The Social Science Department at CATS Academy Boston is led by a team of experienced educators with extensive teaching backgrounds and specialist expertise across a wide range of disciplines. From psychology and economics to history and philosophy, the department offers a diverse selection of courses that encourage students to explore different perspectives and deepen their understanding of society. Across all classes, students develop essential skills in academic writing, critical thinking, public speaking, and analytical reasoning, preparing them for success at university and beyond.
New Social Science courses for September 2027 will include: AP Economics, United States History Survey Honors, Legal Concepts & Practices, Foundations of Business, and Business Ethics
AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level macroeconomics course. Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies.
To take this elective, students must have achieved ESL Level 4 (ESL Level 5 preferred); placement test results; A- or higher in Honors level history course at CATS or another American school; recommendation of instructor and Social Science department chair.
AP Microeconomics is an introductory college-level microeconomics course. Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy.
To take this elective, students must have achieved ESL Level 4 (ESL Level 5 preferred); placement test results; A- or higher in Honors level history course at CATS or another American school; recommendation of instructor and Social Science department chair.
AP US History (APUSH) is a rigorous, full-year college-level survey of American history from 1491 to the present. Students develop a deep understanding of the political, economic, social, and cultural forces that have shaped the United States over time. The course focuses on historical thinking skills such as analyzing primary and secondary sources, evaluating competing interpretations, identifying patterns of continuity and change, and constructing evidence-based arguments. Students engage with historical documents, data, and scholarship to understand how historical narratives are constructed and contested. This course prepares students to take the AP US History examination in May. Successful completion of the course builds advanced reading, writing, and analytical skills essential for college-level humanities and social science study.
This course fulfills the US History requirement for CATS Academy Boston students as part of their three-year social science requirement for graduation.
To take this elective, students require ESL Level 4 (ESL Level 5 preferred); placement test results; A- or higher in Honors level history course at CATS or another American school; recommendation of instructor and Social Science department chair.
This is a one-year social science college-level elective with the potential for college credit that prepares students for the AP World History Modern exam in May. Students study civilizations from 1200 CE to the present in world regions across four historical time periods. Themes of focus include world religions, cultural heritage, governments, economics, social structures, the environment and technology. World events such as the rise and fall of empires, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Age of Exploration, the Industrial Revolution, global imperialism, and world conflicts are studied and evaluated. Students develop the ability to make historically defensible arguments using documents and historical evidence to make their case. This course builds strong reading, writing, and analytical skills necessary for college.
To take this elective, students require ESL Level 4 (ESL Level 5 preferred); placement test results; A- or higher in Honors level history course at CATS or another American school; recommendation of instructor and Social Science department chair.
World History Honors is a one-year social science course. This course examines cultural and historical issues that are relevant in the world today. This course emphasizes academic skills, especially reading, writing, and note-taking. Students explore the relationship between themes and details, relevance, sequence, and investigation. They use statistics, maps, primary sources, images, and reference materials. In addition, World History Honors students do more advanced reading and writing assignments. Students will develop the skills necessary to analyze historical cultures and how the impact of these cultures has reverberated throughout the ages. Due to the advanced nature of this course, students will be expected to increase their ownership over their educational journey.
To take this elective, students require ESL Level 4 or higher assessed through placement test results; A- or higher in CP or B+ in Honors level history course at CATS or another American school; recommendation of instructor and Social Science department chair.
Events throughout the history of humanity have shown us that there lies a dark side to human nature. This course examines specific case studies of events in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East during the 20th Century.
An examination of social and political history and geography provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the events that occurred in the regions of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Students view events through a multicultural lens in an attempt to understand the unfolding of events through a multiplicity of cultural identities involved in those events.
Students will develop the skills to analyze historical events, identify their causes and consequences, and apply that learning to understanding current events. The skills of interpreting geographic visuals, charts, primary sources, editorial cartoons, and other historical documents are also developed. In addition to more rigorous assignments and academic readings, students will complete a research paper as part of their course requirements.
To take this elective, students require ESL Level 4 or higher; placement test results; A- or higher in CP or B+ in Honors level history course at CATS or another American school; recommendation of instructor and Social Science department chair.
United States History Honors is a one-year social science course. This course fulfills the US History requirement for CATS Academy Boston students as part of their three-year social science requirement for graduation. This course helps students be successful in college-level social science courses or AP United States History. United States History Honors takes a thematic approach to US history, examining topics like immigration, race, gender, reform, civil rights, national government, imperialism, and overseas commitments in US history. Events are studied for relevance to today’s issues. Excerpts from films, books, and primary sources present different perspectives on the past. Students develop skills in notetaking, analytical reading, writing, and research. Students are required to complete a substantial research project as part of this course.
To take this elective students require ESL Level 4 or higher; placement test results; A- or higher in CP or B+ in Honors level history course at CATS or another American school; recommendation of instructor and Social Science department chair.
