Social Studies

HONORS AMERICAN HISTORY/CIVICS 9*   (SST1500)
Credit:  1 credit - meets 50 mins, 6 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  Gifted student identification, regular History 8 with at least an 93% final average, or permission of the department.
Open to:  Qualified Freshmen
Other:  Grades weighted 105% for GPA and class rank

This is a survey course for highly motivated students who will be asked to analyze primary sources, discuss pertinent topics, and complete research projects throughout the year.  This course will cover the following topics: citizenship, branches of government, various political systems, federal, state, and local government, and economics. Students will become familiar with governing documents like the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and your own rights as a citizen. 


ACADEMIC AMERICAN HISTORY/CIVICS 9   (SST1300)   
Credit:  1 credit - meets 50 mins, 6 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  None
Open to:  Freshmen

This is a survey course that will allow time and discussion of pertinent current event topics. This course will cover the following topics; citizenship, branches of government, various political systems, federal, state, and local government, and economics. Students will become familiar with governing documents like the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and your own rights as a citizen.


HONORS WORLD HISTORY 10*   (SST2500)
Credit:  1 credit - meets 50 mins, 6 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  Honors American History/Civics 9 with at least an 85% final average for that course, gifted student identification, or Academic American History/Civics with at least a 93% final average, or permission of the department.
Open to:  Qualified Sophomores
Other:  Grades weighted 105% for GPA and class rank

This is an intensive course, which offers student and teacher analysis and interpretation of historical events from the industrial revolution to the present. Topics include: the Industrial Revolution, Nationalism, Imperialism, World War I, Inter-War years, World War II, the Cold War, the Post-World War II years, and the interdependence of the modern world.  Individual and group needs are addressed via oral and written communication, independent research, and extensive reading. The planned course provides emphasis on linking geography with history. Supplemental summer readings may be required of all participants


ACADEMIC WORLD HISTORY 10   (SST2300)
Credit:  1 credit - meets 50 mins, 6 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  American History/Civics 9
Open to:  Sophomores

This is a survey of western and non-western history from the age of revolutions to the present. Topics include: the Industrial Revolution, Nationalism, Imperialism, World War I, Inter-War years, World War II, the Cold War, the Post-World War II years, and the interdependence of the modern world. In addition to the basic text, supplemental readings and student projects may be utilized.


HONORS AMERICAN HISTORY 11*   (SST3500)
Credit:  1 credit - meets 50 mins, 6 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  Honors World History 10 with at least an 85% final average for that course, gifted student identification, Academic World History with at least a 93% final average, or permission of the department.
Open to:  Qualified Juniors
Other:  Grades weighted 105% for GPA and class rank

This is an intensive program in American History for the motivated, disciplined, and interested student.  Teaching strategies include individual study, research, and structured group discussions.  The honors class attempts to respond to both individual and group needs. The basic units of exploration through current history are approached in various modes. Current events are discussed on a regular basis in order to keep the student abreast of additional items of historical and social significance. Supplemental summer readings may be required of all participants.


ACADEMIC AMERICAN HISTORY 11   (SST3300)
Credit:  1 credit - meets 50 mins, 6 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  Academic World History 10 or Honors World History 10
Open to:  Juniors

This course is a review of the exploration, settlement, American Revolution, the Constitution, the formation of the Federalist Government, Jeffersonian-Republicans, Nationalists, Manifest Destiny, The Civil War, Involvement in Imperialistic Affairs, World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, The Cold War, The Space Age, and Toward a New Century. Domestic developments are highlighted by discussing the agrarian, political, societal, and industrial revolutions of the post-Civil War society, the Roaring ‘20’s, the Great Depression, the New Deal, and Post-War America. Current events are discussed on a regular basis in order to keep the student abreast of additional items of historical and social significance.


