Social Studies

Course Descriptions - Social Studies

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Mrs. Cathryn Martin, Department Head

World Geography

World Geography is a basic course required for graduation, incorporating the features of physical, cultural, and political geography. The course is designed to prepare students for the study of American History, Civics, and World History at Teurlings and at the college level, with emphasis on how we, as Americans, fit into world society. The course stresses coverage of current events, as well as traditional geographic themes. Students will study the physical features that shape the earth and its land masses, as well as the ways the weather, climate, and man affect the earth's physical structures. In additional, students will learn about the cultural regions of the earth. This part of the course focuses on the people: their history, languages, customs, religions, foods and industries. The final aspect of the course is political geography, where the political systems of individual countries and regions are studied.

Required

1 Credit

9th

Civics

Citizenship education is the ultimate goal of any Civics class. The Constitution, federal system of government, and state and local governments are covered in this course. The infusion of one's duties and responsibilities as a member of our society is taught in conjunction with the economic role of the individual and family. These concepts are enhanced by observing the process in action, through a comprehensive look at current events, as well as speakers from the community who can give personal insight into the government process.

Prerequisite: World Geography

Required

1 Credit

10th

Civics (HONORS)

The pace is quicker and the course relies more heavily on independent work than the regular Civics class in stressing citizenship education. The Constitution, federal system of government, and state and local government structure are studied in depth.

Applicants must meet honors program standards.

Prerequisite: World Geography

Elective

1 Credit

10th

American History

This course is designed to study the origins of our nation’s democracy and its development and expansion to include all citizens over the last 200 plus years with special significance placed on events from the Civil War to the present. It will touch upon the economic as well as social changes experienced by the nation. Foreign policy and the rise of the United States to its role in world leadership in today’s global economy is also examined. Students will be expected to make comparisons between past and current events. Students will be expected to complete an average of 20-30 minutes of homework each class day. Tests will be a combination of both objective and essay questions. A single research paper is assigned during the second semester. Students are required to read a historical novel and collaborate on several group projects.

Prerequisite: Civics

Required

1 Credit

11th

American History (HONORS)

The purpose of this course is to study the history of America at a faster pace and in greater detail than regular American History. Students will be asked to meet the same objectives as regular American History but will also be required to read and analyze historical documents. Tests will consist of objective as well as several essay questions. Students will also be asked to apply material learned in class and create new conclusions. Students will be expected to complete an average of 30 to 40 minutes of homework each class day. A research paper is assigned during the second semester as well as essays. Students are required to read two historical novels and collaborate on several group projects.

Applicants must meet honors program standards.

Prerequisite: Civics

Elective

1 Credit

11th

AP American History

Advanced Placement Program (AP) curriculum is designed to give students a thorough understanding of United States history, requiring students to master historical and analytical skills, including: chronological and spatial thinking, historical research, and historical interpretation. Required reading will be heavy and an emphasis will be placed on independent study. Students will frequently be required to write essays. Tests will consist of objective and several essay questions. The course is equivalent to a full-year introductory college class, thus preparing students for intermediate and advanced college courses.

Applicants must meet honors program standards. Students are required to take the AP Exam in May, the results of which may result in college credit in history. Note: A $110 fee will be charged for this course. A contract must be signed by the parent and student for participation in the course.

Prerequisite: Civics

Elective

1 Credit

11th

World History

This course stresses the development of western civilization, from its prehistoric roots to conflicts in the modern 20th Century. Emphasis is placed on historical cause and effect and the people responsible for the events that shaped mankind, rather than the memorization of dates focusing on events from the Renaissance to the present. A research paper is required, as well as participation in at least one major project per quarter. Selected and approved historical novel(s) will also be read as part of the course work.

Prerequisite: American History

Required

1 Credit

12th

World History (HONORS)

A full-year course designed to prepare students for the study of world history at the college level. Close correlation is achieved with the History 102 class at ULL, as well as at other state universities. This course stresses the development of western civilization, focused on the events from the Renaissance to the present. Emphasis is placed on historical cause and effect, and the people responsible for the events that shaped mankind, rather than the memorization of dates. Students will be responsible for assigned reading for class discussion, and there will be some independent study involved, as well as group work. A research paper is required, as well as participation in quarterly projects. Primary source documents are analyzed and studied throughout the course

Applicants must meet honors program standards.

Prerequisite: American History Honors

Elective

1 Credit

12th

AP European History

AP European History is designed to be a challenging, college-level course. It is a year-long survey of European history from the Renaissance to the present and is the equivalent of a two-semester freshman survey course. Through this course, students have the ability to earn college credits. Several different mediums are used in the exploration of European history, including the text book, primary resources, critical essays, and online tools. Many assignments and readings are accessed through the internet. A variety of readings and handouts are also provided throughout the year. The course is broken into two main components or units: Europe from 1450 to the Napoleonic Era and the Napoleonic Era to Present. All students in the course are required to take the AP exam in May, which replaces the traditional final exam.

Applicants must meet honors program standards. Students are required to take the AP Exam in May, which may result in college credit in history. Note: A $110 fee will be charged for this course.

A contract must be signed by the parent and student for participation in the course.

Prerequisite: American History (Honors)

Elective

1 Credit

12th

Psychology

This is an introductory Psychology course which provides a foundation in the basic theories and principles of psychology to guide students toward a greater understanding of their own capacity for growth. Traditional topics include: personality, learning, and social psychology. Also included are the areas of: child and adolescent development; the brain and dreams; the troubled personality; and parapsychology. All add interest and depth to the contents. Various schools of psychology are introduced in order that students who plan to take additional courses in psychology will have a solid basis on which to build. Students however, will be able to benefit from the findings in a field that touches virtually every aspect of our daily lives.

Elective

1 Credit

11th, 12th

Sociology

This is an introductory course which provides a foundation in the basic theories and principles of sociology and man’s place within society to guide students toward a greater understanding of their capacity for growth within society. Various schools of thought are introduced in order that students who plan to take additional courses in sociology will have a solid basis on which to build. Students will benefit from the findings in a field that touches virtually every aspect of our daily lives.

Elective

1 Credit

11th, 12th

U. S. In The 20th Century

The course is designed to study the history of Modern America with emphasis on interpretation and analysis of the materials by contemporary historians. It is assumed that the students will acquire a basic understanding of the factual material before embarking on discussion or venturing opinions. The topics, which include both the study of history and current events, are an attempt to gain perspective on the present political and social developments in recent American history. The course will consider in relative depth the following topics: John F. Kennedy and the New Frontier, Johnson’s Great Society and Vietnam, Nixon’s Foreign Policy and Watergate, Reagan and the resurgence of conservatism, George H.W. Bush and the Persian Gulf Crisis, William Clinton’s “new” democrat, moderate reform, economic boom and impeachment, and George W. Bush’s compassionate conservatism and the War on Terror.

(This course my not be used to fulfill TOPS social studies requirements.)

A contract must be signed by the parent and student for participation in the course.

Elective

1 Credit

12th

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