SOCIAL STUDIES

current issues and influential people of today. Students are expected to read from their textbook every night and be prepared to discuss the reading. Assignments will include one research paper each quarter, document analysis, chapter quizzes and tests. By the end of this course students will be able to explain and analyze American history with a critical eye and a skeptical approach to history with a critical eye and a skeptical approach to history.

Highlights include:

• Students will write two book reviews in which they summarize the main themes of the book and give a detailed historically supported opinion of the piece.

• Students will learn about the historiography of each era.

• Students will be occasionally exposed to “Great Historians” selections and be able to apply the work of some of the best in the field.

• Students will write several argumentative essays on historical subjects.

330 AP US History

Grade: 11 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Taking

This course is for the exceptional student who loves to read and write history and wishes to engage in college level work aimed at taking the AP Examination offered by the College Board in May. This course provides an overview of American History from the Pre-Columbian era to the late Twentieth Century. Using the Socratic method, students will discuss and debate the social, political, cultural and economic developments in America while synthesizing the information into logical comprehensive arguments regarding those issues. It is designed to provide students with the analytical and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the contradictions, movements and influential people in American history. Assignments will include analyzing and synthesizing primary source documents into comprehensive five paragraph essays (DBQ’s). In addition, students will have chapter quizzes, tests, document analysis and weekly short writing assignments.

In preparation for this course, extensive summer reading and writing is required. Highlights include:

• Students will write two book reviews in which they summarize the main themes of the book. and give a detailed, historically supported opinion of the piece.

• Students will learn about the historiography of each era.

• Students will occasionally be exposed to “Great Historians” selections and be able to apply the work of some of the best in the field.

• Students will write several argumentative essays.

340 AP United States Government

Grade: 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

This course is for the exceptional student who is interested in studying American government and politics in depth while developing their own ideology and positions on the major issues of the day. Using the Socratic method, students will discuss and debate the complex issues surrounding American government and politics. The course will focus on the philosophies behind the US Constitution, the three branches of government, federalism, checks and balances, the electoral process, interest groups as well as civil rights and liberties. Students will develop critical writing and reading skills, particularly counter argument writing, interpret charts and graphs, identify relevant information, recognize bias in all media reporting and political speeches, and develop criteria for evaluating a various array of information. It is designed to provide students with the analytical and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with problems facing our American Republic. The major focus of the course, except for preparing for the AP exam in May, is to have a complete understanding of the US Constitution.

Highlights include:

• Students will write two book reviews in which they summarize the main themes of the book and give a detailed politically supported opinion of the piece.

• Students will learn the role of political journalists in our society. They will also see how that role has changed over the years.

• Students will occasionally be exposed to some of the best of political writing.

• Students will write several argument/counter argument essays of political topics.

341 Psychology

Grade: 10, 11, 12 • Semester • .5 Credit

Psychology is the study of the mind; examining how we think, react, and live in the world. It asks important questions about thought process and human behavior. The principles and history of psychology are introduced. Methods of research and dominant trends, group guidance in current areas of behavior, relationships, personal development, decision making, and value-appreciation are considered. This course includes the study of motivation theory, learning theory, and developmental psychology.

344 AP Psychology

Grade: 11 and 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

Requirements: B or better in previous year’s English and History courses

AP Psychology is an introductory college-level psychology course. Students cultivate their understanding of the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes through inquiry-based investigations as they explore concepts like the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology.

342 Sociology

Grade: 10, 11, 12 • Semester • .5 Credit

The study of human societies and social behavior are examined through culture, stratification systems and societal institutions. This course is designed to aid students in understanding today’s dynamic and rapidly changing world. This course will present the complexity of social life with its interconnections between social events and conditions. It includes a study of major social institutions, socialization, social stratification, and the manner in which people interact with and make sense of these social forces. Students will from time to time assume the role of the psychologist/sociology. Students will from time to time, work with real-life applications in both areas.

Students will write a book review on a book during the course of the year. It will have two parts. The first is a review of the contents of the book. The second will be an explained opinion. Students will write several argumentative essays during the year.

348 Modern Historical Developments

Grade Level: 12 • Full Year • 1 Credit

The course evaluates the world of the 21st century by analyzing the development of economic, religious and government systems as well as the effect of various conflicts on diverse cultures throughout the 20th century. The course examines the issues confronting our modern world by unraveling the historical roots at the heart of global disagreements. Throughout the course students will learn to recognize the patterns of power, conflict, culture and change that have shaped the world.

The class will participate in lessons and assignments that are not only activity based but also involve reading, researching, discussion and presentations. Students will need to recognize patterns throughout historical topics, develop their argumentative skills, utilize and understand historical evidence, and recognize the bias within all arguments. Upon completion of the course students will be ready to intelligently discuss the complexity of the problems facing the world and the future generations.