Social Sciences

AP Human Geography        

Course Number: 282101A

Prerequisites: n/a; Freshmen will be prioritized 

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: 60-90 minutes of homework assigned after each class period

Assessment Retake Policy: Students can earn points back on quizzes and tests by participating in a reflective process that the  team calls "point recovery." This is open to all students.

Grading Categories: 70% Summative; 30% Formative 

How does where we live affect how we live? How does how we live affect where we live? Human geography is the study of our physical spaces’ influence on our decisions, economy, and culture- and vice versa.  People are central to geography in that their activities help shape the earth’s surface largely through their interaction with the physical environment. It is in that milieu that humans either compete for control of space and resources or work out systems of social, economic, and political cooperation. The course is separated into seven units: 1. The Basics of Geography, 2. Population Demographics, 3. Cultural Patterns and Processes, 4. Political Organization of Space (Geopolitics), 5.  Agricultural and Rural Land Use, 6. Industrialization and Development (Economic Geography), and 7. Cities and Urban Land use. 

The aim of this AP course is to provide the student with a learning experience equivalent to that obtained in most college introductory human geography courses.  Therefore there is a heavy emphasis on students already having college level skills for reading, note taking, and writing. As this is a college level course, students are expected to read a textbook section and complete an associated study guide at home, which takes about 60-90 minutes to complete if reading for comprehension not simple completion. This is assigned each period, except before quiz or exam days. As a result, students are expected to learn new content at home and learn independently before reviewing with the teacher during the next period. Additionally, students should be constantly reviewing material as assessments are cumulative in order to prepare students for the AP test in May. A prior course or strong interest in, and intermediate knowledge of, the social sciences is recommended but not required.  

Honors World Studies

Course Number: 231101H

Prerequisites: n/a; Freshmen will be prioritized 

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: 60-120 minutes of homework per week 

Assessment Retake Policy: Students can re-take and revise major tests, projects, and essays if they meet the proper qualifications

Grading Categories: 100% summative, 0% formative

Students identify and analyze the issues facing the world in which we live today using historical and current events. Students compare and contrast the human cultures that inhabit our planet and analyze them from the point of view of the basic social sciences: Political Science, Economics, Geography, History, and Sociology. Students use knowledge and the basic assumptions and techniques of social analysis in a variety of authentic, creative projects and demonstrations. Examples of topics in Honors World Studies are: Ancient Civilizations, Imperialism, Industrialization, Political Revolutions, the Politics of Religion and Belief, Globalization (Historical & Modern), and Motivations for War. Students also develop skills with reading academic texts and expository and argumentative writing and speaking. Students learn most of the new content in the classroom, so the homework load is lighter than AP Human Geography. Students can expect to complete unfinished classwork, short essays, or creative projects at home. 

AP U.S. History

Course Number: 276101A

Prerequisites: World Studies or AP Human Geography

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Students should budget 5-8 hours per week for class preparation, which includes: reading the text book and supplementary primary and secondary sources, watching review videos, completing unfinished classwork.

Assessment Retake Policy: Students can continue to redo and revise formative assessments throughout the unit, based on formative feedback that is provided by the teacher and teacher assistants.  Retakes on summative assessments are not permitted, as meeting the key learning objectives at the end of each benchmark unit is essential for on-track success.

Grading Categories: 80% summative assessment; 20% formative assessment

This course is the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. History course. AP students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from 1491 to 2009. Students develop the same skills, practices, and methods used by university or college level history students. Daily work consists of regular engagement and analysis of primary and secondary source historical material. On average, students can expect about five to eight hours a week of class preparation. Students are assessed on a standards-based grading scale. In May, students will be required to sit for the College Board exam.  If they pass said exam, they will be eligible to receive credit at many colleges and universities.  Students in this course are not eligible to take Honors United States History concurrently.

Honors U.S. History

Course Number: 236101H

Prerequisites: World Studies or AP Human Geography

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Students generally are not expected to do much homework outside of class, an average of 60 minutes per week would be standard.

Assessment Retake Policy: Students are allowed to retake assessments at the teacher's discretion.

Grading Categories: There are usually no distinct categories, all points and grades count with the same weight to the ultimate and final grade.                 

