Social Studies Department
AMERICAN HISTORY I GRADE 10 REQUIRED 1/2 credit
This is a semester survey course beginning with the Progressive Era and concluding with the events of World War II. The course will provide a context for exploring the major political, social, and economic issues of the time and America's relationship to other people and cultures.
AMERICAN HISTORY II GRADE 10 REQUIRED 1/2 credit
This survey course deals with Post World War II America. The course will require students to critically examine the dynamic changes (political, social, economic, technological) which transformed the United States into a post-industrial, information driven society characterized by great cultural diversity.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT GRADE 11 REQUIRED 1/2 credit
The course will focus on the foundations of American government, political behavior in the United States, and the function of the Executive and Legislative branches of government. Students will also explore how they can become actively involved in the American political system. The course will include an introduction to basic economic theory and terminology, an overview of the geography of the American continent, and an analysis of how capitalism functions in America.
PREREQUISITE: AMERICAN HISTORY I and II
COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS GRADE 11 REQUIRED 1/ 2 credit
This course provides an in-depth study of the Judicial Branch and the civil liberties and other rights of American citizens guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The United States system of government will be compared and contrasted with other systems of government such as absolute monarchies, constitutional monarchies, parliamentary democracies, dictatorships, and theocracies. The United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and select developing nations will be highlighted. Geography, economic structures, and current events will be incorporated.
PREREQUISITE: AMERICAN HISTORY I & II; AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
AP U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (HONORS) GRADE 11 ELECTIVE 1 credit
The course is recommended for those students who have both the aptitude and interest in exploring politics and government from a critical perspective. The course will include the study of general concepts used to interpret politics in the United States and the analysis of specific case studies, institutions, groups, beliefs, and philosophies that make up the reality of American politics. Students will explore the Constitution, political beliefs represented by political parties, special interest groups, the institutions of government, public policy, and civil liberties. The course will also include the major objectives covered in the Comparative Government and Politics course. Students will be prepared to take the AP U.S. Government exam by which they may obtain college level credit if they achieve a passing score on the exam. This course fulfills the requirements for both American Government and Comparative Government and Politics.
PREREQUISITE: "A" average in AMERICAN HISTORY I and II
WORLD HISTORY I GRADE 12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit
This semester course is a study of the development of humanity. It traces the evolution of political, social, cultural, religious and economic institutions from prehistoric times to the Enlightenment. It explores the great ideas and actions of humankind which shaped life in many pre-scientific civilizations. The emphasis will be on Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and the rise of Islam.
STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT PASSED THE SOCIAL STUDIES SECTION OF THE OHIO GRADUATION TEST WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ASSIGNED TO THIS COURSE.
WORLD HISTORY II GRADE 12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit
Beginning with the Renaissance, this semester course will analyze the values held by specific people and systems of ideas influencing history after 1700 AD.
STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT PASSED THE SOCIAL STUDIES SECTION OF THE OHIO GRADUATION TEST WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ASSIGNED TO THIS COURSE.
ECONOMICS GRADES 11 - 12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit
This semester course introduces students to basic macroeconomic and micro economic theories. Topics include supply and demand, scarcity, the American economic system, prices, competition, the Federal Reserve, the money supply, employment, poverty, business cycles, and taxation. The students will apply economic principles through several hands-on projects including a student-run business.
PREREQUISITE: AMERICAN HISTORY I&II AND AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
PSYCHOLOGY GRADES 11 - 12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit
The psychology course provides students the opportunity to explore human behavior. Students will gain a better understanding of themselves and others by exploring personality theory, consciousness, altered states of consciousness (sleep, dreams, meditation, hypnosis, and drug reactions), learning theory, intelligence, memory, . sensation and perception, stress, social psychology, and psychological disorders. Significant and regular participation is required during class discussions, experiments, and simulated activities.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN HISTORY GRADES 11-12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit
This semester course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement exam in United States History. It will build on the factual knowledge students have obtained from their study of American History I and II and will provide students with the analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. Students will learn to assess historical materials and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. The course will specifically examine the major political, social, and economic changes throughout American history.
PREREQUISITE: "A" in AMERICAN HISTORY I and II AND COUNSELOR APPROVAL
CURRENT EVENTS AND ISSUES GRADES 11 – 12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit
This semester elective will cover the major events and issues of the day. Students will explore the historical roots and causes of contemporary events; become familiar with the major figures in contemporary politics, religion, science, and technology; analyze the importance of different cultural perspectives on our understanding of world events; learn how political structures, economic conditions, geography, and culture contribute to either cooperation or conflict; evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources; and be able to gather data and choose appropriate tools to communicate a position on an issue. Texts will include weekly news magazines, newspapers available from the internet, educational web sites, and other media outlets (television, radio,etc.).
PREREQUISITE: SENIORS ONLY |
