Social Sciences course descriptions

Social Sciences

Competent written work is essential in all academic disciplines; therefore, social sciences teachers will evaluate student papers using a rubric with criteria applicable to both English and social sciences content areas. 

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY                      1137

2 Semesters   2 Credits        Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Geography and History of the World & Pass with a B for both semesters
Textbook Purchase: None
Supplementary Fee: $5
Paperback Purchase: $19
AP Exam: TBD by College Board, approx. $85

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1572] The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to analyze human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. All students enrolled in this course will take the AP Human Geography exam in the spring.  NOTE: In order to receive weighted credit and the Advanced Placement designation on transcripts, students must successfully complete both semesters of the Advanced Placement course and receive a “3” or higher on the Advanced Placement examination in that course.

WORLD HISTORY                                   1103

2 Semesters     2 Credits      Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: None
Supplementary Fee: $5

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1548] This course is designed to give a panorama of history from earliest times to 1900. It covers the traditional societies of the West, Asia, and Africa. The course is designed to show the continuity of history; forces and ideas that have shaped history; and developments in the arts, religion, and social life. 

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY                       1165

2 Semesters     2 Credits      Grades: 10-12

Prerequisites: Geography and History of the World

Textbook Rental:  $30.23    

Fee: $5

Paperback:  $12.50

Field Trip Fee:  $10

AP Exam: TBD by College Board, approx. $85

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1556] The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current form of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. NOTE: In order to receive weighted credit and the Advanced Placement designation on transcripts, students must successfully complete both semesters of the Advanced Placement course and attempt the Advanced Placement examination in that course.

U.S. HISTORY                                   1109

2 Semesters     2 Credits      Grade: 11
Prerequisite: None
Supplementary Fee: $5

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1542] This course examines the American experience through a thematic approach of America's political, social, and economic history. The objective will be to investigate what is the American experience and its constant evolution. Students will develop and hone critical writing, reading, and thinking skills throughout the course. 

INTRODUCTION TO GIS                          1141

(GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS)
2 Semesters  2 Credits        Grades: 11-12

Prerequisite: Completion of AP Human Geography
Textbook Purchase: TBD
Supplementary Fee: $5

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1550] This course is designed to introduce students to various GIS technologies. Students will be made aware of career opportunities in this field and be provided with the skills necessary to pursue further study and employment in the areas of development and utilization of GIS. With these goals in mind, students will use computer applications such as Google Earth and ArcGIS software to complete modules designed to help them understand, analyze, and interpret information from GIS maps. Furthermore, this course will aid the development of problem solving, data analysis, interpretation of spatial relationships as well as gaining empathy for the geography of the student’s surroundings, as well as aspects of globalization.

AP U.S. HISTORY                             1131

2 Semesters      2 Credits      Grade: 11

Prerequisite: None

Textbook Purchase: None
Paperback Purchase: $15
Supplementary Fee: $5
Additional Costs: AP Exam TBD by College Board, approx. $85

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1562] Advanced Placement United States History provides students with the equivalent of a college-level survey of United States history from the Age of Exploration to the present. The course emphasizes in-class essays and document-based writings to assess student understanding.  NOTE: In order to receive weighted credit and the Advanced Placement designation on transcripts, students must successfully complete both semesters of the Advanced Placement course and attempt the Advanced Placement examination in that course.

ACP U.S. HISTORY H105/H106  

(Indiana University)      1157/1158 (use 3084)

2 Semesters     2 Credits      Grade: 11

Supplementary Fee: $5

Textbook Purchase: TBD

Additional Cost: Students enrolled in ACP US History for IU credit must pay the additional hourly fee assessed by Indiana University to cover the cost of six credit hours. Students receiving free and reduced lunches can have this fee waived.  See the ACP US History instructor for more details.

