Social Science

In order for students to participate effectively in a free society and to exercise positive political
and social behaviors, they must be able to focus on the complex, social, economic, and political
changes in our world. Social science courses provide students with an understanding of society
and human values. Furthermore, these courses prepare students for citizenship and the
representative processes in a democracy while providing the basics for understanding the
complexity of the world community.

Course #0211              Social Studies Applications

Prerequisite: None

Grade level: 9                                  Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
Students will study basic concepts in geography, sociology and psychology.  Using this foundation, students will analyze contemporary world issues such as genocide and ethnic cleansing, world terrorism and student selected issues.  A main research project will be required.

Course #0214              U. S. History
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 10                                Course length: two semesters                        Course credit: 1
This course takes a thematic approach to studying the history of the United States.  Students will begin by delving into the topic of slavery and their studies will conclude with the war on terror and U.S. involvement in the Middle East.  Several projects will be required.

Course #0270              Honors U.S. History
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 10                                Course length: two semesters                        Course credit: 1
This course takes a sophisticated, thematic approach to United States history, allowing students to explore the greater meanings and influences behind the facts and figures of our historical past.  Intensive reading, writing, and speaking activities supplement the traditional curriculum.  Critical thinking and writing will be emphasized along with a more rigorous study of historical topics.  Students who enroll in this course must possess strong reading and writing skills.  This course fulfills the U.S. History requirement.

Course #0219              Economics
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 11, 12                          Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
This course will provide students with an understanding of the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services and their management.  Students will focus on demand and supply, markets, labor management, monetary policy, investment and personal finances.  This course is required for graduation.

Course #0272              Honors Economics
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 11, 12                          Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
This course will expose students to a wider range of economic ideas, concepts, problems and solutions at a faster pace and a more advanced level than Economics.  Honors Economics will build upon the Economics course by adding many additional curricular items such as globalization, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization and planning for retirement.

Course #0215              Government
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 11, 12                          Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
This course provides students with an in-depth study of issues and processes behind American government.  Topics such as democracy, voting, political parties, and elections are emphasized.  Students take an active approach to their citizenship by participating in reality based political simulations, projects, and discussions.  Local, state and federal governments and constitutions are also explored.  This course meets the requirements for state and federal constitution tests.

Course #0271              Honors Government
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 11, 12                          Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
This course adds depth and breadth to the government curriculum. Enrolled students are expected to have strong reading and writing skills and be able to use them when studying topics ranging from democracy to political parties to the electoral process.  This course fulfills the government requirement and the requirements for state and federal constitution tests.

Course #0212              World Geography
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12                Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
This course is designed to provide students with a survey of the major geographical regions of the world.  Students will focus on the world’s physical geography and how it has influenced a region’s historical, economic, and demographic development.  Several projects will be required.

Course #0224              World History I
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12                Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
This course will cover the history of human civilization from the Prehistoric times to the start of the Renaissance Period.  Students will focus on the development of mankind from before recorded history, through the classical civilizations of the Ancient World and into the Dark Ages.  The time period covered will be Prehistoric to the 1400s.

Course #0225              World History II
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12                Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
This course will cover the history of human civilization from the Renaissance Period to contemporary times.  Students will focus on the emergence of nations while exploring the significant cultural, technological and historical development that helped shape those nations and their civilizations.  The time period covered will be the 1400s to the present.

Course #0280              Advanced Placement U.S. History
Prerequisite:  Department approval
Grade level: 10, 11, 12                    Course length: two semesters                        Course credit: 1
This course will follow the curriculum recommended by the National College Board of Education.  The goal of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement United States History exam.  This course is taught at a significantly higher level than U.S. History and Honors U.S. History.  After successful completion of this course students are not permitted to enroll in either U.S. History or Honors U.S. history.

Course #0281             Advanced Placement Psychology
Prerequisite: Department approval
Grade level: 11, 12                          Course length: two semester                         Course credit: 1
This course will follow the curriculum recommended by the National College Board of Education. Students will learn about the field of psychology through in-depth study, discussion, and hands-on activities. They will also learn the methods used by psychologists to study the ways humans act and think. This course is taught at a significantly higher level than most Social Science courses and students electing to take it should be strong readers, self motivated, and expect academic rigor. Additionally, students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement exam and should expect to take it in May. 

Course #0282             Advanced Placement World History
Prerequisite: Department Approval
Grade level: 11, 12                          Course length: two semester                         Course credit: 1
This course will follow the curriculum recommended by the National College Board of Education.  The goals of this course are to develop a greater understanding of the advancement of human society and prepare students to take the Advanced Placement World History exam in May.  AP World is taught at a significantly higher level than most Social Science courses and students electing to take it should be strong readers and writers, self motivated, and expect academic rigor.

Course #0216              Global Insights
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 11, 12                          Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
This course gives students the opportunity to study and understand contemporary global issues.  Students will discuss current events, examine contentious issues and learn the path the global community is on and where this may lead.

Course #0217              Psychology
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 11, 12                          Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
This course provides a basic understanding of psychology as a social science.  Students will learn the various theories of child development, memory, behavior, personality, stress and adjustment and psychological testing.  Students will gain an appreciation for such psychologists as Freud, Skinner, Maslow, Allport, Jung and others.  Also, students will apply their knowledge of psychological ideas through experimentation and interaction with each other.

Course #0218              Sociology
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 11, 12                          Course length: one semester                        Course credit: .5
This course focuses on the study of cultures and how people interact with one another within groups and within social institutions.  Students will study the organization of societies, sociological procedures, vital human issues, social climate, and social problems.