Departments
Social Studies
The Social Studies curriculum centers on the study of global cultures both past and present. An emphasis is placed on active classroom environments in which students can develop into active learners and thus prepare themselves for the world of tomorrow. Teachers foster critical thinking through the analysis and evaluation of historical questions and topics which encourages student participation. Academic skills are introduced and reinforced at each grade level: among these skills is the utilization of new and emerging technologies. Students learn how to locate, select, and interpret information from the rapidly expanding base of electronic resources. The department includes an interdisciplinary methodology that incorporates literature, art, and other subjects into its curriculum. Students are expected to employ their knowledge of the past as a means of dealing with the challenges and complexities of the future.
World History (1 credit)
Grade 10This course has two main approaches. First, students will explore the values held by ancient people in relation to contemporary ones. Students will examine how earlier beliefs about authority, the organization of society, the divine, and the world at large differ from or complement modern views. Second, students reflect upon historical processes such as migration, trade, warfare, the development of technology, and cultural exchange. Students will investigate how these processes changed individual lives at different periods in world history. The course will emphasize development of critical skills in reading and analyzing primary source documents. Students study the following time periods: The First Civilizations and Empires, 5000 B.C.E. – 500 C.E.; New Patterns of Civilization, 400 - 1500 C.E.; The Early Modern World, 1400 – 1800 C.E.; An Era of European Imperialism, 1800 – 1914 C.E.; The Twentieth Century Crisis, 1914 – 1945 C.E.; and Toward a Global Civilization, 1945 – Present. Student participation in class discussions, regular group work, and homework comprises an important component of student evaluation in this course. Oral presentation skills and self-confidence are developed. The course also emphasizes continuing development of writing skills through short writing assignments, formal essays, and a research paper in the second semester. Tests and quizzes contribute to student evaluation.
AP World History (1 credit)
Grades 10, 11, 12Prerequisites: An A average in Freshman English and Social Studies department recommendation.
This Advanced Placement course in Modern European History follows the course description as outlined by the College Board. The course is intensive and document-based. Students must read for comprehension and write on a college Freshman level. Students must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively. The course breaks World History into five units: Foundations 8000 BCE-600CE; Post-Classical 600-1450 CE; The World Shrinks 1450-1750; Industrialization and Western Hegemony 1750-1914; The Twentieth Century in World History 1914-Present.
United States History (1 credit)
Grade 11Prerequisite: World History
This course traces the development of the United States from the European contacts with Native American cultures to the present day. It stresses central topics in American history such as the colonial era, the formation of the federal government, the development of the nation's political, economic, and social institutions, warfare, and the ever-increasing role of the United States in the world community. The course encourages students to organize and evaluate information and to communicate their conclusions in written form. Students are challenged to critically analyze material and to examine it from different perspectives. Special emphasis is placed on essay writing, reading comprehension, note taking, and other academic skills. Frequent class discussions seek to actively engage the students in the learning process.
AP United States History (1 credit)
Grades 11, 12Prerequisite: World History and Social Studies department's recommendation.
This course in intended to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination in United States History, and follows the course content as outlined by the College Board. It also serves to introduce honor students to conflicting interpretations of the history of this nation. By studying various points of view and closely scrutinizing the facts, students are encouraged to seek information and perspectives beyond those of the basic text and the instructor.
United States Government (˝ credit)
Grades 11, 12Prerequisite: United States History
U.S. Government is a survey course designed to explore the Constitution, due process, civil rights, and the three branches of government. Students learn why the Constitution is considered to be a “living” document, the importance of understanding our rights and responsibilities, the relationship between government and the individual, and what is required to be a good citizen. The course includes coverage of current events and topics related to government, politics, and the law.
AP Government and Politics (˝ credit)
Grade 12Prerequisite: AP World History OR AP American History (B+ Average or better) and Social Studies Department's recommendation
This course follows the format established by the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. The study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies compose the core of the course. The five major areas covered are: (1) Constitutional underpinnings of American government, (2) Political beliefs and behaviors, (3) Political parties and interest groups, (4) Institutions and policy processes of national government, and (5) Civil rights and civil liberties.
Economics (˝ credit)
Grade 12Prerequisite: United States History
Economics is an introductory survey course designed to acquaint the student with basic economic concepts and theory. Emphasis is placed on free enterprise and the free market system. Students learn critical thinking skills and the importance of decision making. The course includes coverage of various economic systems, supply and demand, business organizations, markets, monetary policy, and government spending, borrowing, and taxation.
Civil War Studies (˝ credit)
Grades 11, 12Prerequisite: World History and Social Studies department recommendation
This course will explore the era of the American Civil War, examining not only the war years but also the period leading up to the conflict, as well as the subsequent Reconstruction. Students will consider such topics as the pre- and post-war development of Northern and Southern societies and sectional division, political and military leadership and the war efforts of the opposing sides, the participation of women and minorities, and the significance of the war not just to the United States but also globally. Emphasis will be placed on the students' use of primary source documents, with modern texts serving a supplementary role.
