Social Studies

World Studies 3

Course #: SO131 Grade: 9 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

In World Studies 3 students learn to analyze the human experience through time, to recognize the relationships of events and people, and to identify patterns, themes, and turning points of change using the chronology of history and major eras. In interpreting current and historical events, students evaluate the credibility and perspectives of multiple sources of information gathered from technology, documents, artifacts, maps, the arts, and literature. Course units include thematic and regional studies of world civilizations from ancient to modern times. Units explore the impact of history on contemporary issues.

Text and materials: World History: Connections to Today, Prentice Hall, 1997

Expectations: Students will complete daily reading assignments and take notes on the material. Students will maintain a notebook. Students will participate in class and accomplish a variety of classwork assignments. Essay writing and analytical and research skills are required.

World Studies 4

Course #: SO141 Grade: 9 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: None

Students learn to analyze the human experience through time, to recognize the relationships of events and people, and to identify patterns, themes, and turning points of change using the chronology of history and major eras. In interpreting current and historical events, students evaluate the credibility and perspectives of multiple sources of information gathered from technology, documents, artifacts, maps, the arts, and literature. Course units include thematic and regional studies of world civilizations from ancient to modern times. Units explore the impact of history on contemporary issues. This course examines the cultures, economies, geography, and government of various world regions and the impact of history on contemporary issues

Text and materials: World History: Connections to Today, Prentice Hall, 1997

Expectations: Students will complete substantial reading assignments and primary and secondary source readings and take notes on the material. Students will maintain a notebook. Participation in class and completion of a variety of classwork assignments is required. Students need to be able to engage in independent research.

AP World History

Course #: SO352 Grade: 11,12 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: Completion of 9th and 10th grade social studies

AP World History focuses on developing students’ understanding of world history from approximately 8000 B.C.E. to the present. Students investigate the content of world history for significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in six historical periods, and develop and use the same thinking skills and methods (analyzing primary and secondary sources, making historical comparisons, chronological reasoning, and argumentation) employed by historians when they study the past. The course also provides five themes (interaction between humans and the environment; development and interaction of cultures; state building, expansion, and conflict; creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems; development and transformation of social structures) that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places encompassing the five major geographical regions of the globe: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

Expectations: Students will be required to read and analyze primary source documents and data. A high level of writing, critical thinking, and analysis is expected of all students. Regular homework assignments, in-depth reading, and tests and quizzes tailored after the AP Exam can also be expected. Students are expected to take the AP World History Exam in May.

US History 3

Course #: SO336 Grade: 11 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Economics/Civics

Students are actively engaged in this two-semester long course of American history. The first semester begins with the events in Europe that led to the discovery of the New World. A review of the colonial period, the American Revolution, and the New Republic is covered in the first semester. Major units include: Jacksonian democracy and build-up to the Civil War, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Westward Movement. The first semester concludes with the study of the Gilded Age.

In the second semester students study: The Progressive Era and World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression and the New Deal, World War II, the beginnings of the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, the Conservative Revolution and the end of the Cold War, contemporary issues and globalization. Students are required to research and write on historical issues using primary source documents. Students actively take part in a variety of eclectic lessons.

Text and materials: The Americans

Expectations: Students will improve their reading and writing skills in order to strengthen their proficiency in college and career readiness levels of literacy. Students will engage with the critical issues of American history and develop an understanding and lifelong appreciation for the forces that have shaped our country.

US History 4

Course #: SO343 Grade: 11 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: Economics/Civics

Text and materials: America's History

AP US History

Course #: SO351 Grade: 11 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: 90 or greater in Economics/Civics

This is an Advanced Placement course designed to provide the student with an in-depth learning experience equivalent to an introductory course in US history at the college level. Students are expected to demonstrate a high proficiency in writing, reading comprehension, and critical thinking. Learning includes extensive thematic units based upon fundamental concepts in history, specialized historical writings, and an analysis of issues.

The following periods of US history are studied in depth: the Age of Exploration and colonization; the American Revolution; the Constitution; the Federalist Era; the Age of Jackson; the antebellum South and the issue of slavery; the Civil War; Reconstruction; the development of the industrial United States, 1865-1914; the Progressive Era, 1890-1914; the emergence of the United States as a world power, 1890-1920; the twenties, prosperity and problems; the Depression and the New Deal, 1929-1941; World War II and the postwar United States,1941-1961; and the contemporary United States, 1961-present. Additionally, the following themes are covered over these time periods: Art, music, architecture, technology, government, local history, and way of life (fashion, religion, medicine, food, leisure time, etc.).

