Social Studies

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (1 credit)

Grade: 11-12

Explore the patterns and processes that impact the way humans understand, use, and change Earth’s surface. Geographic models, methods, and tools help you examine the effect that human social organization and interconnections have on our world.

AP Exam:  Exam fees are to be paid by the student or school district. The individual school district orders the exam on behalf of the student and administers it.

AP Macroeconomics (1 credit)

Grade: 11-12

This course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also familiarizes students with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth and international economics. Solid math and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills.

AP Exam:  Exam fees are to be paid by the student or school district. The individual school district orders the exam on behalf of the student and administers it.

AP Microeconomics (1 credit)

Grade: 11-12

This course is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the function of individual decision-makers, both consumers and producers, within larger economic systems. It places primary emphasis on the nature and function of product markets. It also examines factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Solid math and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills.

AP Exam:  Exam fees are to be paid by the student or school district. The individual school district orders the exam on behalf of the student and administers it.

AP PSYCHOLOGY (.1 credit)

Grade: 11-12

AP Psychology is a college-level course providing students with an overview of the development of human behaviors and thoughts. Along with preparation for the AP Psychology exam, the goals of this course are to immerse students in modern psychological investigation techniques, to accentuate the ethics and morality of human and animal research, and to emphasize scientific critical thinking skills in application to the social sciences. Psychology is a diverse social and biological science with multiple perspectives and interpretations. The primary emphasis of this course is to help students develop an understanding of concepts rather than memorize terms and technical details; the ultimate goal is to prepare students to successfully take the AP Psychology examination offered in May.

AP Exam:  Exam fees are to be paid by the student or school district. The individual school district orders the exam on behalf of the student and administers it.

AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS (1 credit)

Grade: 12

This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics.

AP Exam:  Exam fees are to be paid by the student or school district. The individual school district orders the exam on behalf of the student and administers it.

AP US HISTORY (1 credit)

Grade:  11-12

The AP U.S. History course focuses on the development of historical thinking skills (chronological reasoning, comparing and contextualizing, crafting historical arguments using historical evidence, and interpreting and synthesizing historical narrative) and an understanding of content learning objectives organized around seven themes, such as identity, peopling, and America in the world. In line with college and university U.S. history survey courses’ increased focus on early and recent American history and decreased emphasis on other areas, the AP U.S. History course expands on the history of the Americas from 1491 to 1607 and from 1980 to the present. It also allows teachers flexibility across nine different periods of U.S. history to teach topics of their choice in depth.

AP Exam:  Exam fees are to be paid by the student or school district. The individual school district orders the exam on behalf of the student and administers it.

AP WORLD HISTORY (1 credit)

Grades: 10-12

Structured around the investigation of five course themes and 19 key concepts in six different chronological periods, from approximately 8000 B.C.E. to the present.  Provides a clear framework of six chronological periods viewed through the lens of related key concepts and course themes, accompanied by a set of skills that clearly define what it means to think historically.

AP Exam:  Exam fees are to be paid by the student or school district. The individual school district orders the exam on behalf of the student and administers it.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY (1 credit)

Grades: 9-12

Over the course of U.S. history, how have African Americans helped shaped American culture? This African American History course answers that question by tracing the accomplishments and obstacles of African Americans beginning with the slave trade on up to the modern Civil Rights movement. What was it like during slavery, or after emancipation, or during the years of discrimination under Jim Crow? Who were some of the main figures who have shaped African American history? In this course, you’ll learn about the political, economic, social, religious, and cultural factors that have influenced African American life, come face to face with individuals who changed the course of history, and explore how the African American story still influences current events today.

ANTHROPOLOGY I (.5 credit)

Grades: 9-12

The aim of anthropology is to use a broad approach to gain an understanding of our past, present and future, and address the problems humans face in biological, social and cultural life. This course will explore the evolution, similarity and diversity of humankind through time.

