The Social Studies curriculum has been developed to enhance student appreciation of the arts and sciences. We do this through a comprehensive look at history, government and social sciences. Students are required to take US History (1.0), American Government (1.0), World History (1.0) and Modern World History (.5) along with one semester (.5) history oriented elective class.
United States History II is an overview of American History and culture from 1877 to present. The course will be split into multiple academic levels and requires strong reading, writing and analytical skills. Additionally, the course will follow a chronological approach and will develop an understanding of political, economic, social and intellectual themes.
1503 CAREER PREP UNITED STATES HISTORY
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 1 (CRP)
Grade 9
Pathway: All
Selection of the Career Prep level is permitted only with administrative and teacher approval based on academic performance and standardized test scores.
1505 TECH PREP UNITED STATES HISTORY
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 2 (TP)
Grade 9
Pathway: All
United States History is designed for the students who plan to attend a vocational/technical school or a 2-year college program after graduation. This course stresses American historical development from the late 1800’s to present. There will be ongoing applications of historical precedence to current events.
1506 COLLEGE PREP UNITED STATES HISTORY
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 9
Pathway: All
College prep United States History is designed for the student who is planning to attend a college or university following graduation. The class will center on United States History from 1877 to present. Emphasis will be on the skills needed to excel in a college academic environment.
1507 HONORS UNITED STATES HISTORY
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 4 (H)
Grade 9
Pathway: All
For the advanced student who desires an in-depth study of American history from 1877 to present. Emphasis will be placed on firsthand accounts and in depth reading of secondary sources. Additionally, there will be a strong writing component to prepare students for an eventual movement to AP courses. This class will be designed to be a pre-AP class.
American Government & Economics is an in depth study of our Federal, State, and Local governments. This curriculum allows the student to look at the way government functions through the social, political, and economic aspects of our unique system. Included in the course will be a mock political campaign as well as a strong emphasis on the current political issues of today. The economic aspect of this course will survey the basic economic systems, which exist throughout the world. However, the major emphasis will be placed on the free enterprise system developed from the teachings of Adam Smith through today’s private enterprise system.
1553 CAREER PREP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 1 (CRP)
Grade 10
Pathway: All
Selection of the Career Prep level is permitted only with administrative and teacher approval based on academic performance and standardized test scores.
1555 TECH PREP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 2 (TP)
Grade 10
Pathway: All
This class is designed for the students who plan to attend a vocational/technical school or a 2-year college program after graduation.
1556 COLLEGE PREP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10
Pathway: All
This class is designed for the student who is planning to attend a college or university following graduation.
1558 AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 5 (AP)
Grade 10
Pathway: All
PREREQUISITE: 93% or greater in CP US History
The Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. Since it is an Advanced Placement class, it must follow certain topics that are generally covered in college courses. The Advanced Placement U.S. Government & Politics course is the equivalent of a one-semester college level course.
This course will engage students in the history of our world from 1450-1914. The main trend of the course will be how these events helped shape future events and the world’s current state. There are four main scopes that students will analyze these events: through culture, economics, politics and religion. During the year, students will learn to take reliable notes, participate in group discussions and think/write independently. Also, we will critically analyze various texts and events in order to discern the motives and repercussions of specific actions.
1523 CAREER PREP WORLD HISTORY I
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 1 (CRP)
Grade 11
Pathway: All
Selection of the Career Prep level is permitted only with administrative and teacher approval based on academic performance and standardized test scores.
1525 TECH PREP WORLD HISTORY I
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 2 (TP)
Grade 11
Pathway: All
This class is designed for the students who plan to attend a vocational/technical school or a 2-year college program after graduation.
1526 COLLEGE PREP WORLD HISTORY I
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 11
Pathway: All
This class is designed for the student who is planning to attend a college or university following graduation.
1528 ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 5 (AP)
Grade 11
Pathway: All
AP World History is the systematic study of major events from the beginning of mankind to the present. AP World History is structured around analysis and interpretation, but will mainly be presented in chronological format. Students will study World History through five major themes throughout the course, divided into six periods. The course requires students to interpret historical documents, analyze key historical events, and study cultural changes through time. This course fulfills all of a student’s World History requirements.
