Social Studies Department

 

American Government: 

American Government is a course designed to show students the practical side of our government and how it affects them in their daily lives.  The course will cover the U.S. Constitution, the three branches of government, foreign policy, comparative governments, and economics.  The course will also discuss, but will not be limited to, geography, current events, state and local issues, as well as the rights and responsibilities of being a productive citizen.

American/Integrated History:

This course is designed to allow the student to travel through America’s history beginning with the middle of the 19th Century and continuing through the present.  Students will have the opportunity to research and learn topics such as the rise of American labor and the Industrial Revolution.  Students will have the opportunity to explore each decade and relate how the events of the past have shaped and influenced our lives today.  Topics will include, but not be limited to, the world wars, the Great Depression and New Deal, America’s overseas influence, and how America’s involvement in today’s global society affects our daily lives.

History: Facts, Fiction and Fabrications:

Through the use of modern cinematic productions, students will critically assess historical events, policies and legislations.  Focus will not only be on major historical events but unknown individual encounters with human rights and personal sovereignty.  Through the use of media and technology students will learn to distinguish the difference between historical facts and fiction.  The class will give students the opportunity to discuss and discern primary and credible sources of information.  The course will move chronologically from ancient society to modern dilemmas in today’s global world. 

Contemporary Issues

Contemporary Issues is a class designed to give students an understanding of how current issues in world affairs have an impact on our lives in an increasingly interdependent world. Students will research events taking place in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America as well as the United States and relate how those events affect us in our daily lives. Topics of discussion and research include, but are not limited to, foreign policy, education, medicine, politics, environmental issues, military actions and the economy. Students will also be responsible for completing and presenting a project on an area that they have researched and want to study more in depth.