Social Studies

Classes offered at various grade levels may require a prerequisite. Refer to the course catalog for detailed information. (*) Requires approval to take before recommended grade level.

Introduction

The social studies curriculum has been developed to provide students with the opportunity to learn more about themselves, their nation, and the world. Certain courses have been designated as core courses and must be taken to satisfy graduation requirements.  These core courses occur in a logical sequence and are as follows:  American History, American Government and Economic Systems, and World History.

These courses are leveled to meet the educational needs of students.  Students selecting college prep courses should expect college preparatory-type requirements.  Students should also expect to do more work at a higher degree of difficulty with the course content being examined in greater depth.  The specific requirements will be given by the individual instructors of these classes.

Students selecting comprehensive courses can expect a more general examination of the content material.  This general examination will still provide a good background for post high school training or employment.  Specific requirements will be provided by the class instructor.

During their senior year, students schedule elective courses.

SS120 COMPREHENSIVE AMERICAN HISTORY 

(Grade 9)  

Weight 1.0 Credit 1/year

In this course, we’ll explore American history from the year 1898 all the way to today. Instead of going chapter by chapter through a textbook, we’ll study history through big themes that help us understand how the United States has changed over time. Our first semester focuses on foreign affairs and how the United States reacted to them.  Our second semester focuses on life inside the United States.

SS130 COLLEGE PREP AMERICAN HISTORY 

(Grade 9)  

Weight 1.1 Credit 1/year

American history is taught from the year 1898 to present day. During Semester 1, we’ll focus on foreign themes like how the U.S. has interacted with the world through wars, diplomacy, global conflicts, and major international events. In Semester 2, we’ll shift to domestic themes, looking at life inside the United States. This includes topics like government, technology, industry, economics, politics, culture, social change, and the challenges Americans have faced at home.

SS140 HONORS AMERICAN HISTORY

(Grade 9)

Weight 1.2 Credit 1/year

This course offers an in-depth exploration of American history from the dawn of the 20th century to the present day.  In Semester 1, our focus will be on foreign themes.  We will examine how the United States has engaged with global conflicts, diplomacy, international policy, and the shifting balance of world power. In Semester 2, we will turn to domestic themes, investigating the political, social, and economic forces that have transformed life within the United States. Topics such as industrial growth, governmental change, cultural movements, and debates over rights and responsibilities will be explored through critical reading, discussion, and analytical writing.

SS210 COMPREHENSIVE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS 

(Grade 10) 

Weight 1.0 Credit 1/year

American Government and Economic Systems provide an analysis of issues with an emphasis on how each impacts the contemporary fabric of the nation.  Topics include the rights and responsibilities of citizens, all levels of government, elections, political parties, and the role economics plays in the development of the nation. 

SS220 COLLEGE PREP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS 

(Grade 10)  

Weight 1.1 Credit 1/year 

American Government and Economic Systems provide an analysis of issues with an emphasis on how each impacts the contemporary fabric of the nation.  Topics include the rights and responsibilities of citizens, all levels of government, elections, political parties, and the role economics plays in the development of the nation.

SS230 HONORS AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS 

(Grade 10) 

Weight 1.2 Credit 1/year

In addition to the instruction of the college preparatory and comprehensive level coursework, the honors level students will be introduced to higher-order thinking skills and more rigorous academic pursuits.

SS310 COMPREHENSIVE WORLD HISTORY 

(Grade 11) 

Weight 1.0 Credit 1/year

World History is a survey course outlining the highlights of human achievement. The course emphasizes the history and culture of the world, examining: government, geography, culture, economics, technological advancement, and conflict.

SS320 COLLEGE PREP WORLD HISTORY 

(Grade 11)

Weight 1.1 Credit 1/year

World History is a survey course outlining the highlights of human achievement. The course emphasizes the history and culture of the world, examining: government, geography, culture, economics, technological advancement, and conflict.