The legal profession is practiced worldwide and attorneys are valued for their ability to analyze and solve complex problems. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice problem solving skills and legal analysis. Students utilize case studies, engage in a mock trial, complete projects, and participate in activities to gain an understanding of the legal process. Further, students gain insights into how attorneys analyze and litigate cases as well as how courts determine outcomes. Students practice what they learn by working with a team to present a legal case in a mock trial. In this course, students sharpen their critical thinking and oral presentation skills as well as gain an understanding about what it is like to practice law or work with lawyers in a corporate setting or law firm.
To take this elective, students must have achieved ESL Level 4 or higher; placement test results; A- or higher in CP or B+ in Honors level history course at CATS or another American school; recommendation of instructor and Social Science department chair.
American Studies is a one-year course in American history for students who test at ESL Level 2. After passing two semesters of American Studies, students are required to take US History and fulfill any additional social science requirements to graduate. American Studies has a more basic text than the College Prep courses, and its reading and writing assignments are not as advanced. Like the US History Survey courses, American Studies focuses on themes and relevance.
To take this course, students require ESL Level 2 assessed through placement test results.
World History is a one-year Social Science course. This course examines cultural and historical issues that are relevant in the world today. This course emphasizes academic skills, especially reading, writing, and note-taking. Students use statistics, maps, primary sources, images, and reference materials. Students develop the skills necessary to analyze historical cultures and how the impact of these cultures has reverberated throughout the ages.
To take this course students require ESL Level 3 or higher assessed through placement test results.
Events throughout the history of humanity have shown us that there lies a dark side to human nature. This course examines specific case studies of events in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East during the 20th Century. An examination of social and political history and geography provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the events that occurred in the regions of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Students view events through a multicultural lens in an attempt to understand the unfolding of events through a multiplicity of cultural identities involved in those events. The skills of interpreting geographic visuals, charts, primary sources and other historical documents are also developed.
To take this course students require ESL Level 3 or higher.
United States History is a one-year social science course. This course fulfils the US History requirement for all CATS Academy Boston students as part of their three-year social science requirement for graduation. It helps students be successful in college-level social science courses or AP United States History. US History takes a thematic approach- surveying topics like international conflicts, civil rights, national government, Industrialization, immigration, reform, race, and gender in United States history. Events are studied for relevance to today’s issues. Maps, data, excerpts from films, books, and primary sources provide evidence and include different perspectives on the past which students evaluate and analyze. United States History students also develop skills of note taking, analytical reading, writing, and research. Students will complete a substantial research project on a chosen topic from US History.
To take this elective, students require ESL Level 3 or higher.
Introduction to Philosophy invites students to explore life’s biggest questions: What is truth? What makes something right or wrong? How do we know what we know? Through discussion, thought experiments, and classic philosophical ideas, students will learn how to think critically, question assumptions, and develop their own well-reasoned views about the world.
To take this elective, students require ESL Level 3 or higher.
This one-semester course is an introduction to psychology that challenges students to examine how human behavior, beliefs, emotions, and decision-making shape everyday life. The course explores topics such as the psychology of advertising, negotiation, sports psychology, conspiracy theories, and indoctrination. Students will analyze how individuals and groups are influenced by media, social pressure, competition, and persuasion. This course also encourages students to reflect on their own thinking, behavior, and interactions with others. Through discussion, analysis, presentations, and project-based learning, students develop their skills in critical thinking, communication, reading, writing, and public speaking.
To take this elective, students require ESL Level 3 or higher.
This one-semester social science elective (fall only) is paired with one semester of Microeconomics to make a one-year college prep course in Economics.
In Macroeconomics, students learn how economic decisions are made at the national and international level. They examine economic systems around the world and economic policymaking in the United States. Students learn about markets, industries, trade, banking, finance, economic indicators, economic policy, and the Federal Reserve. Students also learn about the new economy, management, and entrepreneurship.
To take this elective, students require ESL Level 3 or higher.
This one-semester social science elective (spring only) is paired with one semester of Macroeconomics to make a one-year college prep course in Economics.
Microeconomics focuses on industries and companies at the local and regional level. Students learn about start-ups and Boston’s high-tech and R-and-D (research and development) fields. Each student presents a term project about a company from these or traditional New England industries like defense, paper and logging, fishing, food processing, farming, retail sales, wholesale distribution, transportation, tourism, education, and telecommunications. Students may also choose a company from the financial sector: banking, real estate, venture capital, investment banking, consulting, insurance, securities, and mutual funds. As part of Microeconomics CP, students visit companies and meet professionals from business and government.
To take this elective, students require ESL Level 3 or higher.
Entrepreneurship is a one-semester course on leadership and the basics of starting and running a business. Real-life stories from curated sources show the importance of dedication, innovation, and teamwork. Of special importance is the quality of seeing the needs of a group or organization. This class aims for a deeper understanding of business and the challenges of leaders. In the last month of the course, students prepare a project analyzing the situation of a real company and its leaders. In the last month of the course, students prepare a project on a real company and its leaders.
To take this elective, students require ESL Level 3 or higher.
*Please note, course offerings are subject to change and will be offered depending on student interest.
