Core/Required Coursework
Grade 9: Modern World History
Students examine how modern world history, beginning with the late 18th century, has been shaped by the past, how nations and empires are born, rise, interact, and sometimes fall. The standards introduce students to concepts such as colonialism, imperialism, genocide, human rights, and globalization, and the importance of ethical, political, economic, and scientific ideas in shaping nations.
- 10 Credits (#32413, #32423), Grade 9
Grade 10: United States History I — H, CP
Students review the causes of the American Revolution, Constitutional principles, and events of the early Republic. They examine the causes and consequences of the Civil War, industrialization, immigration, the role of the United States in World War I, and the early 20th century quest for social justice for all citizens.
- 10 Credits (#32513, #32523), Grade 10
Grade 11: United States History II or Advanced Placement United States History
Students learn about the fundamentals of economics, the Great Depression and the New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, social, cultural, and technological change, and globalization concluding with a study of social and political movements and international events in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. All Grade 11 students will participate in an Action Civics Project designed to engage students in research, investigate root cause, consider potential solutions and create an action plan for their community. Students will have the option to work in small groups or individually based on topics of their choice.
- 10 Credits (#33013, 33523), Grade 11
Electives Options
Grades 10, 11, 12
Introduction to Criminal Justice (Dual Enrollment option)
Introduction to Criminal Justice is a one semester course where students will study the legal, judicial, and correctional systems of the United States. The class will focus on the foundation of the U.S. Constitution, fundamental legal principles, court procedures, civil and criminal laws, and the laws which impact our daily lives. The goal of the course is to provide students with practical and problem-solving skills that will develop in the students understanding of key legal concepts and their ability to be civic and legal minded citizens in a law-saturated society. The course will implement the use of case studies, mock trials, guest speakers, small-group exercises, and hands-on activities.
Common Law and Trial Procedures I
Common Law and Trial Procedures will provide students the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals
of the American judicial system and how it can impact their lives in ways they might not otherwise imagine. The course will further students’ understanding of the law, court procedures, civil liberties and the American legal system. It will also increase proficiency in basic life skills, such as listening, public speaking, rote 21 memorization, reading, and analytical reasoning. Students are required to think independently and develop their advocacy skills regardless of which side of an issue is being presented.
Most importantly, the course will promote better communication and cooperation between the student, Chelmsford H.S., and the legal profession. Students who take Common Law & Trial Procedures will be required to participate in the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Mock Trial program. This unique experience will heighten the student’s consciousness of law-related professions and the academic studies which lead to those professions. Many schools in the state participate in this competition-based program, including well-known educational facilities from the private sector.
- Note: There is an application process to be considered for enrollment in this course. Please see the Social Studies Department Coordinator or Mr. Cole for the application and information, including deadlines.
Grades 11, 12
Civics CP
An educated citizenry is essential. This course is designed to help students enhance their civic knowledge
and skills.. The course takes students beyond the foundational study of government structures and history
and focuses on the roles and responsibilities of citizenship at the local community, state, and national levels. Students will learn how each level works in order to “promote the general welfare” and what that means with regards to legal, social and economic policy. The Town of Chelmsford and its governance will be a significant focus of our studies. Students will explore the various, often competing perspectives regarding major policy issues facing our citizens today, and how to analyze, deliberate, and discuss the issues and the arguments from those different viewpoints. We will consider the role that a ‘free press’ media and social media play in our political past, present and future. Emphasis will be placed on a classroom community in which dialogue and respectful debate occur in order to enhance a student’s capacity to communicate, as both an active speaker and listener. Students will participate in a dynamic classroom environment that encourages civil discourse, collaboration, inquiry, experiential learning (visits to the Town Hall and State House) and connects them with elected officials and community representatives.
- 5 Credits (#38724), Grade 11, 12
Psychology I CP (Dual Enrollment)
This course for juniors and seniors is designed to introduce students to the biological and theoretical
foundations of psychology. The course will encourage students to develop analytical skills, conduct research, investigate the mind-body connection, analyze the concepts of consciousness, evaluate the theories of personality, develop an understanding of psychological disorders, evaluate the role and effectiveness of treatments, and analyze the theories of intelligence. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of psychology through various projects, discussions, and assignments.
- 5 Credits (#36824), Grade 11, 12
Sociology CP (Dual Enrollment)
Sociology is strongly recommended for college-bound juniors and seniors. It is designed to aid students in
understanding today’s dynamic and rapidly changing world. This course has been developed to show the
complexity of social life with its interconnections between social events and conditions. It includes a study
of major social institutions, socialization, social stratification and the relationship of the personality
problems of youth to these social forces. Through a series of experiments and research projects, students
explore some examples of the sorts of problems sociologists study utilizing the methods of sociologists.
