SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

WESTERN CIVILIZATION | WORLD GEOGRAPHY | CONSUMER EDUCATION |
AMERICAN HISTORY
| ADVANCED AMERICAN HISTORY | SOCIOLOGY |
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
| AMERICAN GOVERNMENT | CURRENT EVENTS
WESTERN CIVILIZATION
OPEN TO GRADES: 9, 10
PREREQUISITES: None
LENGTH OF COURSE: 1 semester/or 1 year
CREDIT: ½ credit each semester/Elective
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The students will study the people of ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, showing how they laid the groundwork for our society. Next they survey the development of European society through the Renaissance, Reformation, and discovery of the New World. Finally they analyze the political and social turmoil that created the modern world we live in.

 

 

WORLD GEOGRAPHY
OPEN TO GRADES: 9, 10
PREREQUISITES: None
LENGTH OF COURSE: 1 semester
CREDIT: ½ credit/Elective
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Focus will be given to the social science aspects of Latin America, Canada, Western Europe, and East Asia. Some recent history of these areas is included.
 

 

CONSUMER EDUCATION
OPEN TO GRADES: 10 - 12
PREREQUISITES: None
LENGTH OF COURSE: 1 semester
CREDIT: ½ credit (meets state requirement for Consumer Education)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course covers such topics as budgeting, risk management, employment, investment, and taxation..
 

 

AMERICAN HISTORY
OPEN TO GRADES: 11
PREREQUISITES: Junior Standing
LENGTH OF COURSE: 1 year
CREDIT: 1 credit/ Required
COURSE DESCRIPTION: American documents and Supreme Court cases are chronologically integrated into the course and an occasional film is used. Class discussion, current events, and all basic social studies skills, including vocabulary, are an integral part of this course.

 

 

AP AMERICAN HISTORY
OPEN TO GRADES: 11
PREREQUISITES: Strong academic background
LENGTH OF COURSE: 1 semester
CREDIT: 1 credit (elective that meets American History Requirement) Weighted
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The AP American History class is a college level survey course of American social, economic, and political history from the time of the earliest inhabitants to the present.There is a heavy emphasis on writing skills, the use of computers, and group responsibility.

The grades in the class are weighted for this one credit (full year) course. In May, students have the opportunity to take an advanced placement exam to earn college credit. Students are also eligible to earn duel credits from Lincoln Land Community College.


 

 

SOCIOLOGY
OPEN TO GRADES: 11 & 12
PREREQUISITES: None
LENGTH OF COURSE: 1 semester
CREDIT: ½ credit/Elective
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course explains how we behave in gropus and how group interaction shapes our behavior. It also takes a look into social institutions, social disorganization, the value system, and the influence these have on our lives. Filmstrips, films and outside speakers will be an essential part of this course.
 

 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE
OPEN TO GRADES: 11 & 12
PREREQUISITES: None
LENGTH OF COURSE: 1 semester
CREDIT: ½ credit/Elective
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will examine such topics as the causes of crime, law enforcement procedures, criminal trials, the juvenile justice system, and the correctional system. Students will explore current issues in criminal justice including racism in the justice system, vigilantism, and possible reforms for making the criminal justice system more fair.
 

 

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
OPEN TO GRADES: 12
PREREQUISITES: Senior Standing
LENGTH OF COURSE: 1 semester
CREDIT: ½ credit/Required
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Topics studied include Foundations of U.S. Government, Congress and the lawmaking process, the Presidency, the federal courts and the judicial process, and the citizenship rights and responsibilites. The Illinois Constitution is studied as a separate unit. A community service requirement is a part of the course grade.


 

 

CURRENT EVENTS
OPEN TO GRADES: 12
PREREQUISITES: Department recommendation
LENGTH OF COURSE: 1 semester
CREDIT: ½ credit/Elective
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Analysis of current events and trends addressing political, social and economic systems in the United States and abroad.

 

Last Updated: February 21, 2008