Current Courses

  • All students need three History and Social Sciences credits, including U.S.I, U.S.II, and World History, to qualify for graduation. Advanced Placement United States History will fulfill the BHS United States History graduation requirement.  The recommended program of studies according to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education includes World History, United States History I, and United States History II.
     
    Early American History and Civics 2353 | Grade 8 | College Prep
    Recommendation: Teacher recommendation
     
    This course will explore the roots and foundations of democracy and the development of government in the United States.  Students will study the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the institutions of government at the federal, state, and local levels.  Students will develop both historical thinking and media literacy skills in order to evaluate and apply historical and contemporary data.  In the second half of the year, students will apply their knowledge and skills to student-led, nonpartisan civic action projects.   Additional supplemental research and projects will be required throughout the year.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Organization and Time Management

    Early American History and Civics 2352 | Grade 8 | Honors
    Recommendation: Teacher recommendation based on content, effort, and homework grades.

    This course will explore the roots and foundations of democracy and the development of government in the United States.  Students will study the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the institutions of government at the federal, state, and local levels.  Students will develop both historical thinking and media literacy skills in order to evaluate and apply historical and contemporary data.  In the second half of the year, students will apply their knowledge and skills to student-led, nonpartisan civic action projects.   Additional supplemental research and projects will be required throughout the year.  This honors course is for the highly motivated and independent learner.  
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Organization and Time Management
    World History - From the Age of Reason to the Nuclear Age 0228 | Grade 9 | College Prep 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Teacher recommendation.
     
    Students will act as historians as they decipher both primary and secondary sources to understand modern world history content.   Units of study begin with the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment and continue onto the Era of Revolutions; Industrialization and Imperialism; Nationalist Movements in Latin America, Africa, China, and India; World War I; the Russian Revolution; the Great Depression, the Rise of Dictators and World War II; the Cold War Era; and the Contemporary World. The study of current world events will be interspersed throughout the year.   Supplemental research, reading, and projects will be required.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Organization and Time Management
    World History - From the Age of Reason to the Nuclear Age 0229 | Grade 9 | Honors 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Completion of 8th grade history and ELA courses with grades of B+ or better or teacher recommendation.  
     
    This course is for highly motivated and independent learners.  Students will act as historians as they decipher both primary and secondary sources to understand modern world history.   Units of study begin with the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment and continue onto the Era of Revolutions; Industrialization and Imperialism; Nationalist Movements in Latin America, Africa, China, and India; World War I; the Russian Revolution; the Great Depression, the Rise of Dictators and World War II; the Cold War Era; and the Contemporary World. The study of current world events will be interspersed throughout the year.   Supplemental research, reading, and projects will be required.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Organization and Time Management
    Advanced Placement Human Geography 0275 | Grade 9 | Advanced Placement 1 credit
    Recommendation: Completion of 8th grade honors history and honors ELA courses with A- averages in each or teacher recommendation.
     
    AP Human Geography presents students with the curricula equivalent of an introductory college-level course in human geography or cultural geography.  The AP Human Geography content is presented thematically and is organized around the discipline’s main subfields: economic geography, cultural geography, political geography, and urban geography. The approach is spatial and problem oriented. Case studies are drawn from all world regions, with an emphasis on understanding the world in which we live today.  The goal for the course is for students to become more geo-literate, more engaged in contemporary global issues, and more informed about multicultural viewpoints.  Students will see geography as a discipline relevant to the world in which they live; as a source of ideas for identifying, clarifying, and solving problems at various scales; and as a key component of building global citizenship and environmental stewardship.  There will be short summer assignment and all students are required to take the AP exam in May.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Organization and Time Management, Technical and Creative Writing
    U.S. History I - Union and Disunion 0242 | Grade 10 | College Prep 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Completion of World History and English I courses with grades of C- or better or teacher recommendation.
     
    This course will examine the historical and intellectual origins of the United States.  Students will act as historians as they decipher both primary and secondary sources to analyze the origins of the Revolution and the Constitution; Democratization and Expansion; Economic Growth; Social, Political, and Religious Change; the Civil War and Reconstruction; Industrialization and Immigration; and Progressivism and World War I.  Students are expected to assess historical data by evaluating its relevance, content, and reliability in order to arrive at informed conclusions on the basis of factual evidence.  Supplemental readings, projects, and research are required.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Technical and Creative Writing
    U.S. History I - Union and Disunion 0241 Grade 10 | Honors 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Completion of World History Honors and English I Honors with grades of B- or better or teacher recommendation.
     
