| SOCIAL STUDIES World History 1 credit Required course for graduation Grade 9 This full year course for all grade nine students will focus on the history of humankind from 1815 to the present. It will provide a comprehensive introduction to both Western and Non-Western cultures and their influence on our heritage, as well as providing an understanding of the history of developing world nations and the causes and effects of 20th century wars. Particular attention will be paid to the origin of various conflicts and tensions that exist in today's world. World History (Honors) 1 credit Required course for graduation Grade 9 The honors section will focus on the history of humankind from 1815 to the present. It will provide a comprehensive introduction to both Western and non-Western cultures and their influence on our heritage. Particular attention will be paid to the origin of various conflicts and tensions that exist in today's world. This course is intended for students who have demonstrated a high degree of ability in the social studies area. There will be required summer reading. U.S. History I 1 credit Prerequisite: None Requirement for graduation Grade 10 This course is an introductory exploration designed to provide students with a foundation in the collective memory of the political, social, economic and cultural developments that have shaped America from 1763 to 1920. U.S. History I (Advanced Placement) 1 credit Prerequisite: Application and recommendation of 9th grade teacher Grade 10 This is the first year of a two-year sequence that will prepare students to master the concepts necessary for success on the Advanced Placement examination. This course will present an in-depth study of United States history beginning with the exploration and colonization of North America. Summer reading is an important requirement. Students will be expected to complete a significant amount of reading, writing and independent research. U.S. History (Advanced Placement) 1 credit Prerequisite: Recommendation of 10th grade teacher Grades 11-12 This course will cover the history of the United States from its origins to the present. The course seeks to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of U.S. history, as well as prepare them for the Advanced Placement Exam. Summer reading is required. During the year, students will be expected to do a significant amount of reading, writing and independent research. This is the last year of the on year U.S. History option. U.S. History II 1 credit Grade 11 Students will have an opportunity to trace America's story from the Civil War to the present. The following themes are emphasized: cultural conflict; land use; causes and effects of war; social, economic, and political revolutions; and the history of ideas. Psychology 1/2 credit Grades 11 and 12 This introductory course attempts to help students better understand themselves and others. This course will focus on the normal course of human development as well as on the cause and treatment of mental illness. The course will cover the basic terminology and theories of psychology and will try to make them relevant to students' lives. Sociology 1/2 credit Grades 11 and 12 This introductory course explores the groups and institutions of society. Using the sociological perspective, the course focuses on such topics as: deviance, inequality, social class, race and ethnicity, gender, aging, family, religion, and social change. The course will cover the theories and methods of sociology and will attempt to help students see their own unique lives as part of a larger pattern of social interaction. Issues in Contemporary Life 1/2 credit Prerequisite: None Grades 10-12 This half-year elective course will focus on current national and international events and issues, using Time magazine as the basic text. Particular attention will be paid to the economic, social and political forces that influence events. Students will also examine the ways in which media affects society and the individual. Civil and Criminal Law 1/2 credit Grades 10-12 This course will present a comprehensive overview of civil, criminal and juvenile justice in America. Students will explore such topics as the American jury system, the corrections system, the sentencing process, the causes of juvenile delinquency, the death penalty, the police, etc. Mock trials, field trips to area courts, and visits by law-related professionals will supplement classroom instruction. A History of the American West from 1600-1900 1/2 credit Prerequisite: Successful completion of U.S. History This semester elective is designed primarily for students who have completed the survey course in U.S. History. It covers the history of North America that became the U.S. West, from just after European contact to the end of the 19th century. Along with traditional historical methods, the course takes an American Studies approach, incorporating literature, philosophy, art and music. Major themes discussed include the federal government's role in the conquest and administration of the West, the legacy of that conquest for native and immigrant peoples, contests within the many �Wests� for access to natural resources, and the role of the mythic West in popular culture. Though rigorous, this elective is designed to be high interest and fun with between 6-8 �hands-on� projects scheduled for the semester. History Topics 1 credit Prerequisite: Recommendation of special services teacher or guidance counselor only Grades 9-12 This full year course addresses concepts in history that increase the student's understanding of citizenship, government, and heritage. Learning materials are selected to accommodate the needs of students with learning challenges. Course content alternates from United States history one year to World History the next so that students can meet graduation requirements. |
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