Social Studies

Social Studies		xx
Modern World History 1.0 credit		This course is the study of civilizations and historical figures that have influenced the world from the 15th century through the 20th century.  Emphasis is placed on the social and political changes, movements, events and related geographical relationships that have influenced western culture.  The following underlying themes will be a focus of the course:  Art and Literature, Continuity and Change, Diversity, Economics and Technology, Geography, Global Interaction, Impact of the Individual, Political and Social Systems, and Religion and Value Systems.
United States History 1.0 credit		This course covers U.S. history chronologically from colonial times through World War II.  The course provides for an in-depth analysis of key events, peoples, and issues in U.S. history.  Special emphasis is placed on basic ideas and skills such as cause and effect relationships, multiple causation of events, geography (map skills), as it applies to the "changing face of America" from the 18th century to the 21st century, and a development of time perspective.
Recent American History 0.5 credit		This course is a continuation of required sophomore course 923-U.S. History.  This course concentrates on the dynamic forces that have shaped our lives in recent times from the growth of government, the domination of the U.S. in world affairs, to the civil rights movement, and current and emerging issues that will affect our lives.  This course helps students recognize the nature and reality of change and continuity as forces in our society.  It also helps them live through a cultural and geographical understanding of the areas impacted by our foreign policy.
American Government 0.5 credit		This course presents an overview of government throughout the study of the United States Constitution and the federal system of government.  As students learn the lawmaking process as well as the interpretive nature of the Constitution, they gain insight into the ability of our system to adjust to changing times.  The structure and the relationship between the national and state government is studied along with the role and function of political parties and the election process.
United States Foreign Policy I 0.5 credit		This course is structured to provide the student with an in-depth and comprehensive study of our diplomatic history.  As an introduction to U.S. Foreign Policy, the course describes the factors, forces, functions and the people who determine our policy.  The course focuses on the principle themes and major events from the colonial period to 1945.  The students learn concepts and theories, acquire a sense of global perspectives with emphasis on geography skills, as well as comparative analysis and practical applications that are relevant to an understanding of U.S. Foreign Policy today.
United States Foreign Policy II 0.5 credit		This course is a continuation of Course 947-American Foreign Policy I.  It is recommended that the student have had Course 947 but is not necessary.  The course focuses on the principle themes and events from the post-World War II period of the Cold War, through the Viet Nam era to the post-Cold War Era of the 1980's and 90's.  With the beginning of the 21st Century, there appears to be a reexamination, reassessment, and re-evaluation of the objectives of U.S. Foreign Policy.  A continued emphasis is placed on understanding the geography of the regions of Central and South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and Asia.
Sociology 0.5 credit		This course focuses on a study of American society and social behavior.  It offers useful insights for the student to understand self and the society in which he/she lives.  Because of being a part of society, the student already has a great deal of sociological experience.  A study of the structure of society and the institutions and issues in American Society provides the student with new ways to look at these experiences.  As a greater understanding of social behavior is developed, the student can apply the knowledge to enrich his/her personal life.  This course helps the student develop a more realistic and responsible attitude toward society and the world in which he/she lives.
Introduction to Psychology 0.5 credit		Psychology is the study of human behavior.  The course will introduce the discipline of psychology and its various theories and theorists.  How psychology applies to the student's lives, now and in the future, is a primary emphasis.  In addition the course will focus on development, perception, learning, emotions, motivation, mental health and individual and group behaviors.