SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

World Cultures

This course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the major historical eras and movements from the Prehistory period of civilization through Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque and Impressionists periods.

Grade 9

1 Credit

U.S. History I

This course is the first part of a chronological study into the development of our American nation from 1700-1900. Students will learn how a new nation of colonists sought independence from Great Britain, trace the darkest years in our nation’s history during the turbulent Civil War and follow the transformation of the United States from an agricultural nation to an industrial nation. Students will examine our success as well as our failure to put the ideals and principals of government as stated in the preamble of the Constitution into effect.

Grade 10 

1 Credit

American Nation: In the Modern Era is a history of the United States that focuses on the individuals and groups that have shaped our nation. This course will begin with the Progressive Era and conclude with the present day. Americans within this century were faced with many challenges such as the Great Depression, war and conflict, and social reform.

Each method used to instruct will be curtailed to enhance the individual's relationship with self and others in the learning environment. A variety of teaching approaches will be utilized to meet each individual's learning styles. These include: direct instruction, student led instruction, quizzes, reading assignments, writing assignments, student projects, tests, and video education.

Grade 11

1 Credit

Honors U.S. History II

American Nation: In the Modern Era is a history of the United States that focuses on the individuals and groups that have shaped our nation. This course will begin with the Progressive Era and conclude with the present day. Americans within this century were faced with many challenges such as the Great Depression, war and conflict, and social reform.

Students will be required to read and take notes based on the topics covered, read various books on the time periods studied, write short essays, and complete small research projects.  Students will complete tests, quizzes, and a research paper. 

Students selected for this course must have the desire to work and learn and demonstrate excellent ability in the subject area of History.

Grade 11

1 Credit

Honors European History

Students will learn how economics, society, politics, and religion have influenced Europe from the Renaissance to the Age of Napoleon. This course will offer a balanced study of both Western and Eastern European History. Students will gain insight into such leaders as Martin Luther, Jean Calvin, Queen Elizabeth I, King Louis XIV of France and Tsar Peter the Great. The chapters studied will revolve around such leaders, as well as, what led to revolution and war in Europe. Upon completion of the course, students will have learned how European History has shaped the modern world.

Grade 12

1 Credit

elective

Honors Comparative Politics

Selected students will study two key themes–the importance of institutions to all political systems and the fundamental struggle between freedom and equality. The course begins with a basic study of the United States' political system and then progresses through the collapse of communism to the threat of terrorism. Ultimately, students will be able to make increasingly sophisticated comparisons between the systems in different countries. Students must maintain an 80 percent to remain in the course.

Grade 12

½ Credit

elective

Economics

Students will study key concepts of economics in a logical and meaningful order so that they may apply these concepts and principals to real life. Students will learn about the American Free Enterprise System and explore their roles as citizens, producers, and consumers. This course also provides students with the opportunity to interact regularly with a representative of the local business community. The materials for this course are provided by the Junior Achievement Corporation.

Grade 12 (1^st Semester)

½ Credit

Introduction to Psychology

This course will introduce students to the nature of psychology and the study of behavior and experience. Students will study how human beings and animals sense, think, learn and know. Students will become acquainted with the various theories that aid in understanding and explaining behavior.

Grade 12 (2^nd Semester) 

½ Credit 
 

Street Law

Street Law is a course designed to provide students with increased opportunities for citizen education of the law. Students will focus on interactive methods to provide problem solving skills that are necessary for survival in our society and legal system. Case studies are used to concentrate on real-life situations to develop critical thinking on the legal aspects of social, economic, moral, and political issues. On completion of this course, students should be able to promote change for their communities and develop problem solving skills to take ownership of their legal right and liberties. 

Grade 12 (2^nd Semester)

½ Credit
elective

½ Credit
elective

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