Social Studies Curriculum

Social Studies Electives

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Adopted January 1999

High School History/Social Sciences (Category B) Requirement Course Titles and Descriptions

The following list provides the descriptions for the specific courses that will meet the History/Social Sciences (Category B) one-half year graduation requirement.  These semester courses are intended for juniors and seniors only and include a number of the social sciences, history courses featuring a specific time period, and other selected areas of the social studies.

The following are the courses that will meet the graduation Requirement for History/Social Sciences (Category B)

Advanced Placement Psychology

A.P. Psychology is a year long course designed to introduce the highly motivated student to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are introduced to the psychological facts, principals, and phenomenon associated with each of the major sub fields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

Topics in Advanced Placement Psychology include:

• The history of psychology.
• Contemporary approaches to behavior.
• How to understand one's own behavior.
• Strategies for dealing with life experiences
• How to apply psychological principles to society

Ancient World Civilizations

Ancient World Civilizations is a course designed to allow an in-depth study of early worlds from the Americas to China, India, Africa, and Mesopotamia. This course explores why and where early civilizations developed and compares their religion, culture, literature, science, technological achievements, and their economic and political systems. Have you ever wondered what type of legacy ancient civilizations left behind?

Sample topics for Ancient World Civilizations include:

• Pyramids
• Rise and fall of great empires
• High technology of the day
• Myths, arts, sports, foods, and leisure of the ancients

Anthropology

Anthropology is a study of humankind around the world and throughout time to seek understanding of human diversity. Students in this course will explore how the environment, culture, history, and technology affect human development. Did you know old bones and artifacts can unlock the mystery of humankind?

Sample topics in anthropology include:

• Fieldwork and its methodology
• Early civilizations and societies
• Famous anthropologists and their discoveries
• Cultures past and present and how they compare

Comparative World Religions

Comparative World Religions is a study of religions as an integral part of daily life. Students will investigate the history and beliefs of selected world religions. The emphasis will be on the practices and principles and how they affect human behavior. How can people of different cultures cooperate if they do not understand each others underlying belief systems?

Sample topics in Comparative World Religions include:

• World religions and their belief structures
• Traditions, customs, and behaviors
• Key historical events and people
• The roles of religion and philosophy in our contemporary world
• The impact of religion and philosophy on economic, political, and social decisions

The Constitution and the Bill of Rights

The Constitution and Bill of Rights is a study of the founding principles and ideas underlying the U.S. political system. Students will examine how these important principles and ideas have worked throughout history and in the United States today.

The Constitution and Bill of Rights will explore the following questions:

• What are your Constitutional rights and responsibilities?
• What are the philosophical and historical foundations of the U.S. political system?
• How did the framers create the Constitution?
• How did the values and principles embodied in the Constitution shape American institutions and practices?
• How have the protections of he Bill of Rights been developed and expanded?
• What rights does the Bill of Rights protect?
• What are the roles of the citizen in U.S. democracy?

Criminology

Criminology is a study of the nature and causes of crime, its control, and related punishment issues. Students will explore why people become criminals, how do we control criminals, and how crime affects young people.

Sample questions in Criminology include:

• What are common crimes?
• How do juvenile crime patterns compare with adult?
• What are the different types of crimes?
• How do we police?
• What is organized crime?
• How does a citizen become a part of the solution?
• How are property crime patterns different from violent crime patterns?

ESL History/Social Sciences

The ESL History/Social Sciences course is designed for the bilingual student learning English as a second language at the beginning and intermediate levels. It introduces the student to the vocabulary, concepts, and processes of the social sciences and history and relates them to the student, the student's school, community, and current events.
The core areas to be investigated in ESL History/Social Sciences include:

• Anthropology
• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology

The Holocaust and Human Behavior

This course allows students to explore in-depth one of the most fascinating yet tragic events of the twentieth century: The Holocaust. Students will examine the root causes which led to the rise of the Nazi party and the reaction of Germans--and the world--to Hitler and his plans of genocide. This course is best suited for individuals willing to reflect upon their own views of human behavior and consider the lessons of history.

Questions which will be addressed in the Holocaust and Human Behavior include:

• What happens when prejudice and hatred are left unchecked?
• Can a democratic country produce a dictator?
• What did the Nazis believe, and did anyone oppose them?
• How did the Nazis make Germans obey orders?
• Have there been any other genocides like the Holocaust?
• Can individuals make a difference in the outcome of historic events?

Humanities of Western Civilizations

Humanities of Western Civilizations will explore the roots of western society from the rise of Greece through the formation of modern Europe. In this course, students will examine western history, philosophy, arts, and theology. The contributions of Western culture in the international arena and the effects of these interactions will also be examined.

