HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies, the study of man and his institutions, is offered at each grade level in the high school as either elective or required courses. These courses utilize a wide range of school and community resources in teaching students to be effective individuals in our culture, to be thoughtful, responsible, and active participants in our society as well as to develop an appreciation for the distinctiveness of American culture in an increasingly multicultural world.

In the high school six courses are taught in the Social Studies: World Geography (9, 10, 12 grades), World History (9, 10, 12 grades), American History (11 grade-required), Economics (10 grade, one semester course- required), Psychology (one semester course, 11,12 grades), Modern History (12 grade).

World Geography

The goal of this course is to emphasize the five major themes of geography. These themes include location, place, human/environmental interaction, movement and region. Map skills, climate and weather, environmental issues, history and governments, languages, regions, and other cultural characteristics are examined in this course.

World History

This course covers the Ancient World, Middle Ages, Early Modern Times, Modern Europe, Eastern and Middle Eastern Cultures, and 20^th century world conflicts. The approach used to study these topics is based on themes, including religion, communication, conflict and individual leaders.

American History

American History is a survey of the origins and development of this nation’s government, economy, society and culture. This course is especially designed to equip students with the critical-thinking skills that will enable them to make reasoned, objective judgments about historical interpretations, contemporary issues and traditional American values. Community resources are widely used to increase student’s understanding of and appreciation for the impact past events had on their family history.

Modern History

Modern History is a senior elective designed to increase the student’s awareness of 20th century national and international issues confronting the United States today and contemporary world history from 1865-present. During the second semester special attention is given to Modern Europe, the world wars and the Vietnam War. Special activities both semesters include corresponding with United States congressmen and other elected officials, classroom debates and simulations on controversial national and international problems and guest speakers.

Economics

Economics is a class that each child will find beneficial immediately, as well as later in life. Consumer skills are presented and opportunities are given for practice in these skills, hopefully before each student is required to use these skills in real-life. Topics such as check writing, budgeting, savings accounts, the stock market, job applications and resume preparation are covered. Basic economics principles of our market economy are also covered.

Psychology

This course is designed to be practical, interesting and informative. The student will better understand the pressures of life by studying a background of heredity and environmental conditions.