This course will engage students in the history of our world from 1914- Present. The main trend of the course will be how these events helped shape future events and the world’s current state. There are four main scopes that students will analyze these events: through culture, economics, politics and religion. During the year, students will learn to take reliable notes, participate in group discussions and think/write independently. Also, we will critically analyze various texts and events in order to discern the motives and repercussions of specific actions.
*If a student has taken AP World History, then s/he will take a full credit of other Social Studies electives listed. It is not necessary to take a semester of Modern World History.
1583 CAREER PREP MODERN WORLD HISTORY
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 1 (CRP)
Grade 12
Pathway: All
Selection of the Career Prep level is permitted only with administrative and teacher approval based on academic performance and standardized test scores.
1585 TECH PREP MODERN WORLD HISTORY
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 2 (TP)
Grade 12
Pathway: All
This class is designed for the students who plan to attend a vocational/technical school or a 2-year college program after graduation.
1586 COLLEGE PREP MODERN WORLD HISTORY
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 12
Pathway: All
This class is designed for the student who is planning to attend a college or university following graduation.
1539 AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 5 (AP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
For the advanced junior or senior student who desires an in-depth study of European history. This course gives the opportunity to prepare for the Advanced Placement test in European History. Writing and critical thinking skills are stressed throughout the year. The course will deal with European History from the 14th century to present. The Advanced Placement European History course is the equivalent of a one-year college level course.
1547 AP PSYCHOLOGY
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 5 (AP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: Human Services (HS); Science & Health (SH)
PREREQUISITE: Grade of 80% or higher in Biology.
This course is elective only – it will not fulfill the Social Studies graduation requirement. This course is designed for the student interested in the study of the basic principles of human behavior. The course will cover the theories of personality formation, biological basis of learning, the biological basis of sense and perception, development, intelligence and mental illness. A.P. Psychology is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Psychology test administered annually in May. The Advanced Placement Psychology course is the equivalent of a one-semester college level course.
1538 AP UNITED STATES HISTORY
Length of course: Full Year
Credit: 1.0
Weight: 5 (AP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
For the advanced student who desires an in-depth study of American history with the opportunity to prepare for the Advanced Placement test in American History. A.P. test scores fulfill freshman course requirements at many colleges and universities. The Advanced Placement U.S. History course is the equivalent of a one-year college level course. Critical thinking and writing skills are stressed throughout the year. The course will deal with American History from exploration to the present day. Students will prepare for the A.P. examination by emphasizing their writing and analytical thinking skills.
1581 PSYCHOLOGY
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: Human Services (HS); Science & Health (SH)
This course is elective only – it will not fulfill the Social Studies graduation requirement. This course explores the basic principles and theories of psychology with topics such as research methods, sensation and perception, consciousness, personality, intelligence, history of human behavior, learning, and psychological disorders.
1582 SOCIOLOGY
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: Human Services (HS); Science & Health (SH)
This course is elective only – it will not fulfill the Social Studies graduation requirement. This course is designed to explore the basic principles and theories of sociology with topics such as culture, social stratification, social structure, socializing the individual in society, population and urbanization, crime, social institutions, and social change.
1584 THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH MUSIC AND FASHION
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
This course is designed to explore specific topics such as music and fashion and how these factors impacted social change throughout American history. Topics will be discussed such as the Victorian Era, Prohibition, women’s evolvement and advancement of music in the 1920s, teenage culture and the influence of Rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s, anti-war movement of the Vietnam Era with the counterculture and music of the 1960s, and influence of music on gang violence in the 1980s.
1587 AMERICAN WOMEN: GENDER AND CULTURE IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
This course will be a combination of Psychology, Sociology, and History focused on gender roles in society. Topics include biological sex vs. gender, socialization and learning of gender roles, the issues and influence of women throughout American history, specific women’s rights movements, and current society. Students will have the opportunity to read and view a variety of sources, compare perspectives, conduct research, and engage in meaningful discussions of these topics
1590 YOU AND THE LAW
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 2 (TP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: Arts & Communications (AC); Business, Finance, & Information Technology (BFIT)
You and the Law will explore the basic elements of the United States society and how people interact with the law from a practical standpoint. Students will learn how to be actively engaged citizens in their communities through the skills and knowledge of local, regional, state, and federal government. Exploration of legal obligations, responsibilities, and citizen rights will allow students to discover why rules and laws exist.
