Cultural Studies
Credits: 1 -- 2 terms
Prerequisites: Placement by Division Coordinator
Level: Freshman required
Course Description:
In this introductory high school social studies class, students will engage in an in-depth study of the many elements of culture. Major emphasis will be placed upon practical, real life applications of culture. Students will focus their study upon selected regions of the developed and developing world, as well as cultural life in Batavia and Illinois. This approach will enable students to experience and appreciate the significance of culture in their lives, from both a global and local perspective. Throughout the semester, students will be introduced to a broad offering of topics in the social sciences, including geography, government, history, economics, sociology, as well as current local, state, national, and global events/issues. This required freshman course will also introduce students to fundamental skills and concepts in the social sciences that will continue to be built upon with subsequent required social science courses to be taken in the sophomore, junior and senior years. These skills and concepts include, but are not limited to research, reading, writing, computer technology, oral presentation, and critical thinking.