- 5 Credits (#36424), Grade 11 + 12
Psychology II CP
This semester 2 course allows students who have successfully completed Psychology I to expand their
knowledge in this discipline. Students will more deeply investigate such topics as, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, learning, human development, and personality. This course provides an in depth study of current psychological issues. Emphasis is placed on research, analysis, interpretation, and writing skills. Students planning to major in the social sciences in college should consider taking this course.
- Note: This course is open to students who have completed Psychology I.
- 5 Credits (#36922), Grade 11 + 12
AP Psychology
This college level course is designed to introduce students to the biological and theoretical foundations of
Psychology. The course will cover material ranging from the historical roots of this social science, the
methods of research as well as the anatomical structure and function of the brain and sense organs. Emphasis will be placed on investigative research, analysis, interpretation, and writing skills. Students will explore the concepts that today’s psychologists are continuing to research. Students will be expected to take on the demands of a college level course, including additional reading assignments during the summer and throughout the school year. Students are required to purchase a copy of Lauren Slater’s “Opening Skinner’s Box” and read the book prior to the first class meeting of the school year. Test taking and writing skills will be addressed throughout the course to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Psychology Exam in May.
- 10 Credits (#37013), Grade 12
AP Government and Politics
This Advanced Placement course in American Government and Politics is designed to give students a critical perspective on government and politics in the United States of America. It involves the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It requires familiarity with various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that make up the American political reality. Twenty Students will be prepared for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those of full year introductory college courses. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Exam in American Government and Politics.
- 10 Credits (#38113), Grade 11 + 12
The Holocaust and Genocide Studies: A Study in Human Behavior
This course, open to juniors and seniors, will provide students with an opportunity to more deeply investigate events in Germany before, during, and after World War II related to the attempted extermination of the Jewish peoples and other ethnic and political minority groups in Europe. Appropriate print materials, films, and guest speakers will be used to help the students understand the cause, nature, and enduring consequences of the Holocaust. A sociological approach will allow students to see how individuals and small groups are influenced by man’s inhumanity to man. Through a case study exploration of historical and modern genocides, students will learn to recognize the actions (subtle and overt) of individuals and institutions that seek to perpetuate racism and hate. Students will utilize dialogue and critical analysis to develop potential strategies for minimizing factors that contribute to the persistence of racism and genocide.
- 5 Credits (#38424), Grade 11 + 12 CP
Grade 12
International Relations–H
This Honors level course is for seniors interested in the United States and its role in international affairs.
Students will attain a global perspective and understanding of international issues including the rise of
nations, colonialism, and government practices. Students will examine world events such as environmental concerns, coups, treaties, peace accords, genocides, natural disasters, failed states, terrorism, zones of chaos, and resource wars. Through lively dialogue and debate, students will analyze and attempt to resolve conflicts and determine the role of the United States in global affairs. Students appropriate for this course should enjoy group discussions, independent research, and the complexity of international issues.
- 10 Credits (#38813), Grade 12
American History Through Film CP
This H2 course is for seniors interested in the portrayal of events of American History on the big screen.
This course will examine Hollywood feature films and historical dramas as historical evidence. During the
course, students will view movies on a span of events from the inception of the United States to present
day. The Standards from the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks and the Common Core Standards are an integral component of this course. Students are expected to utilize research, comparative analysis, and critical thinking skills as they determine the value of each film to the American understanding of past events. The continued development of discussion, debate and writing skills will be a central part of the course. Students will research historical events in the United States using primary and secondary sources to have a better understanding of the events they see portrayed in the films. Students will utilize and write film reviews and critical commentaries related to the films. Students will be expected to produce comparative essays in which they identify the specific events and consequences of those events with the stories and myths presented in the films.
- 5 Credits (#39124), Grade 12
Common Law and Trial Procedures II
The course will provide students the opportunity to expand their knowledge about the fundamentals of the American judicial system and how it can impact their lives in ways they might not otherwise imagine. The course will further students’ understanding of the law, court procedures, civil liberties and the American legal system. It will also increase proficiency in basic life skills, such as listening, public speaking, rote memorization, reading, and analytical reasoning. Summer reading is required in this course. Students are required to think independently and develop their advocacy skills regardless of which side of an issue is being presented. Most importantly, the course will promote better communication and cooperation between the student, Chelmsford High School, and the legal profession. Students who take Common Law and Trial Procedures II will be required to participate in the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Mock Trial program. This unique experience will heighten the student’s consciousness of law-related professions and the academic studies, which lead to those professions. Many schools in the state participate in this competition-based program, including well-known educational facilities from the private sector.
- Note: Common Law and Trial Procedures II is available to seniors who have taken CLTP I during their junior year. There is an application process to be considered for enrollment in this course. Please see the Social Studies Department Coordinator or Mr. Cole for the application and information, including deadlines.
- 10 Credits (#39413), Grade 12
