SOCIAL STUDIES
COURSE TITLE YEAR PREREQUISITES CREDIT
GEOGRAPHY (SS 100) 9 REQUIRED 1
This course is intended for freshman students who are weak in geographic skills or who wish to expand their knowledge of geographic concepts. Such skills and concepts are essential to understanding Social Studies courses such as World History and American History as well as in assessing global current events which impact upon our lives.
GOVERNMENT (SS 125) 9 REQUIRED 1
This course deals with the basic ideal of political behavior and the operation of American government. It includes such topics as political influence, citizen participation, political parties, the role of the local, state and federal governing bodies, and the decision-making process. Brief stories and case studies are used to capture the vitality and drama of politics. Simulations, games, surveys, and films are also used. Students will be encouraged to participate in real-life politics.
WORLD HISTORY (SS 200) 1 REQUIRED OF ALL SOPHOMORES 2
The primary purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to learn about the economic, political, and social developments that created the western civilization of which they are a part. The course includes the Ancient Middle East and Egypt, Ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages and the Rise of Nation States, the Renaissance and the Reformation.
U.S. HISTORY (SS 300) 11 REQUIRED OF ALL JUNIORS 2
America’s history, tradition, and heritage is emphasized to students by covering the following topics: Exploration and Colonization, Revolutionary War, Constitution, Rise of Democracy, Manifest Destiny, Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrialization, Progressive Movement, World War I, Roaring Twenties, Great Depression and New Deal, World War II, Post World War II to the present.
CURRENT WORLD AFFAIRS (SS 400) 12 ELECTIVE 1
This course will cover the issues and trends (economic, racial, religious, governmental, etc.) throughout the world as displayed in the media and other forms of information. Students will participate in class discussions, formulate opinions, and critically analyze the issues confronting the nation and world today.
ECONOMICS (SS 425) 12 ELECTIVE 1
This course covers the basic concepts of economics: scarcity, the market system, business and its organization, production, supply and demand, money banking, the business cycle, government involvement, competition and trade. The focus of the course is the American economic system and its importance within a global economy. Economics will help students gain a basic understanding of micro and macroeconomic principles and concepts as they relate to current events and students’ daily lives.
PSYCHOLOGY (SS 450) 12 ELECTIVE 1
This course includes the study of the history of psychology, its analysis, individual approaches, and present application in society today. Students will gain an understanding of chronological development; of how humans think, perceive and learn; of how normality is culturally defined; and of the biological and adaptive basis of behavior. The course will assist students in understanding themselves and the behavior of others.
AP U.S. HISTORY (SS 500) 11,12 DEPARTMENT APPROVAL 2
This Advanced Placement (AP) course will offer intensive college level study of United States history for the upper level social studies student. Students will experience college level topics and material in American history through rigorous and challenging curriculum. The course is intended for students who are pursuing a career in the field of social sciences and/or desire to attempt to earn college credit and/or placement from a college by scoring appropriately on the national A.P. examination given annually in May.