Students analyze and evaluate issues in United States history ranging from the formation of the nation to the present day. Students analyze core documents, events, and beliefs that shaped America’s unique structure of government and consider the constitutional rights and obligations of citizens. Students think and write critically on nationalism, sectionalism, unity, diversity, the role of government and business in economic development, and the role of the United States as a member of the world community. A few topics of focus are the writing of the Constitution, how the country put itself back together after the Civil War, and the state of police brutality in light of former Chicago Police Commander, Jon Burge. This course is different than AP US History in that it provides a slightly more scaffolded approach to learning, using more differentiated techniques, such as projects, simulations, debates, and public speaking. Long texts such as books or chapters from books, as well as short texts like individual primary source accounts will be read. Students will be assigned informal and formal essays and complete a research paper.  All students must take either AP US History or Honors US History. Students in this course are not eligible to take AP United States History concurrently.  

Honors U.S. History/Honors English II - American Experiences

Course Number: 196201H

Prerequisites: English I; World Studies or AP Human Geography

Credits: 2

Homework Expectation: Weekly homework is variable for students. A majority of assignments are able to be completed IN CLASS if students are on-task. The maximum amount of homework for the course on a week basis is 120-240 minutes (2-4 hours) but subject to change. 

Assessment Retake Policy: Students are able to revise any assignment AFTER meeting with one/both teachers and receiving/responding to the guided feedback. Students are allowed to retake ONCE.

Grading Categories: 100% Summative; 0% Formative     

American Experience is a course that encourages sophomore students to appreciate the richness and diversity of the United States by analyzing it from interwoven historical and literary lenses. Using novels, films, poems, plays, primary sources, short stories and more; students will engage in an inquiry-based study of American Narratives that will allow a more complete understanding of the historical contexts that underpin current U.S. events. Texts will explore the historical diversity of American experiences, including the American experiences of Indigenous, LGBTQ, African, Asian and Latinx people. Students will develop their reading, writing, and speaking, through a variety of activities and assessments as they utilize the integrated disciplines of English and History to become more literate and compassionate citizens. Students will also develop their innovation and presentation skills through research projects, including the CPS required tenth grade service learning project. American Experience is a team-taught, double-period course. The course is limited to two sections. This will fulfill the sophomore US History, English II, and service learning project requirements. This course will assess students and provide feedback in alignment with proficiency-based learning models. This will allow students to demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts while receiving robust feedback for growth.                             

AP U.S. Government and Politics 

Course Number: 272201A

Prerequisites: World Studies or AP Human Geography; U.S. History or AP U.S. History

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Students should budget 180-300 minutes (3 to 5 hours) per week for class preparation, which includes: reading the text book and current events articles, watching review videos, and completing unfinished classwork.  

Assessment Retake Policy: Retakes on summative assessments are not permitted, as meeting the key learning objectives at the end of each benchmark unit is essential for on-track success.

Grading Categories: 80% Summative; 20% Formative

This course is the equivalent of an introductory college or university U.S. Government and Politics course. AP students investigate current events, policy, government institutions, and processes, including 14 required Supreme Court Cases and nine foundational documents. Students develop the same skills, practices, and methods used by university or college level political science students. Daily work consists of regular engagement and analysis of primary and secondary source political material. On average, students can expect about three to five hours a week of class preparation. Students are assessed on a standards-based grading scale. Throughout the year, summative assessments comprise 80% of the total semester grade. In May, students will be required to sit for the College Board exam.  If they pass said exam, they will be eligible to receive credit at many colleges and universities.  Offered to 11th graders only or 9th or 10th graders who have met the prerequisites.

Honors Civics

Course Number: 213101H

Prerequisites: World Studies or AP Human Geography; U.S. History or AP U.S. History

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Most work is completed in class. “Homework” is typically a continuation of work started in class. Students might have 30-45 of homework per class period.

Assessment Retake Policy: There are no retakes on formative or summative assessments

Grading Categories: 70% Summative; 30% Formative                           

Civics examines the structure and function of American systems of government and the role of citizens in the political process. This course explores the crucial role that citizens have in accessing power and mediating the forms of power that government and corporations have in American society. It gives students insight into the implementation of government at the federal, state and local levels. Civics classroom work encourages and leads students to authentic democratic participation and builds a strong sense of civic identity. Instruction is student centered, utilizes multiple resources and pedagogical strategies, provides access to multiple forms of complex text, and is driven by authentic project based learning. Students will make thematic connections in a research and writing intensive setting. Students will be expected to meet the standards with less scaffolding and more independent practice. Increased complexity of texts, tasks, and responses will prepare honors students for future advanced placement and college level coursework. Additionally, it will incorporate an extensive research project allowing students to interweave the content, skill sets and analysis they have developed over the course of  the year.  Offered to 11th graders only or 9th and 10th graders who have met the prerequisites.    

