SOCIAL STUDIES

Course: WORLD GEOGRAPHY

Description: World Geography is the study of the physical features of the earth, the cultural imprint of a man upon the earth and the environmental results of the interaction of these two forces. This course provides students the opportunity to study the interaction of people and their physical environments in all areas of the world. Topics of study include the five themes of geography, landforms, climate, natural resources, population, human behavior in a spatial context, the major cultural aspects of all major societies of the world, economic growth, and urbanization. Students will also have the opportunity to study the world of geographers, their unique vocabulary, tools, and methodologies.

Credit: 1 Grade Placement: 9

Course: WORLD HISTORY

Description: World History studies events of recorded history from the early river valley civilizations to the present. The course focuses primarily on the historical development of western civilization and secondarily on the civilizations of the orient, the Americas, and Africa. The student studies the historical development of western civilization in particular and minors on eastern oriental civilizations. Emphasis is placed on the areas important to our culture as to how they have affected us and set the patterns we now follow. The student also studies the importance of geographical locations as one force affecting people and their culture. Special assignments include current event studies regularly throughout the year and research projects.

Credit: 1 Grade Placement: 10

Course: U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Description: U.S. Government and Politics is the study of the historical foundations of our country and the development and function of the federal system. Practical application of democratic principles and the development of citizenship skills are emphasized.

Credit: 0.5 Grade Placement: 12

Course: ECONOMICS - FREE ENTERPRISE

Description: Economics/Free Enterprise is the study of the American economic system, as well as the study of other economic systems to include communism and democratic socialism. Additional study topics include the rule of money, governmental involvement in business, business and labor organizations. The focus of the course is the functioning of the free enterprise system in comparison with command and traditional economic systems. Forces that affect the free enterprise system are studied in detail. Special attention is given to the problems of economic instability in our system and suggestions for stabilization policy. A mandatory personal financial literacy unit is also included.

Credit: 0.5 Grade Placement: 12

Course: SOCIOLOGY

Description: Sociology provides an opportunity for systematic study of individuals, groups, social institutions, and social problems. Content includes such concepts as social stratification and mobility; cultural conflict, change, and contact; the structure and function of social institutions; and the role of values, norms and deviance.

Credit: 0.5 Grade placement: 10-12

Course: PSYCHOLOGY

Description: Psychology gives students the opportunity to learn how the knowledge, methods, and theories of psychologists are applied to analyzing human behavior. Course content includes human development, perceptions and consciousness, learning and thinking, personality, abnormal behavior, and treatment methods. This course may include mature and sensitive topics.

Credit: 0.5 Grade Placement: 11-12