    This course is designed for highly motivated and independent learners.  Students will examine in depth the historical and intellectual origins of the United States and will act as historians as they decipher both primary and secondary sources to analyze the origins of the Revolution and the Constitution; Democratization and Expansion; Economic Growth; Social, Political, and Religious change; the Civil War and Reconstruction; Industrialization and Immigration; and Progressivism and World War I.  Students are expected to assess historical data by evaluating its relevance, content, and reliability in order to arrive at informed conclusions on the basis of factual evidence.  Supplemental readings, projects, and research are required.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Technical and Creative Writing
    Advanced Placement World History 0230 | Grades 10-12 | Advanced Placement 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Completion of World History Honors or AP Human Geography and English I Honors with grades of B+ or better, or teacher recommendation.
     
    AP World History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college world history course.  This course covers world history from 8000 BCE to today, using six chronological periods.  Large themes such as trade, technology, and interaction among societies and empires will be the focus as students perform the work of historians, including analyzing documents, looking at how societies change over time, and making comparisons among civilizations.  Students should be able to handle a large workload and have strong reading and writing skills.  All students are required to take the national AP exam in May.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Organization and Time Management, Technical and Creative Writing
    U.S. History II  - The Roaring 20th Century 0246 | Grade 11 | College Prep 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Completion of US I History and English II with grades of C- or better or teacher recommendation
     
    This course for the college-bound student is aimed at fostering a better understanding of America from World War I to the present.  Students will examine both primary and secondary sources as they analyze America’s growing role in the world.  Units of study include the Role of Economics in Modern U.S. History, Modernity, Responses to Fascism and Communism, the Cold War and Civil Rights at Home, and Globalization.  Students are expected to assess historical data by evaluating its relevance, content, and reliability in order to arrive at informed conclusions on the basis of factual evidence.  In the second half of the year, a student-led nonpartisan civic action project will be required.  Supplemental readings, projects, and research will be assigned throughout the year.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Organization and Time Management, Technical and Creative Writing
    U.S. History II  - The Roaring 20th Century 0245 | Grade 11 | Honors 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Completion of U.S. History I Honors and English II Honors with grades of B- or better or teacher recommendation.
     
    This course continues the American story from 1900 to the present. Students will examine both primary and secondary sources as they analyze America’s growing role in the world. Units of study include the Role of Economics in Modern U.S. History, Modernity, Responses to Fascism and Communism, the Cold War and Civil Rights at Home, and Globalization.  Students are expected to assess historical data by evaluating its relevance, content, and reliability in order to arrive at informed conclusions on the basis of factual evidence.  In the second half of the year, a student-led nonpartisan civic action project will be required.  Supplemental readings, projects, and research will be assigned throughout the year.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Organization and Time Management, Technical and Creative Writing
    Advanced Placement U.S. History 0240 | Grades 11-12 | Advanced Placement 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Completion of Advanced Placement World History or U.S. History I Honors and English II Honors with grades of B+ or better; highly developed reading and writing skills are a prerequisite for success in this course.  
     
    AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college U.S. history course.  Students will acquire the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with topics in U.S. history from the Pre-Columbian societies of the Americas to the political, economic, social, and cultural issues America faces in the contemporary world. This course progresses at an accelerated pace and requires extensive reading, discussion, and writing.  There will be a mandatory summer assignment and all students are required to take the AP Exam in May.  
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Organization and Time Management, Technical and Creative Writing
    Principles of Economics and Personal Finance 0268(CP), 0269(H) | Grades 11-12 | Multi-level 1 Credit
    Recommendation: A strong interest in statistics, data-driven research, and current events.
     
    Economics is the study of how society allocates scarce resources and is important in our everyday lives whether we study it formally or not.  This course is designed as an introduction to economic ways of thinking that will help students see the world with fresh insight and prepare them for introductory level courses in both microeconomics and macroeconomics in college.  Students in this course will gain an understanding of fundamental economic concepts such as supply and demand, market structures, the role of incentives and public policy, trade, the labor market, and industry behavior.  Additionally, students will apply these concepts to their own lives as they study how to make choices about college loans, credit cards, investments, and personal budgeting, thus beginning to make their own personal financial goals.  Students should expect a mix of traditional reading and assessments along with many data-driven research projects throughout the year that will give them a chance to fully personalize their own learning.  This course is integral to the Business, Entrepreneurship, and Finance Pathway.
    Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Personal Financial Management
    Psychology 0250(CP), 0251(H) | Grades 11-12 | Multi-level 1 Credit
     
    This course covers the fundamental principles of psychology and aims to help students better understand themselves and others by focusing on theorists and theories of human behavior. Units include Careers and Ethical Principles, Research Methods, Recent Research on the Brain, Learning, Memory, Motivation and Emotion, Developmental Stages, Personality Theories, Psychological Tests and Disorders, Methods of Therapy, Stress and Health, and Group Behavior.  College-bound students will find this course to be very helpful as an introduction to Psychology 101 that many take in their first year of college.