AP European History

Course Number: 275101A

Prerequisites: World Studies or AP Human Geography; U.S. History or AP U.S. History

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Students can expect 300-420 minutes (5 to 7 hours) of homework per week.  

Assessment Retake Policy: Students may correct questions missed on a quiz or test to regain points.

Grading Categories: 70% Summative; 30% Formative

Students in this college-level course analyze the development of the ideas, personalities, civilization, and institutions of the nations of Europe from the Renaissance to the present. Using the tools of the social sciences, including primary source documents, written and oral records, geography, social anthropology, and technology, students use historical evidence to answer document-based questions on the interdependence and interrelatedness of the European community economically, politically, and culturally. Students take the Advanced Placement examination for possible college credit in May. This can be taken concurrently with Honors Civics or AP U.S. Government. 

AP Macroeconomics

Course Number: 273101A

Prerequisites: World Studies or AP Human Geography; U.S. History or AP U.S. History

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Students generally have to read 7-10 pages and answer questions for homework. This should average about 120 to 180 minutes (2-3 hours) per week.

Assessment Retake Policy: Students are given the opportunity to complete test corrections after each unit exam (earning 1/2% back on the exam for each question corrected)

Grading Categories: Formative (quizzes and current events) 20%, Homework 20%, Unit Exams 40%, Final Exam 20%

AP Macroeconomics is a college level course that introduces students to the principles that apply to the economy as a whole. Have you ever wondered what it means when the news reports about interest rates or the unemployment rate? Ever thought about how or why the government spends money and collects taxes? If so, this could be the class for you! We will be exploring the national economy: how we measure economic performance, how the financial sector works, what leads to economic growth, and how international economies interact through trade. You will learn to use graphs, charts and data, and current events to analyze, describe and explain economic concepts.  This can be taken concurrently with Honors Civics or AP U.S. Government. 

AP Psychology

Course Number: 271101A

Prerequisites: World Studies or AP Human Geography; U.S. History or AP U.S. History

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Expect homework most days (Reading roughly 15-20 pages and taking notes)

Assessment Retake Policy: There are no retakes on unit exams. However extra credit opportunities are offered with each exam.

Grading Categories: Quizzes 15%, Projects 15%, Homework 15%, Exams 35%, Final 20%

In this college- level psychology course (equivalent to Psychology 100), students will prepare rigorously for the AP Psychology exam. In this class students will analyze the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Topics will include the following: history of psychology as a science, prominent psychologists and their theories, motivation and emotion, memory, states of consciousness, research methods, learning principles and applications, human development from infancy through old age, theories of personality development, and psychological disorders. Students should expect reading assignments of about 1 hour for each class period. There are two major projects each semester.  The skills which will be most valuable in this course are note-taking and applying concepts to real life scenarios. Students will be challenged to question group behavior and motivation for why people do the things they do. All students in this class will be expected to take the AP exam.  This can be taken concurrently with Honors Civics or AP U.S. Government. 

Honors Gender and Sexuality in History    

Course Number: 247101H

Prerequisites: World Studies or AP Human Geography; U.S. History or AP U.S. History

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Almost all work happens in class, including readings. Homework outside of class is rare and usually consists of finishing up class assignments.

Assessment Retake Policy: Assessment retakes are available after consultation with the teacher.

Grading Categories: 70% Major/Summative Assessments; 30% Minor/Formative Assessments

In this course, students examine the continuity and change for varying gender and sexual identities throughout United States history as well as the historical emergence and construction of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identities. Students will consider the social, political, cultural, and economic histories of those marginalized by their gender and/or sexuality in the United States, paying attention to how these groups played active roles in shaping American history and society. A few possible topics include: queer identity in the Harlem Renaissance, the HIV/AIDS crisis, the beauty and fashion industry, and gender nonconformists of the Frontier West. A range of texts such as essays, articles, film, songs, and fictional literature are examined to reflect on how these identities have been formed, framed, politicized and theorized over the course of United States history, including their intersection with race, class, nation, and other forms of social difference and power.  This can be taken concurrently with Honors Civics or AP U.S. Government.

