Social Studies Courses

REQUIRED COURSES

GRADE 9
MODERN UNITED STATES HISTORY OR
MODERN UNITED STATES HISTORY (Honors)

GRADE 10
WORLD HISTORY OR
WORLD HISTORY (Honors)

GRADE 11
GOVERNMENT
 (Must be taken and passed to graduate.)

To fulfill the current graduation requirement in social studies beyond tenth grade, the student must earn one half elective credit in social studies in addition to the state mandated Government course.

GRADE 9

MODERN UNITED STATES HISTORY                   15700L
Mod US Hist
1 Credit (1/2 per semester)
Prerequisite:  None

A study of United States history spanning three grade levels and concluding with the ninth-grade course,  Modern United States History.  Modern U.S. History includes the study of domestic and foreign events that brought the United States to world power in the 1900s, the world wars, and the changing role of the United States in modern post-war era.

MODERN UNITED STATES HISTORY (Honors)
+ Hon US Hist                                                                15800L
1 Credit (1/2 per semester)
Prerequisite:  Department Approval

Honors Modern United States History includes the study of domestic and foreign events that brought the United States to world power in the 1900's, the world wars, and the changing role of the United States in the modern post-war era.  Students will explore in depth the content of Modern United States History through especially challenging textual, supplemental, and current materials.  A weighted grade is given.  Placement in this course is based on recommendation of their 8th grade teacher and successful completion of an essay exam.

The criteria for placement into MODERN UNITED STATES HISTORY (Honors) are as follows:

  • History grade of A
  • Recommendation of History teacher
  • SRI score (reading score) of 1300 or above
  • Ability to read and interpret a primary document
  • Writing ability as demonstrated in a timed essay

The student should meet four of the above criteria.  Modern United States History (Honors) is an accelerated, challenging class, which requires a commitment of time and effort, a desire to pursue independent research, and an eagerness to learn.

GRADE 10

WORLD HISTORY                                                        15701L
World Hist
1 Credit (1/2 per semester)
Prerequisite:  None

This course traces the development of world history from the Renaissance to the twentieth century by concentrating on the specific periods, persons, and events of greatest significance to development.  The course includes comparisons of past and present events as well as comparisons of western and non-western development in order that the students will have an understanding of the political, social, geographic and economic status of several nations in the world today.

WORLD HISTORY (Honors)                                     15801L
+ World Hist
1 Credit (1/2 per semester)
Prerequisite:  Department Approval

The distinguishing elements of world history are determined by an in-depth examination of its origins and development.  Evolving political, social, geographic, economic, and cultural themes are traced.  The fine arts are examined for insights into each historical period.  Current events discussions relate the themes of western and non-western development to the present.  A weighted grade is given.

The criteria for placement into WORLD HISTORY (Honors) are as follows:

  • A or B in Honors Modern United States History Honors
  • Recommendation of History teacher
  • Ability to read and interpret a primary document
  • Writing ability as demonstrated in a timed essay

GRADE 11
               
GOVERNMENT                                                             157100
Government
1/2  Credit (semester)
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing

The history, institutions, branches, functions, electoral processes, and citizens' role associated with the governments of the local area, the state of Missouri, and the United States are presented in this course.  The course includes an emphasis on the rights, and responsibilities of citizenship (e.g., community service), as well  as a study of  the principles  and provisions of the  Missouri and United States Constitutions.  The Constitution examination(s) and the course must be passed according to Missouri law in order for a student to receive a graduation certificate.

ELECTIVES


GRADES 11-12

ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY            15930L
+AP US Hist                                               (Honors)
1 Credit (1/2 per semester)
Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior Standing

This Advanced Placement class is a survey of American history from the colonial period to the present.  Students will be challenged to analyze contrasting themes and interpretations of American history, while further developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills necessary for the collegiate level.  Students will have in-depth practice in the use of historical documents, along with analysis and synthesis of such historical writings.  The course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam.  A weighted grade is given. 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (Honors)                15911L
+AP US Gov/Comp
1 Credit (1/2 per semester)
Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior standing

This course is designed to challenge students who are interested in government and who are capable of demanding advanced work.  In the first semester, this course studies the history, institutions, branches, functions, electoral processes, and citizens' role of the governments of the local area, the state of Missouri, and the United States.  The course includes an emphasis on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship (e.g., community service) as well as a study of the principles and provisions of the Missouri and the United States Constitutions.  The Constitution examination(s) and the course must be passed according to Missouri law in order for a student to receive a graduation certificate.

