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Social Studies
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The area of social studies directly addresses the needs of America. Few, if any, of the problems that face us as a people will find solutions outside of the social process in which decisions are made. Survival as a citizen, taxpayer, and consumer rests upon how well our system works. If it fails, we as a people and our democratic republic are in peril.
COURSES REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION FROM THIS DEPARTMENT: 3 Credits
American Government - 1/2 Credit (9th Grade) American Studies - 1 Credit (11th Grade) or American Dream or AP United States History
World Issues - 1 Credit (10th Grade)
ADVANCED STANDING COURSES (marked *)
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WORLD ISSUES - No. 203
-SMARTVOTE EMPHASIS AVAILABLE - No. 207
1 Credit Required - Grade 10
The course objectives are: the acquisition of conceptual and factual knowledge and the mastery of basic skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. All of the social studies disciplines are integrated into the curriculum with an emphasis on geography. A variety of sources are used including the text World History: The Human Experience. The units will focus on acquiring an appreciation and understanding of the social, political and economic forces at work in the world today and their historical origins.
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AMERICAN STUDIES - No. 210
-SMARTVOTE EMPHASIS AVAILABLE - No. 215
1 Credit Required - Grade 11 (or American Dream or AP United States History)
This course is designed to give the student an overall view of the American experience. The course is conceptual in nature and deals with the major ideas, beliefs, and values that have formed American society. In addition to traditional social studies skills and objectives, students will also approach the study of American history through the arts, geography and literature. The requirement for American Studies can also be met by taking American Dream or AP United States History.
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SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
1/2 Credit Required as a Senior
The Social Studies elective courses are composed of 1/2 credit classes with one exception. One elective course is open to sophomores. Juniors may select from any of the electives and may take the honors option if they meet the criteria listed below. During the senior year, 1/2 credit (1 course) is required and any of the courses will meet this requirement.
The Social Studies staff has designed the various courses to meet the different needs of students. Some courses are designed for those continuing on in school and some are designed for those moving on to work and families after high school. It is recommended that students discuss these choices with their parents, teachers, and counselors when making their selections.
Honors Statement. Those wishing to select the honors option must meet specific prerequisites. Juniors should have achieved a "B" average in their previous year's social studies classes, and also interview with the teacher once the class is in progress. Students sign up for the regular course and will decide if they wish to take the honors option in the fourth week of the class. Those not wishing to take the honors option take the class as a regular offering.
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AMERICAN DREAM - No. 213A, 213B
Grade 11
American Studies: 1 Credit -- American Literature: 1 Credit
Prerequisites - Must have received an A or B in English II OR the consent of the English II instructor. At the time of registration, all students need to turn in a permission slip signed by their English II teacher. (Not open to students who have taken English III, American Literature and Composition, or American Studies, or AP United States History.) Note: If the number of students requesting this class exceed class limits, students will be selected by a lottery system.
American Dream is an integrated full year course combining American Studies, which is a required course, and American Literature and Composition, which fulfills a one credit requirement in Language Arts. The course blends American history with America’s literary tradition. Students will study the issues in our past and will read the literature associated with each period. The course is team taught by a social studies teacher and a language arts teacher and is a two-hour block.
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Principles of Economics - No. 222
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 10, 11, 12
This course focuses on decisions facing consumers in a market economy. Individuals, families, businesses, and governments must make economic choices as they decide what goods and services to consume and produce. Topics covered include inflation, interest rates, the environment, economic growth, productivity, supply and demand, wage rates, and international trade. Concepts will be applied to current issues in the U.S. and the world. |
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GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY - No. 224
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
The course introduces students to the general principles of human behavior. The objective is for students to have a better understanding of themselves as we examine the major theories of psychology. Special attention is given to personality development, memory , altered states of consciousness, learning, perception, and abnormal behavior. Since Psychology is about ourselves, students will easily see the relevance of the topics to their lives.
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*SOCIOLOGY - No. 226
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
Sociology is a one semester elective course for Juniors and Seniors. The focus of this course is to explore society, people, and behavior. Such topics include: socialization, love, dating, marriage, family, and crime. In this class, we will analyze society and human behavior through class discussions, group activities, films, and reflections |
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AMERICAN INDIANS & TREATY RIGHTS - No. 228
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
This course will provide students with a working knowledge
of Indian people, of the legality of treaties, and of the ramifications of breaking those treaties in today’s complex world. This course should leave the learner with a better understanding of how our government works within the confines of the constitution and how they can be productive citizens by also working within the framework of our government.