SS330 HONORS WORLD HISTORY (Grade 11)  

Weight 1.2 Credit 1/year

World History is a survey course outlining the highlights of human achievement. The course emphasizes the history and culture of the world, examining: government, geography, culture, economics, technological advancement, and conflict. Honors level students will be introduced to higher-order thinking skills and analyze primary sources.

SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES:

SS910 ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY

(Grades 10-12)  

Weight 1.3 Credit 1/year

AP United States History is designed to study the history of the United States chronologically from 1491 to present day.  The course focuses on the development of historical thinking skills (chronological reasoning, comparing and contextualizing, crafting historical arguments using historical evidence, and interpreting and synthesizing historical narrative).  In addition to preparing students for the rigor of a college-level class, the course will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Test in U.S. History given by the College Board.  AP United States History may be taken in lieu of American Government and Economic Systems.

SS920 ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 

(Grades 10-12) 

Weight 1.3 Credit 1/year

AP United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also develops familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics. Students will become acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes.  In addition to preparing students for the rigor of a college-level class, the course will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Test in U.S. Government and Politics given by the College Board.  AP United States Government and Politics may be taken in lieu of American Government and Economic Systems.

SS930 ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY 

(Grades 10-12)  

Weight 1.3 Credit 1/year

AP European History is designed to study the history of Europe from 1450 to present day. The course focuses on the development of historical thinking skills (chronological reasoning, comparing and contextualizing, crafting historical arguments using historical evidence, and interpreting and synthesizing historical narrative). In addition to preparing students for the rigor of a college-level class, the course will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Test in European History given by the College Board.

SS940 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY 

(Grades 11-12)  

Weight 1.3 Credit 1/year

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals.  Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology.  They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

SS510 LOCAL HISTORY 

(Grades 11-12)  

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

The Local History course is a hands-on class where you’ll dig into the history of the Red Lion area. You’ll explore stories from both long ago and more recent times to understand what shaped our community. In this course, you’ll take an active role in your own learning by researching and discovering local history yourself.

SS521 SOCIOLOGY 1 

(Grades 10-12)  

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

Sociology is the study of human interaction and social organization.  It is the science which studies patterned, shared human behavior.  The process of acting in awareness of others is observed and analyzed by the sociologist in order to identify and classify the main forces of human society.  The following areas are covered: socialization, social interaction, social organization, and studies of marriage and family.

SS522 SOCIAL PROBLEMS 

(Grades 10-12)     

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

Prerequisite recommendation:  Successful completion of Sociology.

Social Problems is a course extension of Sociology 1. In Social Problems, students will explore key societal problems in terms of their impact upon society. Through analysis of researched material as well as current society, students will learn not only how abuse, suicide, drugs, and alcohol are impacting our current society; but also what society can do to reduce these problems. 

SS551 PSYCHOLOGY 

(Grades 11-12)    

Weight 1.05 Credit 0.5/semester

Psychology is the study of human development and behavior.  This course covers the information students need to learn about psychology, themselves, and others.  This course will present the findings of psychology as they clarify and explain human development and behavior from infancy through maturity, both in its normal and abnormal forms.

SS552 PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES 

(Grades 11-12)  

Weight 1.1 Credit 0.5/semester

Prerequisite recommendation:  Successful completion of Psychology.  

Psychological Perspectives is a course by which the student will continue to develop an understanding of human behavior and the intricate workings of the human mind.  Students will analyze language, intelligence and cognition, development, motivation and emotion, health psychology, social psychology, personality and the causes and treatment of mental disorders.  There is additional in-depth study of selected topics. It allows for student centered instruction.  Imperative to the coursework are individual interest goals, book reviews, and other course requirements.  

SS570 CURRENT ISSUES 

(Grades 10-12)                          

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

Current Issues is a class where you’ll learn about what’s happening right now in our country and around the world. You’ll also look at how government, culture, and geography connect to these events so you can better understand what’s going on today.

