SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT COURSES

205 WORLD STUDIES IA/IB— Semester 5 Credits
Prerequisite: None

This two-course sequence covers the same content as the standard World Studies I curriculum. The curriculum is extended and modified to include the incorporation of study skills and individual assistance to students to ensure success.


215 WORLD STUDIES— Standard Semester 5 Credits
216 WORLD STUDIES— Advanced Semester 5 Credits
Prerequisite: None

World Studies I presents a survey of world history and geography from 500 CE (Common Era) to 1815 CE. Topics covered include classical civilization, the Middle Ages in Western Europe, the Golden Ages outside Western Europe, Europe in transition, and the Age of Revolution.

World Studies II presents a study of modern Europe from 1815 (Congress of Vienna) to the present. Topics covered include nationalism, industrialism, imperialism, World War I and its aftermath, communism, World War II, the Cold War and present conditions in Europe.


225 ASIAN HISTORY— Standard Semester 5 Credits
Prereqisite: World History
(NOTE: THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED DURING THE 2004-05 YEAR)

Asian History will survey Asian culture from the sixth century B.C.E. to the present. Students will discover the different philosophies from different Asian cultures, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Communism, and Confucianism. Students will study topics such as the Indus Valley civilization, the process of unification in China, the Japanese Samarai culture, the Khmer civilization, and many others. This course is essential to a well-rounded historical understanding. The class will read from original sources, when possible, and explore local examples through field trips and guest speakers.


226 AMERICAN STUDIES— Standard Year 10 Credits
227 AMERICAN STUDIES— Advanced Year 10 Credits
Prerequisite: World Studies I or II

American Studies I presents a study of history in the United States prior to the twentieth century. The course features an in-depth examination of a series of topics that played a key role in the development of the American nation. The course provides students with an introduction to the American political system, dealing with federal, state and local governments. Students will be exposed to the structure, operation and problems facing government during its formative period and in today’s world. Students will be expected to read, identify and analyze contemporary issues affecting government. The course will conclude with an examination of events that affected the growth of the nation during the nineteenth century.

American Studies II presents a comprehensive look at the people and events that shaped the history of the United States during the twentieth century. Topics include the development of American foreign policy, political leadership, reform movements, the causes of war, the role of labor in American history, the social setting of intolerance, and the cultural heritage of the American nation. Emerging topics in recent American history will also be examined.


235 AP UNITED STATES HISTORY— Year 10 Credits
Prerequisite: B or better in World Studies--Advanced and the recommendation of the department

Advanced Placement United States History will offer the highly motivated, college oriented student a survey of the development of the American nation. Students will be expected to read college level historical material analytically, to weigh historical evidence and interpretations, and to reach conclusions based on informed judgement. Stressing extensive work in the areas of research and writing, this course will culminate in the nationwide Advanced Placement Examination in American History. If students pass the exam, they may qualify to use this course for college credit.


242 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT— Standard Semester 5 Credits
243 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT— Advanced Semester 5 Credits
Prerequisite: American Studies

American Government provides an introduction to the American political system, dealing with federal, state and local governments. Students will be exposed to the structure, operation and problems facing government today. Students will be expected to read, identify and analyze contemporary issues affecting government. Junior and Senior Offering.


246 AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT— Honors Year 10 Credits
Prerequisite: B in American Studies -- Advanced

This course AP U.S. Government and Politics/Law gives students an analytical perspective on government, politics and the legal system in the United States. The course begins with the study of the legal system in the United States. We will examine various areas of law and also use the law section of the course to prepare out Mock Trail team for the statewide mock trial competition. There is a mandatory after school element to this portion of the course in order to effectively prepare for the competition. The Government section of the course begins with the framing of the constitution and progresses to modern day, examining modern day issues and how the three branches of out government function as a unit to solve problems and unite our country. It includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. We will examine the influence of public interest groups and the media on politics today. Students will also acquire an understanding of various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute U.S. politics.


260 PSYCHOLOGY— Standard Term 2.5 Credits
261 PSYCHOLOGY— Advanced Term 2.5 Credits
262 SOCIOLOGY— Standard Term 2.5 Credits
264 SOCIOLOGY— Advanced Term 2.5 Credits
Prerequisite: United States History

Psychology is the study of human behavior, growth and development. Students will understand themselves in terms of their relationship with others and be able to cope with and comprehend the world in which we live. Areas of study include personality, learning, mental retardation, and maturation.

Sociology is the study of society and the problems it faces. This course will include a study of various groups and the rules by which they live, various processes involved in society and the problems it faces such as population growth, crime, etc. Junior and Senior Offering

(NOTE: these courses must be taken together)


263 CONTEMPORARY PROBLEMS— Standard Semester 5 Credits
Prerequisite: American Studies

Contemporary Problems is designed for students who want to know what is going on in the world, country and state. Students will read and discuss contemporary problems and how they affect society. The course will draw on the students’ historical background in an attempt to help them appreciate current world conditions. Junior and Senior Offering