Requirements for Graduation

The central purpose of social studies education is the development of citizenship. The goal of citizenship, in turn, is the constant effort through decision and action to foster just relations among people and institutions. The social studies course offerings have been divided into two levels of ability. The following chart should be followed when selecting classes.

GRADE	REGULAR	COLLEGE PREP
9^th	World History*	World History*
10^th	American History*	American History*
11^th	Government/Economics	Government/Economics
12^th	Elective	AP U.S. History or AP U.S. Government

Today’s news happenings are studied primarily through internet and video presentations. This class is geared toward independent study and research of specific events or topics which affect our society today.

This course is designed to provide students with of an understanding of the role and function of law in a democratic society. Students will develop an understanding of the law and the legal system as it applies to their everyday lives. Included in this study will be Civil Law and Torts. Mock trails will be utilized to enhance the learning various types of laws.

This course describes the beliefs and practices of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism, in cultural context, from their origins to the present. It examines their influence on literature and the arts, beliefs and values, socioeconomic and political systems in world civilizations.

AP United States Government is a challenging course that is the equivalent to a freshmen level college course that students can earn college credit by successfully completing the AP exam. It is a two-semester course which explores the political theory and everyday practice that directs the daily operation of our government and shape our public policies. The expressed purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the AP exam for U.S. Government and Politics. Due to the vast amounts of material involved students are expected to become learners both in and out of the classroom. An emphasis will be placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents and mass media presentations. * AP Government (full year) may be selected as an alternative to Government to fulfill graduation requirements.

4213 AP UNITED STATES HISTORY 11,12 1.0 American History A.P. Teacher approval

AP United States History is a challenging course that is meant to be the equivalent of a freshmen college course and can earn students college credit. It is a two-semester survey of American History from the age of exploration and discovery to the present. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study are necessary to succeed. An emphasis will be placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents and historiography.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the background and heritage of our own state. Map skills will be stressed. Major economic areas will be emphasized, lumbering, automobile, etc.

In this class ancient civilizations (Egyptian, Greek, Mesopotamian, Roman) will be studied. Western Civilization will be examined from the Middle Ages to modern times. Eastern Civilization will be related to the development of world culture. European History will be stressed during the second semester.

This course covers the History of the United States from 1876 to the present. Political, social, economic and cultural developments will be covered in greater depth. How these events influence present-day society will be stressed.

The student becomes acquainted with some of the principles, philosophies, and beliefs that led to the writing of our constitution. The legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government at the national, state, and local level are studied.

This course is designed to give the student the basic and operational elements of the U.S. economic system. Students will analyze other economic systems and functioning of the U.S. in the Global Economy.

This course is designed to understand the motivation of human behavior from a physical, intellectual, emotional, and social aspect. Major psychological theories are presented but greater emphasis for the understanding of human motivation comes from correct reasoning/rational thinking – common sense approach. Students should have average or above average reading and writing skills. Juniors and Seniors should have a 2.0 G.P.A. or Department approval.

This course is designed to study abnormal behavior (Mental illness) based on faulty personal development. It includes several mental disorders including anxiety reactions (Neuroses), psychosomatic disorders, psychopathic disorders, sexual deviations, and psychoses. It explores the motivation for various cults and the occult and the resulting behavior. It compares the healthy mind with the unhealthy mind.

This class is a study of people in their surroundings. Major units of study are culture, personality, and social problems. Examples used in class are from the student’s life.

Criminal Justice is designed to be an advanced course in Law. This course will look at all aspects of the criminal justice system as practiced now in the United States. This course will help the student to realize their value, potential, and responsibilities as members of a democratic society. It will also develop an awareness of rights, duties, and responsibilities as participating citizens in their community, state, nation, and world. We will examine criminal justice from a historical perspective looking at how crime has been administered through the different eras of history. This class is for juniors and seniors only with instructor’s approval.