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 Schools - Pottsgrove High School - Curriculum Information - Program of Studies - Course Descriptions - Courses Social Studies
Course Descriptions: Social Studies  
 


Social Studies

 

HONORS AMERICAN HISTORY/CIVICS 9*   (SST1500)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  Gifted student identification, regular History 8 with at least an 87% each quarter, or permission of the department.

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Qualified Freshmen

Other:  Grades  are weighted towards 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

Prerequisites:  None

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

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

Prerequisites:  Honors American History/Civics 9 with at least a 87% final average for that course, gifted student identification, regular History 9 A with at least a 87% each quarter, or permission of the department.

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Qualified Sophomores

Other:  Grades  are weighted towards 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. 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

Prerequisites:  American History/Civics 9

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

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.

 

WORLD HISTORY 10   (SST2100)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  None

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Sophomores

 

This is a survey course in history covering events from the age or revolutions to the present. Industrialization, imperialism, and nationalism will be examined to provide broader understanding of contemporary problems. Emphasis will be placed on increasing basic social studies skills.

 

HONORS AMERICAN HISTORY 11*   (SST3500)

Credit:  1

Prerequisites:  Honors World History 10 with at least a 87% final average for that course, gifted student identification, regular World History 10 A with at least a 87% each quarter, or permission of the department.

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Qualified Juniors

Other:  Grades are weighted towards GPA and class rank

 

This is an intensive program in American History for the motivated, disciplined, and interested student. Individual study, research, and structured group discussions are teaching techniques employed. 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

Prerequisites:  None

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

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

Prerequisites:  None

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

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

Prerequisites:  Academically qualified students with department approval.

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Qualified Juniors and Seniors

Note:  Grades are weighted toward 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

Prerequisites:  Academically qualified students with department approval.

Meetings:  48 minutes, every day, full year

Open to:  Qualified Seniors

Note:  Grades are weighted toward 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

Prerequisites:  American History 11

Meetings:  48 minutes, 3 days per cycle, full year

Open to:  Seniors

Note:  Meets one-half of the senior social studies requirement.

 

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

Prerequisites:  American History 11

Meetings:  48 minutes, 3 days per cycle, full year

Open to:  Seniors

Note:  Meets one-half of the senior social studies requirement.

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

Prerequisites:  American History 11

Meetings:  48 minutes, 3 days per cycle, full year

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

Prerequisites:  American History 11

Meetings:  48 minutes, 3 days per cycle, full year

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



 
 
( updated: 07 Feb '12 )