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.

9^th Grade                                10^th Grade                       11^th Grade                     12^th Grade

World History                         American History          Government                         Elective

                                                         or                                 or           

                                                AP U.S. History             AP U.S. Government

                                                                                          and

                                                                                        Economics

COURSE

NUMBER                COURSE NAME                                    GRADE LEVEL                       CREDIT                  PREREQUISITE

4020    VITAL CURRENT AFFAIRS           9,10,11,12                      0.5       

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.

4030    INTRODUCTION TO LAW               9,10,11,12                    0.5                   

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.

4050    WORLD RELIGIONS                                   11,12                            0.5

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.

 COURSE

NUMBER                COURSE NAME                                    GRADE LEVEL                       CREDIT                  PREREQUISITE

 4233    ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

                                                            11,12                            1.0                    A.P. Teacher approval

This year long course is designed for the high school junior or senior who wishes to receive college credit for a political science course.  Since most college programs require a course in political science, this course is applicable for most degrees.  The course content prepares students for the College Board AP exam which is given in May.  Students passing the exam may receive college credit for political science.

The first half of this course is focused on preparing students for the “We the People” competition.  This competition allows students to research Constitutional issues and present in competitions at the regional, state, and possibly the national levels.  This competition has been proven to provide students with a basic understanding of the application of constitutional principles that surpasses the knowledge gained by most students at the college level.  Students participating in this competition gain critical thinking skills that prepare them for the college environment.  This competition is especially appropriate for students who will pursue a Social Studies or Law degree.  The second half of this course focuses on the study of the purpose and structure of the United States government, from its inception to present day.  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                                                                 

                                                                        10,11,12                        1.0        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.

 4040    MICHIGAN HISTORY                     9,10,11,12                      0.5

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.

 4063    WORLD HISTORY                           9                                  1.0              Grad. Requirement

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.

4113    AMERICAN HISTORY                    10                                 1.0             Grad. Requirement

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.

4130    GOVERNMENT                                11,12                            0.5             Grad. Requirement

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.

4140    ECONOMICS                                    11,12                            0.5             Grad. Requirement

 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.

4160    PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGY 1   11,12                0.5                   

Psychology is the science or study of thought processes and behavior of humans and animals.  This course is designed to give students a fundamental understanding of basic principles, concepts and theories, as well as a familiarization then with current research in the field of Psychology.  Major units covered are Psychological Approaches Research Methods, Sensation and Perception, Motivation and Emotion, States of Consciousness and Drugs, Cognition:  Thinking, Learning, Memory, Intelligence and Creativity, and Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

4170    PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGY 2    11,12             0.5                      C or higher in Psychology 1     

Psychology is the science or study of thought processes and behavior of humans and animals.  This course is designed to follow Principles of Psychology 1, as it builds upon the major theories, concepts, and principles learned.  Major units covered will be Developmental Psychology, personality Types and Disorders, Abnormal Psychology, and Social Psychology.

4180    SOCIOLOGY                                     11,12                            0.5                   

An examination of social dynamics and consequences of social life.  The main topics are culture, social groups, socialization, deviance, social stratification, race relations, gender, and family.

4210    CRIMINAL JUSTICE                       11,12                            0.5          

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.