In the second semester, the government of the United States is compared with the government of other industrialized democracies as well as the political systems of Communist states and developing countries.  A weighted grade is given.

This course is specifically designed for students who will take the Advanced Placement examination in U.S. Government and Politics and Comparative Politics 

ASIAN CIVILIZATION 1 (Honors)                           158530
+ Asian Civ 1
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior standing

This course will examine East Asian history, geography and culture from ancient times to the modern day.  “East Asia” refers specifically to the countries of China, Japan and Korea.  The effect these countries had on Asian civilization will be addressed, as well as their impact on world history.  Art, philosophy, literature, primary source writings and film will all be utilized to achieve the goal of gaining greater understanding of these countries.  Students will be expected to participate in class discussions, read primary sources and research different topics.  Students may receive college credit through the University of Missouri – St. Louis.  A weighted grade is given.

ASIAN CIVILIZATION 2 (Honors)                           158540
+ Asian Civ 2
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior standing

This course will examine Southeast, South and West Asian history, geography and culture from ancient times to the modern day.  The effect the countries from these regions had on Asian civilization will be addressed, as well as their impact on world history.  Art, philosophy, literature, primary source writings and film will all be utilized to achieve the goal of gaining greater understanding of these countries.  Students will be expected to participate in class discussions, read primary sources and research different topics.  Students may receive college credit through the University of Missouri – St. Louis.  A weighted grade is given.  (You may take Asian 2 without taking Asian 1.)

CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRACY                           157550
Chal to Dem
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior Standing

Students will be challenged to analyze events threatening democracy in the twentieth century.  The focus of the course is a case study of the Holocaust.  Important connections to other incidents of genocide will also be analyzed and discussed.  Students will examine and consider not only societies' potential for passivity and complacency but also an individual’s response to such topics.  The course examines students' rights as United States citizens and what responsibilities come with those rights.

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES                                       157760
Contmp Issue      
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior standing

This course will focus on modern issues in all areas of the social studies: political, economic, and social.  The students will read from several sources, including a weekly news magazine.  Current events will be studied with a historical perspective and projection of future possibilities.  Both domestic and international issues will be examined.  A large segment of class time will be devoted to discussion.  Therefore, classroom participation during discussions will be expected.

CRIME AND THE LAW                                               157750
Crime & Law
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing

This course will examine crime in America and how our society deals with those who break its laws.  Topics studied will include an examination of civil and criminal law, constitutional law, individual rights, theories of the causes of criminal behavior, the structure and function of the legal system, and examination of the penal system, and the roles of police, attorneys, and judges.  The course will introduce landmark decisions, case studies, and guest speakers.  This course will provide for individual research.

ECONOMICS                                                                157700
Economics
1/2 Credit (semester)           
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing

This course introduces students to basic economic concepts associated with our free enterprise/capitalistic economy.  Basic principles included in the course include scarcity, production, distribution, consumption, supply/demand, inflation, recession, business, labor, and banking.  Students will have the opportunity to learn through independent research and discussion.  (South High - This course is highly recommended for students who plan to enter Business Administration, Liberal Arts and Pre-Law.) 

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES                                      157820
Envrnmt Issu
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior Standing

Students will explore the development of the environmental  movement, its  successes and   failures, and the reasons for current environmental backlash.  Units of study will focus on societal issues that impact wildlife preservation, air and water pollution, land use, population and energy options.  Each student will examine and develop an understanding of environmental issues that provide a framework of knowledge into which they can integrate global information for a lifetime of continuous learning.

