Content: Students may choose American Studies as an option that fulfills the Junior English and U.S. History requirements. This is a writing intensive course that will satisfy graduation requirements. This course combines the disciplines of English and American history and shares the philosophies and methodologies of both. One grade is given for each content area. The students will identify the major ideas and attitudes of the American experience as they are reflected in the history, literature, and culture of the United States. Group work is a significant component of this course.

College Readiness Standards will provide the framework for the English core curriculum of reading and writing workshop, research and the study of grammar and mechanics, information literacy and communication skills. The development of persuasive writing, writing conventions, research skills and competence in test taking strategies will be emphasized. Students will be required to learn academic vocabulary, terminology which is key to support the learning of the literary genres, elements and techniques studied in the course.

Activities: Interdisciplinary projects on thematic topics, which will include presentations, research papers, and creative, writing. Reading assignments in literature and history will be included in daily activities.

Content: A study of present day human behavior relative to past cultural patterns. A comparison of current world cultures is made.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

Content: Students will explore the different vocational fields as they relate to individual interests values, abilities and achievements in order to utilize individual skills toward logical career options. Both short term and long term career opportunities will be investigated.

Activities: Mock interviews, constructing resumes, and discussions about the world of work.

This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SSSB00101/102, SSES00101/102)

Content: Political science is the social science concerned with the question of how people govern themselves and their interaction with their political environment. Civics is a semester course required for graduation offered in the senior year. The course emphasizes the decision making process of American democracy and explores some of our major social problems. Topics examined in depth include national, state, and local government, our political party system, the processes of political behavior, and responsibilities of citizenship. This course is most important to students since they are now able to participate directly in our democracy at age 18. The state-required examination on the Constitution of the United States, Constitution of Illinois, Declaration of Independence, principles of the Australian ballot, and the proper display and respect of the American flag is administered in this course.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio-visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SSSB00201/202, SSES00201/202)

Content: Topics covered will be the same as regular Civics. The breadth and depth of coverage will be greater, thus requiring more challenging materials. Successful completion of Civics is required for graduation.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

Content: International affairs and foreign policy are major areas of concern to the American people. Current World Problems is a semester course for juniors and seniors designed to examine the recent history and origins of some of our most pressing world problems. Major issues of United States foreign policy are investigated with emphasis on developing an interest and understanding of current happenings in the world.

Activities: Opportunity to learn will come from a variety of means which may include assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio-visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

Content: Economics is the social science that concerns itself with the study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Economics is a semester course required for graduation and offered in the senior year. It is designed to familiarize students with basic economic concepts, the American economy, capitalistic system, and the business cycle. The attempt to satisfy man's unlimited wants with limited resources is explored and discussed. Practical study is directed toward understanding consumer problems such as use of credit, savings and investment, insurance, taxation, and money management. A balance is sought between economic theory and consumer-oriented economics to comply with state mandated study of consumer economics.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio-visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SSSB00701/702, SBES00701/702)

Content: Students will gain a thorough understanding of the principles of macroeconomics, which is the branch of economics that applies to the nation’s economic system as a whole. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of national income and price determination. Students will also gain familiarity with international economics and the causes, consequences and cures of inflation and recessions. Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement exam in macroeconomics. A balance is sought between economic theory and consumer-oriented economics to comply with state mandated study of consumer economics.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, and the opportunity to compete in interscholastic economics competitions.

Content: The goals of the Advanced Placement Program in European History are to provide a basic narrative of events and movements of European history since 1450. This advanced placement course will challenge students to think globally and become acquainted with great ideas and writings in Western Civilization. Students will be able to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principle themes in modern European history, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group projects.

Content: International Relations is a semester course for students interested in an overview of America’s role as a world power and investigating major issues confronting the world today. Topics discussed include America’s emergence as a world power in the early 20th century and our role in the 20th century wars. America’s foreign policy since the end of World War II is examined. Part of the course may be devoted to a study of current events and issues.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

Content: Introduction to Law is a semester course open to all grade levels. Since our society is based on law, this course is designed to give students a basic background in and introduce them to the fundamental concepts and procedures of the state and federal legal system. While studying the courts, law enforcement as a career, and the corrections system, students will become familiar with the terminology, concepts, and procedures in the areas of criminal and civil law. Audio-visual aids, speakers, current articles, and role-playing are used to examine the legal system from a social science point of view.