Students will investigate the following topics in Humanities of Western Civilizations:

• Contributions of the ancient classical civilizations in Greece and Rome
• The role of Western culture in creating democratic traditions
• Scientific and artistic advancements that made up the Renaissance
• The roles that Judaism and Christianity have played in shaping the Western world and beyond

Law Studies

Law Studies is the place to discover how the legal system works. This course aids students in applying legal principles and procedures through active participation in civil, criminal, and constitutional mock trials.

Sample questions that will be examined in Law Studies include:

• What rights do you think you have?
• What are the major types of law?
• Why do we have an adversarial system?
• How well will you do in court?
• How do we make justice happen?
• How is justice carried out in Alaska?

Minority Groups and Ethnic Cultures

Minority Groups and Ethnic Cultures is a study of the social, political, cultural, and economic forces that affect minorities and ethnic cultures in the United States. What questions do you have about minority groups? Explore the customs, behaviors, issues and legacies of America's diversity.

Sample questions that will be addressed in Minority Groups and Ethnic Cultures include:

• Who are the indigenous peoples of the United States?
• Who are the minority groups and ethnic cultures of the United States?
• What are the important issues facing minority groups and ethnic cultures in the U.S. today?
• What has been the progression of civil liberties for minorities in the U.S?
• What has been and is the political/legal status of minority groups and cultures in the United States?

Philosophy

Philosophy is the study of systematic inquiry into basic questions, thoughts, and beliefs regarding the human condition. Students will use logic and speculative reasoning to explore for answers and express their understanding of their thoughts and beliefs.

In Philosophy the following questions will be examined:

• Who are the great philosophers and what were their beliefs?
• How does one's philosophy shape their view of the world around them?
• What is the inherent nature of humankind and knowledge?
• What is the relationship between philosophy, religion, and the supernatural?
• What are your beliefs about life and living?
• How is philosophy passed down through time?
• What is ideal behavior?
• How does Eastern philosophy differ from Western philosophy?

Psychology I

Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior from early childhood through old age. Students will explore how an organism's physical state, mental, state, and external environment affect behavior and the mental processes.

Sample topics in Psychology include:

• How people learn, think, feel, and behave.
• Important developmental stages are important in the human life cycle.
• How self concept is developed through: relationships with parents, peers, and culture.
• How brain functions are affected by environmental conditions.

Psychology II

Psychology II continues the study of the human mind and behavior by shifting the focus to the individual. Students will investigate the interactions of an individual with other people, how a person copes with stress, the causes of psychological disorders, and the treatments of these disorders.

Sociology

Sociology is the study of how human behavior is shaped by the groups to which we belong. Students will examine patterns of social life, make predictions about behavior and investigate other cultures. Have you ever thought how your peer group shapes your behavior?

Sample questions in Sociology include:

• What roles do families play?
• What role does money play in creating groups in society?
• How do schools and other social institutions shape human behavior?
• Why do people join gangs?

Twentieth Century American Eras

Twentieth Century American Eras is an in-depth study of specific time periods and themes in U.S. History over this past century. A major goal of this course is to understand how life today is related to previous life experiences. What was so roaring about the 1920's? Why do your grandparents save everything? Have you ever wondered about the fads in the United States like dance, clothing, music, and language?

Sample topics in Twentieth Century American Eras include:

• The Cold War
• The Sixties
• The Roaring Twenties
• The Depression
• The Civil Rights Era

U.S. Military History

U.S. Military History will examine the origin and growth of U.S. Military forces. What are the foreign and military policies of the United States? How have they changed. What have been the causes and results of U.S. wars and conflicts?

Sample topics in U.S. Military History include:

• Leaders and strategies
• Successes and failures
• Allies and enemies
• Women and minorities
• Air, sea, and ground forces

Westward Movement

Westward Movement is a course that studies the frontier history and geography of the United States as a young nation expands from coast to coast. Sample topics in Westward Movement include:

• Native American cultures and histories
• Life on the Kentucky frontier (e.g. Daniel Boone, splitting wood, and salt pork)
• Men and women of the frontier
• Native American and settlers views of each other
• Treatment of Native Americans
• Louisiana Purchase and explorers of the territory
• Texas independence, annexation, and the Alamo
• Cultural diversity in the West
• Gold rushes, cowboys/girls, cattle drives, and cowtowns

Women’s History

Women’s History is a course where students explore current issues of women, their major achievements, and the historical impact women have had on humanity. Have you ever wondered if there is there a history of women? What is the role of men in women’s history?

Sample topics in Women’s History are:

• The changing roles of women and their social, marital, economic, and legal-political status
• The roles of men
• The agendas and accomplishments of selected women leaders
• Issues that affect women (e.g. violence, poverty, education, equal opportunity
• Challenges and legacies of women throughout history

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