Social Studies Courses
GLOBAL CULTURES
Grade 9; full year
Advanced/Regular
Prerequisite: 9th-grade placement test scores and teacher recommendation
Global Cultures is a broad-based social studies course that will introduce students to the political, economic, cultural, and geographical aspects of history. Students will integrate college-level reading with maps, graphs and other spatial data sets to conduct analyses, apply models, and draw conclusions. In addition, students will begin the course by developing essential learning skills that will assist them throughout all courses. Specifically, the learning skills will incorporate comprehensive reading, note taking, test taking, research, and documentation skills. Lastly, information literacy will be addressing plagiarism and web skills.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Grade 9; full year
Honors
Prerequisite: 9th-grade placement test scores and teacher recommendation
The purpose of the Advanced Placement course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of our world. Students employ geographical/spatial concepts and tools to analyze topics such as human population movement and organization, cultural patterns and processes, political organization, agricultural and rural land use, industrialization and economic development, and city and urban land use. Students will integrate college-level reading with maps, graphs and other spatial data sets to conduct analyses, apply models, and draw conclusions. In addition, students will begin the course by developing essential learning skills that will assist them throughout all courses. Specifically, the learning skills will incorporate comprehensive reading, note taking, test taking, research, and documentation skills. Lastly, information literacy will be addressing plagiarism and web skills. Students who enroll in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May.
WORLD HISTORY;
Grade 10; full year
Prerequisite: None
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World History is a study of the ideas that form the foundations of American society and the larger global society of which the United States is a part. The course follows the human historical experience from the world’s first river valley civilizations to the ending of World War II.This course also emphasizes the development of skills that students will need in future social studies courses. Focusing specifically on the idea of change, students examine the impact of trade, science, technology, and reason on the human historical experience. World History is required for graduation. Students may choose to take World History during their freshman or sophomore year.
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES;
Grades 9-12; 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
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In Contemporary Issues, students discuss key local, national, and global issues. Topics such crime, AIDS, gangs, discrimination, violence, and the environment are examined. Other course topics are determined by current developments. Learning how to be effective politically and how to participate effectively in groups are special course features. As part of the course, West Campus students in Contemporary Issues may choose to participate in a community service project.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY;
Grades 9-10; 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
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World Geography is designed to introduce students to the political, cultural, and economic relationships that influence the world today. These relationships affect jobs, businesses, and daily life globally as well as locally. An understanding of these geographical concepts is essential to view the similarities and differences around the world. Students will develop a knowledge of geographic regions, climates, and resources distributed throughout the world. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing vocabulary and concepts of geography. Students should be able to leave the course with a better understanding of how countries interact and are interdependent.
U.S. HISTORY;
Grade 11; full year
Prerequisite: None
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In the first semester of U.S. History, students study 18th and 19th century America from the settlement of the colonies to the beginnings of industrial development. The course focuses on various historical topics, the evolution of the U.S. system of government, westward expansion, and the development of political parties. The second semester of U.S. History continues the study of American history. Beginning in the 1890s, this course focuses on American foreign policy from the Spanish-American War to the Persian Gulf crisis; major economic developments from industrialization to current economic challenges; major social movements from the Progressive Era to the Civil Rights movement; and many other topics that will help students understand twentieth century America. U.S. History is required for graduation.
AMERICAN STUDIES;
Grade 11; full year
Prerequisite: None
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This course combines American literature and U.S. History to present the American experience through common themes. Through reading, writing, and problem solving, students develop an understanding of the interrelationship of historical and literary inquiry, thought, and communication. Satisfactory completion of the U.S. History portion of the American Studies course meets the graduation requirement for United States History.
AMERICAN STUDIES (ADVANCED);
Grade 11; full year
Prerequisite: Advanced English Grade 10 and Advanced World History
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This course combines American literature and U.S. History to present a comprehensive study of the American experience through common themes. Through reading, writing and problem solving, students develop an understanding of the interrelationship of historical and literary inquiry, thought, and communication. There is also special emphasis on preparing for the ACT/SAT tests. Satisfactory completion of the Advanced U.S. History portion of American Studies (Advanced) course meets the graduation requirement for Advanced United States History.
ADVANCED U.S. HISTORY;
Grade 11; full year
Prerequisite: Advanced World History and/or teacher recommendation
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This course provides an in-depth study of 18th and 19th century America from the settlement of the colonies to the beginnings of industrial development, the evolution of the U.S. system of government; westward expansion; the development of political parties; American foreign policy from the Spanish-American War to the Persian Gulf crisis; major economic developments from industrialization to current economic challenges; major social movements from the Progressive era to the Civil Rights movement; and many other topics that will help students better understand twentieth century America. As with other advanced social studies courses, Advanced U.S. History offers students more choices for independent work, expanded assignment options, and the opportunity to participate in seminar discussions on a regular basis.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY;
Grades 11-12; full year
Prerequisite: "A" or "B" standing in previous social studies courses and/or teacher
recommendation;
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Application forms are available in the counseling office.
