A minimum of three and one-half (3 ½) credits in social studies is required for graduation. This includes 1 credit in Government, 1 credit in World History, 1 credit in U.S. History, and ½ credit in Civics.
Government (300/301)
1 credit - year long course
04151A000
This course includes both the U.S. and Illinois Constitution tests. The first semester concentrates on the principles behind our government, the U.S. Constitution and the structure and operation of the federal government. The second semester concentrates on rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the Illinois Constitution and the structure and operation of the state government. Both semesters are supplemented by political geography maps and governmental vocabulary. Grades are based on homework assignments, map tests, chapter tests, the U.S. Constitution test, the Illinois Constitution test, classroom participation and student responsibility.
World History (310/311)
1 credit - year long course
04051A000
World History concentrates on the development of Western Society and its influence on current events beginning with the development of Greek and Roman civilizations and ending in the 1800’s. Major themes include prehistory Greek and Roman Civilizations, Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation, Exploration and Colonization, Age of Enlightenment and Reason (American and French Revolutions), the birth of a new nation, the development of the United States and Europe’s influence, and events leading up to Civil War. The course places emphasis on the social consequences of world history and political geography. Course assessment is based on various tests, homework assignments, projects, quizzes, and class participation.
US History (320/321)
1 credit - year long course
04101A000
U.S. History is a comprehensive study of the history of the United States of America. The course will concentrate on some of the major themes that shaped the history of the United States including the Progressive Era, World War I, World War II, the Great Depression and the Vietnam conflict. Grading is based on a combination of homework scores, quizzes, tests, and the successful completion of a few projects.
Advanced Placement US History (328/329)
1 credit - year long course
04104A000
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
This course will follow the syllabus provided by the AP Program. This class will be very demanding and it will require a great deal of work outside of the classroom. The AP Program calls for a survey approach to U.S. History, and the curriculum concentrates on social and political history. It will be extremely helpful and recommended that you also take College Prep English 11 and U.S. History 320/321. The purpose of this course is twofold: First of all, it fulfills the U.S. History requirement. Secondly, it is expected that many students who take this course will seek college credit and/or placement for the college or university they attend. Appropriate credit and placement are granted by each institution in accordance with its own policies. Evaluation will be based on class participation, homework, quizzes, and tests.
Civics (340)
1/2 credit - semester
04161A000
This course will focus on current events, social problems, and information important to citizens living in a representative democracy. Time magazine and news videos will be primary sources for the events, problems, and information. These issues will be openly discussed and debated as a group and will be individually evaluated in written homework assignments. A portfolio of the written homework assignments will determine the student’s grade. The portfolio requires time management, responsibility, and a work ethic while individual assignment grades are based on effort, accuracy, and punctuality. A student’s final grade will be based on class participation, homework, and a final exam.
Economics (350)
1/2 credit - semester
04201A000
Economics is designed to provide students with basic knowledge of micro and macro-economic concepts. Students will learn vocabulary and ideas that will guide them in introductory economic courses in college. In addition, students will participate in Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance. This part of the course is interactive with lessons on different websites as well as videos. There are also many class discussions, handouts and a workbook to keep, to go along with the video material. Students will also have several take home materials that will benefit them years after high school. Grades will be dependent on homework, quizzes, tests and class participation.
Psychology (360)
1/2 credit - semester
04254A000
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Psychology offers an introduction to concepts, principles, and methods of psychological investigation. An interaction of biological, sociocultural, and cognitive forces that shape personality, emotions, motivation, and social interaction is emphasized. Topics include research methodology, physiology and behavior, developmental psychology, consciousness, personality, abnormal psychology, psychotherapy, emotions, and more. This rigorous course is geared to the college bound student and follows Lewis and Clark’s curriculum and evaluation for Psychology 131. It will be extremely helpful and highly recommended that a student also takes College Prep English 11. Evaluation includes a minimum of two written examinations, a critical thinking assignment in APA format, class participation, and projects.
Sociology (370)
1/2 credit - semester
04258A000
Sociology is the study of societies and the behavior of groups of people. The course will provide the student with the background for most entry-level college sociology courses. Lectures and note taking serve as a basic outline for the class, but the student will be expected to research social events, interpret videos, make presentations and participate in class discussions, all of which will be the basis for grades. Evaluation will be based on class participation, homework, quizzes, and tests.