Social Studies

RECOMMENDED SOCIAL STUDIES COURSE SEQUENCING

SOCIAL STUDIES

20202B  CORE AMERICAN STUDIES 1

(Grade 9) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  None)

This course will set up the establishment of the American nation, and then dive into the issue of slavery in America.  Students will look at the effects of slavery and its impact economically, politically, and socially.  The causes and effects of the Civil War will lead the course into Reconstruction, the changes in the West, and finally into life in the Twentieth Century.  The last leg of the course will explore the Progressive Era, America asserting itself as an empire, and World War I.  This class is designed to be moderate in pace when examining issues that developed during the creation of our nation to the start of World War I.  Students will examine documents and excerpts from primary sources within the classroom setting.  Achievement will be measured through short essays, in class projects, written tests, and quizzes.  An Assessment of Civics Knowledge will be administered as a part of this 9th grade American Studies 1 course.  This course incorporates technology into the classroom setting.  

*20201A  COLLEGE PREP AMERICAN STUDIES 1

(Grade 9) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  None)

This course will set up the establishment of the American nation, and then dive into the issue of slavery in America.  Students will look at the effects of slavery and its impact economically, politically, and socially.  The causes and effects of the Civil War will lead the course into Reconstruction, the changes in the West, and finally into life in the Twentieth Century.  The last leg of the course will explore the Progressive Era, America asserting itself as an empire, and World War I.  This class is designed to be challenging and in-depth when examining historical events.  Students will trace history by looking at the cause and effect relationships of the events in history through the use of the Library, extended readings and writings, videos, and assigned outside readings.  The outside reading for this course will focus on the issue of slavery, Narrative of the Life and Times of Frederick Douglass (ISBN# 978-0-451-52994-7).  Achievement will be measured through short essays, in class projects, written tests, and quizzes.  An Assessment of Civics Knowledge will be administered as a part of this 9th grade American Studies 1 course.  This course incorporates technology into the classroom setting.  

*20204H  HONORS AMERICAN STUDIES 1

(Grade 9) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation and assessment)

Students will learn about historical events focusing on the establishment of the United States from the creation of the U.S. Constitution to the Post Civil War Era.  This class is designed to be challenging and in-depth when examining historical events.  Students will trace history by looking at the cause and effect relationships of the events in history through the use of Socratic seminars, extended reading and writing, videos and an assigned outside reading list.  Entry into this class will be determined by teacher recommendations, grades and a graded writing assessment.  An Assessment of Civics Knowledge will be administered as a part of this 9th grade American Studies 1 course.  

20205B  CORE AMERICAN STUDIES 2

(Grade 10) (1.0 Credit)

Prerequisite:  Course 20201A or 20202B)

Students will learn U.S. History from the 1930’s to the present.  Students will examine the impact of the Great Depression and the New Deal on American culture.  Students will examine historical events leading up to and including World War II and analyze great American leaders during this era.  Students will trace events, movements, and individuals which impacted the modernization of American society in the post World War II era, transforming the U.S. into a major economic and political leader in world affairs.  Assessments will include written and oral reports, projects, tests, quizzes, and cooperative learning activities.

*20204A  COLLEGE PREP AMERICAN STUDIES 2

(Grade 10) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite: Course 20201A or 20202B)

Students will learn U.S. History from the 1930’s to the present.  Students will examine the impact of the Great Depression and the New Deal on American culture.  Students will examine events leading up to World War II and our involvement in this war with analysis of American leadership during this era.  Students will trace events, movements, and individuals which impacted the modernization of American society in the post World War II era, transforming the U.S. into a major economic and political leader in world affairs.  Assessments will include written and oral reports, projects, tests, quizzes, cooperative learning activities, research paper, analysis of significant primary sources, and outside reading assignments.  

*20206H  HONORS AMERICAN STUDIES 2

(Grade 10) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite: Course 20201A or 20204H and Teacher recommendation)

In this course, students will conduct an in-depth study of United States History from the 1930’s to the present.  Students will analyze the dramatic economic, political, and social changes that occurred as the U.S. became the leading industrial and consumer economy populated by a great diversity of peoples - Native Americans and those who immigrated from around the world.  Students will investigate  how the U.S. became a major economic and political leader in world affairs and adopted a greatly expanded role for government.  Finally, students will study how the U.S. developed socially and culturally and continues to pursue more inclusive forms of freedom and equality.  Course requirements include substantial additional readings and writings.  Assessment will be based on exams, papers, class contribution, homework, quizzes, and projects.  This course is weighted for class rank.