Activities: Opportunity to learn will come from a variety of means which may include assigned readings, lecture, discussions, individual reports, group reports, role playing exercises, audio-visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SSSB01201/1202, SSES01201/1202)

Content: Law II is an in-depth study of the law and knowledge of the U.S. legal system. An integral part of the curriculum will be to implement community involvement. Emphasis will be placed on having critical thinking skills and explaining potential law-related skills.

Activities: Opportunity to learn will come from a variety of means which may include assigned readings, lecture, discussions, individual reports, group reports, role playing exercises, audio-visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

Content: Psychology is the social science concerned with the study of behavior and behavioral change, i.e., why people behave as they do. Introduction to Psychology is a semester course for juniors and seniors who want to better understand themselves and others. A more thorough understanding of the individual's relationship with friends and family is emphasized. Course goals are realized through films, discussion, case studies, and comparisons of behavioral responses.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

Content: Psychology is the social science concerned with the study of behavior and behavioral change. Psychology and Life is a semester college preparatory course for seniors of high academic ability. The course deals with human behavior in a scientific manner seeking to build the vocabulary and concepts essential to understanding the science. A broad range of topics are discussed which include emotions, learning theories, thinking, motivation, personality, and reaction to stress.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

Content:Sociology is the social science that concerns itself with the nature, conditions, and consequences of group interaction. Sociology is a semester course that explores the different ways people interact with one another within a society. Students will investigate the theories that seek to explain why contemporary social problems occur and will be introduced to the methods sociologists employ to improve our understanding of human relationships. Topics of study include the socialization process, institutions, social stratification, and social change. While the course is primarily for juniors and seniors, sophomores may enroll with instructor permission.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

Content: The daily newspaper is the "textbook" for students to study and learn about news making events in politics, sports, and business on the national and international scene. The newspaper, films, a weekly quiz game, and weekly news map aid students in their study of topics that are affecting the world today. Since course content changes with the daily news, a student may repeat the course a second time for credit with the instructor's permission.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

Content: United States History is a two-semester course required for graduation offered in the junior year. The course content concentrates on study of the main topics and events in United States History from the Civil War era to the present with particular emphasis on the 20th century. Should a student fail this course, it must be repeated until passed.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio visual aids, book reports, and research projects.

This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SSSB02200, SSES02200)

Content:An in-depth full scope U.S. History course designed to meet the history requirement and to challenge the more advanced students. Course designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement Test in U.S. History.

Activities: Considerable discussion on U.S. History topics with greater emphasis on reading and writing. Students wishing to pursue the Advanced Placement Exam will be given the opportunity to sit for the test.

Content: Geography is the social science that studies how humans interact with the environment. The World Geography course explores how geography, technology, and climate affect human beings and how various groups have adapted to their environments and produced a variety of cultures around the world. Students will also develop map and globe skills in this course. World Geography 1 will be offered first semester and World Geography 2 will be offered second semester. Students at all grade levels are encouraged to enroll in World Geography.

Activities: Opportunity to learn will come from a variety of means which may include assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio-visual aids, book reports, and research papers.

This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SSSB01901/1902, SSES001901/1902)

Content: History is the social science concerned with the study, recording, and examination of the past activities of human beings. World History is a two- semester course that traces the historical development of major societies from which present day nations have evolved. It examines the roots of each society, its traditions and its adaptation to change. Geographical background is featured and students will learn the basics of historical research. The course seeks to broaden the student's cultural horizons and develop an appreciation and understanding of other ways of life. Students at all grade levels are encouraged to enroll, especially those who are college-bound.

Activities: Assigned readings, lecture, discussion, individual and group reports, audio visual aids, book reports, guest speakers, field trips, and research papers.

This course is offered in the ELL Program in Spanish and Sheltered English instruction, depending on the student’s English level proficiency. (SSSB01700, SSES01700)

Content: The ADVANCED PLACEMENT World History course is designed to challenge students to think globally, thematically, and critically regarding western and nonwestern human experiences from foundations to the modern era.

Activities: Considerable discussion or World History topics with greater emphasis on reading and writing. Students wishing to pursue the Advance Placement Exam will be given the opportunity to take the exam.