Social Studies (Individuals & Societies)

IB MYP Geography 9

2450

Students examine the multicultural and interdependent character of the world. Students grasp the dynamics of social and physical geography in relation to location, place, movement, human/environment interaction, and region. An important dimension of this course fosters an awareness of the challenges to humankind as well as our individual and collective responsibilities for this planet. Students study a variety of issues and concepts related to geography, identity and culture, migration and resource consumption. Students study all regions of the world through these topics.

IB MYP Economics 9

2707

This course begins with a study of how scarce resources are utilized to satisfy the economic wants of society. A major focus of the course is placed on the microeconomic models of supply and demand, and the price system. An investigation of personal finance includes how consumers can make educated decisions regarding investing and the use of credit. Macroeconomic concepts covered deal with measuring economic performance and analyzing policy decisions, which affect output and prices in the national economy. This course also recognizes the global nature of economics; students will examine the impact of international trade and international finance on national economies. Evaluation: Based on classroom activities, tests, unit projects and a final exam.

AP Human Geography 9 I & II

2452/2453

Advanced Placement Human Geography offers students the opportunity to study various topics in human geography, such as population, migration, culture, political geography, economic geography, agriculture, and urban geography. This class is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography. By engaging in a college-level course, students will continue to develop high-level academic reading, writing, and discussion skills as well as engage in the tools and methodologies of geographers. Assessments include weekly reading quizzes, short answer essay writing, unit exams, and projects. Students taking this course should prepare to start noticing and analyzing all the geography around them in their daily lives! This course prepares students for the AP Human Geography test in the spring, which could potentially earn them college credit.

IB MYP United States History I & II (10)

2702/2703

In first semester students examine topics such as Indigenous tribes, exploration, colonization, the American Revolution, foundations of the American government, growth and development of the nation, the American Civil War, Reconstruction, Westward Expansion, the emerging role of the U.S. in world affairs, the role of the U.S. in World War I, and industrial development. In second semester students examine topics such as the Gilded Age, progressivism, the Roaring Twenties, the Thirties, the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the role of the U.S. in World War II, the Cold War, and the Modern Era.

Advanced Placement United States History I & II (10)

2852/2853

This course moves at a faster pace as students study the political, economic, social, and cultural history of the United States through diverse perspectives. Students read one chapter a week and take notes from an AP Prep Text, analyze primary sources, have opportunities to collaborate on assignments and assessments, and gain skills in supporting their own historical arguments. Assessments may include the following AP formats: Multiple Choice, Short Answer Questions, and both Document Based and Long Essay Questions. This course prepares students for the AP US History test in the spring, which could potentially earn them college credit.

Criminal Justice, The Law & Mock Trial (9-12)

2929

Students will study the legal system at the local, state and federal levels including how each level enforces and interprets the law. Special attention will be given to corrections, law enforcement, court cases and the commission and prosecution of crimes. Students will also participate in an (in class) Mock Trial to gain some insight into how crimes are prosecuted and defended within the legal system.

Ethnic Studies I & II (9-12)

2712/2713

The major purpose of this course is to educate students to be politically, socially, and economically conscious about their personal connections to local and national history. It focuses on themes of social justice, social responsibility, and social change. The course spans from past to present, from politics to social reform, allowing students to identify similar social patterns and universal qualities present in other societies, including their own. This course will focus on the experiences of African American, Asian, American, Latino American, and American Indians. This course will also include an identity section where students will consider concepts related to their own personal, group, and/or national identity.

History of Africa & Middle East I (9-12)

2866

This elective course is designed to provide the learner with an in-depth historical experience that will introduce them to important historical events in Africa and the Middle East with relation to current events. Students will complete an in-depth study of the following units:

• War and Change in the Middle East (1914-49)

• Post War developments in the Middle East (1945-2000).

• Africa Under Colonialism (1890-1980) 20^th Century nationalist and independence movements in Africa

Sociology (9-12)

2653

The primary goal of this course is to provide a sociological understanding of how society shapes people’s lives. Since the groups in which we live - our families, our peer groups and our entire society - connect us all to one another, an introductory understanding of the field of sociology is vital if we are to develop an understanding of who we truly are and why we behave as we do. Beginning with a conceptual orientation to the discipline itself, selected topics of study include such areas as social institutions, social class and inequality, social interaction, and some of our more pressing, contemporary social problems in the United States today. Recommended follow-up course: Psychology.

Current Events (9-12)

2920

An elective social studies course analyzing contemporary issues explored through the lenses of geography, history, economics and the role of citizenship/government. This course is designed for students to use their voice, interests, skills to explore, evaluate and explain the connection of contemporary events in a historical context while building skills to prepare them for careers and/or college.