The Social Studies Program

The social studies program is designed to provide LVTI students with the opportunity to develop their analytical capabilities in a variety of courses.  The goal of the program is to prepare students to undertake the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, to enter the world of work, and to pursue higher education.  

Aligned with the Massachusetts History and Social Studies Curriculum Framework, the courses will address the six strands of learning as identified in the Frameworks.  All course work will be presented through the lenses of: 
- Time, continuity and change 
- People and environments 
- Power and participation 
- Production and distribution 
- Cultures and identities 
- Interdependence

Social Studies Program Courses

LY210 HONORS U.S. HISTORY I (1763-1877) 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 10
This course provides able and ambitious students with opportunities to participate in advanced work involving research, analysis, appraisal and evaluation of our history from the Road to Independence up to the late nineteenth century. Each student is expected to develop sensitivity for critical intelligent thinking on issues of nationwide historical concern. The course includes selected reading, independent research and writing of reports. The student is made aware of the tremendous impact various groups and individuals have made on the development of our country as a unique nation. Effort is made to increase student awareness of the traditions, principles, and institutions of this nation.
Honors students should possess strong writing skills and must be willing to conduct independent research, read supplementary materials, analyze documents, and complete assigned projects.
Prerequisite: B+ or better average in subject area from previous year.

LY211 U.S. HISTORY I (1763-1877) 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 10
The exciting period from 1763-1877 will be covered in U.S. History I. The course examines the historical and intellectual origins of the United States during the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras. The basic framework of American democracy and the basic concepts of American government such as popular sovereignty, debate between the Federalist and Anti-Federalist over the ratification of the Constitution, separation of powers, establishment of political parties, and individual rights will be studied. In addition, emphasis will be placed on economic and social changes that occurred during that time frame as well as the course and consequences of westward expansion. Finally, students will learn about the growth of sectional conflict, how sectional conflict led to the Civil War and the consequences of the Civil War including Reconstruction. Map skills, reading and interpreting charts and graphs and the utilization of primary source material will be covered. Students will develop skills in writing and content knowledge in order to prepare for the MCAS History exam.

LY 230 HONORS U.S. HISTORY II (1877-PRESENT) 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 11
This course is a continuation of Honors U.S. History I, with the same degree of intensity demanded. Studies begin with the Twentieth Century and continue to the present day, emphasizing America’s changing role in the world. Selected readings, special projects, and reports – both written and oral – are required of students taking this advanced course. Honors students should possess strong writing skills and must be willing to conduct independent research, read supplementary materials, analyze documents, and complete assigned projects.
Prerequisite: B- or better in Honors US History I or B+ or better in US History I.

LY231 U.S. HISTORY II (1877-PRESENT) 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 11
U.S. History II will cover the geography and history of the United States from 1877-present by presenting the political economic, social, and cultural development of the country throughout the eras. All aspects of American life will be addressed including the impact of art, music, religion, business, industry, politics and the global economy. As students investigate the major events that have shaped America and the world over the past 125 years, they will demonstrate an understanding of the moral, religious and ethical issues surrounding the course topics; the causes and impact of war on shaping the world as we know it, the ideas that have challenged the status quo and the institutions created during this time period which satisfied the needs of the people and regulated their activities. Students will explore history through an analysis of primary source documents: they will analyze and evaluate multiple perspectives and develop and articulate their own points of view in preparation for the MCAS History exam.
Prerequisite: U.S. History I

LY245 HISTORY AND STRUCTURE OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 5.0 CREDITS GRADE 12
This course examines the fundamental principles and basic structures of all levels of American Government.  Students will analyze American political and economic systems and compare them with those of other nations.