Social Studies

 

#114 American History - Between the Wars (1861-1945)                                    1 year                        1 unit

NOTE: This course is a freshman requirement

Students will examine, in-depth, United States History starting with the war, which helped define us as  a people, the American Civil War, and ending with a war that trust the United States into a modern day world leadership role, WWII. Students will study the major themes which dominated the time periods between the wars. This course will develop students' critical thinking and writing skills.

 

#215 U.S. History (1945-Present)                                                                        1 Year                    1 Unit

NOTE: This course is a sophomore requirement.

This course will study in-depth the time period of the post WWII era to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on developing the student's critical thinking skills. Students will be able to better understand how the historical events of this time period helped to shape and develop the country we will in today. By better understanding out country's history, students will be come more responsible students.

 

#216 Introduction to History and Use of TV/Video Technology                        1 Semester                1/2 Unit

Open to Freshman, Sophomores, juniors, and seniors

NOTE: This course will be a required prerequisite for #313- Visual Art of TV Production of School News.

This course will introduce students to the operation of television equipment and the various parts of television studio productions. Electronic newsgathering techniques will be taught and students will learn how to create their own video productions. Students are expected to attend (1) one after-school activity for filming and broadcasting purposes. Class size is restricted and preference will be given to students in descending order starting with seniors. 

 

# 314 Advanced History and Use of TV and Video Technology                 1 Semester                        1/2 unit

PREREQUISITE: Completion of Introduction to the #216-History & Use of TV/Video Technology and #313-TV Production of School News or approval of instructor.

This course to further develop students' understanding the history and use of advanced post-production video techniques. Students will be able to create a video yearbook for the school. Students are expected to attend two (2) after-school activities for filming and producing purposes as assigned by instructor.

 

#315 Psychology 

PREREQUISITE: Open to Juniors and Seniors Only                                                    1 Semester                 1/2 unit

The purpose of this course is to explore factors that influence the way we behave and to gain knowledge of the various methods psychologists use to study behavior scientifically. Topics include the biological determinants of behavior with an emphasis on the function of the brain, the effects of heredity and environment on behavior, levels of consciousness including sleep and dreams, behavioral difference between the genders, and abnormal behavior. Conflict management and drug abuse are also topics of discussion. 

 

#316 Economics

PREREQUISITE: Seniors required course

This course will emphasize analysis of dates relative to efficient use of economic resources. It is designed to help students understand and value the free enterprise system, make intelligent economic decisions as citizens in a democratic society, and analyze economic principles pertinent to survival in an industrial and information-orientated economy. 

 

#317 American Government

PREREQUISITE: Juniors required course

American Government will give emphasis to a study of the U.S. Constitution and those branched of the national government. Attention will be given to the election process as it pertains to the nation, state, and local levels of government. A research paper will be due during the semester.

 

#315 Advanced Placement American History

PREREQUISITE: #114 American History and #215 U.S. History

Open to Juniors and Seniors

The advanced placement program in American History is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in American History. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to asses historical material, their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability and importance, and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. This is an excellent opportunity for a serious history student to earn college credit or at least create some continuity entering college. Unless the teacher advises otherwise, it is expected that each student take the Advanced Placement Test. (Cost is approximately $25.)