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AFRICA TO AMERICA – A HISTORY OF AFRICA This one semester course surveys the early history of the African continent inclusive of the origins of civilizations, development of cultural patterns and the interaction of African civilizations with peoples from Europe and Asia. Africa to America continues with a study of the transatlantic slave trade and explores such topics and issues as: Slave culture and life, experience of free blacks, contributions of African Americans to early America, the anti-slavery movement and events leading to the American Civil War. The infusion of African and African American literature, music and art into western culture completes this comprehensive study of African AmerFebruary 6, 2008 5:05 PMvisual media, literature, and technology with standard textbook sources seeks to challenge and stimulate open discussion and discovery. Various methods of teaching will be used, such as discussion, question and answer sessions, lectures, seminars, oral reports, simulations, role playing, and panel discussions. Student involvement is encouraged as emphasis is placed on student participation, research, and the development of critical reading, thinking and writing skills. This course satisfies the Global Studies distribution requirement in social studies. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE IN This second semester course, surveys the African American experience in the modern era. Topics of study include the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Jim Crow Era, the Harlem Renaissance, the history of the civil rights movement, African American participation in global warfare, the myths surrounding affirmative action, and issues concerning American race relations and contemporary African American culture. Comparisons will be studied involving Americans of African, European, Hispanic/Latin, Asian and Native descent. The infusion of art, literature, music and technology into the curriculum is used to study further the African American and other ethnic experiences in the United States. Use of information sources, such as print materials from texts, periodicals and newspapers seeks to challenge and stimulate open discussion and discovery. Various methods of teaching, such as discussion, question and answer sessions, lectures, seminars, oral reports, simulations, role playing, and panel discussions will be used. Student involvement is encouraged as emphasis is placed on student participation, research, and the development of critical reading, thinking and writing skills. This course satisfies the Social Science distribution requirement in the social studies. CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN STUDIES – 1/2
Unit of credit Freshmen,
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors This one semester course introduces students to contemporary Africa, its rich history, culture and contributions to the world. This course is taught regionally and topically providing a full and detailed picture of the issues that impact the African continent. Basic topics to be covered in each region are geography and its impact on development, culture (music, dance, food, gender relations, family, art, etc.) and religions including traditional African religions, Islam, Christianity. A survey approach will be used to present the history of colonization and imperialism and their impact on the African content. Emphasis will be placed on discussing nationalism and independence movements that have created the modern-day Africa we know. The teacher will use a variety of methods including: lecture, discussion, technology, group projects, primary and secondary source work, oral reports and African literature and song. This course satisfies the Global/Non-Western distribution requirement in social studies. ASIAN STUDIES – 1/2 Unit of credit
Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors This one semester course will introduce students to Asia, the most populated and fastest economically growing region in the world today. The course is designed to expose students to modern history, current day issues, and culture of Asia. Countries studied in this class will be China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, India, Cambodia and the Himalaya Region. Students will learn how Asia has emerged from its long struggles of the past to become one of the most dynamic regions in the world today. This course will also integrate literature as part of the course requirement, and field trips to Chicago’s Asian communities and cultural institutions. This class satisfies the Global Studies distribution requirement in social studies. CONTEMPORARY ISSUES — 1/2 Unit of credit
Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors The objective of this one semester course is to introduce students to all sides of contemporary global controversies in an objective and comprehensive manner. By exposing students to the many sides of debate surrounding an issue, promotion of issue awareness and critical thinking are the key learning outcomes. Student involvement is emphasized in this course through a variety of formats including discussion, seminars, cooperative learning, role-playing, simulations, multi-media presentations, Internet research, development of informational home pages, argumentative essay writing, debates and student presentations. Development and utilization of advanced critical reading, thinking and writing skills are integral to this course. This course satisfies the Social Science distribution requirement in social studies. ECONOMICS — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors,