Philosophy - Honors (˝ credit)
Grade 12Prerequisite: At least a B in English and U.S. History or teacher recommendation
Philosophy is a survey course covering the basic and significant philosophical ideas throughout history, starting with the ancient Greeks and working its way through to modern times. Along with a text, various forms of literature will be used to illustrate topics and questions. Class discussion and short essays will be the main approach to class work.
AP Modern European History (1 credit)
Grade 12Prerequisite: AP World History OR AP U.S. History and Social Studies department recommendation
This Advanced Placement course in Modern European History follows the course description as outlined by the College Board. This course is designed to build on the students' knowledge of the factual narrative: (1) an understanding of the principle themes in modern European history, (2) an awareness of the world, and (3) an ability to analyze historical evidence. The chronological period begins with the high Renaissance and concludes with the present. The course focuses on political and diplomatic history, intellectual and cultural history, and social and economic history.
Psychology (˝ credit)
Grade 12Psychology gives students a basic understanding of human behavior. Content will include human growth and development, an understanding of the current theories and methods used by psychologists, self-concept development, the senses, motivation, desire, and behavior, emotion and frustration, abnormal behavior, conformity, autonomy, alternation, mental health and therapy, stresses within the family, and working life in the modern world.
AP Psychology (1 credit)
Grade 12Prerequisite: AP World History OR AP U.S. History and Social Studies Department's recommendation
This course is designed to be taken by those students interested in a college-level psychology course and perhaps a career in a helping profession. A broad range of topics are covered in detail. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement exam in the spring. Writing skills and time commitment are required of the students.
The United States and the World since 1945 (˝ credit)
Grade 12Prerequisite: U.S. History
This course is designed to examine the United States and its international relationships since the end of World War II. We start with an examination of the Cold War while also discussing contemporary issues in American foreign affairs. Newspapers such as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times will be used for the current events discussions while scholarly works and documentary films will be the basis of our Cold War studies. The class will also examine through literature certain issues on the world scene that may involve the United States in only a peripheral manner such as the nationalist movements in colonial Africa and Asia. There will also be a three to four week segment on the Vietnam War.
Problems in Modern World History (˝ credit)
Grades 11, 12Prerequisite: World History
This course covers the post World War II world with all of its social problems and troubles. Students will consider topics including but not limited to: The Cold War, The Rise of a New Europe, Africa in Crisis, War in the Middle East, Communism versus Capitalism in Asia, Drugs and Politics in Latin America, Nuclear Proliferation, The Struggle to Keep the Peace, Human Rights Issues and Problems, Global Business and Trade, global Technology and Science, and The Challenge of Uncertainty. Newspapers such as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times will be used for the current events discussions while scholarly works and documentary films will be the basis of class discussions. Student seminars, position papers and projects will form the basis for the grades in this class. The course includes a Model United Nations simulation.
Seminar on World War II (˝ credit)
Grade 12Prerequisite: World History AND U.S. History
This course is an intensive look at the most destructive war in world history. Students complete extensive research using film, internet, books, and primary source documents. Student seminars, position papers and projects will form the basis for the grades in this class.
In an effort to provide students with a greater variety of electives during their Junior and Senior years, selected Social Studies electives will rotate every other year. For planning purposes, the following electives will be offered during the 2007-2008 school year:
History of the Middle East (˝ credit)
Grades 11, 12Prerequisite: World History
The purpose of this course is to teach a chronological understanding of the area commonly known as the Middle East, emphasizing subjects such as the region's physical setting and geography, its people, the development and integration of the monotheistic religions, Ottoman, European, and American influences, and the roots of modern day political issues. Through a balanced study of past events, students will gain an appreciation for and better understanding of one of the world's most volatile and strategically important areas. Awareness of current events will have a direct impact upon class discussion.
Women's Studies (˝ credit)
Grades 11, 12Prerequisite: World History
This course explores the history of women's experience in American society. The course will emphasize student development through textual analysis, and writing skills through examination of primary resources. Women's history is the study of women in past times and across cultures. This class will help students analyze women of the past as they lived, felt and reasoned; to integrate that knowledge into the history of particular times, places, and societies; and to develop from that knowledge conceptual frameworks with which to understand the role and significance of gender in culture and society.
African-American Studies (˝ credit)
Grades 11, 12Prerequisite: World History and American History
This course explores the history of African Americans from their arrival in America in the 1600s to the present. The course will emphasize analysis and writing skills through examination of primary and secondary resources. The course will also integrate literature and media to enhance the understanding of the history of African Americans.
British History (˝ credit)
Grades 11, 12Prerequisite: World History
Students explore the rich history of Great Britain. Extensive use of outside texts(ex. The Year 1000), maps, film, primary source documents, and internet sources are used to convey the sense that Britain is the “mother country” of the United States. Students will explore topics including but not limited to: The Monarchy, The Empire and its dissolution, The Commonwealth, The Irish Question, The Scottish Question, The European Union, Wars and Conflicts, Language, International Relations, and Popular Culture.