Social Studies

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WORLD GEOGRAPHY I

SSG-3010

Length/Credit:      One Semester, 0.5 credit | Meets graduation requirement

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 9-12 

Locate places in the world using a map and/or globe; analyze and interpret data presented on maps, charts, graphs, tables, and atlases; use critical thinking skills in applying physical geography concepts to describe how people live in various regions; develop the understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and people that inhabit earth; enrich the comprehension of geography through the use of technology.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY II

SSG-3020

Length/Credit:      One Semester, 0.5 credit | Meets graduation requirement

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 9-12

World Geography II can be taken as a Social Studies Selective, if World Geography I has been taken.

Demonstrate competent use of maps, globe; and atlases; identify and explain how humans continue to modify the physical environment in ways that reveal their cultural values; analyze in-depth aspects of cultural, physical and political geography.   

GLOBAL ISSUES

SSS-3080

Length/Credit:      One Semester, 0.5 credit

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 9-12, Preferred 9-10

Global Issues provides students with an opportunity to encounter international issues with undefined problems.  Students will create new information to extend their learning.  Students will gain an appreciation of learning in teams as they set their course on coming to a rational conclusion using the problem-based and technology-based learning.  Students will fully understand that they are truly global citizens and that responsibility lies at the core of good citizenship. 

WORLD HISTORY

SSH-3070

Length/Credit:      One Semester, 0.5 credit

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 9-12 

Addresses the story of Mankind from Renaissance to pre WWII

This course reconstructs the historical narrative of Western Europe and the Atlantic World from 1300-1939. Within this course students will encounter the political, economic, social, and technological progressions that have shaped the modern world we live in today. Students will be expected to recognize themes of comparison and causation from the Renaissance, Scientific Revolution, the Age of Exploration, Age of Absolutism, the Enlightenment, the American and French Revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, the Rise of Imperialism, World War I, and the Rise of Fascism in the western world. Students will also study the methods and techniques used by historians to construct an accurate account of the past. 

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

SSH-5031/5032

Length/Credit:      One Year, 1 credit | 1st Semester meets a social studies elective, 2nd Semester Meets World History graduation requirement  (Students need to complete the entire year-long course to receive the 0.5 World History credit required for graduation.)

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 10-12 

Students are expected to take the AP exam.

In AP European History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: interaction of Europe and the world, economic and commercial development, cultural and intellectual development, states and other institutions of power, social organization and development, national and European identity, and technological and scientific innovations.

EARLY HISTORY OF MANKIND

SSH-3060

Length/Credit:      One Semester, 0.5 credit | Meets Graduation Selective  requirement

                                        This does not fulfill the World History graduation requirement. 

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 9-12

Addresses the story of Mankind from its beginnings to the Renaissance.

Picture how it was to be a teenager during the times when the great religions were born, to sit with the creators of civilization; to walk with the famous Iceman in his ill-fated trek through the Alps of 5,000 years ago; to witness the building of the Great Pyramid; to feel the thrill of ultimate competition in the first Olympics; to be awed by the Seven Wonders of the World; to watch the gladiators duel in the Coliseum; to report the burying of great resort cities by the Vesuvius volcano; to fight beside King Richard the Lion-Hearted or the Great Saladin in the Crusades; to witness the dreaded Black Plague; to train with knights and live in great castles; to walk with Jesus or Mohammed; to invent languages; to sail in the legendary longboats of the Vikings as they set foot in North America; or to sit with the great lords and knights as they make futile plans to stop the Golden Hordes of Mongols. Live your early history and see how it formed your world today. 

SOCIOLOGY

SSS-3070

Length/Credit:      One Semester, 0.5 credit 

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 10-12 

Sociology is the science of group relationships.  It explores patterns of group behavior in social situations, such as family, religion, and school.  Sociology explores the origins, functions and interrelationships in culture, religion, crime, sexuality, family, old age, media, advertising, addictions, etc.

