Social Studies

List of 14 items.

• World History

  2 semesters, 1 credit
  Open to 9
  
  

  This is a survey course which focuses on the major events and the most influential people of ancient through modern times. It incorporates political, economic, social, and cultural trends. Current events and geography are also included. 

• Honors World History

  2 semesters, 1 credit
  Open to 9
  Prerequisite: Placement by school personnel Honors
  
  

  Given the enormous scope of world history, in Honors World History an emphasis is placed on two aspects of the history of the Western world. The first are those developments that have so much shaped the experience of the entire globe over the last 500 years. The second are the ideas of the institutions, and cultural

  legacies that have directly influenced American thought, culture, and politics since colonial times. Each of the following meets these criteria:

  • The political, philosophical, and cultural legacies of ancient Greece and Rome.

  • The origins, ideas, moral codes, and institutions of Judaism and of Christianity.

  • Medieval society and institutions; relations with Islam and the evolution of representative government.

  • The culture and ideas of the Renaissance and Reformation, European exploration, the origins of capitalism and colonization.

  • The English Revolution, its ideas, and the practices of parliamentary government, at home and in the colonies.

  • The culture and ideas of the Enlightenment, comprising the scientific revolution of the 17th century.

  • The American and French Revolutions, their sources, results, and world influence.

  • The Industrial Revolution and its social consequences, its impact on politics and culture.

  • The European ideologies of the 19th and 20th centuries and their global influence: liberalism, republicanism, social democracy, Marxism, nationalism, Communism, Fascism, Nazism.

  • The new nineteenth century imperialism, ultimate decolonization, and the consequences of both for colonizers and colonized. The two world wars, their origins and effect, and their global aftermath and significance down to the present day.

• U.S. History

  2 semesters, 1 credit
  Open to 10
  Prerequisite: World History
  
  

  After a review of United States History from the Age of Exploration through the Civil War (1492-1865), this course provides in-depth analysis of the historical events from the late 19th century through the present day. Its chronological and thematic approach explores the evolving American identity, focusing on changes in American

  government, society, culture, geography, and the economy. Through the use of primary and secondary sources students grapple with some of the distinct American tensions between liberty and order, region and nation, individualism and the

  39 common welfare, and between cultural diversity and civic unity. Students practice higher level thinking through the development of historical thinking skills, historical writing skills, and note-taking skills. Students are challenged to apply their understanding to present day issues.

• Honors U.S. History

  2 semesters, 1 credit
  Open to 10, 11
  Prerequisite: “B” or above in Honors World History; “A” in College Prep World History; passing score on a move-up test and teacher recommendation.
  
  

  The honors course in United States History provides the opportunity for advanced work, rigorous academic study, and the practical application of the significant ideas and concepts found in the study of American History. Students continue to develop

  their analytical thinking skills that serve as a basis for evaluating evidence and reach independent conclusions. The course challenges students to engage in critical analysis and application, reflective thinking, and argumentative historical writing. Honors United States History follows the same course of study as the College Preparatory United States History; however, the material is taught with greater complexity and novelty. In addition, Honors United States History students will create a collaborative project that adheres to the rigorous guidelines established by National History Day. This project will require students to spend time outside of class conducting extensive research and engaging in the analysis of historical evidence. 

• AP European History

  2 semesters, 1 credit
  Open to 10, 11, 12
  Prerequisites:

  “A” in Honors World History or “A” in Honors U.S. History

  and “A-“in Honors English; an approved department application.

  For seniors only: “A” in Honors Economics; “A” in college preparatory History classes; “A-“ in Honors English; successful score on a move-up test to be completed during spring of junior year; an approved department application.

  
  The Advanced Placement program in European History is designed to provide students with the basic chronology of major events from the Renaissance to the recent past as preparation for the College Board AP examination. Active participation in  philosophical discussions is expected. Students will be taught to write analytical, thesis-proving essays required of the AP College Board curriculum. 

• AP U.S. History

  2 semesters,1 credit
  Open to 11, 12
  Prerequisites:

  “A” in Honors World History or “A” in Honors U.S. History

  and an “A-“ in Honors U.S. Literature; “B” or above in AP European

  History; an approved department application. For seniors only: “A” in Honors Economics; “A” in college preparatory History classes; “A-“ in Honors English; successful score on a move-up test to be completed during spring of junior year; an approved department

  application.

  
  
  The AP U.S. History course framework is the product of several years of research into current best practices in history education.

  The program of study emphasizes the development of thinking skills used by historians, aligning with contemporary scholarly perspectives on major issues in U.S. History. The course is designed to encourage students to become apprentice historians who are able to use historical facts and evidence in the service of creating deeper conceptual understandings of critical developments in U.S. history. The course includes thematic learning objectives organized into seven major themes  representing major historical understandings that colleges expect AP students to know. The content of the course is organized into nine historical periods that run from the precolonial era to the  present and includes the key concepts, supporting concepts, and historical developments that are required knowledge for each  period. 

• Economics

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 11, 12
  Prerequisite: World History, U.S. History
  
  

  This course will provide students the opportunity to develop an economic way of thinking through the use of intellectual  reasoning, marginal analysis, class discussion, simulations, and self-reflection. Students will study the basic economic principles of micro and macroeconomics, international economics, and be encouraged to make real life connections to classroom content.

