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Academic Curriculum:
Social Studies 2009-2010

 

Course selection is based on the career program of study chosen by the student which meets the high school graduation requirements as well as the certificate of competency requirements for that career program. Students, their parents, counselors, and teachers should all be involved in the course selection process, making choices which best suit the individual student's needs and interests.

   
 

Choices are based on knowledge of requirements for entrance into various occupations, colleges, or technical schools which will lead toward an occupational or educational goal. The student's schedule will include all required courses in the selected career program of study as well as all required academic courses in English, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, safety/health, and foreign language if requested.

   
  Topic Shortcuts:
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Global Studies   Electives:
Civics/Economics Contemporary Citizenship
U.S. History World History
    Intro to Sociology
    Intro to Psychology
    Law and Order
   
   
 

Global Studies (5200; Special Ed 5110) is a ninth grade course focusing on the diverse ways of life found around the world. Through study of the pertinent issues to the world's major regions students will recognize and evaluate the relationships between people, places, regions, and environments. Students will further explore how physical environments affect human events and build a global perspective that allows them to understand the connections between global and national issues. The major focus is the state's geography standards: maps, environments, places, and regions. Related concepts found in the state civics, economics, and history standards are a supporting focus.

Civics/Economics (5300; Special Ed 5120) is a tenth grade course that is comprised of two disciplines. In Civics, students will learn the general ways in which societies differ and how these differences tend to influence how they organize their governments. Students will explore issues about U.S. citizenship and their rights and responsibilities and roles in their communities by putting them in decision-making simulations that will enable them to acquire the skills necessary to participate in our country's democratic processes. Economics is a course that teaches students how to make reasoned economic choices and provide ways they can effectively participate in an increasingly competitive and interdependent global economy. Students will assess the impact of market influences and governmental actions on our economy and analyze how different economic systems interact. The major focus of the course is on the state economics (microeconomics, macroeconomics, economic systems, international trade) and civics (government, politics, citizenship, and participation) standards. Related concepts found in the state geography and history standards are a supporting focus.

U. S. History (5400; Special Ed 5130) is an eleventh grade course that focuses on the history of the United States from 1865 to the present. Students will be challenged to become historically minded, to reason, think, and perform as a historian. Students will gain insight into the nation's past by examining period accounts and first person voices, through readings, literature excerpts, political cartoons and more. Students will use varied resources to examine the links and make connections between events being studied in the textbook and events that are taking place today. The major focus is the state history standards: content, chronology, analysis, and interpretation. Related concepts found in the state civics, economics, and geography standards are a supporting focus.

ELECTIVE COURSES
(These courses cannot be used as a substitute for graduation credit requirements for Social Studies)

Contemporary Citizenship (5600; Co-op 5609; Special Ed 5150) is a one-credit senior elective course divided into four disciplines: political science, consumer economics, law, and social issues. In "Democracy in Action", students will explore their duties and responsibilities in our society, understand the application of the Bill of Rights to their everyday lives, and develop an understanding of political processes. In "Financial Literacy", students will develop an awareness of their roles as consumers and learn about the concepts of money management and credit, insurance, property ownership, consumer protection, and advertising techniques. In "Law and Order", students will learn about the three parts of the criminal justice system: the police, the courts, and corrections. In "Social Issues", students will explore the divisive contemporary issues facing Americans and evaluate issues that involve questions of personal rights. Students will develop analytical skills to acquire, organize, and evaluate information for purposes of clarifying these issues.

World History (5500; honors 5505; Co-op 5509)) is a one-credit senior course intended for the student that is seeking the rigor of a college preparatory course. To this end, the course devotes considerable time to the critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources, oral presentations, short essay, and research. The course requires a substantial amount of work outside the classroom. Students will trace the development of world history by focusing on the study of global forces and large historical themes of societies in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Studies will help students see how cultural interactions have shaped our world and how patterns in history continue to the present day. Furthermore, students should recognize that while historical events are unique, they are often driven by similar and repeated forces by people who have struggled to achieve similar goals. The major focus is the state's history standards: content, chronology, analysis, and interpretation. Related concepts found in the state's civics, geography, and economics standards provide a supporting focus. *Prerequisite: Must complete Global Studies, Civics and Economics, and U.S. History. In addition, student must (1) earn a 2.0 in these three courses and have an overall GPA of 2.5 or, (2) obtain the recommendation of a social studies teacher.

Introduction to Sociology (5810 – 0.5 credit; 5820 – 1 credit) is a senior elective course. The course provides the conceptual tools for analyzing and understanding social forces that shape our lives. The relationships among socialization and social groups, as well as economic, political, or religious systems are investigated. Students will utilize resources to examine the importance of sociology and make connections between the concepts studied in the text and events occurring in the world today. (.5 credits)

Introduction to Psychology (5920) is a senior elective course. The course acquaints students with the basic principles, methods, fields, and areas studied in psychology. Students will learn how to ask questions and solve problems that focus on how people perceive the world, how they think, and why they behave the way they do. Students will utilize resources to examine the importance of psychology and make connections between the concepts studied in the text and events occurring in the world today. (.5 credits)

Law and Order (5710) is an elective course offered to seniors. It provides students with the ability to analyze, evaluate, and, in some situations, resolve legal disputes. Students will analyze current law-related public issues and be equipped with the skills necessary to serve as community problem-solvers. Through case studies, mock trials, role plays, and analysis of current events this course promotes in students a willingness and capability to participate effectively in the legal and political systems of our country. (1 credit)

   
   
   
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Wilmington, DE 19804
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