PSYCHOLOGY II

SSS-3030

Length/Credit:      One Semester, 0.5 credit

Prerequisite:          Psychology I, Open to grade 10-12 

Builds on units addressed in Psychology I and includes motivation and emotion, lifespan development, intelligence, thinking and language, mental illness and personality assessment. Students will employ multi-media, hands-on and group activities, complete a research project demonstrating their understanding of psychological concepts.

AP PSYCHOLOGY

SSS-5021/5022

Length/Credit:      One Year, 1 credit

Prerequisite:          Open to grade 11-12   

Location:                   LHS , RHS, JHS

Students are expected to take the AP exam.

The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice.  Solid reading and writing skills, good attendance and a willingness to devote time to homework and study are necessary to succeed in this course. Recommended but not required – Biology or Anatomy/Physiology.

AMERICAN STUDIES

SSH-3021/3022 & LAEN3031/3032

Length/Credit:      One Year, 2 periods, 2 credits | Meets graduation requirement –American Literature requirement and American History option

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 11-12 

American Studies is a yearlong survey course combining the study of American history with American literature and composition. This two-period block class provides an interdisciplinary approach to the three required courses. The chronological study of history from the pre-Civil War period to the present blends an appreciation for different literary genres throughout our nation’s history, helps students develop critical reading and writing skills, focuses on vocabulary building, and includes art, music, and other cultural developments of historical eras. This class meets daily in a two-period block. If successfully completed, the student earns one credit for American history, 0.5 credit for American Literature, and 0.5 credit for Composition. Most students register for this course for the junior year of high school.

GOVERNMENT

SSV-3010

SSVN3010 PBL Academy at Jefferson

Length/Credit:      One Semester, 0.5 credit | Meets graduation requirement

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 10-12 

Students will study the U.S. Constitution and acquire knowledge of the fundamental principles of the American governmental system. Students will study the three branches of government, the American political system, the basic fundamental rights and responsibilities of American citizens, and state and local government.

Dual Credit option available at Jefferson.

AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

SSV-5010

Length/Credit:      One Semester, 0.5 credit | Meets graduation requirement

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 11-12

Students are expected to take AP Exam.

Recommend the completion of American History.

Students will complete an advanced comprehensive study of American government and politics. Topics of study will include: the American Federal System; political parties, elections and voting; Congress; the Presidency; federal courts; the media and public opinion; and civil rights and liberties.

ECONOMICS

SSS-3040

Length/Credit:      One Semester, 0.5 credit | Meets graduation requirement

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 11-12 

Have you ever wondered why some businesses (and individuals!) thrive and make millions while others struggle just to survive?  Understanding economics and the way the various economic systems work may answer that very question. Economics deals with the way in which individuals, households, firms, industries and 

Governments decide to employ their given talents and material resources to best satisfy their many needs. A deeper understanding of economics will enable you to understand and evaluate the U.S. economy and to participate in it more fully. You will discover that there is more than one way to organize an economy, and that the successful U.S. model, which is organized around the private sector, is just one of several possibilities available.  

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

SSHN3021/3022, LALN3031, LACN3032, ELEN3030 

Length/Credit:      One Year, 1 credit, Two Hour Block, 2.5 credit

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 11

Location:                   PBL Academy at Jefferson

Meets American History, American Literature and Composition graduation requirements, and General Elective credit.

In American Experience, students have a chance to learn about some of America’s most important events by participating in collaborative projects and presenting their end product to show content knowledge. Students work to create authentic projects in conjunction with community partners. The course examines the impact society and history have on literature. Notable projects previously completed include #myparty12, America@War, and War Games. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for American Literature and Composition in addition to credit for US History. Students also receive 1/2 elective credit for this course.

HUMANITIES II

LEAN3021/3022 & SSSN3080 & SSHN3010

Length/Credit:      One Year, two hour block, 2 credits

Prerequisite:          None, Open to grade 10

Location:                   PBL Academy at Jefferson

Humanities II challenges students to examine and analyze major historical events and current global issues through the lens of literature and collaborative projects. This course combines English II, and social studies electives World History and Global Issues.