Social Studies

Anthropology I: Uncovering Human Mysteries

The aim of anthropology is to use a broad approach to gain an understanding of our past, present and future, and in addition address the problems humans face in biological, social and cultural life. This course will explore the evolution, similarity and diversity of humankind through time. It will look at how we have evolved from a biologically and culturally weak species to one that has the ability to cause catastrophic change. Exciting online video journeys to different areas of the anthropological world are just one of the powerful learning tools utilized in this course. (.5 credit)

 

Anthropology II: More Human Mysteries Uncovered

Anthropology has helped us better understand cultures around the world and through different time period. This course continues the study of global cultures and the ways that humans have made sense of their world. We will examine some of the ways that cultures have understood and gave meaning to different stages of life and death. The course will also examine the creation of art within cultures and examine how cultures evolve and change over time. Finally, we will apply the concepts and insights learned from the study of anthropology to several cultures found in the world today. (.5 credit)

 

Archeology: Detectives of the Past

George Santayana once said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." The field of archeology helps us to better understand the events and societies of the past that have helped to shape our modern world. This course focuses on this techniques, methods, and theories that guide the study of the past. Students will learn how archaeological research is conducted and interpreted, as well as how artifacts are located and preserved. Finally, students will learn about the relationship of material items to culture and what we can learn about past societies from these items. (.5 credit)

 

Criminology: Inside the Criminal Mind

In today's world, crime and deviant behavior rank at or near the top of many people's concerns. In this course, we will study the field of Criminology - the study of crime. We will look at possible explanations for crime from the standpoint of psychological, biological and sociological perspectives, explore the categories and social consequences of crime, and investigate how the criminal justice system handles not only criminals, but also their misdeeds. Why do some individuals commit crimes why others do not?  What aspects in our culture and society promote crime and deviance? Why are different punishments given for the same crime? What factors…from arrest to punishment…help shape the criminal case process? (.5 credit)

 

World History I: The Dawn of Civilization

Why would a man devote years to studying the letters of a long-dead king? Why would a woman spend thousands of hours digging in the mud and ruins of an ancient city? History tells the stories of those who have gone before us…where they traveled, how they lived, their belief systems, and their hopes and dreams. By studying the past, we find out that as one historian has said, "We (truly) are who we have been." (.5 credit)

 

Philosophy: The Big Picture

This course will take you on an exciting adventure that covers more than 2,500 years of history!  Along the way, you'll run into some very strange characters. For example, you'll read about a man who hung out on street corners, barefoot and dirty, pestering everyone he met with questions. You'll learn about another eccentric who climbed inside a stove to think about whether he existed. Despite their odd behavior, these and other philosophers of the Western world are among the most brilliant and influential thinkers of all time. As you learn about these great thinkers, you'll come to see how and where many of the most fundamental ideas of Western Civilization originated. You'll also get a chance to ask yourself some of the same questions these great thinkers pondered. By the time you've "closed the book" on this course, you will better understand yourself and the world around you…from atoms to outer space…and everything in between. (.5 credit)

 

Sociology I: The Study of Human Relationships

The world is becoming more complex. How do your beliefs, values and behavior affect the people around you and the world in which we live?  Students will examine social problems in our increasingly connected world, and learn how human relationships can strongly influence and impact their lives. Exciting online video journeys to an array of areas in the sociological world are an important component of this relevant and engaging course. (.5 credit)

Sociology II: Your Social Life

Sociology is the study of people, social life and society. By developing a "sociological imagination" students will be able to examine how society itself shapes human action and beliefs…and how in turn these factors re-shape society itself! Fascinating online videos journeys will not only inform students, but motivate them to still seek more knowledge on their own. (.5 credit)

 

Law & Order: Introduction to Legal Studies

Every society has laws that its citizens must follow. From traffic laws to regulations on how the government operates, laws help provide society with order and structure. Our lives are guided and regulated by our society's legal expectations. Consumer laws help protect us from faulty goods; criminal laws help to protect society from individuals who harm others; and family law handles the arrangements and issues that arise in areas like divorce and child custody. This course focuses on the creation and application of laws in various areas of society. By understanding the workings of our court system, as well as how laws are actually carried out, we become more informed and responsible citizens in our communities and of our nation. (.5 credit)

 

Personal Psychology I: The Road to Self-Discovery

Self-knowledge is the key to self-improvement! More than 800,000 high school students take psychology classes each year. Among the different reasons, there is usually the common theme of self discovery! Sample topics include the study of infancy, childhood, adolescence, perception and states of consciousness. Amazing online psychology experiments dealing with our own personal behavior are featured within this course. (.5 credit)

 

Personal Psychology II: Living in a Complex World

Enrich the quality of your life by learning to understand the actions of others! Topics include the study of memory, intelligence, emotion, health, stress and personality. This courses features exciting online psychology experiments involving the world around us. (.5 credit)

 

Social Problems I: A World in Crisis

Students will become aware of the challenges faced by social groups, as well as learn about the complex relationship among societies, governments and the individual.  Each unit is focused on a particular area of concern, often within a global context. Possible solutions at both the structural level as well as that of the individual will be examined. Students will not only learn more about how social problems affect them personally, but begin to develop the skills necessary to help make a difference in their own lives and communities, not to mention globally. (.5 credit)

Social Problems II: Crisis, Conflicts & Challenges

The Social Problems II course continues to examine timely social issues affecting individuals and societies around the globe. Students learn about the overall structure of the social problem as well as how it impacts their lives. Each unit focuses on a particular social problem, including racial discrimination, drug abuse, the loss of community, and urban sprawl, and discusses possible solutions at both individual and structural levels. For each issue, students examine the connections in the global arena involving societies, governments and the individual. (.5 credit)

 

World History II: Wars and Revolution

War. Economic depression. Genocide. Ethnic cleansing. Human history is filled with devastating tragedies. What causes these horrors? How do they begin? Most important, how can we use what we have learned about these tragedies of the past to ensure that they don't happen again? (.5 credit)

 

World Religions: Exploring Diversity

Throughout the ages, religions from around the world have shaped the political, social, and cultural aspects of societies. This course focuses on the major religions that have played a role in human history, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, and Taoism. Students will trace the major developments in these religions and explore their relationships with social institutions and culture. The course will also discuss some of the similarities and differences among the major religions and examine the connections and influences they have. (.5 credit)