environment, foreign policy issues, and other major themes that are part of present-day America and the world. Students will study the roots of social movements that have driven American public opinion using primary and secondary sources. Using various technology systems, students will locate, collect, and evaluate information for research, problem-solving, and decision-making. Students will be required to complete projects, reports, and presentations that identify issues, use relevant evidence to support viewpoints, create and execute plans/products that address an identified issue, and evaluate consequences for civic action. 

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

Students will explore key topics in the years leading up to, during, and following World War II. The course will provide an overview of World War I and how the intermediary events separating the two wars led to the development of World War II. Students will develop critical thinking skills by discussing key events surrounding the conflict and evaluating choices made by various world leaders, with a focus on the role of the United States, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, Germany, Japan and Italy. Using films as well as various primary and secondary sources, students will draw conclusions about the impact of the conflict and recognize trends in the development of major conflicts. Students will learn how to develop a well-organized historical presentation and consistently articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively through speaking and writing. Most importantly, students will examine the post-World War II era and the measures that have been taken to prevent a third world war. 

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

 

Students will explore key topics in the years leading up to, during, and following the 1980s in the United States. The course will provide an overview of important American leaders, domestic policies, foreign policies, and key events. Students will also examine pop culture trends during the 1980s including athletics, entertainment, music, television, films, books, fashion, and so on. Technological innovations will also be analyzed. Using films as well as various primary and secondary sources, students will draw conclusions about the lasting legacy of the events of the 1980s on the United States. 

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

Why do thousands of fans go each week to watch their favorite sports teams play? Why do millions of others spend time watching the same teams on television? Why do people join fantasy leagues and place bets on pro sports? Since ancient times, sporting events have been an integral part of society.  Sports, sporting events, and fans are inescapable, and they play an interesting role in the development of our society. From our earliest days as a nation, sports have pulled communities together, as well as created bitter rivalries between cities. This course will examine the history of sports, their very foundations, as well as examine the role sports and sports figures have played in shaping and changing society. 

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

The full-year course, developed by SERC, is an opportunity for students to explore accomplishments, struggles, intersections, perspectives, and collaborations of African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino people in the U.S. Students will examine how historical movements, legislation, and wars affected the citizenship rights of these groups and how they, both separately and together, worked to build U.S. cultural and economic wealth and create more just societies in local, national, and international contexts. Coursework will provide students with tools to identify historic and contemporary tensions around race and difference; map economic and racial disparities over time; strengthen their own identity development; and address bias in their communities. 

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

Freshman Seminar is a course designed to provide new secondary students with foundational skills for success in high school. During this semester course, students will be required to choose an independent reading book, use this literature as a lens to ask a research question, answer their research question with a defensible thesis, and support their thesis with reliable source material as outlined in an annotated bibliography. Freshman Seminar is also designed to provide new secondary students with important information, habits, and mindsets that will help them be more successful during their high school years (and beyond) including developing habits of personal accountability, fostering positive relationships with others through written and oral communication, and taking responsibility for decisions and actions. Freshman Seminar also includes training and subsequent monitoring of Capstone requirements, including ten hours of community service.  

Grade 9

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

The Capstone Experience course will help to prepare students for a successful transition from the Thompson school community to college or career. During this course, each student will prepare his/her Gallery Showcase, which is the culmination of a TMHS student’s high school experience and a requirement for graduation. The Gallery Showcase is a student’s individualized demonstration of Thompson’s Portrait of a Graduate skills and attributes. This course will help students prepare an exhibition of their growth, unique interests, and skills developed throughout their high school experience and highlight their readiness for graduation.  

Grades 11 - 12

Academic

Semester   .5 Credit

Students who are interested in an Early Childhood Education I Internship must have an excellent attendance and behavior record and obtain prior approval from the program manager (currently Mrs. Ouillette). ECE Interns will be assigned by the program manager to a cooperating teacher in grades Pre-K-4 in MRFES. These student mentors/tutors, called “Tiger Pals” will be evaluated with a Pass or Fail grade based on the following criteria: punctuality and attendance, productivity, taking initiative, contributing to an environment of respect and rapport, demonstrating good judgment and reacting in a professional manner to student behavior, treating students in a respectful, fair, and impartial manner, having a positive attitude, appreciating input/feedback, having direct and ongoing communication with the cooperating teacher, maintaining confidentiality, supporting all students in a variety of ways, and continually seeking to improve support. Students who perform in a proficient or exemplary manner may be eligible to take the ECE II Internship.  

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester Internship   .5 Credit

Students who are interested in the Early Childhood Education Internship II must have an excellent attendance and behavior record, must have approval from the program manager (currently Mrs. Ouillette) and must have performed in a proficient or exemplary manner during ECE I Internship. ECE II Interns may continue with their ECE I placement or may be assigned by the program manager to a new cooperating teacher in grades Pre-K-4 in MRFES. These student mentors/tutors, called “Tiger Pals” will be evaluated with a Pass or Fail grade based on the same criteria as the ECE I Internship, These student mentors/tutors, called “Tiger Pals” will be evaluated with a Pass or Fail grade based on the following criteria: punctuality and attendance, productivity, taking initiative, contributing to an environment of respect and rapport, demonstrating good judgment and reacting in a professional manner to student behavior, treating students in a respectful, fair, and impartial manner, having a positive attitude, appreciating input/feedback, having direct and ongoing communication with the cooperating teacher, maintaining confidentiality, supporting all students in a variety of ways, and continually seeking to improve support.  

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester Internship   .5 Credit

Students who are interested in a Secondary Education I Internship must have an excellent attendance and behavior record and must obtain prior approval from the program manager (currently Mrs. Ouillette). SE I Interns will be assigned by the program manager to a cooperating teacher in grades 5-12 at TMS or TMHS, and student preference for grade level will be considered. These student mentors/tutors, called “Tiger Pals” will be evaluated with a Pass or Fail grade based on the following criteria: punctuality and attendance, productivity, taking initiative, contributing to an environment of respect and rapport, demonstrating good judgment and reacting in a professional manner to student behavior, treating students in a respectful, fair, and impartial manner, having a positive attitude, appreciating input/feedback, having direct and ongoing communication with the cooperating teacher, maintaining confidentiality, supporting all students in a variety of ways, and continually seeking to improve support. Students who perform in a proficient or exemplary manner may be eligible to take the SE II Internship.  

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester Internship   .5 Credit

Students who are interested in the Secondary Education Internship II must have an excellent attendance and behavior record, must have approval from the program manager (currently Mrs. Ouillette) and must have performed in a proficient or exemplary manner during SE I Internship. SE II Interns may continue with their SE I placement or may be assigned by the program manager to a new cooperating teacher in grades 5-12 at TMS or TMHS, with consideration for student grade level preference. These student mentors/tutors, called “Tiger Pals” will be evaluated with a Pass or Fail grade based on the same criteria as the ECE I Internship, These student mentors/tutors, called “Tiger Pals” will be evaluated with a Pass or Fail grade based on the following criteria: punctuality and attendance, productivity, taking initiative, contributing to an environment of respect and rapport, demonstrating good judgment and reacting in a professional manner to student behavior, treating students in a respectful, fair, and impartial manner, having a positive attitude, appreciating input/feedback, having direct and ongoing communication with the cooperating teacher, maintaining confidentiality, supporting all students in a variety of ways, and continually seeking to improve support.  

Grades 10 - 12

Academic

Semester Internship   .5 Credit