SOCIAL STUDIES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
214 Civics - Fundamental - Grade 9 (0.5 credit)
This course is an introduction to the social sciences with emphasis on the Missouri and U. S. Constitutions, state and federal government, U. S. Court systems, and U. S. foreign policy done at a modified pace. The skills of finding, comprehending, organizing, evaluating, and communicating information are taught. Students learn the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their responsibilities and protect their rights as citizens of a free society.
215 Civics - Grade 9 (0.5 credit)
This course is an introduction to the social sciences with emphasis on the Missouri and U. S. Constitutions, state and federal government, U. S. Court systems, and U. S. foreign policy. The skills of finding, comprehending, organizing, evaluating, and communicating information are taught. Students learn the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their responsibilities and protect their rights as citizens of a free society.
216 Honors Civics - Grade 9 (0.5 weight) (0.5 credit)
This course is an in-depth study of our national, state, and local governments. The U.S. and Missouri Constitutions are covered in detail. Other topics include foreign policy, and world problems. A research paper and an additional class project are required. Students are expected to learn the knowledge and skills concerning U.S. citizenship. Prerequisites: 90th percentile in reading on the ITBS and A/B’s in reading.
218 Geography and World Cultures - Grade 9 (0.5 credit)
This is a survey course which covers the basic concepts of physical and cultural geography. A major objective of this course is to develop student understanding of a multicultural world; to appreciate the influence of geography on the culture, economics, and way of life in the diverse regions of the world. Students will develop skills in organizing materials, processing information and communicating findings.
221 World History - Fundamental - Grade 10 (1 credit)
This course is a study of Western civilization, heritage, and culture with emphasis on continuity and causality done at a modified pace. Emphasis is placed on building a student’s awareness of the increasing interdependence of the world’s peoples, cultures, and nations.
222 World History - Grade 10 (1 credit)
This course is a study of Western civilization, heritage, and culture with emphasis on continuity and causality. Emphasis is placed on building a student’s awareness of the increasing interdependence of the world’s peoples, cultures, and nations.
223 Honors World History - Grade 10 (0.5 weight) (1 credit)
This course is a study of world history with a global approach. A major theme is the interaction between historical civilizations. This course requires intensive reading and analysis. Essay writing is integrated into the course and good writing skills are essential for success. Prerequisite: Composite of 90th percentile on EXPLORE in reading and approval from current Social Studies teacher only.
231 U. S. History - Fundamental - Grade 11 (1 credit)
This is a survey course of United States history from the American Revolution to the present at a modified pace. Various social, economic, geographical, and political developments that have shaped our country’s history and culture will be examined. Students will use the text and selected readings to view the events and institutions of our history.
232 U. S. History - Grade 11 (1 credit)
This is a survey course of United States history from the American Revolution to the present. Various social, economic, geographical, and political developments that have shaped our country’s history and culture will be examined. Students will use the text and selected readings to view the events and institutions of our history.
236 *Honors U. S. History - Grade 11 (1.0 weight) (1 credit)
This course is an in-depth study of the social, economic, and political development of the United States. Through the use of the text, readings, and papers; students view and interpret events and institutions in U.S. history for their impact on our history and culture. College credit is available for this course and it should be taken with this purpose in mind. Prerequisite: 90th percentile in reading on the PLAN and A/B in 223.
237 Psychology - Grades 11, 12 (0.5 credit)
This course deals with human behavior and the various theories that propose to explain it. Students learn about the behavior of human nature in general, but much insight is gained into their own pattern of behavior. Subjects, such as personality development, abnormal behavior, therapy, intelligence, family patterns, and many other topics dealing with human interaction and self understanding, are discussed.
238 Sociology - Grades 11, 12 (0.5 credit)
Sociology is the study of the society in which we live. Students become familiar with various theoretical approaches to society, that is, to view society from differing perspectives and not merely as we perceive it. We study social behavior, social interaction and relationships, discrimination, social roles, social changes, and a variety of topics which help explain how our society functions.
239 Contemporary Issues - Grades 11, 12 (0.5 credit)
The course is intended to give background to both world and American issues. Using current news stories, students will work on political, social, economic, and foreign policy problems.
241 Economics - Grades 11, 12 (0.5 credit)
This course will examine economics with a mixture of theory and practical application. The topics to be discussed include free enterprise, money and banking, inflation, and the role of government in the economy.
244*Honors American Government - Grade 12 (1.0 weight) (0.5 credit)
The course is an in-depth study of American government and our role in it. Topics covered include: Origins of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the election process, the Presidency, Congress and how it works, and our judicial system. Through the use of the text, readings, and papers, students analyze our government and interpret its effectiveness. College credit is available for this course and it should be taken with this purpose in mind. Prerequisite: 90th percentile on the PLAN and A/B in 236.