Seniors This one semester course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the study of economic systems, with a focus on capitalism and the U. S. economy. Student involvement is strongly emphasized in this course through a variety of classroom formats, including group work, student presentations and role playing activities. This course will also examine current events from daily periodicals and will get a "hands-on" look at investing during a stock market simulation in which students will compete with teams from other schools around the state and country. The course will also develop the knowledge and skills students require to be effective, participatory consumers in the U. S. economy. The objective of these and other activities will be to help students to draw connections between the topics and material discussed in class and the world around them. This course meets the Social Science distribution requirement in social studies and fulfills the Consumer Education requirement. ECONOMICS AP — 1 Unit of credit Juniors,
Seniors This two-semester course in the principles of economics introduces basic economic problems such as supply and demand, unemployment, growth, inflation, business cycles and the distribution of income. The second semester concentrates upon various markets such as pure competition, monopolies and efficient use of resources. Economics AP is recommended for college preparatory students considering further study in business, economics or liberal arts. The methodology used in the course is basically lecture and question and answer. Computer programs, audio-visual aids and outside speakers strengthen the class experiences. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam as part of this course. This course fulfills the Consumer Education requirement and satisfies the Social Science distribution requirement in social studies. INTRODUCTION TO THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES — 1/2
Unit of credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors Behavioral Sciences is a one semester class designed for the student who has reading, writing, and/or analytical difficulties. This course continues the exploration of the social sciences begun in the prerequisite course, Introduction to the Social Sciences. It emphasizes those branches of the behavioral sciences that provide an analysis of human behavior both in groups and as individuals. This class will also include a number of “hands-on” activities such as role-playing, group work and presentations, and simulations. To help the student understand and participate more effectively in our modern world, the content for this course may be drawn from sociology, psychology, anthropology, and geography. This course satisfies the Social Science distribution requirement for social studies. INTRODUCTION TO THE SOCIAL SCIENCES — 1/2
Unit of credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors Introduction to the Social Sciences is designed for the student who has reading, writing, and/or analytical difficulties. This on semester course provides an introduction to the social sciences as they influence the behavior of a citizen in a democratic society. The class will include a number of “hands-on” activities such as role-playing, group work and presentations, and simulations. The content for the course will be drawn from civics, including government and law, and economics to provide the student with the skills and knowledge needed to be a participating citizen. This course satisfies the Social Science distribution requirement for social studies as well as meets the Consumer Education requirement. INTRODUCTION TO UNITED STATES HISTORY — 1
Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors This course, for students with reading difficulties, provides a study of the concepts of U.S. History with minor attention to research skills. Reading materials are simplified and are related to basic concepts rather than to an in-depth study of U.S. History. Vocabulary and terminology of terms relative to U.S. History are important elements of the course. Students take the State required test covering the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Display of the Flag and the Illinois Constitution. This course satisfies the U.S. History distribution requirement in social studies. INTRODUCTION TO WORLD CIVILIZATIONS 1 — 1
Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores World Civilizations 1 is designed for the student who has reading difficulties and yet desires to pursue the study of human history. The course will introduce students to the civilizations and cultures which developed in Africa, Asia, Meso America and Europe from the earliest prehistory to the eve of the Scientific Revolution and global exploration in the late 16th century. In addition to geography and current event supplements, the course also provides instruction in such study skills as note taking, active listening, and summarizing the main idea in test material. This course satisfies the Global/Non-Western distribution requirement in social studies. INTRODUCTION TO WORLD CIVILIZATIONS 2 — 1
Unit of credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors World Civilizations 2 is a full-year course for students with reading, organizational, and/or note taking difficulties. Reading materials are simplified and are related to the basic concepts rather than in-depth study of world civilizations after the Roman Empire. The course will touch on political, social, economic, and cultural developments. It will emphasize note taking, outlining, critical reading and writing and test-taking skills as well as a limited introduction to historical research. The course is intended for students in their second, third, or fourth year of high school. It satisfies the Global/Non-Western distribution requirement in social studies. LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES – ½ Unit
