Social Studies
The course offerings in Social Studies reflect a range of human history, society and development. For graduation, students must successfully complete 1.0 credit in Western Civilization, 1.0 credit in American History, and 1.0 credit in Government.
The typical sequence of courses that Owen J. Roberts High School students select is presented in the chart below. The chart is divided into instructional levels and is intended to give an overview of the required courses from which students can choose. It is only a guide to assist students and families in the registration process. A student’s course selections are not limited to the sequences shown. Each student should consult his/her teachers, school counselor, and families to determine the appropriate courses and sequence that best supports his/her academic and career goals. The academic levels – Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate (AP/IB), Honors (H), College Prep (CP) and Standard (ST) - indicate the general level of instruction of the courses.
Key to Symbols:
^ Hybrid course only.
# Offered as Hybrid and Traditional course.
* Offered as Online and Traditional course.
HISTORY OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION
Grade(s): 9 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: ST, CP, H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Honors level requires an 86 in 8th grade Honors Social Studies or a 92 in 8th grade Social Studies
Traditional Periods/cycle: 5
Course numbers:
Standard: 03133
College Prep: 03122
Honors: Traditional
History of Western Civilization is an overview of the development of our civilization from the Medieval world and the Renaissance to the European theater of World War II. This course equips students to understand the major political, religious, artistic, and philosophical ideas that predominate in today’s world. The focus is on major turning points and breakthrough ideas; the course moves swiftly from the Middle Ages and Renaissance and then on to the modern world. Students are encouraged to wrestle with some of the still-unresolved problems in Western Civilization as they prepare to move into the adult world.
AP WORLD HISTORY
Grade(s): 9 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: 92 in 8th grade Honors Social Studies
Traditional: 03110 Periods/cycle: 5
*Summer assignment required*.
The Advanced Placement World History: Modern (WHAP) is a challenging full year course that explores the year 1200 to the present day. WHAP is considered the equivalent of a semester college survey course in Modern World history (equal three credits). In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 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 provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation. Students in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
20TH CENTURY AMERICAN HISTORY
Grade(s): 10 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: ST, CP, H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Honors level requires a 78 in H Western Civilizations or an 85 in CP Western Civilization.
Traditional Periods/cycle: 5
Course numbers:
Standard: 03233
College Prep: 03222
Honors: 03211
20th Century American History will examine the major themes in American history from the Industrial Revolution to the modern day. Areas of emphasis will be economic policy, cultural changes, and domestic and foreign issues. Highlights will include the Progressive Movement, the World Wars, the Cold War, the Civil Rights movement, and other significant events into the twenty-first century.
AP UNITED STATES HISTORY
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: 78 in AP Social Studies or 86 in H Social Studies or a 92 in CP Social Studies
Traditional: 03200 Periods/cycle: 5
*Summer assignment required*
This Advanced Placement course is a college level introduction to United States history from the pre-Columbian world of 1491 to the present day. This course is demanding in the areas of discussion, writing, critical thinking, and academic independence considerably beyond honors level courses. Students in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
U.S. GOVERNMENT/ ECONOMICS
Grade(s): 11 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: ST, CP, H
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Honors level requires a 78 in either H 20th Century American History or AP US History or an 85 in CP 20th Century American History.
Traditional Periods/cycle: 5
Course numbers:
Standard: 03333
College Prep: 03322
Honors: 03311
This course is divided into two major areas of focus. The first semester will focus on American government with an emphasis in understanding origins and principles of government, the Constitution, the power and levels of government, judicial issues, and the role of the citizen. The second semester will focus on economics, the role of the consumer, the role of business and the role of government. This course will also focus on uncovering the basic principles of the United States’ government and economic systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the impact the government and economics has on student lives today. Students are asked to identify, research, interpret, and analyze key events and principles while making comparisons and applications to their own personal experiences.
AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS: UNITED STATES
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: 78 in AP Social Studies or 86 in H Social Studies or a 92 in CP Social Studies
Traditional: 03410 Periods/cycle: 5
*Summer assignment required*
This Advanced Placement course explores the American political system in its entirety. Students in this class will examine and analyze all of the complexities and features of the American federal system from the broad ideas of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to focused, intense study on specific policy initiatives and bureaucratic theory. The class will also explore the American public and how we, as Americans, develop our political values and are affected by the media and political policies. This course is extremely demanding in the areas of discussion, writing, critical thinking and academic independence and requires extensive reading. Its scope is considerably beyond honors level coursework. Students in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS: COMPARATIVE
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: 78 in AP Social Studies or 86 in H Social Studies or a 92 in CP Social Studies
Traditional: 03430 Periods/cycle: 5
*Summer assignment required*
This Advanced Placement course explores the governments of the United States, Britain, Russia, China, Mexico, Iran and Nigeria during the course of the year. Not only will these government systems be analyzed individually, but the class will also cover the issues of globalization and democratization as points of comparison between the various nations. Social, political, military, economic and historical issues will all be studied and analyzed along with pertinent current events. This course is demanding in the areas of discussion, writing, critical thinking, and academic independence considerably beyond honors level courses. Extensive reading and writing are required to be successful in this course. Students in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
Social Studies electives may not be substituted for Social Studies credits required for graduation.
IB PHILOSOPHY
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: IB
Length: Year Fee: IB Exam fee
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Western Civilization or AP World History
Traditional: 03920 Periods/cycle: 5
Philosophy is a systematic critical inquiry into profound, fascinating and challenging questions such as: What is it to be human? Do we have free will? What do we mean when we say something is right or wrong? These abstract questions arise out of our everyday experiences, and philosophical tools such as critical and systematic thinking, careful analysis, and construction of arguments provide the means of addressing such questions. The course is focused on stimulating students’ intellectual curiosity and encouraging them to examine both their own perspectives and those of others. Students are challenged to develop their own philosophical voice and to grow into independent thinkers, in addition to engaging with some of the world’s most interesting and influential thinkers. The course also develops highly transferable skills such as the ability to formulate arguments clearly, to make reasoned judgments and to evaluate highly complex and multifaceted issues.
AP MICRO AND MACRO ECONOMICS
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: 78 in AP Social Studies or 86 in H Social Studies or a 92 in CP Social Studies
Traditional: 03530 Periods/cycle: 5
*Summer assignment required*
This Advanced Placement course gives students a thorough understanding of economic principles that apply to the economic system as a whole. It emphasizes the study of national income and price determination and develops familiarity with performance measures, growth and international economics. At the microeconomic level it explores the economic principles that apply to the industry level. Concepts covered include; basic economic concepts, supply and demand in relation to product markets, factor markets and income determination and the government’s role in the economy. Students in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: 78 in AP Social Studies or 86 in H Social Studies or a 92 in CP Social Studies
Traditional: 03600 Periods/cycle: 5
*Summer assignment required*
In addition to providing a basic narrative of events, movements, and cause and effect relationships, this course will develop an understanding of some of the principal themes in European history. Students will be expected to analyze historical evidence and express historical understanding through writing. Themes include intellectual, cultural, political, diplomatic, social and economic history. This course requires extensive reading. Students in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
AP PSYCHOLOGY
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: AP
Length: Year Fee: AP Exam fee
Prerequisite: A grade of 78 in H Biology or 85 in CP Biology and a grade of 83 in Honors Social Studies or 92 in CP Social Studies.
Completion of Psychology elective (course 03645) is STRONGLY recommended.
Traditional: 03610 Periods/cycle: 5
*Summer assignment required*
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of psychology. Students will explore the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students will evaluate the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.
AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES 1
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Traditional: 03243 Periods/cycle: 5
This course examines the role of African Americans in shaping American Society from pre-written history Africa through Reconstruction. Students will discover the impact of the slave trade and how forced migration of Africans to the Americas created African American culture. The course explores a broad timeline with subjects including: early African kingdoms, the impact of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, the contributions of African Americans in building the economy of the southern United States, the Abolitionist Movement, and the effect of Reconstruction on African Americans. Students will get to see the development of America from the African American perspective and gain understanding of how events shaped the lives of African Americans.
AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES 2
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: African American Studies 1
Traditional: 03253 Periods/cycle: 5
This course begins with the Jim Crow era in the South and finishes with a present day focus on problems that plague the African-American community. The course explores how the many accomplishments of African Americans during the Reconstruction era are overlooked and the lasting impact discrimination and segregation have had on African Americans. In addition, the course will cover topics including segregation, the contributions of great African-Americans in the 20th century, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, and current struggles and challenges plaguing the African-American community (i.e. violence, educational and income gaps, negative media image, etc.). This exploratory course discusses the most significant events of American history told from the vantage point of African Americans.
SOCIOLOGY
Grade(s): 11-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Traditional: 03604 Periods/cycle: 5
Sociology & Society focuses on examining current issues in American society by using the practices and theories of sociology. Topics include the impact and role of the media on society, social justice and the changing nature of the American family and society. Issues are examined through class discussions, videos and magazine articles. The courses focuses on approaching social issues through the application of the practice of sociology and its theories. The course prioritizes examining issues as well as their causes and effects from multiple perspectives. The course relies heavily on the exchange of ideas, both through the spoken and written word, and is recommended only for students who are eager to discuss and debate.
Due to the subject matter this elective is limited to 11th and 12th grade students.
CRIME & JUSTICE
Grade(s): 9-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Traditional: 03625 Periods/cycle: 5
Crime and Justice will investigate the nature of crime and justice in the United States. The course is separated into two portions. The first segment deals with crime and the criminal process. The second deals with justice and rehabilitation versus punishment in current society. Highlights of the course include the role of the media and Constitutional rights.
The mature subject matter in this course, including violence and crime, necessitates maturity on behalf of enrolled students.
PSYCHOLOGY
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Traditional: 03645 Periods/cycle: 5
Students enrolled in this course will study behaviors exhibited by individuals and groups. They will review the historical roots of psychology and explore the biological and social foundations of human behavior. Students enrolled in this course will be expected to complete projects and evaluate psychological theory and participate in class discussions.
Due to the mature subject matter of this elective, it is an option for 10th through 12th grade students only
HOLOCAUST & GENOCIDE STUDIES
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Hybrid: 03633H Periods/cycle: 2
This hybrid course delves deeply into the causes, history and legacy of genocide in the 20th century. A specific focus is given to the Holocaust, the event that coined the term genocide, while additional examples of genocidal acts are also examined. Students will explore the roots of genocide and the conditions in which such violent acts can occur through the use of primary source material as well as a varied collection of online media and sources. Students will analyze the pervasive nature of intolerance and hatred and how those forces can ultimately lead to state sanctioned violence against minority groups. The class will also examine and evaluate possible solutions to mitigate the potential for crimes against humanity or genocide to occur in the future.
ECONOMICS
Grade(s): 10-12 Credit(s): 0.5 Weight: ST
Length: Semester
Traditional: 03543 Periods/cycle: 5
This course will strengthen student knowledge of personal finance, provide a strong foundation for economic decision making as well as enhance their understanding of major economic trends and theories. The course will feature a mixture of topics ranging from personal economic decision making to comparisons of economic systems and theories. Focusing on basic economic theories, major macroeconomic systems and consumer economic education this course will provide students with a vital and useful set of economic tools for use throughout life.
THE MODERN WORLD – 1815 TO TODAY
Grade(s): 12 Credit(s): 1.0 Weight: CP
Length: Year
Traditional: 03655 Periods/cycle: 5
Dual Enrollment: 3 credits via Montgomery County Community College contingent upon yearly instructor approval.
The Modern World course, which follows the development of the non-Western world from the Age of Imperialism to modern times, will dovetail with the required 9th grade course that traced the rise of Western Civilization from the ancient Greek and Romans to the modern era. Unlike the 9th grade class, this course will take a global look at the maturation of the modern world. Expanding students’ views past those of the United States and Europe, this course will look at the impact of Western Civilization upon the cultures and societies of Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East, all the while tracing the path of history up to the modern day.
Through this course, students will focus on many of the major issues and conflicts that will confront our world and its youth today, as well as in the future. Students will learn that the problems that weigh heavily on society today have their roots in past events. Terrorism, for example, will be examined by investigating its cultural, religious, militaristic and political roots. Students will trace the history of European colonialism across the globe and draw connections between it and modern crises that have emerged in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Major historical events, such as World War I and II, will be analyzed from non-Western perspectives, and comparisons will be drawn between the different views.