1592 UNCERTAINTY, REVOLUTION AND IDEOLOGY
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
This course will be geared towards the college prep senior seeking to refine their analytical and critical thinking skills through the tumultuous events of post-World War One European society through the Second World War. It will include the rise of several totalitarian states, namely Soviet Russia, Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany and how their violence, revolutions and ideologies culminated in World War Two. Ultimately, the goal is to link why this happened in history with current trends taking shape in the world today. As such, the emphasis will be placed on the social and political forces that grew into these dictatorships, and not necessary the war component. Students will be expected to communicate historical and current social trends, as well as collaborate to find solutions to present issues based on historical trends. The course will conclude with a synthesis paper linked to trends in worldwide society today.
1593 HISTORY AND SPORTS
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
In this course students will examine the development of sports through various historical perspectives. There will be an emphasis on helping students gain a better understanding of the inner relationship that sport has on social, economic, cultural, and political forces that are at work in the United States as well as the world. Students will examine the historical context as well as the significance of gender, race, ethnicity and social class through readings, primary sources, audio and visual materials as well as class discussions.
1594 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
This course provides students with a briefing on essential political science, historical, economic, and sociological methods and then offers a topical approach to issues that affect contemporary America and its place in the world. Contemporary Issues blends political science, history, economics, and sociology; in this way, it introduces students to various issues facing them in our globalizing world. Students may explore domestic issues such as the justice system and domestic abuse, as well as globalization, terrorism, human rights, world health, and environmental issues. This course is designed to eliminate much of the confusion and/or ignorance surrounding these issues and allow students to form their own reasonable opinions on matters that affect them and our world. Students will study and evaluate these issues from a variety of perspectives and use a variety of resources. Ultimately, they will offer critiques and propose solutions to these issues, take action to solve a problem, and then reflect on the shared learning experience.
1595 SOCIAL JUSTICE AND GENOCIDE STUDIES
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
Social Justice and Genocide Studies provides students with an overview of some historic and 20th century world events framed within the paradigm of good and evil of individuals and groups. It will establish a psycho-social, historical, and cultural framework that enables students examine case studies of social justice and genocide on six of the seven continents. The Holocaust and genocides in Turkey, Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Argentina, and El Salvador are some of the case studies that illuminate the mass violence, torture, and the mistreatment of human beings. All of these, and others, raise personal and social questions about good and evil on large scales. We will examine the questions of what enables people in small and large groups to perpetrate evil (genocide) and examine the impact of apathetic bystanders of human violence or not (social justice).
1596 THE AMERICAN WAY OF WAR
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
This course provides students with an overview of the essential concepts, events, leaders, and outcomes of American military history. The course begins with the American Revolution and continues to recent times. With the subject of defense so much in the news today (e.g., the budget, a nuclear debate, terrorism, the all-volunteer Army, women in combat roles, and gays in the military) students need to understand America’s unique military past so that they can understand the present issues and make informed decisions for the future. The American Way of War will do this. It will look at war using the themes of society, technology, ideas, leadership, and the changes that have taken place for the past two hundred years in American military thought and action.
1597 POP CULTURE AND HISTORY (TP)
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 2 (TP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
In this course students will critically analyze eras of history and focus on the culture of the times. Students will progress through American History in an effort to determine how society reacted to events and how movies, fads, music, and culture impacted daily lives. We will determine what pop culture is, why people care about it, and how it truly is a reflection of the values of society.
1598 POP CULTURE AND HISTORY (CP)
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 3 (CP)
Grade 10-12
Pathway: All
In this course students will critically analyze eras of history and focus on the culture of the times. Students will progress through American History in an effort to determine how society reacted to events and how movies, fads, music, and culture impacted daily lives. We will determine what pop culture is, why people care about it, and how it truly is a reflection of the values of society. Additionally, a paper will be required in this class.
