2007- 08 CALENDAR

CANCELLATIONS

DAILY BULLETIN

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SOCIAL STUDIES

Two credits in Social studies are required for graduation. Students must take an American history course (1 credit) and a civics course (1/2 credit) to meet the state requirements for graduation.

1800 CIVICS (Grades 9-10; 1 semester; ½ credit)
Civics will provide the student with a basic understanding of how American government on the federal, state, and local level is organized, how the institutions function, and what government officials do. This course is designed to provide the student with the education necessary to become an informed participant in the civic affairs of their community.
Prerequisite: None

1801 GEOGRAPHY (Grades 9-10; 1 semester; ½ credit)
Geography is the study of the earth as well as the people who inhabit it. This course will help students review and develop map, globe, and interpretive skills used in the study of geography. Students will also become familiar with the five basic themes in geography: location, place, relationships within places, movement across the earth’s surface, and regions. These themes will be applied to a study of the United States and selected regions of the world.
Prerequisite: None

1802 ECONOMICS (Grade 11-12; 1 semester; ½ credit)
Economics is a course designed for college bound students seeking potential degrees in business, marketing, or economics. The course focus is macroeconomics with emphasis on the following: introductory economic concepts, comparative economic systems, principles of a pure market system, supply and demand, national accounting, and foreign trade. Economic tools such as charts, curves, and graphs are taught and used in understanding economic theory.
Prerequisite: None

1803 WORLD HISTORY (Grade 9-10; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
The objective of this course is to help students understand and appreciate the roots, development and nature of American-Western civilization as well as other civilizations and cultural tradition of the world, namely those of Asia and Africa. This course will help the student come to a better understanding of the world around him/her and enable them to comprehend contemporary problems within a global or international frame of reference. They in turn will help our students prepare for the future. Note taking skills are emphasized.
Prerequisite: None

1804 AMERICAN HISTORY (Grade 11; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
This course traces the general development of the U.S. from the Age of Exploration to the 20th century. Areas emphasized will be Age of Exploration, Revolutionary Period, Civil War, development of the West, World Wars I and II, the Twenties and Depression, and post World War II America.
Prerequisite: None – but class emphasizes reading/note taking skills

1805 UNITED STATES HISTORY (Grade 11; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
The purpose of this course is to develop an appreciation of American history. The content selected for this purpose includes a great deal of social history. This course is designed for those students who may have difficulty with the content and pace of the American History course. Emphasis is placed on note taking, reading, and writing skills.
Prerequisite: Signature of current English teacher

1806 PRACTICAL POLITICS IN MISSOURI (Grades 10-12; 1 semester; ½ credit)
In this class, we will take an examination of the governmental processes that are used throughout the U.S., Missouri, and county/city governments. In our exanimation, we will study the ever hanging political process that is the lubricant for the government. Information will be gained from lecture, speakers, and projects. No textbook is used for this class; however, there will be some reading material supplied. Special attention will be paid to the geography of the U.S., Missouri and current affairs that influence the politics of the U.S. and the local area. Usually offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisite: None

1807 THE AMERICAN WEST (Grade 12; 1 semester; ½ credit)
A detailed study of the conquest of and taming of America’s last frontier as seen through the eyes of both whites and Indians. Emphasis will be placed upon the Indian culture, military campaigns, the outlaw groups, gun fighters, and the farmer-pioneer.
Prerequisite: None—but class requires good reading/note taking skills.

1808 AMERICA’S 20TH CENTURY WARS (Grade 12; 1 semester; ½ credit)
This course will study America’s involvement in World Wars I and II and Korea. Emphasis will be on military and political planning and their effect on America.
Prerequisite: None but course requires good reading/note taking skills

1809 PSYCHOLOGY I (Grade 12; 1 semester; ½ credit)
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. In this course, we explore the areas of memory, learning, motivation, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, altered states of consciousness, and child development. Emphasis is placed on the scientific nature of psychology as well as its personal applications. In order to understand the full range of psychological study, it is strongly suggested that Psychology I be followed by Psychology II.
Prerequisite: None

1810 PSYCHOLOGY II (Grade 12; 1 semester; ½ credit)
We continue our study of behavior and mental processes in this course through the areas of adolescent and adult development, personality theories, psychological testing, social psychology, adjustment and breakdown, and human relations. Emphasis is again placed on the scientific nature of psychology as well as its personal applications.
Prerequisite: Psychology I or the consent of the instructor

1811 ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN HISTORY (Grade 11; 2 semesters; 1 credit)
This course is designed to provide advanced students with the skills and knowledge necessary to explore the issues and problems of American history. Upon completion of this course, students will be given the opportunity to take an exam for college credit and/or placement. Because the course is taught at a level equivalent to a freshman college survey course, strong reading and writing skills as well as a high level of self-discipline and motivation are essential. The course will follow a chronological study of American history from the early colonial period to the present. Emphasis will be on exposing students to a wide variety of historical material and interpretations in order to provide students with the following skills: to think critically and to write clearly; to read, analyze, and use primary and secondary sources; to form and test thoughtful hypotheses.
Prerequisite: Rank in the top 20% of the sophomore class and AP History teacher’s signature. Counselor recommendation will also be considered.

1812 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (Grade 12; 1 semester; 1/2 credit)
American government is the study of the national government of the United States, the Bill of Rights, the American Political Parties system, the interaction of the national government with state and loca government, and a very brief study of major world government. Students who consider taking this class should be prepared to read several books during the course of the semester. Grades will be based on exams (2 per quarter), book reports, video study, and research paper. Dual-credit will be available.