Social Science
| FACULTY: |
|---|
| Ms. Wilkins |
| Mr. Oestreicher |
| Mrs. Jenkins |
| Mr. Bolger |
| Mr. Pierce |
| Courses: |
| GEOGRAPHY I 1 semester - 1/2 credit REQUIRED Freshman level This course is an introduction to political and physical geography that provides students with knowledge in the area of world differences and interdependencies. The focus is on the Western Hemisphere. Map work and projects are included in the course of study. |
| GEOGRAPHY II 1 semester - 1/2 credit Sophomore/Junior/Senior level Geography II is a one semester course, and is an elective. This course builds upon the skills and facts learned in Geography I and follows much the same format. The course focuses on the Eastern Hemisphere. Students study these areas in terms of cultures, economic activities, resources, industries, major cities, and physical features. Students are required to do map work and projects with each unit. Current events concerning these areas are also discussed. |
| GEOGRAPHY III 1 semester. - 1/2 credit Sophomore/Junior/Senior level only Geography III is a one semester course. This course is an in depth study of Asia and Africa, focusing on Physical Geography, History, Cultures, Geopolitics and Regional Economics of the two Regions. Students are required to do map work and projects with each unit. Current events concerning these areas are also discussed. |
| AMERICAN GOVERNMENT—1 Semester—1/2 Credit REQUIRED This is a one semester course designed to give students a basic knowledge of how the American Government works and functions. Topics covered include foundations, elections, political parties, special interest groups, the three branches of the federal government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial), and the Illinois Government. The state required Illinois Constitution and US Constitution tests are given in this class. |
| AMERICAN HISTORY 1 1 year - 1 credit Junior level (ONLY for students with a 504 or IEP) This course is an overview of American History from colonial times to the present day. Students study states, resources and physical features of the United States. Students are required to pass the Constitution Test. |
| AMERICAN HISTORY 1 year - 1 credit REQUIRED Junior level American History is a study of the historical development of the United States from 1865 to the present. It is not only a historical survey, but also a study of the unique American culture, including the political development of our government and laws based on the U.S. Constitution, and the social development of American society and its people. |
| AP U.S. HISTORY 1 Year - 1 credit Pre-requisite: “A” in all previous social studies classes or permission of instructor. Juniors & Seniors AP U.S. History is challenging course that is meant to be equivalent of a freshman college history course. Students can earn college credit by paying to take and then passing the AP U.S. History Test. The course is a two-semester survey of American History from the age of exploration to the present. An emphasis is placed on historical reading and writing, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study are necessary for success in AP U.S. History. A summer reading assignment is a requirement for taking the course. |
| GLOBAL AFFAIRS 1 semester - 1/2 credit Junior/Senior level only This course focuses on the key issues of the United States and the world. Issues such as terrorism, politics, and all relevant current events are covered. Class discussion, projects, and work with-in cooperative groups are expected. |
| AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 1 semester. - 1/2 credit REQUIRED Sophomores This course focuses on American Government at the national, state, and local levels. Students give input as to areas they wish to study in depth. The election process, American political background and behavior, and political parties are also studied. Active participation is expected. |
| CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT NEW CLASS! 1 semester. - 1/2 credit Sophomore/Junior/Senior level only One Quarter Each of Anthropology and Sociology. This class would provide students with an opportunity to reasonably consider how early man may have physically developed, while also showing their cultural development. The second half of the class would allow students to look at their own social standing in society, while exploring major social issues of today. |
| WORLD HISTORY 1 semester - 1/2 credit (Can take up to 2 semesters.) Sophomore/Junior/Senior level This subject may be taken one or both semesters. It is an overview of World History from pre-history to World War II. The emphasis is on European History. Major units include the Greeks, Romans, Medieval Period, and Renaissance in the first semester. The second semester covers The Rise of Nations, World Wars I and II, and Modern World History. Projects are required with each unit, as are discussion and participation. |
| MODERN WORLD HISTORY 1 semester. - 1/2 credit Junior and Senior level only This course is a historical review of the twentieth century and its current impact on the world. Focus is on historical happenings around the globe that do not necessarily include the United States. Possible topics are the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Latin America, Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union, and several Asian topics. This is a student-based class and a majority of the material selected and covered will be done by the student themselves. There will be several different projects and papers throughout the semester. |
| CIVIL WAR 1 semester. - 1/2 credit Sophomore/Junior/Senior level only Through the use of slides, maps, and numerous artifacts, you will explore the pre-war climate from 1840, major battles, decisive campaigns, and post-war reconstruction period. You will also get a firsthand look at the life and hardships endured by the soldiers. Relive some of the most turbulent times in U. S. history through the many hands-on activities planned for this class. Civil war is a detail and lecture oriented class! |
| CIVIL RIGHTS 1 semester - 1/2 credit Sophomore/Junior/Senior level only This course explores the social, political, cultural, and economic developments of the United States since the end of Reconstruction. Lectures, discussions, and course assignments will focus on the diversity of the American peoples and their competing beliefs regarding the nation’s culture, government, and identity. Topics include: immigration; racial identity and conflict; the growth of the economy and class formation; urbanization and social reform. Students will gain a greater awareness of how our society has developed and what historical factors were involved in the process. |
| PSYCHOLOGY 1 semester. - 1/2 credit Junior/Senior level This course introduces students to only the goals of Psychology, the work of Psychologists and current new perspectives; including psychological research which includes scientific method. There will be an overview of several theories concerning the learning process in Classical Conditioning and Operant Conditioning. Other units included are Stress and Health, Psychological Disorders, and Methods of Treatment. Current mental health issues are discussed daily. |