ARCHAEOLOGY (.5 credit)

Grades: 9-12

The field of archeology helps us to better understand the events and societies of the past that have helped to shape our modern world. This course focuses on this technique, methods, and theories that guide the study of the past. You will learn how archaeological research is conducted and interpreted, as well as how artifacts are located and preserved.

CIVICS / GOVERNMENT (.5 credit)

Grades: 12

Responsible citizenship, including civil and political participation is essential to maintain a representative government that truly represents the people of the United States. In this course, students learn about the structure of government and how it shares power at the local, state and federal levels. This course also explores founding principles that inspired the Constitution and Bill of Rights, preserving the freedoms that students experience daily. Students will examine the processes of each branch of government, the election process, and how citizens can impact public policy. The media, interest groups and influential citizens provide examples of how the government can be effected by informed and active participants. Students will examine the U.S. Court system, and become a part of the process by participating in the judicial decision making process. They will also discover ways the United States interacts with countries around the world, through domestic policy, foreign policy and human rights policy. Completion of this course will allow you to act as an informed citizen who is ready to participate in the American democracy!

ECONOMICS (.5 credit)

Grades: 12

Economic decisions affect us every day of our lives. Understanding economics means thinking about how scarcity, or limited resources, requires us to make choices and evaluate one option against others. In this course, you will recognize examples of economics in your daily life. You will see how the economic choices of larger groups, like businesses and governments, affect you and others. As you progress through the course, you will recognize that the costs and benefits of choices connect individuals and groups around the world. The purpose of this course is to help you become a smart consumer who understands the flow of an economy between individuals, businesses, governments, and the rest of the world.

HISTORY OF THE HOLOCAUST (.5 credit)

Grades:  9-12

Holocaust education requires a comprehensive study of not only times, dates, and places, but also the motivation and ideology that allowed these events. In this course, students will study the history of anti-Semitism; the rise of the Nazi party; and the Holocaust, from its beginnings through liberation and the aftermath of the tragedy. The study of the Holocaust is a multi-disciplinary one, integrating world history, geography, American history, and civics. Through this in-depth, semester-long study of the Holocaust, high school students will gain an understanding of the ramifications of prejudice and indifference, the potential for government-supported terror, and they will get glimpses of kindness and humanity in the worst of times.

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (.5 credit)

Grades: 9-12

You will explore the diverse ways in which people affect the world around them and how they are affected by their surroundings. You will discover how ideas spread and cultures form, and learn how beliefs and architecture are part of a larger culture complex.

GLOBAL 9 (1 credit)

Grade: 9

World History begins with a focus on the skills needed to read, understand, and analyze history, also demonstrating how historians and social scientists arrive at their conclusions about human history. Semester A covers the history of civilization from hunter‐ gatherer societies through the characteristics of the earliest civilizations to the Enlightenment period in Western Europe.

GLOBAL 10 (1 credit)

Grade: 10

World History emphasizes the effects of the Industrial Revolution and changing attitudes about science and religion as well as the impact of European colonization. Students are encouraged to make connections between World War I and II and events related to the Cold War and between 19th‐century imperialism and modern independence movements.

LAW and ORDER (.5 credit)

Grades: 9-12

Imagine if there were no laws and people could do anything they wanted.

It’s safe to say the world would be a pretty chaotic place! Every society needs some form of regulation to ensure peace in our daily lives and in the broader areas of business, family disputes, traffic violations, and the protection of children. Laws are essential to preserving our way of life and must be established and upheld in everyone’s best interest. In Law and Order: Introduction to Legal Studies, you’ll delve deeper into the importance of laws and consider how their application affects us as individuals and communities. Through understanding the court system and how laws are actually enacted, you will learn to appreciate the larger legal process and how it safeguards us all.