*20212H  ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY

(Grade 10,11,12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation)

Students will learn about the historical issues, problems and concerns of the United States.  The course prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses.  Students will learn to analyze historical materials and arrive at conclusions based on historical judgment.  Students should be prepared for substantial reading, writing, and presentation assignments.  Students will have the opportunity to register to take the AP Exam in May.

20208B  CORE GLOBAL STUDIES

(Grade 11) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Course 20204A or 20205B)

Students will study the history, geography and economics of the world.  To enhance their understanding of world history, students will complete group projects and written reports.  Guest speakers, videos and outside reading assignments will supplement traditional materials.  The skill and knowledge of students will be assessed through written tests and essays, class work and homework, along with individual and group projects.

*20207A  COLLEGE PREP GLOBAL STUDIES

(Grade 11) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Course 20204A or 20205B)

World History provides for the study of world history, geography and economics.  Students will analyze the history and geography of the world and the societies, cultures, religions, arts and global relations that have developed over time.  They will compare different political and economic systems while identifying political leaders from selected historical and contemporary settings.  Students will be assessed based on tests, essays, class work, oral presentations, outside readings and written research assignments.

*20213D  WORLD HISTORY DUAL ENROLLMENT (LCCC) – HONORS CREDIT

*20213H  HONORS WORLD HISTORY - HONORS CREDIT

(Grade 11) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Course 20206H and teacher recommendation)

(Dual Prerequisite:  Course 20206H, teacher recommendation and Sufficient Score on LCCC Placement Test; nominal per credit cost)

The course will focus on world history during the 20th Century.  The course will be topical dealing with the major conflicts among nations: military, political, economic, social, and environmental.  Current events will be covered throughout the class to emphasize the connection between the recent past and the issues of today.  During the semester, the students will complete projects of their own design as well as a research paper.

  *20214H ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY

(Grade 11,12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation)

Students will learn about the historical issues, problems, and concerns related to World History.  The course prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by providing a clear framework of six chronological periods viewed through the lens of related key concepts and course themes, accompanied by a set of skills that clearly define what it means to think historically.  Students will learn to analyze historical materials and arrive at conclusions based on historical judgment.  Student assessment will be based on objective exams, free-response and document-based essays along with outside reading assessments.  Participation in afterschool review seminars in preparation for the AP exam administered in May is highly encouraged.  Students will have the opportunity to register to take the AP Exam in May.  

20211B  CORE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT/CONSUMER ECONOMICS

(Grade 12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Course 20201A or 20202B)

American Government/Consumer Economics B is a course focusing on fundamental principles of our government and economic systems.  Students will learn their role as a voter in our multicultural society and the rights and responsibilities we share as citizens of our country.  Students will learn the basic structure, organization and purpose of our federal, state, and local levels of government, and how those levels impact their lives.  Consumer economics is designed to enable students to understand the practical economics needed to make reasoned judgments about both personal economic decisions and questions about economic policy in our world.  Concepts of scarcity/choice, opportunity benefit/cost, productivity, economic systems, and basic economic concepts will be topics within the course.  Student assessment will include:  tests, essays, current event projects, research assignments with a focus on government knowledge and economic skills students need for success in life after high school.

*20210A  COLLEGE PREP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT/CONSUMER ECONOMICS - In Person

(Grade 12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Course 20201A or 20202B)

American Government is a course about civic responsibility.  Students will learn their role as a voter in our multicultural society, the structure of our federal, state and local systems, and general responsibilities as a citizen.  Consumer Economics is a study of how people organize for the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.  It is designed to enable students to understand enough economics to make reasoned judgements about both personal economic questions and broader questions of economic policy in a complex and changing world.  The course will deal with the economic concepts of scarcity and choice, opportunity costs and trade-off, productivity, economic systems and other fundamental economic concepts.  Students will be assessed based on essays, tests, written research assignments, and group and individual projects.

*20210AOL  COLLEGE PREP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT/CONSUMER ECONOMICS - Online

(Grade 12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Course 20201A or 20202B, B+ or higher in prior Social Studies courses)

This course will run asynchronously.  Assignments, submissions, grading, and feedback will be made through Google Classroom.  Students are not required to be in school during the scheduled block, but should expect to contribute 90 minutes to the completion of the assignments for each class block.  Twice a month students will be required to be in the classroom to complete written assessments. If you are a student who has exceptional time management skills and is proficient at working independently, this is the course for you.  Online American Government is a course about civic responsibility.  Students will learn their role as a voter in our multicultural society, the structure of our federal, state and local systems, and general responsibilities as a citizen.  Consumer Economics is a study of how people organize for the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.  It is designed to enable students to understand enough economics to make reasoned judgements about both personal economic questions and broader questions of economic policy in a complex and changing world.  The course will deal with the economic concepts of scarcity and choice, opportunity costs and trade-off, productivity, economic systems and other fundamental economic concepts.  Students will be assessed based on essays, tests, written research assignments, and group and individual projects.

