Social Studies Department
We believe that in order to be successful in today's democratic society, students need knowledge and skills in the areas of geography, history, politics, and economics, as well as the social and cultural aspects of our global community. Our tightly knit Social Studies faculty is committed to providing this to our students.
Key
Mater Dei Graduation Requirement
Elective
Core 40 Required
Academic Honors Required
NCAA Approved
1542 U.S. HISTORY/CAP USI



Grade 11
Two Semesters, 2 Credits
United States History emphasizes national development and builds upon concepts developed in previous studies of American history. Students in this course identify and review significant events, figures and movements in the early development of the nation, then gives major emphasis to the interaction of historical events and geographic, social and economic influences on national development.
A chronological, topic and comparative approach may be used in developing themes from America's past as they relate to life in Indiana and the United States today. Students will demonstrate the ability to trace and analyze chronological periods and examine the relationships of significant themes and concepts in United States history. Students will learn to sequence historical events, examine cause and effect, identify different perspectives, and elate historical situations to current issues.
Students will develop inquiry skills by gathering and organizing information from a primary source material and a variety of historical and contemporary sources. Other topics will include the importance of cultural pluralism and diversity of opinion in American society. Students will learn to exercise their skills as citizens in a democratic society by engaging in problem-solving and civic decisions making in the classroom, school and community setting.
1532 PSYCHOLOGY/DUAL COLLEGE CREDIT IVY TECH




Grade 11-12
One Semester, 1 Credit
Psychology provides students an opportunity to student individual and social psychology and how the knowledge and methods of psychologists are applied to the solution of human problems. Content for the course includes some insights into behavior patterns and adjustments to social environments.
The course will help students develop critical attitudes toward superficial generalizations about human beings, respect for the difficulty of establishing the truth of a proposition, and a heightened sensitivity to the feelings of others.
1546 SPECIAL TOPICS - SOCIOLOGY




Grade 11-12
One Semester, 1 Credit
Sociology provides opportunities for students to study group behavior and basic human institutions. Broad areas of content include the study of institutions found in all societies and may involve:
- the family
- Religion
- community organizations
- political and social groups
- leisure time organizations
Moral values, traditions, folkways, the mobility of people, and other factors in society which influence group behavior may also be included in the study of Sociology.
1540 U.S. GOVERNMENT



Grade 12
One Semester, 1 Credit
This course helps students understand the nature and importance of responsible civic participation and for learning the rights and responsibilities of individuals in a constitutional democracy like the United States. U.S. Government enables students to explore the historical origins and evolution of political philosophies into contemporary political and legal systems.
Constitutional structure and the processes of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the national, state and local government are examined. Students will learn to draw conclusions about the relationships between history, geography and economics upon our system of government.
Students will learn to gather data from primary and secondary resources and use current technology to access information. Students will have opportunities to take, defend and evaluate positions on current issues that impact political decision making and explore their ability to influence policies and decisions as individuals and in groups.
4558 GLOBAL ECONOMICS




Grade 12
One Semester, 1 Credit
Global Economics provides students with a basic understanding of their role in the economy. In order to pursue their interests as consumers and producers in domestic and global economies, students will develop an awareness of economic concepts.
This course will enable students to understand how the system operates while comprehending their role in the system. Students will deal with public policy, the effect of international economies, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and comparing economic systems, and certain economic measures. Instructional strategies may include development of a school-based enterprise, case studies, computer/ technology applications, field trips, guest speakers, and job shadowing
1564 MACROECONOMICS, ADVANCED PLACEMENT




Grade 12
One Semester, 1 Credit
Macroeconomics, Advanced Placement is a course based on the content established by the College Board. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determinations, and also develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics.
Topics include:
- Basic economic concepts
- measurement of economic growth
- national income and price determination
- economic growth
- international finance, exchange rates, and balance of payments
1548 WORLD HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION



Grades 9-10
Two Semesters, 2 Credits
World History emphasizes events and developments in the past that greatly affected large numbers of people across broad areas of the earth and significantly influenced peoples and places in subsequent eras. Some key events and developments pertain to particular people and places, while others involve interactions and exchanges between various people and places.
The content of this course provides a basis for students to compare and analyze patterns of culture, emphasizing both the diversity and commonality of human experience and behavior. Students will practice skills and process of historical thinking and inquiry that involve chronological thinking, comprehension, analysis and interpretation, research, issues analysis, and decision making.
1548 WORLD HISTORY, ADVANCED PLACEMENT



Grade 10
Two Semesters, 2 Credits
Prerequisite: World History
World History, Advanced Placement is a course that provides students with the content established by the College Board. The course will have a chronological frame from the periods 8000 B.C.E. to the present.
AP World History focuses on five overarching themes:
- Interaction between Humans and the Environment
- Development and Interaction of Cultures
- State-Building
- Expansion and Conflict
- Creation
- Expansion and Interaction of Economic Systems Development
- Transformation of Social Structures
This course is recommended for sophomores and meets the Social Studies graduation requirement for World History and Civilization or Geography and History of the World.
1546 GEOGRAPHY AND THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD




Grades 9-10
Two Semesters, 2 Credits
Students will develop and use the six elements of geography to better understand current events and issues facing the world today:
- The World in Spatial Terms
- Places and Regions
- Physical Systems
- Human Systems
- Environment and Society
- Use of Geography.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of these elements of Geography in the context of World History.
1556 EUROPEAN HISTORY, ADVANCED PLACEMENT




Grades 11-12
Two Semesters, 2 Credits
European History, Advanced Placement is a course based on content established by the College Board.
Topics include:
- Intellectual and cultural history
- Political and diplomatic history
- Goals of AP European History are to develop:
- An understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history
- An ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation
- An ability to express historical understanding in writing