    Advanced Placement European History 0226 | Grades 11-12 | 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Completion of prior Advanced Placement courses or U.S. History Honors and English Honors with grades of B+ or better; highly developed reading and writing skills are a prerequisite for success in this course.  
     
    This course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college course in European history.  In this course students will learn about the cultural, economic, political and social developments that have shaped today’s world through the study of European history from the year 1450 to present, utilizing four chronological periods and six themes:  Interaction of Europe and the World; Poverty and Prosperity; Objective Knowledge and Subjective Visions; States and Other Institutions of Power; Individual and Society; and National and European Identity.  All students are required to take the AP exam in May.
    Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Technical and Creative Writing 
    Advanced Placement Psychology 0239 | Grades 11-12 | Advanced Placement 1 Credit
     
    AP Psychology is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college course in psychology.  This course will introduce students to the major “schools” of psychology and will continue with units on Research Methods, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning Processes, Cognition, Motivation and Emotion, Developmental Psychology, Personality, Testing and Individual Differences, Abnormal Psychology, Treatment of Psychological Disorders, and Social Psychology.  Extensive reading, writing, and discussion are required.  NOTE: Advanced Placement Psychology is NOT the same course as Psychology Honors; therefore, level changes may not occur. There will be a mandatory summer assignment and all students are required to take the AP exam in May.
    Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Technical and Creative Writing 
    Advanced Placement Economics 0262 | Grades 11-12 | Advanced Placement 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Completion of prior advanced placement or honors history classes with grades of B+ or better or teacher recommendation.
     
    AP Economics is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory course.  This course prepares the motivated student for intermediate and advanced economic college courses, and is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with economics and economic systems. Students will learn to assess economic data, examining its relevance, reliability and importance, and will learn to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in economic scholarship.  The course places special emphasis on the study of national income, price level determination, economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics.  The AP Program offers two exams in economics—one in microeconomics and one in macroeconomics.  A separate score is reported for each.  All students are required to take both AP Exams in May.   NOTE:  Advanced Placement Economics is NOT the same course as Principles of Economics and Finance; therefore, level changes may not occur.  This course is integral to the Business, Entrepreneurship, and Finance Pathway.
    Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Personal Financial Management
    Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics 0207 | Grade 12 | Advanced Placement 1 Credit
    Recommendation: Completion of prior advanced placement or honors history and English classes with grades of B+ or better or teacher recommendation.
     
    AP U.S. Government and Politics is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory semester-based college course.  This course will provide the motivated student an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.  Students will read and analyze U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals.  Topics covered include the Constitutional Underpinnings of U.S. Government; Political Beliefs and Behaviors; Political Parties, Interest Groups and Mass Media; Institutions of National Government; Public Policy; and Civil Rights and Liberties.  Extensive reading, writing, and discussion are required.  Students selecting this course should be personally interested in politics and the political process.  All students are required to take the AP exam in May.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning, Organization and Time Management, Technical and Creative Writing
    Street Law and Society 1274(CP), 1275(H) | Grade 12 | Multi-level 1 Credit
     
    This course is designed for students with an interest in criminology and law enforcement.  Students will learn about law, democracy, and human rights through strategies that promote problem-solving, critical thinking, cooperative learning, and conflict resolution.  Barnstable Police officials as well as other law agencies will provide demonstrations in the practices of today’s law enforcement officers.  Students will be introduced to the inner workings of the Barnstable Police Department, the Barnstable District and Superior Courts, and the Barnstable County House of Corrections. Students will receive Stop the Bleed training, general First Aid training, and CPR certification.  This is the capstone course for the Law, Society, and Criminal Justice Pathway.
    Civic Competencies, Career Readiness and Employability 
    Black Studies 1266(CP), 1267(H) | Grades 11-12 | Multi-level 1 Credit
     
    This course is designed to introduce students to the major themes, issues, and debates in the Black experience from African origins until today.   Some of the specific topics covered include ancient African kingdoms, colonial and antebellum slavery, the abolition movement, the free black experience, the Civil War, emancipation, Jim Crow segregation, racial violence, black culture, the modern freedom struggle, popular culture, political movements, and the contemporary experience. History, literature, art, and music will inform the curriculum.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning,Technical and Creative Writing
    Global Issues for Global Citizens 1276(CP)/1277(H) |Grades 10-12 | Multi-level 1 Credit
     
    This student-driven, service-learning course will explore a variety of political, economic, historic, environmental, and social issues facing global citizens today, from Cape Cod to Cambodia.  Students will collaborate to research issues and take informed action in the school and local community.  Topics include Human Rights, the Challenges of Nuclear Weapons, War Zones, Immigration, Climate Change, Scarcity of Resources, and Terrorism.
    Civic Competencies, Analytic Reading and Reasoning,Technical and Creative Writing
     

