Social Studies Department
Social Studies Electives
(All Courses Above are Included in GPA)
Psychology L3
SS430 - 0.5 CREDITS - SEMESTER LONG - GRADE 12
Prerequisite:
- None
Psychology is the study of the behavior of individuals. It explores what people do, how they think, and why they act as they do. Some of the topics studied include personality, motivation, abnormal psychology, growth and development, and learning theories. Heavy emphasis is placed upon classroom discussion and the reading of relevant articles on assigned topics. Students who enter this class after the first day are expected to make up all missed work.
Special Topics in Psychology L4
SS442 - 0.5 CREDITS - SEMESTER LONG - GRADE 12
Prerequisite:
- None
This course is designed for self motivated students with a keen interest in Psychology and will serve dual objectives. The first half of the course will engage students in an depth study of topics determined by the instructor consistent with the canon of Psychology. The second half of the course will be reserved for student initiated concentrated research on a topic of individual choice. With their instructor students will determine and create a product intended for multiple audiences.
Economics (Macro) L3/L4
SS431/441 - 0.5 CREDITS - SEMESTER LONG - GRADE 12
Prerequisite:
- None
This semester course consists of a study of macro-economic concepts and the language of economics. Concepts presented include such topics as supply and demand, economic markets, inflation, deflation, business cycles, and the role of organized labor and government in a market economy as well as an explanation of the principles of consumer economics. Students who enter this class after the first day of class are expected to makeup all missed work.
Legal Studies L3
SS432 - 0.5 CREDITS - SEMESTER LONG - GRADE 12
Prerequisite:
- None
Legal Studies is a semester course designed to familiarize students with the philosophy and practice of civil, criminal and constitutional law. While highlighting the use of debate, research, case studies, mock trial and speakers from the legal and law enforcement community, this course will acquaint students with the ethics, language and culture of law in the United States. The Mock Trial is the culmination of this course and all students participate in its planning and execution. Students who enter this class after the first day of class are expected to makeup all work.
Sociology L3
SS433 - 0.5 CREDITS - SEMESTER LONG - GRADE 12
Prerequisite:
- None
The study of sociology examines man, his behavior and current social issues. This course stresses the use of research and analysis in examining patterns of man’s group behavior. Independent work as well as group project and extensive class discussion are stressed. Students who enter this class after the first day of class are expected to makeup all missed work.
Current Affairs L3
SS434 - 0.5 CREDITS - SEMESTER LONG - GRADE 12
Prerequisite:
- None
This course will provide interested and motivated students with an opportunity to increase their knowledge of local, state, federal and international affairs through in-depth investigation. Students will select and investigate 6-8 significant current political topics with the guidance of the instructor in an effort to become more active and well-informed citizens. The course will require significant research-based group work and authentic community-based learning activities.
Facing History and Ourselves L3/L4
SS331/341 - 0.5 CREDITS - SEMESTER LONG - GRADES 11-12
Prerequisite:
- Recommendation of US History I or II teacher
This semester course is open to grades 11 and 12. Any junior requesting this course will need to be recommended for it by their current History teacher. This course examines bias, racism, and prejudice in a historical context. Through their study of intolerance and genocides such as the Holocaust, students will be able to make the correlation between history and the moral and ethical choices they are forced to make on a daily basis in their own lives. The course will use a wide range of academic research, film, guest speakers, projects, and class discussion to achieve the goals of the course.
The United States Civil War L4
SS440 - 0.5 CREDITS - SEMESTER LONG - GRADE 12
Prerequisite:
- None
This course is open to any senior who has a keen interest in US History and who wants to challenge themselves with an in depth study of the watershed event of the nation. Instruction will focus on the underlying causes of the war, the war itself, and local involvement in the war. Instruction will routinely be student centered emphasizing significant examination of both primary and secondary documents. With extensive guidance and support, students will engage in one significant independent research project per quarter.
The World Since 1989 L4
SS441 - 0.5 CREDITS - SEMESTER LONG - GRADE 12
Prerequisite:
- None
This course is open to any senior who has a keen interest in modern world history and who wants to challenge themselves with an in depth study of the contemporary world. The course will include a survey of world history since 1989 and will examine specific situations in great detail. This is a student driven research and presentation based course that explores issues outside the United States in depth. Topics center on issues such as economic globalization, religious fundamentalism, and nationalism in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Instruction will be student centered emphasizing research in and out of the classroom.
World War II L3/L4
SS332/342 - 0.5 CREDITS - SEMESTER LONG - GRADES 11-12
Prerequisite:
- Successful completion of US History I (Level 4 credit per recommendation of course instructor)
This course is designed for students who wish to examine the United States’ role in the origins, execution and aftermath of World War II. The course will employ extensive use of film, primary and secondary documents and artifacts. Students who wish to receive level 4 credit will engage in independent work that will include 2 books of the student’s choosing.