SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

3.0 credits are required for graduation.
Beginning with the Class of 2011, Economics is required for graduation.
All Advanced Placement courses require B average in subject areas and cumulative GPA of 3.25

World History and Cultures 1 and 2
9
The first semester of this course will focus on the history and beliefs of major religions of the world, namely Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.  It will also explain the social, economic, religious, and political history and culture in the Middle East and India from ancient to modern times. The second semester will deal with the history and culture of China and Africa from ancient to modern times, as well as European history from the Enlightenment to the present.
(REQUIRED OF ALL FRESHMEN)

United States History 1 and 2
10
Students will study the history of the United States from the 1830's to the turn of the 21st century. Rapid review of the Constitutional and Federalist periods is followed by concentrated study of national development from the Jacksonian Era to the rise of Imperialism in the 1890's.  The second semester continues from the early 1900's to the present. Major topics will include Populist and Progressive Reform, foreign policy through major and 'undeclared' wars, and social and political developments of 20th Century America.
(REQUIRED OF ALL SOPHOMORES)

American Government
11
The American Government course covers the issues, systems, and structures of the federal, state, and local governments. Sections of the course include the U.S. Constitution, elections, and each of the three branches of national government.
(REQUIRED OF ALL JUNIORS - ONE SEMESTER CLASS)

IB Government
11
IB Government is an accelerated semester course that covers the local, state, and federal government structures of the United States.  The course includes units of study which include examination of the origins, purposes and types of governments, the practice of politics and elections, and a survey of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government.  This course mixes simulations, debates, and traditional teaching methods to motivate and instruct students.
(FULFILLS JUNIOR GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENT - ONE SEMESTER CLASS)

Investigating History: The History of American Technology

11 12

This class will examine how major changes in American technology during the 19th and 20th centuries have changed the culture of America.  It will explore both the manifest and latent effects of technology on American life and culture.  Changes in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and communication and their intended and unintended impact on society will all be discussed in detail.  Students will write a research paper on the personal impact of a new invention.

Investigating History: The Cold War

11 12

This course will focus on the Cold War between non-Communist nations and those in the Communist bloc.  Special focus will be on the fundamental differences between the belief systems of each area.  Topics covered will be the formation of the communist state in the Soviet Union and China, the Korean War, the Red Scare, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the fall of Communism.  The course will address both political and social topics covering the years 1917-1991, as well as the major Communist nations of today.

Economics
10 11 12
Economics introduces students to the basic principles of both macroeconomics and microeconomics. Areas studied include economic theory, finance, money, the stock market, supply and demand, and fiscal and monetary policy. Students will read an economics text as well as use graphical analysis to confront economic problems.
(NEW FOR CLASS OF 2011:  ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE AN ECONOMICS CLASS)
(ONE SEMESTER CLASS)

Current Issues
10 11 12
This class will help students understand the current problems that our communities, cities, states, nation, and world face. The class will also explore possible solutions to these complex problems. Class discussion will focus on such contemporary issues as the "new" media, current economics, environmental problems, and world politics. Students will develop critical thinking skills, and will also further develop their writing and speaking skills.
(ONE SEMESTER CLASS)

Law
11 12
Introduction to law emphasizes the purpose, function, and activity of the American courts. Lecture, discussion, case briefs, and mock trials will be included in each section of material. Students will study units covering general law, criminal procedure, crimes against persons, property, and torts.
(ONE SEMESTER CLASS)

Psychology
11 12
This course provides content relating to relevant practical uses of psychology in everyday life. It will provide students with opportunities to develop critical thinking skills as they explore topics such as adolescence, testing, stress, abnormal behavior, memory and thought, and human interaction.
(ONE SEMESTER CLASS)

Sociology
11 12
This course is an introduction to the study of human beings in their social environment. Complex issues relating to culture, deviance, family, poverty, and aging are explored.  Students will develop critical thinking skills that will enable them to better understand and analyze social behavior.
(ONE SEMESTER CLASS)

World War II
11 12
This course will examine the causes of World War II, the events of the war itself, and the significance of the war to world history. Emphasis will be placed on the rise of militarism in Germany and Japan, the Holocaust, and the U.S. home front during the war.
(ONE SEMESTER CLASS)

American Society and Culture 1900-2000
11 12
This course will examine the transformation of American society and culture in the 20th century. Topics discussed will include the impact of the automobile on American life, the growth and influence of radio, movies, television and professional sports, the changing styles and impact of American art and music, and the changing status of youth, women, and minorities in American society.
(ONE SEMESTER COURSE)

IB / AP Economics SL 1 and 2
11 12
Advanced Placement Macroeconomics is a college level course which explores the functioning of the national economy. Students will learn the various measurements of national income, operation of the circular flow, the causes of inflation and unemployment, the operation of the Federal Reserve, and the importance of international trade. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of monetary and fiscal policy on the national economy. This course stresses graphical analysis and other problem solving techniques.
(PREREQUISITE:   CUMULATIVE GPA OF 3.25)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED.)
ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE AN ECONOMICS CLASS 

AP United States History 1 and 2
10 
This advanced level course treats major U.S. History topics in depth utilizing not only a survey text, but also primary and secondary sources. The course will comprehensively examine U.S. history from the colonial period of the 1600's to the present day. Students will build a base of historical knowledge as well as develop interpretation and analytical skills.
(PREREQUISITES:  GRADE OF "A" or  "B" IN BOTH SEMESTERS WORLD CULTURES, GRADE OF "B" IN COMPOSITION OR HONORS COMPOSITION, CUMULATIVE GPA OF 3.25 OR APPROVAL OF HISTORY INSTRUCTOR) 
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED.)
(FULFILLS THE SOPHOMORE U.S. HISTORY REQUIREMENT.)