The Advanced Placement program in U.S. history is designed to provide students with the
analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal with problems and materials in American
history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced level college courses by
making demands on them equivalent to those of full-year introductory college courses. Students will
learn to assess historical materials, their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their
reliability, and their importance, and weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in
historical writings. This course develops the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the
basis of an informed judgment and to present ideas clearly and persuasively in an essay format. One
of the final activities for the course is taking the Advanced Placement examination in U.S.
history.
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY;
Grade 12; 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
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This course is designed to help students better understand the structure of and challenges facing the United States government and American society. Topics such as voting behavior, political influence and decision-making, the American legal system, the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions, and civil rights will be examined as students gain a greater understanding of the inner workings of our democratic system. U.S. Government and Society is required for graduation. Passing the Illinois Constitution test is a requirement of this course.
ADVANCED U.S. GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY;
Grade 12; 1 semester
Prerequisite: Advanced U.S. History and/or teacher recommendation
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This course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the structure of and challenges facing the United States government and American society. Topics such as voting behavior, political influence and decision-making, the American legal system, the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions, and civil rights will be examined as students analyze the inner workings of our democratic system. As with other advanced social studies courses, Advanced U.S. Government and Society offers students more choices for independent work, expanded assignment options, and the opportunity to participate in seminar discussions on a regular basis. U.S. Government and Society is required for graduation. Passing the Illinois Constitution test is a requirement of this course.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS:
UNITED STATES; Grade 12; full year
Prerequisite: "A" or "B" standing in previous social studies courses and/or teacher
recommendation
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The Advanced Placement course in American Government is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality. Students will have the opportunity to take the advanced placement examination at the conclusion of the course. Passing this course, in addition to passing the Illinois Constitution test, will meet the graduation requirement for U.S. Government.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY;
Grade 10; full year
Prerequisite: “A” or “B” standing in previous social studies courses and/or teacher
recommendation; 9th grade placement assessment scores.
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This course surveys European history from the fall of Rome to modern times. It is specifically designed as a course for college-bound students interested in history. One of the final activities for the course is taking the Advanced Placement examination in European history. Beginning with the 2003-04 school year, A.P. European History will not be offered in grades 11 and 12.
INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE;
Grades 11-12; 1 semester
Prerequisite: Two years of science (Recommended: Biology and Chemistry)
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This semester course is "team taught" by the Science and Social Studies Departments. Integrated Environmental Science will focus on environmental ethics, air and water pollution, natural habitat, energy usage, population growth, and endangered species. This class will get the student outside and dirty. It will include activities such as stream monitoring, tree planting, and environmental field trips. The class will help students improve their world through socially responsible action. Students may elect to receive credit in either science or social studies.
LAW IN AMERICAN SOCIETY;
Grades 11-12; 1 semester
Prerequisite: 1 year of social studies
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The United States has more laws, lawyers, and lawsuits than any country in the world. It is imperative that American citizens understand how the law works and what their rights and responsibilities are. This course acquaints students with legal terms, trial procedures, laws which specifically relate to young adults, and a variety of other legal topics. Students interested in law careers, law enforcement, or social work are encouraged to enroll.
PSYCHOLOGY;
Grades 11-12; 1 semester
Prerequisite: 1 year of social studies
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Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Students learn to think
critically about such topics as how to process information, how learning affects our thinking and
behavior, the influences on how we develop and change throughout our lives, the power of social
influences, the mind-body connection, and what can lead to mental disorders. Typical class
activities/projects may include the creation of a candy brain, gender roles and advertising,
effective study tips and memory, and a sleep and dreams journal. Psychology is a fascinating
discipline that can be taken either junior or senior year. Although not required, if taken as a
junior, this semester course can
serve as an excellent introduction to Advanced Placement Psychology.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY;
Grade 12; full year
Prerequisite: "A" or "B" standing in previous social studies courses and/or teacher
recommendation
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AP Psychology is equivalent to college introductory psychology, a course required for many major areas at the college level. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. As such, the discipline is inherently fascinating to students. Topics covered include the biological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, learning, memory, personality development, motivation, emotion, social processes, mental disorders, and treatment and therapy. A sampling of activities include observing behavior in a well-designed field experiment, experiencing the connection between taste and smell, and thinking critically about the world.
SOCIOLOGY;
Grades 11-12; 1 semester
Prerequisite: 1 year of social studies
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This survey course concentrates on people as members of society. Units of study include Culture and Diversity, Socialization, Social Inequality, Social Institutions, and Social Change. Activities are designed for an examination of individual identity, perspectives, and goals as the student prepares for his/her role in society.
20TH CENTURY WORLD STUDIES;
Grades 11-12; 1 semester
Prerequisite: 1 year of social studies
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Twentieth Century World Studies is an elective course which covers the major forces molding this century: nationalism, industrialization, imperialism, and totalitarianism. Global power, revolutionary change, World War 1, World War II, the Cold War, and selected topics chosen by students are also covered.