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Great Books Seminar - No. 238 HONORS OPTION
-SMARTVOTE EMPHASIS AVAILABLE - No. 237
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
Throughout the history of mankind, millions of books have been written, but only a relative few have been recognized as great classics of human expression. These works have helped shape the thought and history of the world and are sill a necessary background for the truly educated person. It will be the aim of this seminar to read carefully, critically, and thoroughly some of these recognized great works. |
RUSSIAN STUDIES - No. 240 HONORS OPTION
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
America’s future is directly tied to decisions made in Moscow. Our mutual survival depends upon our ability to understand each other. The Russian Studies course will examine the history and political character of this vital area of the world and provide the students with the information necessary to understand the role Russia plays in the modern world. |
ASIAN STUDIES - No. 244 HONORS OPTION
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
This course will examine the relationship between America and Asia. It will focus on the history of our relations, the cultural links between our countries, and the current economic, social, and strategic interests which divide and unite us. The student will acquire a basic appreciation for the global realities and make them more knowledgeable participants in the democratic process. |
THE LAW - No. 255 HONORS OPTION
-SMARTVOTE EMPHASIS AVAILABLE - No. 252
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
The law affects the life of every American. This course will provide students with an understanding of our legal system and their relationship to it. The course will discuss how law affects our individual freedom, crime, business, our economy, foreign relations, and personal/public property. |
-SMARTVOTE is a service-learning program emphasizing civic responsibility and voter education. Students selecting classes with a SMARTVOTE emphasis will be leading the program. SMARTVOTE students will study election issues, educate kindergarten through twelfth grade students about the election, and work with community agencies to organize a district-wide mock presidential election. This class will follow the same curriculum as other American Studies/World Issues/Law/Great Book courses. However, an emphasis will be placed on civic responsibility and voter education relative to the upcoming presidential election. |
AP GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS - No. 230
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
This course engages students in a deep understanding of 'how government works', civics, political beliefs and behavior, and current issues. Critical thinking, group activities, writing skills, and civic action is stressed. Special emphasis is on the presidential election. |
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AP MACROECONOMICS - No. 233
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11, 12
Macroeconomics is the study of the economy as a whole. This course focuses on the basic economic principles of unemployment, inflation, investment, banking, taxes, debt, and economic growth. Theories learned will be applied to current events in the U.S. and world. This course may be taken to meet the Financial Literacy requirement. (Not open to those students who have taken Principles of Economics.)
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AP EUROPEAN HISTORY - No. 256
1 Credit Elective - Grade 11, 12
AP European History is an in-depth examination of European history from 1450 to the present. The course will focus on the broad themes of political, intellectual, social, and economic changes. Particular attention will be on those developments that fundamentally shaped the world we live in. |
AP UNITED STATES HISTORY - No. 257
1 Credit - One of three Grade 11 options
AP United States History is a yearlong course that integrates political, social, economic, cultural, diplomatic, and intellectual history in order to convey the experiences of particular groups within the broader perspective of the American past. At the same time, it connects events and issues from the past to the concerns of the present. As students study the long-term process, they will also encounter the unexpected, unique events, unintended outcomes, and singular individuals. It is a very rigorous course that follows the AP College Board guidelines. The course is for those students who want a more intense study of American History than the traditional American Studies class. (Not open to those students who are taking or have taken American Studies or American Dream). |
AP PSYCHOLOGY - No. 258
1/2 Credit Elective - Grades 11,12
Prerequisite: Grade of A or B in World History and American Studies.
In AP Psychology, students will explore the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The curriculum is very high-paced, which requires a tremendous amount of independent reading and writing, as well as critical thinking, class participation, and a high level of motivation. The class is taught like a college-level class in which students' knowledge is assessed primarily through tests, quizzes, primary readings, and a final exam. Those not willing to make the commitment to AP level psychology are encouraged to take the General Psychology course where there is less reading, writing, and research. Costs may include: purchasing AP guideline books ($15-$20), Forty Studies ($35-$40), and the AP Exam fee ($87). |
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AP World History - No. 259
1 Credit - One of two grade 10 options
This course offers an accelerated social studies alternative to the World Issues class and will satisfy the required 10th grade social studies credit otherwise completed through World Issues. Students who take this course should be prepared for entry-level college material, including frequent reading assignments with challenging test and complex historical documents. students who register for this course are expected to take the College board AP World History Exam in May. (Not open to those students who are taking or have taken World Issues.)
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