Honors History of Chicago

Course Number: 263101H

Prerequisites: World Studies or AP Human Geography; U.S. History or AP U.S. History

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: Less than 120 minutes of homework per week           

Assessment Retake Policy: All assessments can be revised and resubmitted for full credit (no averaging) until the end of the following unit. Assessments are generally essays and projects, rather than multiple choice tests 

Grading Categories: 100% summative; 0% formative                               

This elective focuses on the history of the Chicago area, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day. We will focus on the development of the economic, political, and social institutions of the modern city, as well as contemporary issues in justice in Chicagoland including but not limited to redlining, residential segregation, immigration issues, accessibility, policing, and educational inequality. This course is focused on empowering students to understand their lived experience through the lens of historical research. Students will conduct community history studies within their own neighborhoods and communities.  This can be taken concurrently with Honors Civics or AP U.S. Government.  

Honors Journalism I

Course Number: 159101H

Prerequisites: English I

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: 60 minutes of homework per week           

Assessment Retake Policy: No retakes. 

Grading Categories: 70% summative; 30% formative        

In Journalism I, students will explore the dynamic world of mass media, which has played a crucial role in shaping public awareness throughout modern history. This writing-intensive course introduces students to the fundamentals of print, online, and broadcast journalism. As members of the Blueprint newspaper staff, students will engage in hands-on learning, producing news, feature, and opinion articles while mastering key journalistic skills.  The curriculum covers essential topics such as reporting, writing, editing, photography, advertising, design, and media management, while also addressing the legal, ethical, and historical aspects of journalism. Students will develop their understanding of teamwork and collaboration, critical to successful media production. Upon mastering foundational skills, students will have the opportunity to create more advanced media projects, including broadcast segments and podcasts.This course does not meet English graduation requirements Outside of class, students are expected to conduct interviews and cover school events, gaining real-world experience in journalism

**This course does NOT meet English graduation requirements** 

Honors Journalism II

Course Number: 159201H

Prerequisites: Journalism I

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: 60 minutes of homework per week           

Assessment Retake Policy: No retakes. 

Grading Categories: 70% summative; 30% formative        

Building on the skills developed in Journalism I, Journalism II is designed to provide students with advanced training in the managerial and technical aspects of journalism. This course focuses on the refinement of editing, production, and leadership skills while continuing to develop students’ proficiency in producing the Blueprint newspaper and its digital platforms. Students will engage in a variety of roles, including writing, editing, page layout, photography, video production, and advertising, contributing to both the print publication and the website. At this level, students are assigned leadership positions where they will be responsible for overseeing projects, managing deadlines, and mentoring peers. This hands-on experience offers a comprehensive understanding of the workflow involved in a full-scale media production, from content creation to final publication. Through these leadership roles, students will also learn to navigate the challenges of collaboration, time management, and effective communication. Journalism II provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, further developing their technical expertise while gaining valuable insight into the management and editorial processes of a professional media outlet.

**This course does NOT meet English graduation requirements**

Honors Journalism III 

Course Number: 159301H

Prerequisites: Journalism I and II

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: 60 minutes of homework per week           

Assessment Retake Policy: No retakes. 

Grading Categories: 70% summative; 30% formative        

Journalism III is an advanced course designed for students who wish to deepen their expertise in editing, production, and leadership within the Blueprint newspaper and news website. Building on the skills developed in Journalism II, this course focuses on refining students' abilities in writing, editing, page layout, photography, video production, and advertising, while also introducing advanced editorial techniques.  At this level, students take on executive leadership roles, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the publication and its website. They are responsible for making key editorial decisions, guiding the direction of the Blueprint, and ensuring that content meets high journalistic standards. Students will also collaborate with peers to produce engaging, professional-quality media across multiple platforms.  Journalism III provides a unique opportunity for students to not only enhance their technical skills but also to shape the editorial vision of the school’s news outlets. 

**This course does NOT meet English graduation requirements** 

Honors Latin American Studies

Course Number: 263101H

Prerequisites: World Studies or AP Human Geography; U.S. History or AP U.S. History

Credits: 1

Homework Expectation: 60 minutes of homework per week           

Assessment Retake Policy: No retakes on tests or quizzes. 

Grading Categories: 70% summative; 30% formative                               

In this course, students will evaluate the multiple vantage points of the Latin American experience and be introduced to the major concepts and debates in the field of Latin American Studies. An overview of these includes history, cultures, issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and class in Latin America, from pre-Columbian society to the present, in both Latin America itself as well as here in the U.S. Students will express themselves in multiple formats including investigative reports, research papers, and seminars. Students will engage in grade level aligned reading and writing practices through a wide range of literary and informational skills that builds upon their previous social science classes. Across all writing formats, students will prepare for the level of writing and research expected of them as incoming college students.  This can be taken concurrently with Honors Civics or AP U.S. Government.