Social Studies

Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 10 -12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5

Students will learn the principles of our representative American Government and the political processes at the local, state, and national levels of government. They will be expected to participate in various activities designed to teach these principles and processes, including simulations and role-playing, mock trials, letters to public officials, and interaction with community resource persons. A major purpose of this class is to prepare students to be more effective citizens in their own community, state, and nation.  Students will also experience an in-depth look at the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. A passing grade in this course satisfies competency on the U. S. and Illinois Constitution Exam.

Prerequisite: Sophomore English & American Government
Grade Level: 11
Semesters: 2
Credits: 2 (1 English, 1 Social Studies)

Students will learn the American historical timeline, the significance of major movements and changes in society reflected in the literary and fine arts, and lessons that can be learned in our own time by examining key eras and movements in America’s political, social, and artistic history. This United States history class will be taken in conjunction with American Literature.

Prerequisite: DC approval or teacher recommendation
Grade Level: 11
Semesters: 2
Credits: 2 (1 English, 1 Social Studies)

AP American Studies integrates the content and skills of AP United States History and AP Composition and Literature. The curriculum meets the goals and objectives of the District, State, and College Board. This up-tempo class has an emphasis on individual reading and writing assignments. The two-hour block allows for the study of American Literature and History that are connected/related. This is accomplished through interdisciplinary activities, lessons, etc. throughout the school year. Students taking this course may be required to complete a summer assignment that utilizes skills in reading and writing.

Prerequisite: DC approval or teacher recommendation
Grade Level: 10-12
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1

Students will be introduced and exposed to historical topics, writings, and conflicting interpretations of issues in European History from 1450 to the present. This course follows the College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum.  Students may receive college credit in European History or Western Civilization by earning a qualifying score on the exam administered by the College Board.

Prerequisite: DC approval or teacher recommendation

Grade Level: 9 -12
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1

This course is designed for students reading above grade level and who have demonstrated high levels of academic achievement in junior high/middle school. The purpose of the AP course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine the human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.

Prerequisite: DC approval or Teacher Recommendation
Grade Level: 10-12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5

Students will gain a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination, and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. This course follows the College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum and as such is extremely rigorous and fast-paced. Students may receive college credit in Macro Economics by qualifying on an examination administered by the College Entrance Examination Board.  This course satisfies the Illinois State Graduation requirement for Consumer Education.

Prerequisite: DC approval or teacher recommendation
Grade Level: 10-12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5

Students will gain a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision-makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. This course follows the College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum and as such is extremely rigorous and fast-paced. Students may receive college credit in Micro Economics by qualifying on an examination administered by the College Entrance Examination Board.  This course satisfies the Illinois State Graduation requirement for Consumer Education.

Prerequisite: DC approval or teacher recommendation
Grade Level: 11-12
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1

Students will learn the science of Psychology. This course follows the College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum and as such is extremely rigorous and fast-paced. Students may receive college credit in Psychology by qualifying on an examination administered by the College Entrance Examination Board.

Prerequisite: DC approval or teacher recommendation
Grade Level: 10-12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5

Students will learn through an analytical perspective approach to government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used in U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U. S. political reality. This course follows the College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum and as such is extremely rigorous and fast-paced. Students may receive college credit in American Government by qualifying on an examination administered by the College Board.

*Potential for dual credit CS & VJA only.

Prerequisite: DC approval or teacher recommendation
Grade Level: 11-12
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1

Students will learn analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. Students will learn to assess historical materials; their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, their importance and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. This course follows the College Board’s Advanced Placement curriculum and as such is extremely rigorous and fast paced. Students may receive college credit in U.S. History by qualifying on an exam examination administered by the College Entrance Examination Board. Students taking this course may be required to complete a summer assignment that utilizes skills in reading and writing.

Prerequisite: DC approval or teacher recommendation
Grade Level: 9 -12
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1

A college-level reading and writing intensive course focused on the political, social, and governmental structures, economic systems, and major religions of areas throughout the world in a historical context. At least one chapter per week is to be expected to be read and tested. Students may receive college credit by qualifying on an examination administered by the College Entrance Examination Board.

Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 11-12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5

Chicago History addresses issues related to the foundation and development of Chicago as a major US city. Topics of local and national significance, such as The Chicago Fire, the Columbian Exposition, immigration patterns to Chicago, the city’s political history, and a study of architectural trends are included in the scope of the course. Students will engage in alternative assessments, and research projects, and will work with a variety of secondary and primary source materials to enhance their understanding of local and regional history.

Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5

Contemporary Issues is a semester-long exploratory class that will introduce students to the pressing problems and issues facing our increasingly global and rapidly changing society with an emphasis on the United States. Students will utilize a variety of sources including newspapers, magazines, the Internet as well as government and other informational sources. Students will have the opportunity on a daily basis to enhance their awareness of local, state, and national trends while they analyze the historical background of various events. In addition, students will analyze a current economic, political, social, cultural, and/ or environmental real-world issue so they can present a logical and practical summary with possible solutions based on solid research.

Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 10-12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5

In this one-semester course, students will apply concepts such as supply and demand to solve real-world problems and they will develop the skills to understand how businesses organize themselves in order to maximize profit. They will analyze economic problems in the past and present and use possible solutions to predict the future. Students will analyze economic case studies, news articles, and periodicals; compare and contrast economists’ theories; do computer simulations, presentations, and projects. The course will also provide students with a multitude of lessons in Consumer Economics. Students will be challenged in several areas such as: investing, budgeting, credit cards, credit scores, insurance-auto and life, home, and auto loans, as well as other skills and knowledge needed to become responsible consumers. These activities will provide students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned to the real world. This course satisfies the Illinois state graduation requirement for consumer education.

Prerequisite: 8th Grade Placement Process
Grade Level: 9
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1

Global Issues establishes a strong foundation for success in subsequent social studies courses while simultaneously cultivating informed and active global citizens.  The course promotes student understanding of an interconnected world by blending elements of world history, current geopolitical issues, critical thinking, and literacy. Each unit is centered on a modern global challenge and the corresponding study of key historical events that help deepen understanding by evaluating multiple perspectives, examining causation, and analyzing change and continuity over time. Issues and historical topics addressed include resource scarcity and the development of early civilizations, cultural diversity and key historical episodes of cultural diffusion, refugee crises and pivotal instances of forced migration, climate change, the Industrial Revolution, supranational cooperation, and 20th-century wars.

Prerequisite: 8th Grade Placement Process
Grade Level: 9
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1

Honors Global Issues establishes a strong foundation for success in subsequent social studies courses while simultaneously cultivating informed and active global citizens.  The course promotes student understanding of an interconnected world by blending elements of world history, current geopolitical issues, critical thinking, and literacy. Each unit is centered on a modern global challenge and the corresponding study of key historical events that helps deepen understanding by evaluating multiple perspectives, examining causation, and analyzing change and continuity over time. Issues and historical topics addressed include resource scarcity and the development of early civilizations, cultural diversity and key historical episodes of cultural diffusion, refugee crises and pivotal instances of forced migration, climate change, the Industrial Revolution, supranational cooperation, and 20th-century wars. Honors Global Issues students will extend their course work through additional writing, reading, and social studies skill development. The Honors course will prepare students for movement into AP Social Studies courses through the focus on advanced literacy skills.

Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 11-12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5

Students will be introduced to the field of psychology, one of the major social sciences. The subject matter includes current and traditional areas of Psychology. Topics will include: gathering data on the causes and correlates of behavior, key figures in psychology and their theories, examples of research findings from the major topics areas, and using psychological knowledge to improve the quality of our lives. This survey course will acquaint students with the major concepts and terminology of the discipline and give them a better understanding of themselves and others.

Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 11-12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5

Students will be introduced to the social science of sociology as it studies the behavior of humans in relationship to each other. Topics include the changes in social institutions, such as family, education and economy, social deviance, social classes, and the impact of culture on the individual. This course combines class discussions, simulations, group activities, research, and experiments that will apply directly to the student’s life experiences.

Prerequisite: American Government
Grade Level: 11
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1

Students will learn the history of the United States from the Colonial period to present day. This history includes, but is not limited to, the roles and contributions of a diverse US population, policy and conflict that have shaped the nation, and cultural movements that have defined an American identity.  Research skills will be developed through media center resources and integrated technology. Life skills of communication, leadership, delegation and organization are also incorporated and enhanced throughout the course

Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 10-12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5

Western Civilization surveys national, political, institutional, socio-economic, intellectual, religious, and cultural development of the West from ancient times to 1715, with an emphasis on later developments.

*Courses are approved for dual credit through Moraine Valley Community College as transferable credit with a grade of C or above.

Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 10-12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5

In Western Civilization, students will discuss the rise and decline of Western global dominance. Focuses on revolutionary developments in government, economics, science, and the arts since 1715.

*Courses are approved for dual credit through Moraine Valley Community College as transferable credit with a grade of C or above.