IB History HL 1 and 2
11
This course is the first year of a two-year course that will explore the impact of historical development at national, regional and international levels.  Students will further understand the present upon reflection of the past and will comprehend history as a discipline through the critical evaluation of historical data, information, and opinions.  This course will promote the intercultural awareness and understanding that are necessary for global citizens.  History HL is a world history course but will concentrate on the 20th century history of Europe.
(PREREQUISITES:  "B" AVERAGE IN A.P. U.S. HISTORY AND / OR RECOMMENDATION OF DEPARTMENT)

IB History HL 3 and 4
12
This course is a continuation of IB History HL 1 and 2 and will explore the impact of historical development at national, regional and international levels.  Students will further understand the present upon reflection of the past and will comprehend history as a discipline through the critical evaluation of historical data, information, and opinions.  This course will promote the intercultural awareness and understanding that are necessary for global citizens.  History HL is a world history course but will concentrate on the 20th century history of China and the Middle East.
(PREREQUISITE:  "B" AVERAGE IN IB HISTORY HL 1)

AP European History I and 2
11 12
This is a college level course for students with interest and an introductory background in European History.  Students will examine major European political, economic, intellectual, social, and religious movements from the Renaissance to modern times.  Students will use a college text, interpret documents, and write analytical and evaluative essays.
(PREREQUISITES:  "B" AVERAGE IN WORLD CULTURES AND U.S. HISTORY OR A.P. U.S. HISTORY AND A CUMULATIVE GPA OF 3.25)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED.)

AP Psychology 1 and 2
11 12
This course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings.  Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. 
(PREREQUISITES:  CUMULATIVE GPA OF 3.25)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED.)

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
11
TOK is a course that examines the origins, methods, and validity of various Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing:  How do we know?  How do we know what we know is true?  It is a thoughtful reflection on what students claim to know and believe and what others profess as knowledge.

There is not a single prescribed TOK curriculum, but there is a Subject Guide with suggested questions for each part of the course.  Because TOK is inquiry-based, information is not conveyed as it might be in other courses, but new terms may be introduced such as deduction, paradigm, correlation, objectivity, etc.  The teacher develops the course with reference to the Subject Guide, and ideally, after attendance at one or more TOK workshops and consultation with other teachers in the school.

There is an externally assessed essay written on one of ten Prescribed Topics (PT) and an internally assessed component currently called a Presentation (on a knowledge issue).  The PT's are sent to the teacher at the start of the year.  The Presentation component is meant to allow students to express their understanding of problems of knowledge in ways other than the written essay.  Ideally, the topic of a presentation should feature "knowledge at work in the world".

When students reflect on their learning in the other subjects, they are not necessarily faultfinding or challenging their teachers.  The spirit of inquiry is meant to carry over into more appreciative ways of looking at other subjects around the IB hexagon.  In TOK, there may not be right or wrong answers, but there are standards for judgment in the defense of knowledge claims.  Critical thinking can only take place where there is a substantive core of ideas to explore and criteria for the evaluation of their expression.

In sum, TOK has an aim, i.e., to engage students in reflection on, and in the questioning of, the bases of knowledge.  It discusses Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, History, the Arts, Ethics, and Mathematics.  There is a central question:  How do we know that a given assertion is true, or given judgment is well grounded?  It examines the key ways of knowing:  Emotion, Reason, Language, and Perception.  It examines the nature of knowledge claims, problems of knowledge, knowledge issues and the thinking skills necessary to exercise linkages between areas of knowledge.
(ONLY IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME STUDENTS MAY REGISTER FOR TOK)

AP Government 1 and 2
11 12
This college level course will provide a sophisticated survey of the government and politics of the United States. The course will include an examination of the origins, structure and interpretations of the Constitution as well as an analysis of political beliefs, political parties, various interest groups, and the role of the mass media on U.S. politics. Students will further gain an understanding of the branches of the national government, the formation and enactment of public policy, and the development of civil rights and liberties. Students will be expected to interpret, analyze, and think critically about the U.S. political process, and will be required to write interpretive essays and read college level texts.
(PREREQUISITES:  "B" AVERAGE IN GOVERNMENT (JR. YEAR) AND/OR AP US HISTORY IS REQUIRED AND CUMULATIVE GPA OF 3.25)
(THE COLLEGE BOARD ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAM IS REQUIRED)