HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCES TRIMESTER ELECTIVES

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY (1 credit)

Level: Grade 11 or above

Introduction to Psychology is a survey of the field of psychology that provides an overview of the principles and theories in the field. To lay the groundwork for the course, students will explore the history of psychology by studying notable figures and their influential theories. Throughout the trimester, students will explore biopsychology, cognitive psychology, sociocultural psychology, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology. Utilizing a historical approach to psychology, students will analyze the content under the lens of “how” - how various schools of thought emerged, how psychological concepts can help us understand our thought processes and interactions with one another. Students will cultivate psychological thinking skills, problem solving, writing, and research method skills by critically reading primary sources, writing, presenting and working collaboratively.

HISTORY OF MODERN ASIA (1 credit)

Level: Grade 11 or above

This course focuses on the study of the history of Asia in the post-World War II era. Students will utilize articles, lecture, video, film and literature as tools to comprehend the recent history of this critical part of the world. In particular, students will focus on civil conflict (China, Korea, Vietnam) as a vehicle for deepening the understanding of a variety of Asian societies. Students will write a series of short papers in preparation for a culminating longer research project of the student’s choice.

CONTEMPORARY WORLD ISSUES (1 credit)

Level: Grade 11 or above

Contemporary World Issues is a trimester course focusing on a thorough analysis of key global issues of the current time. Areas of study can include health, foreign policy, conflict, sports, economics, politics, social issues and the environment. This course is unusual in that the students, through a selection process, actually decide upon the issues to be studied. Students focus on analytical and reasoning skills, oral presentation and debate and a variety of short writing assignments. Students exiting the course will have a strong understanding of a wide array of issues facing the world today.