Social Studies Education  

Social studies is a study of the past, present and future; it examines the relationships between individuals and societies.  The primary purpose of social studies education is to help young people make informed decisions for the public good as citizens. 

The major themes in social studies include: 

• culture

• time-continuity and change

• people, places and the environment

• individuals, groups, and institutions

• individual development and identity

• power, authority, and governance

• production, distribution, and consumption

• science, technology, and society

• global connections.  

Students will have an opportunity to learn about our country and the world, and gain an appreciation of how the social sciences fit into being an engaged citizen. 

WESTERN CIVILIZATION (Course #H2012) Social Studies credit

GRADE 9 

One Semester – ½ credit 

This survey course will examine important historical developments in European civilization from The Renaissance through World War II. Students will examine the social, political, and economic factors that have influenced decision making and global events that are the precursors to the world we live in today. Particular areas of study include the Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Exploration, Age of Reason, French Revolution and Napoleonic Era, Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, WWI, and WWII. This is the standard introductory class for incoming freshmen.

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY (Course #H2022) Social Studies credit

GRADE 9 

One Semester - ½ credit 

Cultural Geography provides students with an understanding of the spatial distributions of cultures and the processes that led to these unique cultures and their distribution.  This course is an interdisciplinary approach to geography. It will integrate the 5 themes of Geography: location, place, region, movement, and human-environment interaction to better understand the world's unique cultures. It is designed to provide the student with a core of knowledge about the world’s geographical regions and to relate the knowledge to events in today’s rapidly changing world. Activities will include readings, map work, lecture, videos, discussions, small projects, and a capstone project. 

ADVANCED HISTORY: FROM MIDDLE AGES TO MODERN ERA (Course #H2016) Social Studies credit

GRADE 9 

Two Semesters – 1 credit 

Prerequisite: Recommendations of 8th grade Communication Arts and Social Studies teachers.

Advanced History from Middle Ages to the Modern Era introduces students to the historical thinking skills of Advanced Placement history courses through the study of major developments and events in European and World History. By examining these events, students will be able to make connections to issues affecting the world today. This course will provide students with the foundation needed to take AP history courses. 

UNITED STATES HISTORY (Course #H2042) Social Studies credit

GRADE 10 

Two Semesters - 1 credit 

*Satisfies the US History Graduation Requirement  

United States History is a survey course designed for furthering your knowledge and appreciation of our nation's past, present, and future. A substantial amount of content will be covered, beginning with the Civil War through 2000.  The course will develop an understanding of social, political, economic, cultural, and military experiences that have played a crucial role in shaping the history of our country through use of the tools of social science inquiry. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be better prepared to understand the significance of our country’s history. 

AP UNITED STATES HISTORY (Course #H2049) Social Studies credit

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

Two Semesters - 1 credit

*Satisfies the US History Graduation Requirement

*Weighted Course 

In AP U.S. History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change. The course also provides eight themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures.  The course is centered on lecture, discussion, and independent research.  Students will be expected to have the ability to express themselves clearly and effectively in both speaking and writing.  Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take the AP Exam in US History. 

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT (Course #H2032) Social Studies credit

GRADE 11 

Two Semesters – 1 Credit 

Satisfies the US Government Graduation Requirement

In this course the students will study our political system by examining the institutions, branches, and functions of federal, state, and local governments, as well as the factors that influence this system, such as the electoral process and political parties. Students will learn the responsibilities and duties of citizens in a democratic society and how, as citizens, they can influence the decisions of government. And, as required by Missouri law, students must show competency in their knowledge of the US Constitution, Missouri Constitution, and a US Civics exam.  In addition, students will be required to take the Missouri End-Of-Course exam upon completion of this course. 

AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS (Course #H2045) Social Studies credit

GRADES 11, 12 

*Satisfies the US Government Graduation Requirement

*Weighted course 

The AP United States Government and Politics course will help students cultivate their understanding of U.S. government and politics through analysis of data and text- based sources as they explore topics like constitutionalism, liberty and order, civic participation in a representative democracy, competing policy-making interests, and methods of political analysis. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics. 

Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take the AP Exam in Government and Politics. In addition, if students take AP US Government & Politics to satisfy the US Government graduation requirement, they will be required to take the Missouri End-Of-Course exam.  And, as required by Missouri law, students must show competency in their knowledge of the US Constitution, Missouri Constitution, and a US Civics exam.  

AP WORLD HISTORY (Course #H2015) Social Studies credit

GRADES 11, 12 

Two semesters – 1 credit

 *Weighted Course 

Students will cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation. Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take the AP World History exam. 

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY (Course #H2005) Social Studies credit

GRADES 11, 12 

*Weighted course 

In AP European History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: interaction of Europe and the world, economic and commercial development, cultural and intellectual development, states and other institutions of power, social organization and development, national and European identity, and technological and scientific innovations.  Students will be expected to have the ability to express themselves clearly and effectively in both speaking and writing and be able to complete independent research. Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take the AP European History exam. 

AP MACROECONOMICS (Course #H2065) Social Studies credit

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester – ½ credit 

*Weighted Course 

The purpose of an AP course in macroeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price level determination and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth and international economics. Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take the AP Macroeconomics exam.

AP MICROECONOMICS (Course #H2067) Social Studies credit

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester – ½ credit 

*Weighted Course 

The purpose of the AP course in microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take the AP Microeconomics exam. 

AP PSYCHOLOGY (Course #H2055) Social Studies credit

GRADES 11, 12 

Two Semesters – 1 credit 

*Weighted Course 

The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to major psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major fields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Upon completion of this course, students may elect to take the AP Psychology exam. 

PSYCHOLOGY (Course #H2051) Social Studies credit

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit 

This course focuses on the study of human behavior. As an introduction to the field of psychology, this course includes consideration of psychological principles, terminology, major theories, careers, methods of experimentation, and practical applications. Special topics include personality development, mental and personality disorders, problem-solving, and motivation.

SOCIOLOGY (Course #H2050) Social Studies credit

GRADES 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit 

The major emphasis will be on the development, changes, and behavioral patterns which occur in groups within a society. Individual motivation is a prerequisite for this course, as is a willingness for discussion and presenting ideas to the class. 

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES (Course #H2060) Social Studies credit

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit 

This course examines the social problems of our time. These topics include, but are not limited to crime, terrorism, international and domestic affairs,  geopolitical problems of the world, as well as flexibility to accommodate students’ interests and current events. This course will allow students to examine their own thoughts and beliefs as well as the thoughts and beliefs of others, and to develop informed opinions on matters that affect the world and propose viable solutions. Students will enhance their media literacy skills while incorporating technology and research to write and express their ideas.  Collaboration, cooperation, and problem solving skills are also required.  

CRIMINAL JUSTICE (Course #H2066) Social Studies credit

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

One Semester – ½ credit 

This course provides an introduction to the criminal justice system. The primary goal of this course is to develop a general understanding of the criminal justice system’s response to crime in society. This course will serve as an overview or survey of the structure of the criminal justice system. It will introduce students to the components of the criminal justice system – police, courts, and corrections. 

SPORTS AND SOCIETY (Course #H2062) 

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

One Semester - ½ credit 

Sports represent the attitudes, values, and beliefs of a given society.  This semester-long, elective course provides a fundamental working knowledge of the emergence of sports as a critical component in modern society. Students will trace the history of sports from its origins to the current trends affecting sports and our society, including, but not limited to, the influence of politics, money, and criminal activity.  

AMERICAN POPULAR CULTURE (Course #H2063) 

GRADES 10, 11, 12 

One semester – ½ credit 

American Popular Culture is based on the assumption that a close examination of popular culture can illuminate an understanding of several fundamental issues—formation of communities, courtship rituals, immigration, urbanization, race relations, gender issues, the generation gap, the commercialization of pop culture and the growth of mass media. This course will explore popular American culture and its impact on history, connecting such key themes as jazz, rock, hip-hop, dance, fashion & television with major social topics in history. There is an expectation for independent research, and the ability to express yourself clearly and effectively in speaking and writing.