Social Studies
Social Studies Requirements
All students are required to take Geography, US History or Honors US History, Civics, and an additional semester of Social Studies. Students planning to pursue a degree at a two- or four-year college or university should consider taking one or both of the dual credit courses offered by the Social Studies faculty, Humanities and Honors US History, as these allow students to earn free college credit that can count toward general education or elective requirements in college.
Social Studies Core Courses
Geography
WHS0601P1 - ISCS Code: 04001A000Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 year
Level: General
Credit: 1
Students will be exposed to opportunities for higher level thinking about causes, whys, and relationships in geography, in addition to the basic facts of geography.
US History
WHS0604P1 - ISCS Code: 04101A000Grade: 11-12
Length: 1 year
Level: General
Credit: 1
A survey of economic, political, and social events which have shaped the development of our country. An attempt is made to show how those events influenced our daily lives.
Honors US History
WHS0604G1- ISCS Code: 04101A000Grade: 11-12
Length: 1 year
Level: Honors
Credit: 1
A survey of economic, political, and social events which have shaped the development of the United States. The Honors US History course will focus on the same time period and historical events and interpretations as the general US History course. However, the honors will integrate more reading and writing into the curriculum. There will be a greater emphasis on historical analysis and debate. Many assignments will be project-based and students will be expected to maintain a higher level of comprehension with both primary and secondary historical documents. This course is designed to help students prepare for college-level writing and thinking. Second semester will focus on US History since 1877. This semester will survey such topics as the impact of industrialization and urbanization upon American society, World War I, the Depression, The New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, and modern domestic problems such as racism, sexism, and the crisis in confidence.
This course is offered as dual credit through LLCC. First semester is HIS 111 (3 credit hours) and the second semester is HIS 112 (3 credit hours).
Civics
WHS0606P5 - ISCS Code: 04151A000Grade: 11-12
Length: 1 semester
Level: General
Credit: 0.5
This course is designed to prepare the student to be an intelligent voter who knows our basic laws and can recognize what democracy is all about. Students will also learn the mechanics of registering and voting. Students must pass the Illinois Constitution and United States Constitution tests.
Social Studies Elective Courses
World History
WHS0602P5 - ISCS Code: 04051A000Grade: 9-12
Length: 1 semester
Level: General
Credit: 0.5
World History introduces students to important historical sequences and events, which affect the way in which we live today.
Honors World History II
WHS0615G5 - ISCS Code: 04065A000Grade: 10-12
Length: 1 semester
Level: Honors
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: World History with a C or better, or teacher/counselor approval
This course offers students a closer look at the historical background of World Wars I and II as well as how these conflicts affected Europe and the rest of the world. Students will examine different topics related to the wars including fascism and communism, the responses in Europe and North America, the Holocaust, and the long-term results of the wars on the world. During the semester students will read and analyze various primary sources, including contemporary and classic works of literature, to improve their understanding of the events of the period.
Humanities
WHS0612P1 - ISCS Code: 04302A000Grade: 11-12
Length: 1 year
Level: Honors
Credit: 1
Literature, music, performing arts, fine arts, philosophy and religion, and integrated arts and media are included in this course, which is focused on the creative aspects of culture around the world. Significant works reflecting the complexities in the development of the human spirit and cultural values are examined in depth. Multiple texts, artifacts, media, and local resources that illustrate the humanities listed above may be studied in thematic or genre-based learning modules. This course is a dual credit course through LLCC. Students who complete the entire yearlong course can earn credit for HUM 101 (3 credit hours).
US History in Film
WHS0614P5 - ISCS Code: 04999A000Grade: 11-12
Length: 1 semester
Level: General
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: US History or concurrent enrollment
United States History Through Film is a semester-long course. During the semester students will watch historical films, each dedicated to an event, person, concept or era of American history. Prior to watching the films, students will learn about the geographic and historic factors that combined to create the historical topic of the film. They will use maps, and primary and secondary source documents, to create a framework for understanding the area and time period. After watching the film, students will participate in activities that require research, writing, and presentation skills to evaluate the film in comparison to actual events.
World History in Film
WHS0616P5 - ISCS Code: 04999A000Grade: 11-12
Length: 1 semester
Level: General
Credit: 0.5
Prerequisite: World History or concurrent enrollment
World History Through Film is a semester-long course. During the semester students will watch historical films, each dedicated to an event, person, concept, or era of world history. Prior to watching the films, students will learn about the geographic and historic factors that combined to create the historical topic of the film. They will use maps, and primary and secondary source documents, to create a framework for understanding the area and time period. After watching the film, students will participate in activities that require research, writing, discussion, and presentation skills to evaluate the film in comparison to actual events.
Sociology
WHS0603G5 - ISCS Code: 04258A000Grade: 11-12
Length: 1 semester
Level: Honors
Credit: 0.5
This course will attempt to show why individuals and groups react in a given way in various cultures, and why an act which is acceptable in one culture may be unacceptable in another. Current social issues such as drugs, crime, marriage, and divorce will be studied.