Course Descriptions

World History

World History traces the development of civilization from the Neolithic Revolution to the Age of Industrialization. This course includes the study of past civilizations and their influences on modern societies.  The purpose of World History is to develop a greater understanding of how geography along with cultural institutions and beliefs shape the evolution of human societies.

 

United States History I

This course studies the United States from the Age of Exploration through the Civil War.  US History I looks at the very first settlements in America and the dramatic development of the New World.  The course introduces the themes of balance between unity and diversity, the shaping of democracy, the search for opportunity, and the influence of geographical factors through the topics of slavery, revolution, and inalienable human rights.

 

United States History II

United States History II traces how the United States became a modern nation and explores the challenges of modernization and America’s place in the world today.  Students will examine the impact of global conflicts on the United States in World Wars I & II and the Cold War as well as the human struggle for rights and equality through the Great Immigration at the turn of the 20th century, the impact of manufacturing, the creation of unions, the rise of the women’s and civil rights movements.  An in-depth investigation of historical events and periods, the fostering of multicultural awareness, the recognition of ethical, civic, and democratic values present in American history, and the development of a historical perspective in relation to contemporary events represent the major aspects of the course.

 

Economics

This course explores the choices and decisions that people make about how to use the world’s limited resources. The goal of this course is to provide students with knowledge that is strongly established in economic principles so that he or she will be able to differentiate between economic models, understand issues related to global and national economics, gain insight into choices that businesses makes, and learn about the importance of managing personal finances and planning for one’s financial security.

 

 

Sociology

This course will introduce students to the study of humankind's most important creation-- the social group. Sociology is based on the concept that everything that we, as humans, do is either directly or indirectly influenced by the society in which we live. In this course, students will examine the various skills and techniques that sociologists employ when studying groups of people. Students will then examine a wide variety of groups and the behaviors that characterize them.

 

20th Century Civil Liberties

This course is designed to be an in-depth study of social injustice, including slavery, genocide, and present-day racism.  Students will be examining the immediate and enduring consequences of genocide and hatred, especially how they continue to impact the world we live in today.  The course will culminate with a participatory action-research project where students assume a proactive role as citizens in their own communities.

 

20th Century History

Students in 20th Century History study the major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the Renaissance through the present, including the cause and course of the World Wars I & II. They trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues, especially as they pertain to international relations. They extrapolate from the American experience that democratic ideals are often achieved at a high price, remain vulnerable, and are not practiced everywhere in the world.