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Social Studies |
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.
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9th Grade |
10th Grade |
11th Grade |
12th Grade |
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· World History |
· American History or |
· Government and Economics |
· Elective · Economics |
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· AP U.S. History |
· AP Government |
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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 of various types of laws.
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) fulfills the
Government graduation requirement.
4213
ADVANCED PLACEMENT 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
UNITED STATES 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 I 11,12 0.5
Psychology is the science and 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 with current research in the field of Psychology. Major units covered are psychological approaches to research methods, development theories, sensation and perception, motivation and emotion, and introduction to abnormal psychology.
4170 PRINCIPLES OF PSYCHOLOGY II 11,12 0.5 C or higher in Psychology I
Psychology is the science and study of thought processes and behavior. This course is designed to follow Principles of Psychology I, as it builds upon the major theories, concepts and principles learned. Major units covered will be states of consciousness, cognition: thinking, learning, memory, intelligence and creativity, personality types and disorders, and the DSM-IV listed clinical disorders. Treatments of clinical disorders will be explored as well.
4180 SOCIOLOGY 11,12 0.5
Sociology is the study of human social behavior and structure. A major focus will be on societal origins, organizations, and institutions. Major units covered are culture, socialization, social structure, deviance, social stratification, and social change.
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.