HISTORY OF ST. LOUIS                                            157350
His St Louis         
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Modern American History or department approval

This course will provide an overview of the unique and diverse history of St. Louis.  Students will follow the course of development of this small 18th century trading post as it expands into a major metropolis at the turn of the 20th century, and culminate with an examination of the city as it now exists.  The course will discuss individuals who were important to the development of the city, but will emphasize the significant contributions (e.g. architecture, music, art) of the culturally diverse people who have made the city of St. Louis what it is today.  The course will culminate with students examining and debating contemporary, as well as future issues that face our community.

MEDIA AND AMERICA                                              157370
Media & Amer     
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior standing

This course will examine the role of various types of media such as print, film, cinema, radio, television, newspapers, news magazines, campaign ads, the Internet...which has and does shape American culture and history.  The changing media and changing role of the influence of the media will be examined related to significant topics, periods and events in history such as the role of colonial news in the American Revolution, enticing people to move west, stating the north/south case at the time of the Civil War, building the west, influencing views during war, as well as shaping today’s issues and events in our own nation and abroad.

MODERN WARFARE                                                  157830
Mdrn Warfare      
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior standing

In the past century, warfare has been the driving force in our modern world.  The approach that we use to study wars today  can have a  lasting impact on how we   view our past, present and future as citizens of the United States.  Studying war can help us to see that conflict and conflict resolution are both important aspects to the worlds we live in today.  This course will  take  a  closer  look  at  some  very  important  questions

concerning the origins of war as well as the study of World War I and World War II, the Cold War conflicts, the Gulf War, and the War on Terrorism.  Students will know how war affects the state, the combatant, the noncombatants, and the home front.  Students will confront and discuss tough questions such as "Is war part of human nature?"  "What limitations, if any, should be used in waging war?"  Students will also examine their role as citizens in war and its implications.  A sociological and psychological analysis of the phenomenon of war, as well as an in-depth look into the military history of our past century will challenge students to evaluate how war fits into our future world.

SOCIOLOGY                                                                 157790
Sociology
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Junior or Senior standing

Sociology is the study of human behavior in groups that range from two people to societies of millions of people.  Students gain an understanding of important sociological concepts such as culture, socialization, status, role, and group dynamics.  Students will use the tools and techniques of sociology, along with audiovisuals and group discussions, and simulations to investigate and analyze human relationships.

ELECTIVES


GRADE 12

ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP-POLITICAL                        157140
PARTICIPATION              
Cit-Pol Part           
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  United States Government

08-09A first semester course to provide students/citizens with practical experience in political participation.  Students/citizens will engage in political activism at the local,   state, and  national level  to develop participatory skills to monitor and influence the formulation, implementation and enforcement of public policy as well as develop the skills to be active participants in self-governance. 

HUMANITIES 1 (Honors)                                            158730
+Humnties 1
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Senior standing

This challenging course traces the course of western civilization from ancient times through the Renaissance.  The course highlights a changing view of life through the centuries and highlights important events in the search for meaning in life.  The student is given the opportunity to examine the art, architecture,  science, music and writings of various periods of history.  To help the student understand he/she is in the tradition of western man, the student uses records, slides, films, discussions, guest speakers, readings, trips to various points of interest, and independent research.  Emphasis is also placed on the basic skills of how to write exams and papers.  Students may receive college credit for this course and a weighted grade is given.

HUMANITIES 2 (Honors)                                            158740
+Humnties 2
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Senior standing

This challenging course traces the course of western civilization from the Renaissance to the present.  It continues the examination of art, architecture, music, literature, philosophy, science, and politics that began in the first semester.  The method of study is the same.  Students may receive college credit for this course and a weighted grade is given.

PSYCHOLOGY                                                             157800
Psychology          
1/2 Credit (semester)
Prerequisite:  Senior standing

Psychology is a behavioral science that studies the individual's personality, emotions, intelligence, interactions, creativity and motivation.  Topics include sensation, perception, memory and thinking, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology and psychological therapy.  Students will use the tools and techniques of psychology along with audiovisuals and group discussions to investigate and analyze individual development.