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1542] This is a college course designed for capable juniors who meet the standards of academic rigors and success equaling those of a college freshman.  Although this course is offered to meet Indiana’s state standards for US History credit, its applicants must meet guidelines prescribed by Indiana University.  Students will earn six credit hours that are accepted at not only Indiana University, but all other state schools as well as over 700 colleges and universities across the country.  The student will be awarded a weighted grade for this course.  The course will focus on various themes beginning with the age of exploration and continuing through the Reagan presidency.  Students will focus on these themes through various strategies including reading primary and secondary sources, and historical writing projects and presentations.   ACP United States History is a course that allows students an in-depth study of the history of our great nation.  Students are awarded three credit hours per semester for earning a C or better.  Students must meet admission requirements to attend Indiana University if they are taking the course for I.U. credit.

ACP US HISTORY H105/H106 (I.U.) and ENGLISH 11 HONORS SEMINAR

                                                1179/0320   (3086)

2 Semesters      Credits:  2      Grade: 11

Prerequisite: Must meet I.U. admissions requirement: Students enrolled in ACP US History for IU credit must pay the additional hourly fee assessed by Indiana University to cover the cost of 6 credit hours.

Textbook Fee:  TBA

Paperback Fee (English):  $30

Supplemental Fee: $5 (history) and $5 (English)

Additional Costs: Possible Field Trip – TBA

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  [IDOE 1542/1006] This is a college course designed for capable juniors who meet the standards of academic rigors and success equaling those of a college freshman.  Although this course is offered to meet Indiana’s state standards for US History credit, its applicants must meet guidelines prescribed by Indiana University.  Students will earn six credit hours that are accepted at not only Indiana University, but all other state schools as well as over 700 colleges and universities across the country.  The student will be awarded a weighted grade for the history portion of the class.  The course will focus on various themes beginning with the age of exploration and continuing through the Reagan presidency.  Students will focus on these themes through various strategies including reading primary and secondary sources, and historical writing projects and presentations.   ACP United States History is a course that allows students an in-depth study of the history of our great nation.  Students are awarded three credit hours per semester for earning a C or better.  Students must meet admission requirements to attend Indiana University if they are taking the course for I.U. credit. The course will also develop students’ skills in writing, critical thinking, literary analysis, and close reading. Texts that support the historical context will be explored including poetry, short stories, novels, etc.  Students will be asked to work individually as well as collaboratively throughout the year.

IVY TECH U.S. HISTORY (H101/H102)           1167/1168 (use 3085)

2 Semesters   2 Credits        Grade: 11

Prerequisite:  None    

Textbook Purchase:  TBD

Supplementary Fee:  $10  

This course is weighted on a 4.5 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1542] HIST 101, SURVEY OF AMERICAN HISTORY I – Covers major themes and events in history including exploration of the New World; the colonial period; causes and results of the American Revolution; the development of the federal system of government; the growth of democracy; early popular American culture; territorial expansion; slavery and its effect; reform movements, sectionalism; causes and effects of the Civil War.
 

HIST 102, SURVEY OF AMERICAN HISTORY II – Covers major themes including the post-Civil War period, western expansion, industrial growth of the nation and its effects, immigration and urban discontent and attempts at reform, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, social and governmental changes of the thirties, World War II and its consequences, the growth of the federal government, social upheaval in the sixties and seventies, and recent trends in conservatism, globalization, and cultural diversity.

AP US HISTORY/        1161 / 0327 (use 3067)

AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION SEMINAR

2 Semesters   4 Credits        Grade: 11
(2 credits in AP Lang and 2 credits in AP US History)
Supplementary Fee: $5.00(U.S. History)

Supplementary Fee: $5 (English)

Paperback Purchase: $25 (U.S. History)

Paperback Purchase: $34 (English)

Additional Cost: AP Exam TBD by College Board, approx. $85.00 (English) and $85.00 (History)
(The seminar will be taught in a 2-period block.)

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1562/1056] Enrollment in AP Language/AP U.S. History Seminar signals a decision to begin studying language and history at the college level. Advanced Placement courses are modeled after college freshman courses and are designed for motivated students who have the desire and determination to gain Advanced Placement credit while still in High School. This seminar will integrate literature with history and will encompass history and literature from the Age of Exploration to present-day America. In addition, the course will emphasize collaborative learning, providing students with the opportunity to further develop both their practical, problem-solving skills and their analytical skills. Finally, students will redefine their ability to respond to nonfiction texts with fluency, clarity, and accuracy. Students who enroll in this course must possess strong writing and critical thinking skills as demonstrated by their work in previous English and Social Studies classes.  NOTE: In order to receive weighted credit and the Advanced Placement designation on transcripts, students must successfully complete both semesters of the Advanced Placement course and attempt the Advanced Placement examination in that course.

