Social Studies

Philosophy

The Social Studies are concerned with human relationships. The content of the Social Studies is

derived principally from the scholarly disciplines of history, geography, anthropology, economics,

political science, psychology, and sociology. The basic purpose of the courses offered by the Social

Studies Department is to provide each student with a personally meaningful and sustaining orientation

to his or her total social environment based upon a rational and logical approach to human

relationships. In order to accomplish this purpose, the student should develop an ability to organize,

analyze, and impart information in a manner which enables the individual to act upon and effectively

utilize his or her present and continuing educational experiences in a world that is dominated by

change. All of the courses offered by the department provide the opportunity for each student to

achieve at an optimum level.

Graduation Requirements

Six semesters (six credits) of Social Studies are required of all students. All students must satisfactorily

complete:

Introduction to the Social Sciences**

World History OR AP World History

United States History OR AP United States History OR American Heritage

*Two semesters, in sequence are required for all of the above courses.

Electives are offered to Juniors and Seniors to explore other areas in the Social Studies beyond the

three year requirement.

**Constitution Test Requirement

1) Students that pass the first semester of Introduction to the Social Sciences will demonstrate a clear

understanding of patriotism and principles of representative government, proper use of the flag,

methods of voting and the Pledge of Allegiance, as required by Illinois State law and the Fenton

graduation requirements.

2) Students that do not pass the first semester of Introduction to the Social Sciences are required to

pass a test of the American Constitution in order to graduate. Those students must make individual

arrangements with the Division Leader to take the exam.

Freshman (9th) Course Description

Introduction to the Social Sciences

What are the social sciences? In order to acquaint students with the various disciplines within the

social sciences, this course presents a survey of American civics, psychology, economics, sociology,

anthropology, and geography. Various methodologies will be incorporated in order to deal with the

basic concepts of the social sciences. The first semester of the course fulfills the state requirement of

one semester of civics, focusing on government institutions, the discussion of current and controversial

issues, and simulations of the democratic process. It also requires two hours of service learning to

teach students the value and importance of civic involvement and service learning in their

communities. The theoretical as well as the practical facets of each discipline will be introduced and

investigated.

Prerequisites: None Semesters:2 Credits:2

Course Code: 1st Semester -5571 , 2nd Semester - 5572 Grade Levels: 9

Sophomore (10th) Course Descriptions

World History

World History is a survey of the evolution of diverse civilizations from ancient times to the present.

Students learn how the interactions between people from different empires, nation-states, social

classes, and religious backgrounds have impacted the course of history. Students will come away from

the course with knowledge of world geography, religions, and patterns of social, political, and

economic interactions. They will ultimately recognize that the events of the past influence the world we

live in today.

Prerequisites: None Semesters:2 Credits:2

Course Code: 1st Semester -5593 , 2nd Semester -5594 Grade Levels: 10

AP World History

Students taking this course will fulfill the World History graduation requirement, and prepare to take

the Advanced Placement exam in World History. The course will develop greater understanding of the

evolution of global history through classroom instruction, independent study, document comparison,

and the development of historical scholarship, with an emphasis on developing the skills of historical

analysis and writing.

Prerequisites: Introduction to the Social Sciences Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester -2093 , 2nd Semester - 2094 Grade Levels: 10

Junior (11th) Course Descriptions

United States History

The course is a survey of the major events in the history of our country with an emphasis on the

Twentieth Century. A major focus is on the political, social, economic, and geographic changes that have

contributed to the creation of modern America.

Prerequisites: None Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester -5551 , 2nd Semester - 5552 Grade Levels: 11

AP United States History

Students taking this course will fulfill the United States History graduation requirement and prepare

to take the Advanced Placement Exam in United States History. The course will emphasize the tutorial

approach, independent study, historiography and the development of historical scholarship,with an

emphasis on developing the skills of historical analysis and writing.

Prerequisites: Introduction to the Social Sciences Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 2091 , 2nd Semester - 2092 Grade Level: 11

American Heritage

This combined studies course fulfills the requirements for both United States History and English 3-

Language & Composition. In addition to the traditional historical and literary content, American

Heritage course provides the opportunity for students to further explore the cultural and artistic

influences that helped to shape our nation. This course also includes the major elements of Pre-college

composition, allowing students to develop more sophisticated writing skills. This class will meet in two

period blocks for two semesters.

Prerequisites: None Semesters: 2 Credits: 4 (2 English & 2 Social Studies)

Course Code: 1st Semester - 5587 , 2nd Semester - 5588 Grade Level: 11

Social Studies Electives

AP United States Government and Politics

AP United States Government and Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions,

policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States.

The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply

disciplinary reasoning, assess causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to

develop evidence-based arguments.

Prerequisites: 2 Years of Social Studies Semesters: 2 Credits: 2

Course Code: 1st Semester - 5528 ,2nd Semester - 5529 Grade Level: 11-12

AP Psychology

Advanced Placement Psychology is designed to prepare students for the AP Psychology exam, which

covers an introduction to the scientific and systematic study of behavior. Students are exposed to the

psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with the major subfields within psychology.

Students will also learn about the methodology utilized by psychologists in their practice including the

research methods and the APA writing format. In this way, students will continue to develop their

critical thinking as well as their reading and writing skills to help them succeed in college. The class will

build on the foundations laid during the second semester of Introduction to the Social Sciences.

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and recommendation from one social studies teacher, 2 years

of social studies.

Semesters: 2 Credits: 2 Course Code: 1st Semester - 2105 ,2nd Semester - 2106 Grade Level: 11-12

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice focuses on the legal system of the United States from the mid-Twentieth Century to

the present. This course is designed to meet the needs of students wishing to be exposed to the

criminal justice system, wanting to explore a possible career in criminal justice, and who are interested

in taking an in depth look at the American legal system. The course will acquaint students with legal

terms, trial procedures and laws that relate to young adults. Major subject areas include the police,

criminal cases, correction and juvenile justice. Landmark court cases will be used to establish precedent

and encourage discussion. Written work and discussion participation will play a significant role in the

course.

Prerequisites: None Semesters: 1 Credits: 1

Course Code: 5526 Grade Level: 11-12

Military History

Military History is a one semester Social Studies elective focused on the central theme of armed

conflict. Students will explore the development of warfare on land, sea and air, weapons and

technology, strategy and defense, discipline and intelligence, mercenaries and standing armies,

guerrilla assault and nuclear arsenals. Understanding the importance and the role of the military in the

formation of individual states and societies will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on the socio-

economic impact of military progress and the moral questions raised by armed conflict.