of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors Students will explore the people, culture and history of the nations of Latin America. The course will introduce students to many cultural achievements of the region, including visual art, music, literature, poetry, dance, drama, etc. The course will also explore how this part of the western hemisphere affects the United States: Trade arrangements such as NAFTA make significant contributions to our economy and helps Mexico be the United States’ second largest trade partner; issues such as immigration and the environment present concerns for a sustainable future for the western hemisphere and the world; the stability of national governments in Latin America impacts the political balance of the region as a whole. This course satisfies the Global/Non-Western distribution requirement in Social Studies. MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES – ½ Unit
of credit Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors This one semester course introduces students to the contemporary Middle East through an interdisciplinary approach of geography, history, political science, and anthropology. Topics to be covered in the course include the origins of modern Middle East nations, the Arabic language and shared culture, the religion of Islam, the status of women in society, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, issues of democratization, and the international relations of the region, including current topics such as the war in Iraq. The course will give students an understanding of this region and the prominent role it has in global affairs today and will include the use of primary sources and Arabic perspectives. This course satisfies the Global/Non-Western distribution requirement in Social Studies. MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY AP — 1 Unit
of credit Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors The scope and sequence of this course begins at the Renaissance and moves to the contemporary period of European history. A topical approach is used, along with basic attention paid to chronology. Heavy emphasis is placed upon historical method, bibliography, research and historical interpretation. Development of social studies skills is also stressed through the use of primary and secondary sources. A student research paper is required. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam as part of this course. This course uses a college text and is for highly motivated students who are excellent readers. The course expectations, also, require significant writing by the student. This course does NOT meet either of the Social Studies distribution requirements. POLITICAL SCIENCE — 1/2 Unit of credit
Juniors, Seniors Political Science CP is a one-semester course that will provide students with an introduction to the study of political systems with a focus on democracy and the system of government that has developed in the United States. There will be particular emphasis on the national government with respect to the framework set forth in the U.S. Constitution and the evolution of the American system over time. This course will develop the knowledge and skills consistent with effective, participatory citizenship in national and global communities. Student involvement is strongly emphasized in this class through a variety of classroom formats, including group work, student presentations and role playing activities. This course will also incorporate current events from daily periodicals in its examination of various political institutions and draw upon other outside sources to supplement textbook materials. The objective of these and other activities will be to help students draw connections between topics and material discussed in class and the world around them. This course meets the Social Science distribution requirement for social studies. POLITICAL SCIENCE AP — 1 Unit of credit
Juniors, Seniors PSYCHOLOGY — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors,
Seniors PSYCHOLOGY AP — 1 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors Prerequisite: U.S. History AP or Department Chair recommendation. This full year course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. The AP Psychology course stresses critical thinking, reading, and writing within the context of scientific methodology and questioning. A variety of activities will be provided including lectures, readings, discussions, case study analysis, tests, demonstrations, and research to aid in the learning of the large amount of material covered. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam as part of the course. This course fulfills the Social Science distribution requirement in social studies. SOCIOLOGY — 1/2 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors Prerequisite: None This course is a one semester introduction to sociology and social problems in American society. The emphasis is placed upon students' developing an understanding of social systems and the individual's changing role in these systems. This course will investigate different sociological theories while exploring practical applications of these basic theories and other important sociological concepts. Students will use these skills to investigate social issues pertinent to American society in the 20th and 21st century. Research projects, outside readings and active class participation are required. A variety of instructional strategies -- lecture, discussion, media, research, cooperative learning, current events -- is used. This course meets the Social Science distribution requirement for social studies. UNITED STATES HISTORY — 1 Unit of credit
