Civics I           Semester Course – Grade 9 (Value ½ Credit Social Studies)

Civics I consists of two units each lasting approximately one quarter. Unit I explores the development of individual rights and liberties. This includes examining judicial interpretations of various civil rights and liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly, and expression; the rights of the accused; among other things. Students will also be aware of how the 14^th Amendment and the doctrine of selective incorporation have been used to extend protection of rights and liberties. Unit II focuses on linkage institutions. Students will understand the mechanisms that allow citizens to organize and communicate their interests and concerns. Among these are public opinion and political socialization, political parties, elections, interest groups and mass media. 

 

Civics II          Semester Course – Grade 9 (Value ½ Credit Social Studies)

Civics II consists of two units each lasting approximately one quarter. In Unit IStudents will understand the role of federalism in our government structure. Students will become familiar with the organization and powers, both formal and informal, of the major political institutions at the federal and state level. Unit II will focus on the basics of micro and macro economics. Microeconomics allows students to examine the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. Macroeconomics gives students a thorough understanding of an economic system as a whole. 

 

Western Civilization I - Semester course - Grade 10

A regular level course for sophomores that will help students learn the main events and important developments that occurred in the Near East and Europe from @ 4000 B.C. to @ 1500.

 

Western Civilization II - Semester course – Grade 10

A regular level course for sophomores that will help students learn the main events and important developments that occurred in Europe and the world from @ 1500 to the present.

United States History - Year course - Grade 11

A regular level course primarily intended for junior year. Students will learn the major events and important developments that occurred in the United States with emphasis on the post Civil War era to the present.

 

Advanced Placement European History - Year course - Grade 11-12

 *Intensive Homework*   (Value: 1 credit for the entire year – Social Studies)

An intensive, in-depth study of European history from the High Middle Ages (@ 1400 to the present). This course will provide highly motivated and academically talented students an opportunity to learn history at an accelerated pace. Upon completion of the course, college credit may be earned if the student can pass a national A.P. exam.

Advanced Placement U.S. History – Year Course - Grade 11-12

AP U.S. History is a demanding and rigorous survey course of American history. Approximately four hundred years of information will be covered in three and half quarters. Reading and writing loads are extreme—requiring a high level of interest and ability. One chapter (approximately 35-40 pages) will be covered each week. This rule holds true even if the week is short. A quiz will be given at the end of the week (no exceptions). A comprehensive test will be given every eight chapters. Students who complete APUSH have the option of taking the Advanced Placement exam. A student scoring a four or five on the exam will earn six college credits. A student who scores a 3 on the exam will receive three college credits. This class is not recommended for students whose daily schedules are crowded with other demanding activities. 

 

History Independent Study - (Value: ½ credit - Social Studies) - Grade 12

Prerequisite - Must have a “B” average or better: Teacher Approval Required

A course that allows upperclassmen to pursue individual areas of interest in particular topics in the field of History or other Social Sciences. Students will have opportunities to work individually as well as in groups on researching topics that they select from a list provided by the instructor. This course is available based on teacher availability and department course offerings. 

Social Science – Semester Course – Grades 11 – 12 (Value: ½ credit - Social Studies)

This course is designed to acquaint students with some of the basic topics, issues and concepts in the field of psychology and sociology. The content emphasis will be on popular psychology in an effort to introduce students to the field. Topics will include: Freudian theories, Human Development, Mental Illness and Therapy, Drug Use and Addiction, Sleep Awareness and Dream Interpretation, Personality Assessment, and IQ and Intelligence Measurement.

 

Criminology – Semester Course– Grade 11 – 12 (Value: ½ credit - Social Studies)

Criminology will act as an introduction to criminal law. The course will focus on three areas: 1) elements of crime, 2) types of crime, and 3) punishment. Students will also study real life crimes and spend time in the criminal court room to get a “hands on” feel for criminal law.

The instructor will utilize a “law school” environment so students must have excellent logic and analytic reasoning skills as well as strong reading comprehension skills. This is a perfect course for students considering law school.