Social Studies

American History - Segment 1, Segment 2, and Honors

American history is full of big questions that grab our attention.  In this course, you will look at some of the most profound questions that thoughtful Americans still debate. You will research many important events throughout the history of America. In the process, you will witness the development of America from its first settlers to today's superpower status. Questions about slavery, regulation of business, religious freedom, and how to maintain a stable world order have always been part of the American experiment.  Most of the time, the answers are not so simple, but we want to know what you think.  To develop your personal beliefs, you will use verified sources, including original documents and the writings of people contemporary with the events. Equally important, this course will challenge you to apply your knowledge and perspective of history to interpret the events of today.  The questions raised by history are endlessly fascinating.  We look forward to your participation in the debate. (each segment 0.5 credit)

AP Macroeconomics

You have been called upon to assist the leader of the Macro Islands who is running for reelection next year. The economy is in shambles, and you need to come up with some feasible solutions. This will not only help the people of the Macro Islands but will also ensure a victory for your employer. You were hired over the Internet and received a first class ticket to the Macro Islands where you can learn first hand about the situation. You arrive at Pineapple Airport in the middle of the day and are met by a man with a briefcase who is holding a sign with your name on it. You approach the man and introduce yourself. "I'm Mr. Scarcity," he says. "I'll be your guide as you learn about the economic situation of the islands. You need to learn everything you can about both macroeconomics and our Macro Islands for your presentation to our island leader in May." (Your AP Exam.)

AP Microeconomics

You traveled to the Macro Islands to assist the leader in winning re-election. You came for a job, but you realized as you were working that you loved the islands and wanted to make your home there. Because you are adept at giving economic advice to the leader, you have been appointed as the new President of the Sunny Seas Shell Company. As part of your role in assuming the leadership duties of the company, you will need to brush up on microeconomics. The Board of Directors has appointed Ms. Equilibrium to act as your personal assistant and advisor as you transition into your new role. You will be learning all you can about microeconomics and will be required to exhibit your knowledge in May at the annual Board of Directors' meeting (the AP Exam).

AP United States History - Segment 1 and Segment 2

This challenging course is designed to provide a college-level experience and prepare students for the AP exam in early May. Over two 18 week semesters, the students are engaged in a wide variety of activities, with substantial emphasis on interpreting documents, writing analytical essays, and mastering factual content. Woven into the chronology of the course are the key themes of American History. Issues of American identity, diversity, religion and culture are examined. Economic transformations, the development of politic institutions and reform movements are evaluated. War, slavery, and demographic changes are assessed. Globalization and environmental issues are analyzed. These themes appear consistently in the course as the student journeys through broader course topics such as colonial and antebellum life, civil war and reconstruction, the gilded age and on to modern America. (each segment 0.5 credit)

AP US Government and Politics

"Lights, Camera, Action" ...Prepare to study the intricacies of the American Political Culture. The script is written and the actors participate daily in the drama of American politics. You will be "on location" to delve into primary source documents. You will go behind the scenes with stars such as the President, Congress people, and Supreme Court Justices. You will research the roles of the media, political parties, interest groups, states, candidates, bureaucracy, and the public in the governmental process. Finally, you will witness the large-scale production of policy building in the areas of economic/social policy, foreign policy and public administration. (0.5 credit)

Civics/Government - Segment 1, Segment 2, and Honors

Responsible citizenship means more than just paying taxes.  It means understanding the principles and practices of government.  It also means defining your beliefs as to what good government is.  In this course, you will take on the role of a Washington D.C. intern and spend time working throughout the nation's capital with all three branches of the government- and beyond.  As you progress through the internship you will gain a greater understanding on the history of the country's beginnings, and knowledge of how government functions at the local, state and national levels. The purpose of this course is to help you become an informed and active citizen.  In part, the Declaration of Independence asserts that, "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed."  Make yours an informed consent. (each segment 0.5 credit)

Economics - Segment 1 and Honors

Economic decisions affect us every day of our lives. Understanding economics means thinking about how scarcity, or limited resources, requires us to make choices and evaluate one option against others. In this course, you will recognize examples of economics in your daily life. You will see how the economic choices of larger groups, like businesses and governments, affect you and others. As you progress through the course, you will recognize that the costs and benefits of choices connect individuals and groups around the world. The purpose of this course is to help you become a smart consumer who understands the flow of an economy between individuals, businesses, governments, and the rest of the world. (0.5 credit)

Global Studies - Segment 1 and Segment 2

With more than six billion people in the world today, there are a lot of stories to write about.  Researching and writing these stories will be your assignment as a new reporter for the Global News Network. In this course, all the stories are big stories.  Human rights, the environment, global security, and international economic systems are all part of your beat.  The stories also have real human interest because they deal with peoples' customs, cultures, and how they interact.  Your job will be to research the facts, and present them with clarity and context.   Your job will also involve identifying real global problems, and then suggesting well-developed solutions. This is a course that makes you think.  The stories are current and compelling.  They need to be told, and the right person to tell them is you. (each segment 0.5 credit)

Psychology

What do you feel? How do you behave? What are your thoughts? Feelings, actions and thoughts are closely related and in this Psychology course, you will see how! Do you wonder things like why you learn the way you do, how you forget, and what makes you remember? Are you curious about mental disorders and what traditional and non-traditional therapy is all about?  If experiments and role plays and dream interpretations sound interesting, then this is the class for you! In this course you will learn more about yourself and others including how to break a habit and how to cope with stress. The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the sub-fields within psychology. (0.5 credit)

World History - Segment 1, Segment 2, and Honors

Whether they lived 3,000 years ago or 100 years ago, people are always making history.  It does not matter if they lived in medieval Europe or ancient Egypt, the people who came before us are responsible for nearly all that we have today.  In this course, you will have the job of 'curator' of the Windows of the World Museum. You will be learning about the many wings of the museum and will have the opportunity to speak with your Director about the exhibits. World History gives students the opportunity to visit the past, connect with the present, and look to the future. Join others in the exploration of ancient and modern civilizations, their impact, and their contributions to today's global society. The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand their connections to the development of civilizations by examining the past to prepare for their future as participating members of a global community. Students will use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures, and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, social, and employment settings. (each segment 0.5 credits)