These are college courses for ambitious and talented high school juniors and seniors. There will be an emphasis on research, critical thinking, analytical reading, and college-level writing. Students must apply to HACC for the College in the High School Program and pay a cost of $75/credit (cost could fluctuate from year to year). Students are also responsible for acquiring the required book(s). Each course is worth 3 college credits and .5 elective credit at LDHS. The GPA weight is the same as an AP course. Contact Mr. Chortanoff or your counselor with questions.
1551 HACC US HISTORY 107
History 107: The United States Since 1918 HACC—College in the High School
(3 college credits/.5 elective credit at LDHS)
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 5 (AP)
Grade 11-12
Pathway: All
PREREQUISITE: Grade of 80% or higher in Honors English 10 and/or AP English 11
This is a survey of America’s social, political, economic, and military experience since 1918, with emphasis on the Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, Roosevelt’s New Deal, World War II, post-war problems, Cold War, Kennedy and Johnson, civil rights, Vietnam, Nixon and Watergate, and the Ford, Carter and Reagan presidencies. There will be an emphasis on research, critical thinking, and college-level writing. Supplemental material will be available, but students are responsible for the purchase of books. There is a one-time HACC application and a cost of approximately $75 per credit.
1552 HACC AMERICAN CIVIL WAR 161
History 161: The American Civil War and Reconstruction HACC—College in the High School
(3 college credits/.5 elective credit at LDHS)
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 5 (AP)
Grade 11-12
Pathway: All
PREREQUISITE: Grade of 80% or higher in Honors English 10 and/or AP English 11
This is a detailed examination of America’s greatest crisis, including causes of the war, military aspects, and diplomacy, along with the economics, technology, social history, and the music of the period. There will be an emphasis on research, critical thinking, and college-level writing. Supplemental material will be available, but students are responsible for the purchase of books. There is a one-time HACC application and a cost of approximately $75 per credit.
1560 HACC MILITARY HISTORY OF WORLD WAR II
History 120: Military History of the Second World War HACC—College in the High School
(3 college credits/.5 elective credit at LDHS)
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 5 (AP)
Grade 11-12
Pathway: All
PREREQUISITE: Grade of 80% or higher in Honors English 10 and/or AP English 11
An introductory survey of World War II military strategy and operations on the European, African, and Asian fronts, beginning with Hitler’s 1939 invasion of Poland and ending with the Japanese surrender six years later. Attention will be given to the causes and results of the war, and emphasis will be focused on decisive battles, important military leaders, and various Allied and Axis weapons. There will be an emphasis on research, critical thinking, and college-level writing. Supplemental material will be available. There is a one-time HACC application and a cost of approximately $75 per credit.
1561 HACC AMERICA IN VIETNAM
History 110: America in Vietnam HACC—College in the High School
(3 college credits/.5 elective credit at LDHS)
Length of course: Semester
Credit: .5
Weight: 5 (AP)
Grade 11-12
Pathway: All
PREREQUISITE: Grade of 80% or higher in Honors English 10 and/or AP English 11
The course will provide students with a brief survey of Vietnamese geography, history, and culture, followed by an examination of America’s military involvement in Vietnam between 1945 and 1973. Emphasis is on why the United States entered the war, how America fought the war, the peace movements, and why President Nixon withdrew American troops in 1973. There will be an emphasis on research, critical thinking, and college-level writing. Supplemental material will be available. There is a one-time HACC application and a cost of approximately $75 per credit.
1549 INDEPENDENT STUDY SOCIAL STUDIES
Independent Study is offered to provide individual students with the opportunity to explore special talents or interests. Students will work with a classroom teacher to set personal learning goals and to determine the type of project or learning experience they would like to pursue. The classroom teacher and student will agree upon and determine the credit value (.5, 1.0) and how a grade will be determined (percentage grade or Pass/Fail). Independent study is designed to supplement a student’s educational pathway but cannot exempt a student from Board approved core graduation requirements. Students must complete Independent Study paperwork and be approved for the course by a building administrator.