MEDIEVAL HISTORY (.5 credit)

Grades: 10-12

Medieval History covers the history and civilization of Europe and the Mediterranean area from ca. 500 to ca. 1500, a period spanning from the collapse of the Roman Empire through the dawn of the Italian Renaissance.  Topics covered in this course include the transition from the Roman to the early medieval world; the formation of Byzantine and Islamic societies; the emergence of Barbarian kingdoms; Viking invasions; feudalism; European expansion; late-medieval government; the disasters of the late Middle Ages; religious thought and practice; women’s roles in medieval society; the highlights of medieval and Renaissance culture; and the legacy of the Middle Ages.

Pre-requisite:  Students should either have completed or be enrolled in Global Studies.

MYTHOLOGY & FOLKLORE (.5 credit)

Grades: 9-12

Beginning with an overview of mythology and different kinds of folklore, you will journey with ancient heroes as they slay dragons and outwit gods, follow fearless warrior women into battle, and watch as clever monsters outwit those stronger than themselves. You will explore the universality and social significance of myths and folklore, and see how these are still used to shape society today.

NATIONAL SECURITY (.5 credit)

Grades: 9-12

Do you know what it takes to keep an entire nation safe? It not only requires knowledge of how to handle disasters, but it also demands a cool head and tremendous leadership abilities. In National Security, you will have the opportunity to learn about the critical elements of the job, such as evaluating satellite information, analyzing training procedures, assessing military engagement, preparing intelligence reports, coordinating information with other security agencies, and applying appropriate actions to various threats. Put yourself in the position of the country’s decisive leaders and develop your own knowledge base and skill set necessary to meet the requirements of our nation’s most demanding career.

PERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY I (.5 credit each)

Grades: 9-12

Self-knowledge is the key to self-improvement. Sample topics include the study of infancy, childhood, adolescence, perception and states of consciousness. Amazing online psychology experiments dealing with our own personal behavior are featured within this course.

PERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY II (.5 credit each)

Grades: 9-12

Enrich the quality of your life by learning to understand the actions of others! Topics include the study of memory, intelligence, emotion, health, stress and personality. This course features exciting online psychology experiments involving the world around us.

PHILOSOPHY: The Big Picture (.5 credit)

Grades: 9-12

Go on an exciting adventure covering over 2,500 years of history! Along the way, you’ll run into some very strange characters, like the dirty barefoot man who hung out on street corners pestering everyone with questions, or that eccentric fellow who climbed inside a stove to think about whether he existed. Despite their odd behavior, these and other philosophers of the Western world are among the world’s most brilliant and influential thinkers and originated the fundamental ideas of Western civilization. Introduction to Philosophy: The Big Picture asks some of the same questions these great thinkers pondered, so by the time you’ve “closed the book” on this course, you will better understand yourself and the world around you – from atoms to outer space and everything in between.

PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC SERVICE: To Serve and Protect (.5 credit)

Grades: 9-12

Ambulances scream along, heading toward those in need. But who makes sure someone is there to answer the 9-1-1 call? When you take a pill, who has determined that drug is safe for the public? All of these duties are imperative to our comfort and success as a society. Public service is a field that focuses on building a safe and healthy world, and in Principles of Public Service: To Serve and Protect you will be introduced to its many different career choices. The protection of society is not only one of our greatest challenges, but it also provides ways for people to work together to ensure safety and provide indispensable services. If you have ever contemplated being one of these real-life heroes, now is the time to learn more!

PSYCHOLOGY (.5 credit)

Grades: 10-12

What do you feel? How do you behave? What are your thoughts? Feelings, actions and thoughts are closely related and in this Psychology course, you will see how! Do you wonder things like why you learn the way you do, how you forget, and what makes you remember?  Are you curious about mental disorders and what traditional and non-traditional therapy is all about?  If experiments and role plays and dream interpretations sound interesting, then this is the class for you!  In this course you will learn more about yourself and others including how to break a habit and how to cope with stress. The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the subfields within psychology.

SOCIOLOGY I: The Study of Human Relationships (.5 credit)

Grades: 9-12

You will examine social problems in our increasingly connected world, and learn how human relationships can strongly influence and impact our lives. Exciting online video journeys to an array of areas in the sociological world are an important component of this relevant and engaging courses.