SS590 MILITARY HISTORY 

(Grades 11-12) 

Weight 1.05 Credit 0.5/semester

Military History is a semester survey course that covers the world history of warfare from ancient times through the modern era. Students will examine how warfare changed over time and will study the following themes: 1) how war influenced society; 2) the impact of technology on warfare; 3) the organization and structure of armies; and 4) the experiences of individual soldiers.

SS610 ART HISTORY 

(Grades 11-12)                                  

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

In this class, you’ll learn about famous artists and their artwork, and you’ll also explore what was happening in their society, culture, geography, and politics that influenced what they created.

SS620 THE FIRST GENERATION OF ROCK (History and Culture) 

(Grades 10-12)  

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

 This course will investigate the history, cultural roots and development of rock music from the early 20th century to approximately 1970.  Major genres and individuals that contributed to the development of rock music will be explored.  Genres such as folk, blues, rock, soul, funk, rap, country, and metal as well as influential artists and their contributions to history and culture will be touched on in the course.

SS670 MODERN POPULAR MUSIC 

(Grades 11-12)

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

This course will investigate the cultural development of the three major music genres from approximately 1980 to present day. The three genres explored are Rap, Country and Rock music.

SS630 WORLD RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS 

(Grades 11-12)

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

This course is designed to explore the world's major religious systems: Christianity; Islam; Judaism; Hinduism; Buddhism; and Eastern thought.  The course will investigate the history, formation, and beliefs of these systems, as well as their impact on past and present culture, politics, and society in general. 

SS640 CULTURAL IMPACT OF SPORTS IN AMERICA 

(Grades 10-12)

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester 

The focus of this elective is on how  sports have always been connected to the changing times in the United States.  Whether it's dealing with big issues like race, religion, gender, social class, politics, city life, and/or new technology. In this course students will learn to appreciate how sports reflect important traditions and social, political, and economic changes throughout American history.

SS650 PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY

(Grades 11-12) 

Weight 1.0 Credit 0.5/semester

This course explores how the powers and responsibilities of the U.S. presidency have changed from 1789 through the modern era. Presidential actions, decisions, and leadership during major events such as wars, economic crises, civil rights struggles, and global challenges are examined. Key historical turning points, including Reconstruction, the New Deal, the Cold War, and 9/11, are studied to better understand the influence of presidential leadership on American democracy.

SS660 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY 

(Grades 11-12)  

Weight 1.2 Credit 0.5/semester

This semester course will explore the major themes and concepts of philosophy, including key philosophers throughout the ages.  Topics to be covered will range from metaphysics, epistemology, free will and determinism, evil and the existence of God, personal identity, ethical values and politics, and modern cognitivism.  The course will highlight individual thinkers such as Socrates, Descartes, Locke, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, Mill and Marx.  Students will investigate Eastern influences on Western philosophy, including Taoism, Confucianism and Zen Buddhism.

SS680 ANCIENT CULTURES 

(Grades 10-12)  

Weight 1.05 Credit 0.5/semester

This course examines the birth of human society, starting in Mesopotamia.  It follows the growth of Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, India and China.  It examines the culture, government, religion, industry, and influence these civilizations have had on our world.

SS690 INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY

(Grades 11-12)               

Weight 1.05 Credit 0.5/semester

In this course, you’ll explore two main parts of anthropology, the study of humans. The first part is physical anthropology, where we look at how humans have evolved over time, from early ancestors to modern people. You’ll learn about the changes in our bodies, brains, and behaviors throughout history. The second part of the course is cultural anthropology, which focuses on how humans live in societies today and in the past. We’ll study different cultures, their beliefs, and values. By the end of the course, you’ll have a better understanding of what makes us human and how people around the world live, think, and interact.

SS  PERSONAL LAW

(Grades 10-12)               

Weight 1.05 Credit 0.5/semester

This is a semester course which will study and analyze our legal system from the national level to the local level. Through research and application, students will learn the ethics behind law, how the court system works, what makes up criminal law, how does civil law work, and what is trial procedure in the US. Student will discuss and debate how the legal system impact society and how society impacts the legal system.