 *20230H  HONORS AMERICAN GOVERNMENT/ ECONOMICS - In Person

(Grade 12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation)

This course will study the rights and duties of citizenship, the structure and interaction of branches of government, the political process and how individuals and nations make choices to use limited resources to fulfill societal wants and needs. It is intended to help students build the basic foundation to become productive and participatory citizens. Students will evaluate financial decision making, investigate how market systems work and examine the increasing globalization of world economies and the effect on the United States economy. This course is designed as an honors level by the accelerated instructional pacing and depth of content. Students will be expected to become active participants and will be called on to complete supplementary reading and more extensive writing assignments in narrative, informative and persuasive modes.

*20230HOL  HONORS AMERICAN GOVERNMENT/ ECONOMICS - Online

(Grade 12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  B+ or higher in prior Social Studies courses and teacher recommendation)

This course will run asynchronously.  Assignments, submissions, grading, and feedback will be made through Google Classroom.  Students are not required to be in school during the scheduled block, but should expect to contribute 90 minutes to the completion of the assignments for each class block.  Twice a month students will be required to be in the classroom to complete written assessments.  If you are a student who has exceptional time management skills and is proficient at working independently, this is the course for you.  This course will study the rights and duties of citizenship, the structure and interaction of branches of government, the political process and how individuals and nations make choices to use limited resources to fulfill societal wants and needs.  It is intended to help students build the basic foundation to become productive and participatory citizens.  Students will evaluate financial decision making, investigate how market systems work and examine the increasing globalization of world economies and the effect on the United States economy.  This course is designed as an honors level by the accelerated instructional pacing and depth of content.  Students will be expected to become active participants and will be called on to complete supplementary reading and more extensive writing assignments in narrative, informative and persuasive modes.  

*20222A  ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

(Grade 11,12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation)

Note: In order to satisfy Social Studies requirements, students must also take AP Microeconomics or a semester of Honors American Economics (0.5 Credits)

Students will gain an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.  The course begins with an advanced investigation of the U.S. Constitution including its historical and theoretical foundations and the Supreme Court’s interpretation of its key provisions.  Students will also explore the political culture of the United States including the views citizens hold of their government and leaders.  Students will examine the mechanisms that allow citizens to organize and communicate their interests and concerns including political parties, interest groups, and elections.  Students will develop an understanding of the major institutions of national government.  Combining many aspects of these topics, students will explore the formation and implementation of public policy.  Finally, students will focus on Supreme Court decisions affecting the civil rights and civil liberties of Americans.  Students should be prepared for substantial reading, writing, and presentation assignments.  Students will have the opportunity to register to take the AP Exam in May.

*20220H ADVANCED PLACEMENT MICROECONOMICS

(Grade 11,12) (1.0 Credit)

(Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation)

Note: In order to satisfy Social Studies requirements, students must also take AP US Government and Politics (1.0 Credit) or a semester of Honors American Government (0.5 Credits)

Students are given the opportunity to complete college-level work in microeconomics and are prepared to sit for the AP Microeconomics exam in May.  Students will gain an understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision-makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system.  Students develop an understanding of the problem of scarcity and the costs and benefits of specialization and trade.  Students will focus on the nature and functions of product markets, factor markets, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.  Students should be prepared for substantial reading, writing, and presentation assignments.  Students will have the opportunity to register to take the AP Microeconomics Exam in May.

*20215E  PSYCHOLOGY

(Grade 11,12) (1.0 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  None)

Students will be introduced to select concepts and principles of the general body of psychology.  The course will cover topics such as research methodology, principles of learning and memory, human development, the human brain, personality, sensation/perception, and psychological disturbances.  Achievement will be assessed through examinations, quizzes, class work, experiments, oral presentations, outside readings, and written research assignments.

20224W  ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 

(Grade 11,12) (0.5 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Psychology, teacher/counselor recommendation, or concurrent/future enrollment in AP Psychology)

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to theories and research concerning abnormal behavior (psychopathology).  The course will address such topics as the incidence of abnormal behavior or various types; how abnormal behaviors are classified into various diagnostic categories as recognized in the current Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM), the etiologies (causes) of psychological disorders; and the variety of methods employed in the treatment of abnormal behavior.