AMERICAN HISTORY 11   (SST3100)
Credit:  1 credit - meets 50 mins, 6 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  Academic World History 10 or Honors World History 10
Open to:  Juniors

This is a review of portions of early American History including exploration, settlement, The American Revolution, and the era from the federalists through the Civil War. The major emphasis will be on reconstruction, late 19th century politics, Manifest Destiny, the Progressive Era, American Imperialism, The Great War, The Twenties, The Great Depression, World War II, The Cold War, The sixties, The Vietnam Conflict, The Space Program, The Johnson, Nixon, and Carter Years, and the politics of the 80's and 90's. Current events are discussed on a regular basis is in order to keep the student abreast of additional items of historical and social significance.


AP EUROPEAN HISTORY*  (Dual credit course with MCCC)  (SST3700)
Credit:  1 credit - meets 50 mins, 6 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  Honors World History 10 or AP US History with at least an 85% final  average.
Open to:  Qualified Juniors and Seniors
Note:  Grades weighted 110% for GPA and class rank. Meets TOTAL senior social studies requirement.
 
This is the equivalent of a college level course for highly motivated students.  Students will develop an understanding of the political, economic, social, diplomatic, and intellectual concepts and trends in European history.  Situations in other world regions will be discussed in the context as it pertains to European affairs.  Students will analyze primary and secondary sources using written and verbal responses, and debate these issues in class discussion. This class is designed to prepare the students for the AP Exam in May.  Emphasis will be placed on building skills necessary for success on this test.  The course covers European History from 1450 to the present.  Students are expected to take the advanced placement examination. The fee and filing of the application are the responsibility of the student. Supplemental summer readings may be required of all participants.


AP U.S. HISTORY*   (SST4700)
Credit:   1 credit - meets 50 mins, 6 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  Honors American History or AP European History with at least an 85%, or with department approval.
Open to:  Qualified Seniors
Note:  Grades weighted 110% for GPA and class rank. Meets TOTAL senior social studies requirement.

This is the equivalent of a college-level course which provides highly motivated seniors with an opportunity to develop critical thinking abilities in relationship to major events in American History which have formed present day America. Events, which have occurred from colonial days to current situations, will be viewed from political, economical, social, cultural, diplomatic, and intellectual levels. This background will be achieved by developing the ability to interpret and analyze historical writings. Students will learn to express their views in a clear, orderly and analytical manner. Students are expected to take the advanced placement examination. The fee and filing of the application are the responsibility of the student. Supplemental summer readings may be required of all participants.  Students in this course are expected to take the AP Examination.


AMERICAN GOVERNMENT   (SST4330)
Credit:  1/2 credit - meets 50 mins, 3 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  American History 11
Open to:  Seniors

The students will investigate the local, state, and national levels of the American system of government and will describe, analyze, and explain their various functions. A comprehensive look into the levels of government will allow the students to make judgments on the American political system.
 

THE UNITED STATES SINCE 1945   (SST4320)
Credit:  1/2 credit - meets 50 mins, 3 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  American History 11
Open to:  Seniors

Students will address the evolution of the policies of the United States since 1945 in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. A thorough investigation of the domestic policies of the United States Since 1945 will allow the students to analyze the political, economic, and social trends of this era.


SOCIOLOGY   (SST4310)
Credit:  1/2 credit - meets 50 mins, 3 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  American History 11
Open to:  Seniors
Note:  Meets one-half of the senior social studies requirement.

Sociology is the study of people as they behave in groups.  Students will explore the various social phenomena that people exhibit.  They will focus on different stages of life, culture, deviance, crime, race, gender, health and the family – to name a few.


ECONOMICS   (SST4300)
Credit:  1/2 credit - meets 50 mins, 3 days per cycle, full year
Prerequisites:  American History 11
Open to:  Seniors
Note:  Required, unless taking AP Social Studies courses.

Economics is the study of how people seek to satisfy their needs and wants by making choices.  Students will examine the management of income and expenditures of a household, business, community and government.  They will also examine the production, distribution and consumption of wealth in our country and around the world