Social Studies (Individuals & Societies)

World History I & II (11)

2704/2705

This course emphasizes the major civilizations, dramatic changes and influential ideas in World History. Students will examine world history as an interconnected whole, comparing and contrasting civilizations, analyzing how the world has changed over time as well as how it has impacted the present. Critical thinking and analysis of primary and secondary sources are emphasized.

IB 20th Century Topics SL I & II (11)

2854/2855

This course focuses on major topics of the 20th century, including causes and effects of war. The First and Second World Wars, The Spanish Civil War, the Chinese Civil War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War are specific wars covered. In addition, the political, social, economic and cultural developments within each topic are analyzed. Students are required to complete a historical investigation consisting of a written account of 2200 words. This course prepares students for the IB SL History examinations. This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via Internal and external IB assessments.

IB History of the Americas HL1 I & II (12)

2856/2857

IB History of the Americas is designed to provide the learner with an in-depth historical experience that will prepare him or her for the HL test in the spring of their senior year. Students will study United States, Latin American and Canadian History. The following themes will be the content focus of the course: Independence Movements, The Great Depression and the Americas 1929-39, Civil Rights and Social Movements in the Americas. This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via internal and external IB assessments. Students are required to complete a historical investigation consisting of a written account of 2200 words. This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via Internal and external IB assessments.

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

United States Government (12)

2706

This course emphasizes the foundations of American government and politics and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. It includes a study of the structure of the U.S. government and explores how it embodies the principles and ideals of a democratic republic. In its focus on American political behavior, the course encourages students to identify political issues, think reflectively about these issues, and apply this thinking to constructive action.

Economics (12)

2710

This course is designed to give students a better understanding of how economics impacts their everyday lives. Students study seven broad areas: the fundamentals, demand and supply, consumerism, the business world, money, banking and the government, the macro economy and international economics. Within these broad areas, students will learn real life skills such as budgeting and filling out tax forms. This course draws on students’ everyday experiences, as well as current events.

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.

IB Psychology SL I & II (11-12)

2860/2861

This year-long course aims to develop an awareness of how research findings can be applied to better understand human behavior and how ethical practices are upheld in psychological inquiry. Students learn to understand the biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behavior and explore alternative explanations of behavior. They also understand and use diverse methods of psychological inquiry. Students are expected to take the IB Psychology SL test in May. This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via internal and external IB assessments.

Psychology I (11-12)

2708

This semester-long course offers a hands-on exploration of human behavior and mental processes. In other words, how the brain works, and influences our behavior. Pioneering and contemporary theories of psychology are studied and then applied to everyday situations. Mental illness, subliminal messages, sensory illusions, learning, and the brain are just a few of the topics examined. Active classroom experiments, demonstrations, and peer collaboration are classroom tools used to better understand the science of human behavior. Instructional methods include hands-on experiments, demonstrations, group work, lectures, current events in psychology, educational video interpretations, and virtual lab activities. Although this course has value for everyone, it is especially recommended for students planning people-oriented professions such as social work, education, counseling, nursing, sales, marketing, medicine, and law. Recommended follow-up course: Sociology.

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.

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.

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.