• Honors Economics

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 11, 12
  Prerequisites:

  “B” or above in Honors U.S. History, AP European

  History, or AP U.S. History, Or “A” in U.S. History, teacher recommendation and an approved department application that includes a sample economics problem.

  
  This course introduces students to basic economic concepts and principles including scarcity and cost. It also focuses on important Microeconomics topics, including supply and demand, market structures, and cost analysis. The role of the government and the overall health of the economy will be examined in the Macroeconomics unit, as students spend time analyzing the role fiscal and monetary policy play in the United States economy. The class will also touch on International Trade and will challenge students to scrutinize free trade agreements, foreign exchange markets, and the law of comparative advantage. Finally, students will be encouraged to evaluate the role economics plays in their daily lives, including where they go to college and how to save for their future. This class will provide students with an economic framework that enables them to use economic thinking in their daily lives.

• Global Studies

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 11, 12
  
  

  Students will broaden their knowledge of geography and of specific countries and regions of the world currently undergoing significant environmental, political, cultural, social and economic changes. Students will study various issues, from terrorism

  to climate change to human rights, from the perspectives of different countries and diverse stakeholders in order to gain insight into the work of the United Nations and other global alliances. Students will apply their understandings to present day issues.

• Psychology I

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 11, 12
  
  

  Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. Students will study psychology as a social science that merges rigorous science with a broad human perspective. This includes examining the process of inquiry, developing critical thinking skills, and learning facts to support psychological concepts. The course

  also develops an understanding and appreciation of psychological phenomena in our lives as individuals and as part of the larger world community. The survey of topics that promotes this understanding includes: the biology of the mind; nature, nurture and human diversity; human development; human consciousness; motivation; and psychological disorders. Finally, the course develops an awareness of psychology as a mental health  profession with discussion of the various perspectives and  subfields within psychology.
  Note: 10th grade students concurrently enrolled in Honors Social Studies will be considered for this course as space permits.

• Psychology II

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 11, 12
  Prerequisite: Psychology I
  
  

  Building on the foundation in psychology that students gain from the current Psychology I course, Psychology II begins where Psychology I ends. Students will continue to explore the ways in which mental processes influence human behavior and vice versa. They will also have the opportunity to examine the human being in the context of society as a whole; how we think about, influence and relate to one another. Students will study the following topics: sensation and perception; learning; memory; thinking, language and intelligence; personality; emotions, stress and health; therapy; and social psychology. Students will also engage in positive psychology activities. 

• U.S. Government

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 12
  Prerequisite: U.S. History
  
  

  U.S. Government is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy and helps them to identify the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Critical thinking exercises, problem-solving

  activities, and cooperative learning techniques help develop the participatory skills necessary for students to become active, responsible citizens. Students will take part in the We the People program at the non-competitive district level.

  Particular attention is given to:

  • Understanding institutions of America’s constitutional democracy
  • Discovering the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights
  • Recognizing opportunities for active civic engagement
  • Demonstration of students’ knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles  
  • Evaluation and defense of positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues
  • Preparation for the non-competitive congressional hearing

• Honors U.S. Government

  1 semester, 1/2 credit
  Open to 12
  Prerequisite: “B” or above in Honors U.S. History or “B” or above in

  Honors Economics.

  Students who successfully enroll in the course will take part in the We the People: the Citizen & the Constitution curriculum at the non-competitive state level, designed to promote an increased understanding of the institutions of our constitutional

  democracy and the fundamental principles and values on which they were founded; develop the skills needed to become effective and responsible citizens; increase understanding and willingness to use democratic processes when making decisions; and manage conflict, in both public and private life. The course is an honors-level curriculum that will explore U.S Government intensely, with particular attention given to:

  
  

  • Understanding institutions of America’s constitutional democracy
  • Discovering the contemporary relevance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights
  • Recognizing opportunities for active civic engagement
  • Demonstration of students’ knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles
  • Evaluation and defense of positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues
  • Preparation for the non-competitive congressional hearing.

• AP Government and Politics

  2 Semesters, 1 credit
  Open to 12
  

  Prerequisites: “A“ in Honors U.S. History; “A-“ in Honors U.S. Literature, and/or “A-“ in Honors British Literature; Or “B” in AP

  U.S. History (strongly recommended), and/or AP Europe an History; an approved department application.

  
  This course provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will

  complete a required applied civics project. Marian’s project is participation in the Michigan Center for Civic Education We the People Program.

  
  The WE THE PEOPLE component of AP government uses critical thinking exercises, problem-solving activities, and cooperative learning techniques to help develop the participatory skills necessary for students to become active, responsible citizens. Students develop the ability to identify issues that require political action and are encouraged to make a personal commitment to  accept the responsibilities associated with the rights we enjoy as citizens. The culminating activity is a simulated congressional  hearing in which students testify before a panel of judges at the state level. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and have opportunities to evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues. The competition hearings, which take place at the State Capitol in January, provide an excellent means of

  motivating students.