Social Sciences and History
World History
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 9, 10
This course looks at the major events in the development of major world civilizations. The course covers the time period from prehistory and ancient civilization to the Early Americas.
Goals: As we look at each civilization, we will address several different areas that the social studies department has identified to keep the curriculum aligned with the state standards.
Geography
Economics
Social Classes
Religion
Government
Significant Events
20th Century History
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites: none
The course is a social science elective. Students will need strong reading skills to be successful in this course. The major emphasis is on the events and personalities of the post-World War I twentieth century. Topics include the Roaring 20’s, The New Deal, World War II, U.S.-Soviet relations, the economic boom of the 1950s, The Civil Rights Movement, the Great Society, the New Frontier, and the Vietnam War. Historical writing skills and critical thinking will also be developed in this course.
Personal Law
Credit: .5 unit per semester
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 10, 11, 12
Personal Law examines the workings of the U.S. criminal and civil justice systems, including and providing an understanding of criminal and civil law, and the legal process, the structure and procedures of courts, and the role of various legal and judicial agencies. Along with the emphasis on the legal system, the history and the foundation of law will also be covered. Course content may also include contemporary problems in the criminal justice system.
American History
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 11
This course is required for every 11th grade student. The course is organized thematically with an emphasis on American policies and cultural development. Areas of study covered include the roles of minorities and women throughout America's history, as well as the development of American culture and identity.
AP U.S. History
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 5/4
Open To: Grade 11
Prerequisite: Minimum of B average in a previous history course, and a strong recommendation of taking 20th Century History
A.P. U.S. History is designed to develop students' analytical skills and factual knowledge in order to deal critically with the problems and materials in American history. This course can be compared to a first semester college class. In AP History, students will learn to analyze and interpret historical materials and documents. A strong emphasis will be placed on American history from all time periods, and events from the Pre-Columbian era to the Biden Administration will be covered. AP History is a writing intensive course, and students are given the tools they need to pass the AP U.S. History exam.
Psychology
Credit: .5 unit per semester
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 11, 12
This course focuses on individual behavior and why/how an individual thinks, feels, and reacts to certain stimuli. Major emphasis will be placed on the history of psychology, adolescence, social psychology, mental disorders and mental illness, altered states of consciousness, and behavioral conditioning. Students will complete independent and group projects, as well as challenging themselves to new modes of project assessments.
Sociology
Credit: .5 unit per semester
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 11, 12
Sociology is the systematic study of human society. Students will learn about theories, research, and concepts of sociology through lectures, case studies, independent and group projects, and research of their own. This class is designed for those who have an interest in human society. Topics covered in this course include culture, society, deviance, socialization, social stratification, and social groups, and race/ethnicity. This course will help students prepare for a college environment.
Social Issues in History
Credit: One unit per year
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 11, 12
Social Issues is a performance-based class. Students will develop critical thinking skills as they learn to collect and evaluate evidence for accuracy and bias. Additionally, students will build their reading, writing, evaluation, and discussion skills. Students will be required to produce projects, write papers, and give presentations. This course engages in an intensive study of local, national, and global issues.
Consumer Education
Credit: .5 unit per semester
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 12
The Consumer Education course is designed to help each student become a more informed consumer in the marketplace. Other than the basic parts of the economy and how the economy functions, discussion will take place regarding the effective use of money for their future financial decisions. Elements from this course are included in the required Rite of Passage project for each senior student. The course meets the state requirement for Consumer Education.
Civics
Credit: .5 unit per semester
Weight: 4/4
Open To: Grade 12
Throughout this course, students will gain a better understanding of the principles and practices of the American Republic including state and local government. Students will be required to pass examinations covering the U.S. Constitution, Illinois Constitution, and flag etiquette in order to graduate. This course meets the state requirement for Civics.
AP Psychology
Credit: one unit per year
Weight: 5/4
Open To: Grade 12
Prerequisite: Minimum of B average in Psychology, or with permission of instructor
AP Psychology is an introductory college-level psychology course. Students cultivate their understanding of the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes through inquiry-based investigations as they explore concepts like the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. This is both a reading and writing intensive course that moves parallel with college level pacing and curriculum.