Social Studies Department
Students are required to complete 3 units of social studies, which must include 0.5 credits of world history, 1 credit of U.S. history, and 0.5 credits of American government. In addition, they must complete instruction in Personal Finance, either through an online course or within 0.5 credits of Economics.
4101 Modern World Studies
4201 U.S. History
4251 AP U.S. History
4301 American Government
4351 AP American Government
4331 Economics
4321 Psychology
4425 AP Psychology
4341 Geography
4381 Ancient Civilizations
4481 AP European History
4101 Modern World Studies
Credit: 0.5
This is a one-semester course for Freshmen that covers world history from the European Enlightenment through World War II. The course includes events such as the American and French Revolution, the Latin American wars of Independence, Industrialization, Imperialism, World War I, exploitation of African resources, the Russian revolution, the Chinese Communist Revolution and World War II. In addition to history the course will use various perspectives including geography, economics, government, and the behavior of people and societies.
4201 U.S. History
Credit: 1.0
This course is a thematic exploration of our nation's heritage and constitutional formation from the age of exploration to modern times. Emphasis will be on the impact of political events, development of governmental and other social institutions, and technological and social changes.
4251 AP U.S. History
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: An “A” average in Modern World Studies and score on the AP U.S. History Competitive Test.
The Advanced Placement course offers sophomores a college-level survey in American History. Students will study the chronological events and major themes in the development of the United States. Examination of primary and secondary sources will help students develop both their analytical and composition skills and prepare them for the AP exam.
4301 American Government
Credit: 0.5
A one-semester survey of the U.S. National government. Topics include constitutional history, federalism, congress, the Presidency, political parties, voting behavior, electoral procedures, and personal rights and freedoms.
4351 AP U.S. Government and Politics
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: An A average in U.S. History or “B” average or above in AP US History and the recommendation of the current instructor.
Students are encouraged to take the AP exam for college credit. Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics focuses on American politics and is equivalent to an introductory college course in political science. The constitution will be studied, as well as the political beliefs and behaviors that have shaped America. Governmental relationships will be explored and he conflicts between community values and individual liberties will be investigated.
4331 Economics
Credit: 0.5
This course explores the fundamentals that guide individuals and nations as they make choices about how to use limited resources to satisfy their wants. More specifically, it examines many core topics in economics such as supply, demand, and price as they relate to making economic decisions. The class will also explore the various business organizations and the role of government taxation and government spending as it impacts a free market structure. The course includes instruction in personal finance to meet Ohio graduation requirements.
4321 Psychology
Credit: 0.5
This course delves into the human psyche by studying the nature of how we think, behave, and perceive the world around us. Topics include perception, human memory, human development, psychological disorders, stress, emotion, sexuality, and personality. The course will emphasize a variety of psychological perspectives, including cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, biological and psycho-dynamic.
4425 AP Psychology
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: An “A” average or above in previous social studies classes or a “B” average in previous AP social studies classes and recommendation of the current instructor.
This advanced placement course offers Juniors and Seniors a college-level survey in Psychology. The course surveys the major topics of psychology, including the history of the field, neuroscience, behavioral genetics, sensation and perception, cognition (memory, intelligence, and language), motivation and emotion, states of consciousness, learning, development, personality, research methods, social dynamics, psychological disorders, and therapeutic methods. Students are expected to take the AP exam upon completion of this course.
4341 Geography
Credit: 0.5
This course is designed to teach students about the countries and geographic figures that shape our world. A number of countries from each of the seven continents will be analyzed from a variety of angles. Nations will be analyzed from a physical, social, cultural perspective. Additional attention will be given to the people and political structure in place and the economic situations that can be found in various nations.
4381 Ancient Civilizations
Credit: 0.5
The class will explore the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Rise of Islam. Additional focus will be placed on the significant people and historical events that shaped this important period of time and had an impact on modern culture, politics, and society.
4481 AP European History
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisites: An “A” average or above in U.S. History or a “B” average in AP US History and the recommendation of the current instructor.
This advanced placement course offers Juniors and Seniors a college-level survey in European history from the High Renaissance (1450) to the present. The course will focus on the social, political, religious, intellectual, cultural, technological, and economic developments throughout this period of history. Without this knowledge, students will lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. There will be an emphasis on social studies skills including visual (maps, graphs, and charts) analysis, analytical reading, and analytical writing. Students are expected to take the AP exam upon completion of this course.