OHS: Behrens

Course Descriptions

Brief Description of Social Science Courses

May 10, 2006

Concepts in Social Science

This course will examine major concepts in social science. Each subject will require 5 weeks of study. This course will include:

Civics - rule of law; diversity in American society; powers of the Constitution; active civic participation; systems of governments; international relations

Economics - effects of limited resources; market economy; economic systems; interdependence; governments role in economics; economic decision-making

Geography - maps and tools; locations; regions; human and physical features; physical processes of the earth; demographics; human/environment interaction

World History - Renaissance; Age of Exploration; Scientific Revolution; Enlightenment; Russian Revolution; WWI; WWII; Cold War; Middle East; global interaction

Required Grade Level: 10

Required for Graduation

Prerequisite: None

American History

This comprehensive history course will trace the development of our country from pre-Columbus to the Vietnam War, but will be heavily focused on the 20th Century. The class is broken into major eras (such as Colonial Life, Civil War, Cold War, etc). The class will examine the cause and effect of historic events through many differing viewpoints. A final project about a 20th Century event will be chosen by the student.

Required Grade Level: 11

Required for Graduation

Prerequisite: None

American Government

This course will examine the system of government in the U.S., its purpose, processes, and history. This class will introduce major aspects of American government, including the Constitution, branches, departments, elections, law-making processes, political parties, civil liberties, etc. A basic introduction of different forms of government will be included. Students will argue Supreme Court cases, play the stock market, and create laws. It will also closely follow current issues through debates and posters.

Required Grade Level: 12

Required for Graduation

Prerequisite: None

World Regional Geography

This elective course will examine different regions throughout the world, emphasizing location, landscape, climate, environment, people, and culture. It will also teach important geographic skills, such as map reading, cartography, and chart/graph interpretation.

Recommended Grade Level: 9-12

Offered in alternating semesters

Prerequisite: None

Sociology

This elective course will examine groups: how we fit into groups and how they affect society. It will examine a range of topics including culture, types of societies, deviance and crime, social classes, poverty, minority groups, demographics, and population�s effect on a society.

Recommended Grade Level: 9-12

Offered on demand

Prerequisite: None

Physical Geography

This elective course will examine the physical processes of the Earth, including the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere, and how these processes combine to create the climates and landscapes we live in today. A section about the most famous natural disasters in history is included. Map/graph interpretation and cartography will also be emphasized.

Recommended Grade Level: 10-12

Offered in alternating semesters

Prerequisite: None

Current Events

This elective course examines events that occur during the semester. Internet, news programs, newspapers, and magazines will be used as sources of information. Activities include debates, discussions, opinion writing, and journals.

Recommended Grade Level: 9-10

Offered on demand

Prerequisite: None

Topics of History

This elective course is designed to give students more in-depth study of specific events of interest to them. The class is primarily student directed. Students choose an era, event, or person from history. They create a plan (approved by the teacher) and act on the plan to generate a product about the topic. Students will also be required to create a lesson about a historic event to present to the American History class. Regular class (on demand) or independent study.

Required Grade Level: 11-12

Offered on demand or as independent study

Prerequisite: B or better in American History and Instructor Permission