Pop Culture and American Identity L3

SS232 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 10-11

Prerequisite:

• None

In this course, students will explore the role of pop culture in the formation of how Americans perceive themselves. Investigations into the role of music, art, film, television, radio, sports and other elements of popular culture will allow students to ask significant questions about the role of popular culture in reflecting and shaping American identity.

Facing History and Ourselves L3/L4

​SS331/341 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 11-12

Prerequisite:

• ​Recommendation of US History I or II teacher

This semester course is open to grades 11 and 12. Any junior requesting this course will need to be recommended for it by their current History teacher. This course examines bias, racism, and prejudice in a historical context. Through their study of intolerance and genocides such as the Holocaust, students will be able to make the correlation between history and the moral and ethical choices they are forced to make on a daily basis in their own lives. The course will use a wide range of academic research, film, guest speakers, projects, and class discussion to achieve the goals of the course.

United States Civil War L4

​SS440 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 11-12

Prerequisite:

• None

This course is open to any junior or senior who has a keen interest in US History and who wants to challenge themselves with an in depth study of the watershed event of the nation. Instruction will focus on the underlying causes of the war, the war itself, and local involvement in the war. Instruction will routinely be student centered emphasizing significant examination of both primary and secondary documents. With extensive guidance and support, students will engage in one significant independent research project per quarter.

World War II L3/L4

​SS332/342 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grades 11-12

Prerequisite:

• Successful completion of US History I (Level 4 credit per recommendation of course instructor)

This course is designed for students who wish to examine the United States’ role in the origins, execution and aftermath of World War II. The course will employ extensive use of film, primary and secondary documents and artifacts. Students who wish to receive level 4 credit will engage in independent work that will include 2 books of the student’s choosing.

Civics - Case Method Project L5

SS450 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• None

The Case Method originated at Harvard Business School over a hundred years ago. This course builds on this successful methodology by incorporating multiple civic lessons in American History to give students access to high level readings and in-depth discussions of the formation and preservation of our democratic system and the ideals which support them.

Current Affairs L3

​SS434 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• None

This course will provide interested and motivated students with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of local, state, federal and international affairs through in-depth investigation. Students will select and investigate 6-8 significant current political topics with the guidance of the instructor in an effort to become more active and well-informed citizens. The course will require significant research-based group work and authentic community-based learning activities.

Legal Studies L3

​SS432 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• None

Legal Studies is a semester course designed to familiarize students with the philosophy and practice of civil, criminal and constitutional law. While highlighting the use of debate, research, case studies, mock trial and speakers from the legal and law enforcement community, this course will acquaint students with the ethics, language and culture of law in the United States. The Mock Trial is the culmination of this course and all students participate in its planning and execution. Students who enter this class after the first day of class are expected to make up all work.

Macroeconomics L3/L4

SS431/441 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• None

This semester course consists of a study of macro-economic concepts and the language of economics. Concepts presented include such topics as supply and demand, economic markets, inflation, deflation, business cycles, and the role of organized labor and government in a market economy as well as an explanation of the principles of consumer economics. Students who enter this class after the first day of class are expected to make up all missed work.

Macroeconomics L5 is also available in the Business Courses section.

Psychology L3

SS430 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• None

Psychology is the study of the behavior of individuals. It explores what people do, how they think, and why they act as they do. Some of the topics studied include personality, motivation, abnormal psychology, growth and development, and learning theories. Heavy emphasis is placed upon classroom discussion and the reading of relevant articles on assigned topics. Students who enter this class after the first day are expected to make up all missed work.

Psychology L4

SS444 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• B or better in US History II L4; OR

• A- or better in US History II L3; OR

• Successful completion of AP United States History; OR

• Recommendation of US History II teacher

In this course students will explore the science of human behavior through multiple lenses which includes but not limited to biology, cognition, and societal influences. This in-depth study employs textbook, journal articles, and outside readings to offer students the most up-to-date research in the field while allowing students an opportunity to research a topic of interest as a capstone project.

Special Topics in Psychology L4

SS442 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• None

This course is designed for self motivated students with a keen interest in Psychology and will serve dual objectives. The first half of the course will engage students in an in depth study of topics determined by the instructor consistent with the canon of Psychology. The second half of the course will be reserved for student initiated concentrated research on a topic of individual choice. With their instructor students will determine and create a product intended for multiple audiences.

Sociology L3

​SS433 - 0.5 Credit - Semester Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• None

The study of sociology examines human group behavior and current social issues. This course stresses the use of research and analysis in examining patterns of human group behavior. Independent work as well as group projects and extensive class discussion are stressed. Students who enter this class after the first day of class are expected to make up all missed work.

Service Based Sociology L4

SS445 - 1.0 Credit - Year Long - Grade 12

Prerequisite:

• None

Sociology examines human group behavior and current social issues and this course provides students with a school-based service learning experience that supports the academic content of the course. Students will be required to have a regularly scheduled individual service commitment and complete 20 hours of community service per quarter. In addition to individual commitments, hours will be applied from group or whole class service projects. The instructor will act as the facilitator and will assist in individual as well as school and community-wide projects. The instructor will determine the use of class meeting time for academic work, individual / group conferencing, or research to enhance and enable service commitments.