Text and materials: America's History, Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000; Selected Historical Documents to Accompany America's History, Bedford/St. Martin's, 2001

Expectations: There is a great deal of reading, writing, and document-based questions in this class on a weekly basis. Student skills in these areas need to be at a high level. Students are required to write essays based upon primary and secondary sources. Project work is done during the fourth quarter. Students are expected to take the AP United States History Exam in May.

America Since World War II

Course #: SO430 Grade: 12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: Must be a senior

This is a survey course that picks up where most US history courses end, and examines in greater depth the time period from 1945 to 2001. Topics investigated include: The dropping of the atomic bomb to end WW II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the presidency and assassination of John F. Kennedy, cultural changes of the 1960s and 70s, the information revolution beginning in the 1980s and 90s, and the September 11 attacks.

Text and materials: Various historical articles and readings, excerpts from historically themed movies, documents about relevant topics

Expectations: Homework is assigned, and students complete standard tests and quizzes and are responsible for a research project and a presentation to the class. Some knowledge of the time period would be helpful, but is not required.

AP Government and Politics

Course #SO451 Grades: 10-12 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: department head approval

AP Government and Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning, assess causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments.

Text and materials: Government in America, Lineberry et.al.

Expectations: Students will develop a knowledge of theories and concepts about US government and politics. Students will have an understanding of typical patterns of political process and behaviors. Students will develop the ability to analyze and interpret data and their relationship to government and politics. Students will develop the ability to write analyses and interpretations of US government and politics. Students will be required to read substantial material, write essays, become informed through various media formats, and participate in class discussions. The AP Government Exam will be taken in May.

Economics 3

Course #: SO232 Grade: 10 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: World Studies

Economics 3 is based upon national and state standards for economics instruction. By the end of this semester-long course students will have an understanding of both macro- and microeconomics. A global perspective of the role that the US economy plays in the world is included. Students are provided with a variety of hands-on lessons and real world applications and opportunities to participate in class discussions, role-playing, and written essays and projects. Readings come from a variety of texts, including outside news sources. Students obtain basic economic literacy and an understanding of the economic impact government decisions make in our lives.

Text and materials: Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics, and You

Expectations: Readings, homework, tests, and quizzes on assigned material

Economics 4

Course #: SO242 Grade: 10 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: World Studies

Economics 4 is based upon national and state standards for economics instruction. By the end of this semester-long course students will have an understanding of both macro- and microeconomics. A global perspective of the role that the US economy plays in the world is included. Students are provided with a variety of hands-on lessons and real world applications and opportunities to participate in class discussions, role-playing and written essays and projects. Students are also exposed to some of the important concepts and material taught in Advanced Placement economics courses. Readings come from a variety of texts including outside news sources. Students obtain basic economic literacy and an understanding of the economic impact government decisions make in our lives.

Text and materials: Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics, and You; Federal Reserve publications

Expectations: Readings, homework, tests, and quizzes on assigned material. By successfully completing the course the student will have the necessary foundation to take AP Economics.

AP Economics

Course #: SO252 Grades: 11, 12 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: Sophomore Economics

The AP program offers two exams in economics: One in microeconomics and one in macroeconomics. Each exam assumes a minimum of one semester of college-level preparation. Students may take one or both exams in a given year. This course is designed to adequately prepare students for both AP Exams and for introductory college-level economics courses.

The purpose of the AP course in microeconomics is to give students an understanding of economic principles as they relate to individuals, primarily consumers and producers. After exploring the basic economic problems of scarcity and opportunity costs, the course emphasizes the functions of product and factor markets along with imperfections in a market economy. The role of government in addressing these inefficiencies is also examined.

During the second semester, the focus turns to AP macroeconomics. The emphasis here is on the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Particular emphasis is given to national income and price-level determination along with measures of economic performance, such as GDP, unemployment, inflation, and asset markets. Students also become familiar with theories on stabilizing the economy and/or helping it grow along with international economics.

Text and materials: Economics: AP Edition, 19th Edition, McConnell, Brue, and Flynn - McGraw Hill, 2012; Naked Economics, Charles Wheelan - summer reading

Expectations: Students are required to read and analyze primary source documents and data. A high level of writing, critical thinking, and analysis is expected. Regular homework assignments, in-depth reading, and tests and quizzes tailored after the AP Exam can also be expected. Students are expected to take the AP Economics Exams in May.

