SOCIAL STUDIES

2008-2009

 

Oklahoma History  

Course Number:  5620

Semesters:  1

Grade  Level:  9

Prerequisite:  None

This course integrates the richness of Oklahoma culture with Oklahoma’s unique history, thriving economy, diverse geography, political foundations, and representative government.  Students will explore events from European exploration to the present with emphasis on the influence of that past in molding the present.  Major events and individuals who have shaped Oklahoma’s heritage will be studied using a variety of teaching strategies including critical thinking, projects, simulations, and issue debates.

 

World History I and II

Course Number:  5737 and 5738

Semesters:  2

Grade Level:  10

Prerequisite:  None

This course provides a study of history and cultures from the Renaissance to the Post World War II era.  Geography is integrated to provide the context or time and place to each unit of study.  Emphasis will be placed on general understanding of the development of human societies through the specified ages and across the regions of the world.  Students will study the historic development of world cultures and countries using chronological, geographic, topical, and inquiry approaches.  Students will gain a deeper understanding of current events, international relations, and the increasing interdependence of nations through the study of interrelationships between countries and cultures.  Critical thinking and analysis of political, economic, and social systems will be emphasized

 

World History I and II

CONNECTIONS  

Course Number: 5737 and 5738

Semesters:  2

Grade Level:  10

Prerequisite:  Enrollment in corresponding 10th grade English course

Connections combines the new 10th grade World Civilization and Cultures course into a creative two semester course integrated and teamed with the 10th grade English II course.  Students will explore history with geographic perspectives and will explore fine arts of each historical era.  Social Studies Connections teams with 10th grade English to provide unique opportunities with literature and writing.

 

 

U. S. History 1850-Present 

Course Number:  5425

Semesters:  2

Grade Level:  11

Prerequisite:  None

Students will examine the influences of extraordinary people, the impact of immigration, causes of social and political decisions, and major historical events in United States history.  This course will include a variety of research, exploratory learning, debates, lecture, cause and effect analysis, and critical thinking. The course is designed to meet state and national history, economic, and geography standards.

 

U. S. History AP Exploration to Present  

Course Number:  5424

Semesters:  2

Grade Level:  11

Prerequisite:  Strong interest in and commitment to the program, counselor recommendation

The AP United States History course is a rigorous course that follows the outline recommended by the College Board.  Activities will include practice in analyzing documents and using them in writing essays, guided reading and discussion of various selections, both primary and secondary, pertaining to significant issues and events in U.S. History, and various oral and written activities which enhance students' understanding of major themes in our nation's history.  Students are encouraged to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Exam in U. S. History.

 

Any student wishing to enter the AP program after the first semester must have teacher and counselor recommendation.

 

Government   

Course Number:  5540

Semesters:  1

Grade Level:  12

Prerequisite:  None

This course examines the basic structures of the U.S. government.  The decision-making process in government is emphasized.  Powers inherent to each branch of government are examined through the study of the Constitution of the United States and its amendments and other historical documents and local governing bodies.  Democratic values and citizen participation are stressed throughout the course.  Student participation in the community should be encouraged. 

 

U.S. Government &

Politics AP

Course Number:  5543

Semesters:  1

Grade Level:  12

Prerequisite:  None

AP United States Government & Politics is a rigorous course that follows the outline recommended by the College Board.  Through readings, discussion, and written assignments, students will learn concepts concerning the political process and understandings of the political relationships between people and institutions.  Students are encouraged to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Exam in U. S. Government.

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

ELECTIVES

 

The Cold War – 1945-1990

Course Number:  5732

Semesters:  1

Grade Level:  9, 10

Prerequisite:  None

This course will begin with a study of the world as it was impacted by the emergence of two rival superpowers and the resulting bipolarization of the rest of the world.  The focus will be the efforts of the United States and the Soviet Union to widen their spheres of influence through the use of military forces and economic aid, and the long-term effects of these policies.  Further study will reveal the economic conditions that led to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union and resolution of the Cold War era.  Students will use internet research, group discussions, panels, and debates for learning.

 

Current Events – Causes, Conflicts, and Consequences

Course Number:  5542

Semesters:  1

Grade Level:  9, 10

Prerequisite:  None

This course will follow current world news reports.  Units will include the roots of ongoing world conflicts such as the Arab/Palestinian conflict, Pakistani/Indian relations, Northern Ireland, the former Yugoslavia, former Soviet Republics, and North & South Korea.  Students will look at both sides of issues such as famine and environmental preservation vs. economic progress.  Students will analyze and evaluate the impact and consequences of each conflict.  Methods will include research, panel discussions, debate, and other methods of active learning.

 

Economics

Course Number:  5520

Semesters:  1

Grade Level:  11, 12

Prerequisite:  U.S. History or currently enrolled

Economics is a survey course designed to develop a basic economic vocabulary and a general understanding of fundamental economic concepts with an introduction to various economic systems.  Activities designed to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of economic institutions and principles are emphasized.  Students will discuss current economic events in light of their economic studies.

 

Introduction to Psychology

Course Number:  5640

Semesters:  1

Grade Level:  11, 12

Prerequisite:  None

This course examines the processes of sense perception, response to stimuli, emotions and motivations, personality, human development, mental disorders, and the interaction of the individual with the group.  The course also provides an understanding of the intricacies of the mind and the nervous system, and of the activities of living beings and their interaction with the environment.

 

Psychology AP

Course Number:  5641

Semesters:  1

Grade Level:  11, 12

Prerequisite:  Introduction to Psychology

AP psychology is a rigorous course that follows the outline recommended by the College Board.  This course will include research, readings, discussion, and written assignments leading to an understanding of the basic concepts in psychology including the history and development of the field, research methods, the biological bases of behavior, human development, learning, memory, personality development, states of consciousness and abnormal psychology.  Students are encouraged to take the College Board’s Advanced Placement Exam in Psychology.

 

Sociology

Course Number:  5720

Semesters:  1

Grade Level:  11, 12

Prerequisite:  None

This course encompasses the study of the dynamics of behavior as individuals interact in various social groups.  The study will include fundamental social concepts, group life, social institution, social change, group processes, and societal problems.