Juniors, Seniors The course begins with a review of the revolutionary period, Constitutional issues, territorial expansion and sectional differences that culminate in the Civil War and Reconstruction. The first semester concludes with an examination of the transformations in American society brought by immigration, industrialization and urbanization as well as the emergence of the United States as a world power. The second semester focuses on the domestic and foreign issues of the twentieth century including war and depression, economic growth, social change and dissent. Writing will be a significant component of this course, including a required research paper. Students in this course must pass the state-mandated test on the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, display of the flag and the Illinois Constitution. This course meets the United States history distribution requirement in social studies. AP UNITED STATES HISTORY — 1 Unit of credit Juniors, Seniors Prerequisite: “B” or better in previous honors or AP social studies courses orDepartment Chair recommendation. A summer reading list and writing assignment is a REQUIRED part of this course. Open to Sophomores with approval of Department Chair Employing a variety of methods, the course is designed to give the student a more in-depth perspective of U.S. History culturally, politically and economically. A high reading level and strong motivation is expected of each student. Emphasis is placed on library research and writing skills. AP U.S. History is offered for highly motivated students who demonstrated the ability to handle a challenging academic program with extensive writing expectations. Students take the state-required test covering the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Display of the Flag and the Illinois Constitution. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam as part of this course. This course satisfies the U.S. History distribution requirement in social studies. WORLD CIVILIZATIONS 1 — 1 Unit of credit
Freshmen, Sophomores World Civilizations 1 is a one-year course which will introduce students to the civilizations and cultures which developed in Africa, Asia, Meso America and Europe from the earliest prehistory to the eve of the Scientific Revolution and global exploration in the late 16th century. At the end of the one-year course, the students will be familiar with the key concepts, events, and individuals which are vital to an understanding of world history. Such items will specifically include ideas, terms, places, times, people and their significance to specific civilizations of the world. Students will also participate in activities and exercises that promote geographic awareness, thinking skills, writing instruction and research procedures. This course is intended primarily for first year students and satisfies the Global/Non-Western distribution requirement in social studies. WORLD CIVILIZATIONS 1 H — 1 Unit of credit Freshmen, Sophomores Prerequisite: Current teacher or Department Chair recommendation World Civilizations 1 H is designed for students who have demonstrated the ability and motivation to handle the rigors of a challenging academic program. This class includes studying from a college-level textbook and ability to write and think critically. World Civilizations 1 H covers the period from pre-history to the Renaissance. The course examines political, economic, social and cultural development in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. World Civilizations 1 H also emphasizes thinking and study skills which include analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information. A variety of learning activities will be utilized including lectures, cooperative learning, simulations, student presentations, critical book reviews and preparation for the World History AP test to be given at the end of the Sophomore year. World Civilizations 1 H satisfies the Global/Non-Western distribution requirement in social studies. WORLD CIVILIZATIONS 2 — 1 Unit of credit
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors World Civilizations 2, designed for college-bound students, examines the development of the world's civilizations since the Renaissance. It includes the significant developments in the political, cultural, religious, intellectual, social and economic spheres of human endeavor. The course encompasses the civilizations of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. These regions are viewed both in their respective contexts as well as within the global framework and resulting conflict that has marked the modern age. This course emphasizes thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation and, thus, combines a variety of presentation modes (i.e.; lecture, films, readings) with active student participation in discussions, group projects, and oral and written communication. This course is intended primarily for first or second year students and satisfies the Global/Non-Western distribution requirement in social studies. AP WORLD HISTORY — 1 Unit of credit
Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors Encompassing the world's civilization since 1400, AP World History
is designed for highly motivated students who have demonstrated
the ability to handle a challenging academic program that includes
a significant writing component. This course offers motivated students
the opportunity to immerse themselves in the processes that, over
time, have resulted in the knitting of the world into a tightly
integrated whole. Further, World History AP emphasizes analytical
communication skills that require the mastery of a three-step process:
Students who enroll in an upper level elective such as Economics, Psychology or Political Science (one semester courses) cannot enroll the next year in the Advanced Placement courses offered in these areas. |
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