*20227H  ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY 

(Grade 11,12) (1.0 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Teacher/counselor recommendation)

AP Psychology is a full-year course designed to provide students with a broad overview of the diverse field of psychology and prepare students for the AP Psychology Exam in May.  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.  In order to achieve these goals, the majority of the class time will be devoted to lectures, discussions, and extensive review sessions.  However, time will also be allocated for demonstrations, experiments, and class activities; the content of which may or may not be covered in the text.  Active participation in these activities will help clarify certain areas of study and should add to everyone’s enjoyment of the class. See the Summer Reading section of the high school website for assignment information.  Students will have the opportunity to register to take the AP Exam in May.

*20216E  SOCIOLOGY

(Grade 11,12) (1.0 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Course 20204A)

Students will learn about Sociology as a science.  They will learn about people, group behavior, culture and how it relates to human behavior.  The concepts of socialization, collective behavior, and the social class system will be covered.  In addition, students will examine how a problem comes to the public’s attention, how it is defined, how data is misused or used in the presentation of a problem, and how political ideology affects what solutions are offered for a problem.  Through investigation and discussion, students will analyze the social-structural conditions that produce particular problems and explore the ways in which they are connected.

*20217E  BASIC LEGAL CONCEPTS 1

(Grade 10,11,12) (1.0 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite: Course 20201A, 20202B, or 20204H)

Students will study selected criminal laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and rules of criminal procedure accompanying those laws.  The laws to be covered will include but not be limited to the preliminary provisions, culpability, inchoate crimes, law of theft, law of arrest, law of homicide, law of assault and law of sexual assault.  Also covered extensively will be the following Amendments from the Federal Constitution:  Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Fourteenth.  Through active listening activities, interaction, and hands-on activities, students will acquire knowledge of current legal practices.  Assessments will include but not be limited to case analyses, writing activities, cooperative learning activities, simulations, role playing, written assessments, class discussion, analyses of articles from professional journals and speakers from the criminal justice field.  

*20219D  ISSUES IN 20th CENTURY AMERICA/LCCC DUAL ENROLLMENT-HONORS CREDIT

(Grade 11,12) (1.0 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Courses 20201A/20202B and 20204A/20205B, teacher recommendation, sufficient score on LCCC placement test, and nominal per credit cost) 

Students will learn United States History from post-World War II to present day.  Students will learn about the Eisenhower Administration and the Korean War.  They will examine the threat of communism and the Cold War.  Discussion will also center around the Civil Rights Movement from 1954-1975.  The Vietnam War will be a focal point of class discussion.  Controversial topics, such as the JFK assassination, Nixon and Watergate, Reaganomics and Star Wars Defense, Iran-Contra Scandal, and the Clinton Impeachment proceedings, will also be analyzed.  Essays and document readings will be a major part of this course due to the college credits that will be earned.  Extensive outside readings are part of the course.

*20219E  ISSUES IN 20TH CENTURY AMERICA

(Grade 11, 12)  (1.0 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Courses 20201A or 20202B and 20204A or 20205B)

Students will learn United States History from post-World War II to present day.  Students will learn about the Eisenhower Administration and the Korean War.  They will examine the threat of communism and the Cold War.  Discussion will also center around the Civil Rights Movement from The Vietnam War will be a focal point of class discussion.  Controversial topics, such as the JFK assassination, Nixon and Watergate, Reaganomics and Star Wars Defense, Iran-Contra Scandal, and the Clinton Impeachment proceedings, will also be analyzed.  Selected videos, CD ROMs, class trips and primary source documents will be used to enhance curriculum.  Assessment will include written and oral reports, projects, exams, quizzes and cooperative learning activities.

20223W  INFLUENCE OF SPORTS ON AMERICAN SOCIETY 1

(Grade 10,11,12) (0.5 Elective Credit) 

(Prerequisite:  None)

Americans have exhibited a passion for sports as spectators and participants since the founding of this nation.  This course examines how the development of sports in America has shaped and reflected American society culturally, socially, economically, and politically.  Students will explore the foundation of sports in Ancient civilizations, the creation of modern sports in America, and the impact these sports play in areas of gender, race, and the overall progress of our nation. 

20225W  INFLUENCE OF SPORTS ON AMERICAN SOCIETY 2

(Grade 10,11,12) (0.5 Elective Credit)

(Prerequisite:  Course 20223W)

This course is a continuation to Influence of Sports on American Society 1.  Students will apply previous knowledge of the development of sports in the United States and continue to explore the influence sports has had on our developing, modern nation.  Students will discuss how television changed the face of sports in American society, investigate the business behind sports on the collegiate and professional levels, and research a wide variety of contemporary issues affecting the sports world today.