Social Studies

Civics/Economics is a tenth grade course that is comprised of two disciplines. In Civics, students will learn about the basic freedoms traditionally enjoyed by American citizens and about the qualities of a good citizen. Students will explore issues about U.S. citizenship and their rights and responsibilities and roles in their communities by putting them in decision-making simulations that will enable them to acquire the skills necessary to participate in our democratic processes. Economics is a course that teaches students how to make reasoned economic choices and provide ways they can effectively participate in an increasingly competitive and interdependent global economy. Students will access the impact of market influences and governmental actions on our economy and analyze how different economic systems interact. The major focus of the course is state economics (microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic systems, international trade) and civics (government, politics, participation, citizenship) standards. Related concepts found in the state geography and history standards are a supporting focus.

Contemporary Citizenship is a course divided into four disciplines: political science, consumer economics, law and order, and social issues. In "Democracy in Action," students will explore their duties and responsibilities in our society, understand the application of the Bill of Rights to their everyday lives, and develop an understanding of political processes. In "Financial Literacy," students will develop an awareness of their roles as consumers and learn about the concepts of money management and credit, insurance, property ownership, consumer protection, and advertising techniques. In "Law and Order," students will learn about the three parts of the criminal justice system: the police, the courts, and corrections. In "Social Issues," students will explore the divisive social issues facing Americans today and evaluate issues that involve a question of personal rights. Students will develop analytical skills to acquire, organize, and evaluate information for purposes of clarifying issues.

Global Studies is a ninth grade course focusing on the diverse ways of life found around the world. Through study of the pertinent issues to the major regions of the world, students will recognize and evaluate the relationships between people, places, regions, and environments. Students will further explore how physical environments affect human events and build a global perspective that allows them to understand the connections between global and national issues. The major focus is the state's geography standards: maps, environments, places, and regions. Related concepts found in the state civics, economics, and history standards are a supporting focus.

Introduction to Psychology is a course required for certain career areas (and may be elected by seniors). The course acquaints students with the basic principles, methods, fields, and areas studies in psychology. Students will learn how to ask questions and solve problems that focus on how people perceive the world, how they think, and why they behave the way they do. Students will utilize vast resources to examine the importance of psychology and make connections between the concepts studied in the text and events occurring in the world today.

Introduction to Sociology is a course required for certain career areas (and may be elected by seniors). The course provides the conceptual tools for analyzing and understanding social forces that shape our lives. The relationships among socialization and social groups, as well as economic, political, or religious systems are investigated. Students will utilize vast resources to examine the importance of sociology and make connections between the concepts studies in the text and events occurring in the world today.

U.S. History is an eleventh grade course that focuses on the history of the United States from 1865 to the present. Through readings, literature excerpts, political cartoons and more, students will gain insight into the nation's past by examining period accounts and first person voices. Students will use varied resources to examine the links and make connections between events being studied in the textbook and events that are taking place today. The major focus is the state history standards: content, chronology, analysis, and interpretation. Related concepts found in the state civics, economics, and geography standards are a supporting focus.

Honors World History* is senior course intended for the student that is seeking the rigor of a college preparatory course. To this end, the course devotes considerable time to the critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources, oral presentations, short essay, and research. The course requires a substantial amount of work outside the classroom. Students will trace the development of world history by focusing on the study of global forces and large historical themes of societies in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Studies will help students see how cultural interactions have shaped our world and how patterns in history continue to the present day. Furthermore, students should recognize that while historical events are unique, they are often driven by similar and repeated forces by people who have struggled to achieve similar goals. The major focus is the state's history standards: content, chronology, analysis, and interpretation. Related concepts found in the state's civics, geography, and economics standards provide a supporting focus.

*Prerequisite: Must complete Global Studies, Civics and Economics, and U.S. History. In addition, student must (1) earn a 2.0 in these three courses and have an overall GPA of 2.5 or, (2) obtain the recommendation of a social studies teacher.