Social Sciences and History

Credit: One unit per year

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grade 9, 10

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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. 

1. Geography

2. Economics

3. Social Classes

4. Religion 

5. Government

6. Significant Events

Credit: One unit per year

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grade 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: none

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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.

Credit: .5 unit per semester

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grade 10, 11, 12

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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.

Credit: .5 unit per semester

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grade 11, 12

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This course is a survey of Illinois history from pre-colonial to present with an emphasis on Native American and Colonial settlement, Illinois involvement in various conflicts and social movements, figures that are crucial to the success of Illinois, as well as consequential figures in Illinois.

Credit: One unit per year

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grade 11

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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.  

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

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This is a class through Lincoln Land Community College’s Dual Credit program. It provides juniors with the opportunity to earn three college credits, satisfying a common requirement from colleges and universities.

HIS 111 United States History to 1877  (3 Credits)

The course surveys the political, social and economic development of the United States. Topics include European colonization, class and social structure in colonial America, colonial politics and economics, causes and effects of the American Revolution, Constitution-making and early political parties, Jacksonian America, Westward Expansion, Antebellum Era, the Civil War and Reconstruction. Students will compose historical arguments making use of a variety of secondary and primary sources. R, W1, 11 (3 lecture hours) IAI: S2 900

Credit: .5 unit per semester

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grade 11, 12

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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.

Credit: .5 unit per semester

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grade 11, 12

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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.

Credit: .5 unit per semester

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grade 11, 12

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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. 

Credit: .5 unit per semester

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grades 11, 12

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U.S. Wars & Conflicts through Film is a semester-long social studies elective that explores major American wars from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror through the lens of historically significant films. Students analyze how movies shape public memory of war, evaluate historical accuracy versus artistic interpretation, and examine how propaganda, symbolism, and storytelling influence cultural attitudes toward conflicts. Through guided film assignments, primary source comparisons, discussions, and projects, students will develop strong media literacy and critical thinking skills while connecting U.S. foreign policy decisions to their portrayal in popular culture. The course emphasizes analysis of sensitive topics, encourages thoughtful and respectful discussion, and culminates in a student selected final project that demonstrates how film can both inform and distort America’s understanding of its past.

Credit: .5 unit per semester

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grade 12 

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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. 

Credit: .5 unit per semester

Weight: 4/4

Open To: Grade 12

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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.

Credit: one unit per year

Weight: 5/4

Open To: Grade 12

Prerequisite: Minimum of B average in Psychology, or with permission of instructor

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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.