American National Government (DE): HS52321 (1 Credit)
This course will cover the creation of the U.S. Constitution, the principles that inspired its creation, and, ultimately, how this all functions together. Major topics will include the influences that led to the creation of the Constitution, the three branches of government and the agencies they rely on, modern campaigns and elections, one’s rights within the U.S. government, and how the government functions. Students will explore these topics through secondary and primary sources, as well as historical and contemporary sources. Students will develop critical thinking skills and argumentation and research skills through a myriad of written and oral assignments. Students will also be encouraged to engage in current issues and apply knowledge acquired to these events and controversies.
AP US History: HS51021/HS51022 (2 Credits)
This course is designed to be equivalent to a college freshman survey course. Students acquire an understanding of factual material before embarking on the interpretation of primary sources, secondary sources, conflicting opinions, and contrary analysis. All students will be required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. This course meets every day for two semesters. This course, along with Economics satisfy the Civics requirement.
Assassinations and Murder in America: HS52909 (1 Credit)
The student will gain a firm knowledge about assassinations and the lasting legacy they leave on a country. Students will use research skills to learn about how assassinations impact religion, politics, and culture. The course will also focus on what can come out of events such as this, like gun control or insanity pleas.
Civics: HS52300 (1 Credit)
The goal of civics instruction is to develop in all students the knowledge and skills for informed, responsible participation in public life. Instruction will provide an understanding of politics, structure of government and the skills of good citizenship. Students will develop an understanding of the values and principles of found in American culture. In order to be productive citizens, students must understand basic economic principles, how our economic system works, and how other economic systems work. They must learn to make wise economic decisions about their own lives and become intelligent consumers, employers, and workers.
Prerequisite: Teacher/School Counselor Recommendation
Civics: Government and Economics (CP): HS52311 (1 Credit)
The goal of civics instruction is to develop in all students the knowledge and skills for informed, responsible participation in public life. Instruction will provide an understanding of politics, structure of government and the skills of good citizenship. Students will develop an understanding of the values and principles of found in American culture. In order to be productive citizens, students must understand basic economic principles, how our economic system works, and how other economic systems work. They must learn to make wise economic decisions about their own lives and become intelligent consumers, employers, and workers.
Criminal Justice (CP): HS52906 (1 Credit)
This course provides the students with knowledge and skills necessary to survive in our society. Emphasis is placed upon criminal and constitutional law and its application to everyday life. Practical information and problem-solving opportunities help students make legal decisions as young adults. The class will include an analysis of the major components of the criminal justice system, their interrelationship, and civic responsibility in the administration of justice.
Comparative Religion: HS52___COURSE CODE (1 Credit)
Religion is a fundamental expression of human existence. Values and social choices are often based on religious beliefs. Multiple major world religions exist in our world today and religious minorities are becoming more prevalent in our North American context. In an effort to become more aware of the priorities and actions of others we will explore the significance of religion, a wide range of religious belief systems and consider the impact of religion on our contemporary culture in this course.
Cultural Anthropology (DE): HS52___COURSE CODE (1 Credit)
This course offers a comprehensive survey of human cultures and anthropological research, focusing on case studies that explore the diverse customs, cultural organizations, and societal structures found around the world. The course also delves into anthropological research methods and theoretical frameworks, helping students understand the complexities of cultural variation. Students will develop a deeper awareness of the human condition, recognize the trade-offs between relativist and universalist viewpoints, and reflect on how these insights relate to their own cultural experiences. Emphasis is placed on fostering culturally respectful communication and enhancing cultural awareness, equipping students to thoughtfully engage with both domestic and global issues.
European Studies (CP): HS52000 (1 Credit)
This is an introductory European Studies course, Students cultivate their understanding of Europe through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections as they explore concepts like interaction of Europe and the world; economic and commercial developments; cultural and intellectual developments; states and other institutions of power; social organization and development; national and European identity; and technological and scientific innovation.
History Through Media (CP): HS55203 (1 Credit)
Events from World War 1 to the present. Events in history will be analyzed through their portrayal in the media. The students will examine historical events as portrayed in a variety of mediums. They will critically analyze events as presented via print media, documentary films, mainstream television and film media, as well as other forms of communication that may develop in the future. Students will be analyzing events as well as the accuracy of their portrayal, via fact-checking protocols, in media.
Holocaust Studies (CP): HS52910 (1 Credit)
This elective course provides the students an interdisciplinary approach to citizenship education. Students will become familiar with the rise of Nazi Germany, and the attempt to exterminate the Jews of Europe. Also, students will study the aftermath of the war and the trials at Nuremberg, designed to punish those who committed horrible crimes against humanity. The focus on the Holocaust will be used as a springboard in the study of other cases of genocide and human rights violations throughout the world; both past and present. This course will give the student an understanding of their civic duty and a better idea of the problems outside their own country.
Prerequisites: World History, a firm grasp on the major world religions, skilled and comfortable with complex, high-level reading material, possess high school level writing ability and be open to improving writing skills.
This course should be viewed as a college course.
Humanities: HS52907 (1 Credit)
This introductory survey course is designed to integrate art, literature, history, philosophy at the entry level of high school standards. The student will successfully complete these standards using English Language measurement topics.
Prerequisite: Teacher/School Counselor Recommendation
Introduction to Psychology (DE): HS57499 (1 Credit)
This online course (in KVCC's Brightspace) is an introduction and overview of the study of human behaviors. Lectures and discussion topics will include motivation, perception, historical roots, biological basis of behavior, scientific methods, human development, psychopathology, and theory.
Intro to Sociology: HS52100 (1 Credit)
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of sociology with attention to sociological theory, research methods, and the impact of social inequality. Students will examine a variety of topics such as culture, race, social class, gender, major social institutions and their role in contemporary society, and the processes of social change.
Modern US History (CP): HS52201 (1 Credit)
This course examines U.S. History by analyzing major events from 1920’s to the present. The content includes an overall view of the political, economic, social, and governmental development of the United States. Students become involved in the process of history by viewing contemporary issues with a well rounded historical perspective. Acquired skills in content reading comprehension, interpretation, analysis and synthesis are fortified. Students develop a sound foundation for decision making and determining values in our democratic society.
Topics in Modern World History (CP): HS52105 (1 Credit)
This survey course is designed to examine Modern World History from 1500 to present day. Major eras and developments will be considered, beginning with the Age of Absolutism in Europe and concluding with Africa and India at the close of the twentieth century. Students will consider historical themes such as government, law, society, technology, conflict and trade, making connections between various historical eras and our world today. Comprehension, evaluation, and analysis of primary and secondary source materials are stressed. Students will also develop research skills, learning to produce a formal paper in accord with the format rules of the Modern Language Association.
SEMINARS:
Economics: SEM129 (.5 Credit)
Students will learn the basics of a free-market economy, the basics of the U.S. economy (monetary policy, the federal budget, taxation and revenue). Students will also consider some topics of personal finance (banking, use of credit, budgeting). This course, along with AP US History satisfy the Civics requirement.