Civics and Government 3

Course #: SO232B Grade: 10 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: World Studies

Students develop a functional knowledge of theories and concepts of US government and politics and learn to understand the tenets of civic life, politics, and government. Students demonstrate an appreciation for the foundations of the American political system and comprehend how the US government as established by the US Constitution embodies the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy. Students grow to understand the significance of the roles citizens and legal residents play in American democracy. The effects of government policy on the varied and diverse groups in the United States, including the Native Americans, are also discussed.

Text and materials: Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics, and You

Expectations: Readings, homework, tests, and quizzes on assigned material

Civics and Government 4

Course #: SO242B Grade: 10 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 4

Prerequisite: World Studies

Students develop a functional knowledge of theories and concepts of US government and politics and learn to understand the tenets of civic life, politics, and government. Students will demonstrate an appreciation for the foundations of the American political system and comprehend how the US government as established by the US Constitution embodies the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy. Students grow to understand the significance of the roles citizens and legal residents play in American democracy. The effects of government policy on the varied and diverse groups in the United States, including the Native Americans, are also discussed.

Text and materials: Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics, and You

Expectations: Readings, homework, tests, and quizzes on assigned material.

Introduction to Sociology

Course #: SO333 Grades: 11, 12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

This survey course introduces students to sociological and anthropological topics that include the following: The origins and methodology of these behavioral sciences; cultural values including those of our culture; sanctions, subcultures, cultural universals, cultural diffusion, cultural assimilation; resistance to change in a culture, and much more. A short research paper on a relevant topic of your choice is usually required.

Text and materials: Sociology: A Down to Earth Approach, Prentice Hall, 2000; library resources on human behavior; Encyclopedia and Encyclopedia of Mankind; numerous relevant magazines; film Not Without My Daughter

Expectations: Students will complete chapter tests. Each student will do an anthropological report on a cultural difference and a sociological report on a topic/problem in our culture. Additionally, each student will conduct a 30-minute natural observation with a written and oral follow-up presentation to the class.

Introduction to Psychology

Course #: SO334 Grades: 11,12 Credits: .5 Length: Semester Expectation Level: 3

Prerequisite: None

This survey course introduces the student to psychological topics that include the following: The origins and methodology of this science; the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual aspects of human development; efficient learning techniques; how memory works; components and variations in human intelligence; cases of stress and techniques to control it; psychological disorders; sleep patterns; dreams; techniques of psychoanalysis; and much more. A short research paper on a relevant topic of your choice is usually required.

Text and materials: Psychology: Principles and Practices, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2000; library resources

Expectations: Readings, homework, tests, and quizzes on assigned materials.

Criminology

Course #: SO337 Grades: 10-12 Credits: .5 Expectation Level: 3 Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

This survey course is designed to provide students with a basic but thorough understanding of the American criminal justice system. The goal and philosophy of this course is to familiarize students with the concepts, theories, and practices present in the study of criminal justice and law enforcement. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the jurisdictions and roles of the police, courts, and corrections as well as the participants in the criminal justice system. Understanding crimes, investigation, and punishment allows students to gain a further civic understanding of our legal system and its impact on society. Included will be a review of selected criminal cases, evaluating evidence, and good procedures for investigation. Students will be able to define and analyze different types of crimes and their effects on the judicial process and society.

Today’s criminal justice workers are more educated, more specialized, and on the cutting edge of technology. As criminals become more sophisticated, students pursuing a criminal justice career need to keep pace. This course, and introduction to the field, should give the student a good expectation of the demands of the field. This course is not a technique course (how to arrest, etc.) but an academic study of the field of criminal justice.

Text and materials: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Glencoe, 2011

Expectations: Students will complete chapter tests. Each student will do a short research project/presentation on relevant criminal justice topics.

AP Psychology

Course #: SO353 Grades: 11,12 Credits: 1 Length: Year Expectation Level: 5

Prerequisite: 85 or better in Biology

This course is a survey of psychology that introduces students to the major topics in the field, the terminology and methodology of psychology, and the historical and current understanding of human behavior and through-processes. Students learn to analyze human experiences like psychologists do and to apply what they have learned to the world around them. Additionally, the course is designed to prepare students to take the AP Psychology Exam in the spring.

Text and materials: Psychology for AP

Expectations: Readings, homework, tests, and quizzes on assigned material.