    Business, Entrepreneurship, and Finance Pathway

    Leadership 1282(CP)/1283(H) | Grades 9-10 | Multi-level 1 Credit
     
    Leadership doesn’t come naturally to most of us. Fortunately, we can learn leadership skills (or improve them if you’re a natural).  In this course you will build the leadership skills you need to excel in college and your career. You will discuss contemporary leadership and teamwork literature, complete a team-based project, and put your leadership skills into action at school, at home, and in the community.  If you envision becoming (or you already are) a leader in the school or community, this course is for you.
    Personal Finance Management, Social Emotional Learning
    Money Management 1286(CP), 1287(H) | Grades 9-10 | Multi-level 1 Credit
     
    Learn how to take charge of your money and build wealth.  In this course, you will gain the smarts you will need to make major purchases such as a car and a house, along with ways to protect your money with insurance and by investing.  And true to the High School of Business program, this course isn’t just about sitting and listening.  You will do hands-on projects.  Throughout the course, students are presented with problem-solving situations for which they must apply academic and critical-thinking skills.
    Personal Finance Management, Social Emotional Learning
    Introduction to Business 1279(CP)/1278(H) | Grades 10-12 | Multi-level 1 Credit
     
    Q:  What do your favorite rock group's tour schedule, the logo on a coffee mug, and the Wall Street Journal all have in common?
    A:  Business.  It’s everywhere.  This course will open your eyes to the world of business.  During the course you will be introduced to some of the major areas of business administration (marketing, management, and finance) through fun, real-world projects.  In the second half of the year you will consider how decisions affect businesses and individuals in the short and long-term.  You will also conduct research and examine business problems as you learn about microeconomic, macroeconomic, and international economic concepts.  (This course uses the High School of Business MBA Research and Curriculum Center curriculum for Principles of Business and Business Economics.)  DECA is a major component of this course and participation in the DECA District level competition is highly encouraged.
    Employability and Career Readiness, Creative Skills, Research and Technology Skills
    Entrepreneurship 1264(CP)/1265(H) | Grades 10-12 | Multi-level 1 Credit
    (This course was formerly called Entrepreneurship II.) 
     
    This course will ignite your imagination as you develop business skills and grow your entrepreneurial mindset.  Organized around highly engaging learning experiences and project-based learning, this National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship curriculum helps you develop critical, career-ready skills that will prepare you to succeed in the workplace, start your own business, and/or further your education.  Units include Operation Mindset, Testing an Opportunity, Building a Competitive Edge, Creating Your Biggest Fans, and Making a Profit.  Towards the end of the year, students will have opportunities to pitch their business opportunities to judges in local, regional, and national competitions.  DECA is a major component of this course and participation in the DECA District level competition is highly encouraged.
    Employability and Career Readiness, Creative Skills, Research and Technology Skills 
    Applied Entrepreneurship 1281(CP)/1280(H) | Grades 11, 12 | Multi-level 1 Credit
    Prerequisite:  Entrepreneurship or teacher recommendation
     
    In this advanced Entrepreneurship course, students deepen the development of their entrepreneurial mindset while refining their business models, developing their products or services, and mastering sales and marketing, finance, and small business management skills.  Partnering with NFTE: National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, students compete for startup capital and prizes locally, regionally, and nationally.  In addition, students will run a screen printing shop as a school-based enterprise.  Upon completion of Entrepreneurship and Applied Entrepreneurship, students are prepared to take the Certiport Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB) certification exam.  DECA is a major component of this course and participation in the DECA District level competition is highly encouraged.
    Employability and Career Readiness, Creative Skills, Research and Technology Skills 
    Business, Management & Leadership 1256(CP), 1257(H) |Grades 11-12 | Multi-level 1 Credit
    Prerequisite: Entrepreneurship or teacher recommendation.
     
    Are you great at sales and want to put those skills to work? Are you a Social Entrepreneur? Do you have an idea for a community project you feel passionate about? Do you see a need in your community and want to be an agent of change? This course will help you learn how to put those desires and skills into action and perhaps launch your own (or someone else’s) dream business.  Being a leader in business has many perks, but it demands creativity, innovation, organization, and a strong commitment to an ethical business strategy.  In this course, students will develop valuable business knowledge as well as strong presentation and interviewing skills.  This is a hands-on, project-based course where students explore their own interests through market research and project planning.  This is the capstone course for the Business, Entrepreneurship, and Finance Pathway.  DECA is a major component of this course and participation in the DECA District level competition is highly encouraged.
    Employability and Career Readiness, Creative Skills, Research and Technology Skills