U.S. GOVERNMENT                    1115 or 1116

1 Semester     1 Credit          Grade: 12
Prerequisite: None
Supplementary Fee: $3

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1540] United States Government provides a framework for understanding the purposes, principles, and practices of constitutional representative democracy in the United States. Responsible and effective participation of citizens is stressed. Students will understand the nature of citizenship, politics, and government and understand the rights and responsibilities of citizens and how these are part of United States government. Students will examine how the United States Constitution protects rights and provides the structure and functions of various levels of government. Using primary and secondary resources, students will articulate, evaluate, and defend positions on political issues and events. As a result, they will be able to explain the role of individuals and groups in government, political, and civic activities and the need for civic and political engagement of citizens in the United States. In addition to readings in the textbook, students may be required to read an assigned book and/or other supplementary readings on related topics.

AP U.S. GOVERNMENT & POLITICS     1138

1 Semester  (2nd Sem. Only)     1 Credit      Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Selection Process
Supplementary Fee: $3
Paperback Purchase: $15.75
Additional Cost: AP Exam TBD by College Board, approx. $85

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1560] AP United States Government and Politics is designed to give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, group beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics. Students will develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system, as well as their roles, rights and responsibilities as citizens.  Specific topics include Constitutional Underpinnings of United States Government, Institutions of National Government, Political Beliefs and Behaviors, Political Parties, Interest Groups, Mass Media, Public Policy, and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.  NOTE: In order to receive weighted credit and the Advanced Placement designation on transcripts, students must successfully complete the Advanced Placement course and attempt the Advanced Placement examination in that course and earn at least a 3 on the AP Exam.

ACP POLITICAL SCIENCE (Dual Credit)                                                                       1139

Y103 Introduction to American Politics

1 Semester     1 Credit          Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Students must meet admission requirement to attend Indiana University.
Etext Fee:  $30

Supplementary Fee: $3

Additional Cost: Students enrolled in ACP Political Government for I.U. credit must pay the additional hourly fee assessed by Indiana University to cover the cost of three credit hours. Students receiving free and reduced lunches can have this fee waived. See the ACP Political Science instructor for more details.

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1540] ACP Political Science is a 100 level college course designed for capable seniors who meet the standards of academic rigors and success equaling those of a college freshman.  Although this course is offered to meet Indiana’s state standards for U.S. Government credit, its applicants must meet guidelines prescribed by Indiana University.  

In this college course students are invited to share the view of the political science researcher looking into the microscope. What makes citizens tick? How do they make decisions? How do people organize themselves and express their various interests? How do they decide what role government ought to play in their lives, and what happens if they disagree about such fundamental issues? Do people make rational decisions when they vote? What does it mean to be rational? Does the democratic process "work"? The course will employ a blended learning format. IU will provide content via video lectures and unit exams. The classroom teacher will provide pedagogical support to facilitate the application, analysis, and evaluation of the content prescribed by I.U.

NOTE: Students are awarded three credit hours per semester and a weighted grade for earning a C or better.

ECONOMICS                              1121 or 1122

1 Semester     1 Credit          Grade: 12
Prerequisite: None
Supplementary Fee: $2.50

Quantitative Reasoning Course

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1514] Economics is a one-semester course of study required for graduation. This course is designed to acquaint students with the basic principles of theory and application. This course of study is designed to increase the student's understanding of different classifications of economic organization; the market system and its functions of production; distribution; and consumption; the general business cycle; and the role of government, labor, business, consumers, banking and credit in the economy.

AP ECONOMICS (Macro & Micro)  1123/1124

2 Semesters   2 Credits        Grade: 11-12

Supplementary Fee: $5

Textbook Rental:  $44
Additional Cost: 2 AP Exams TBD by College Board, approx. $170 (Macro AP Exam $85.00 and Micro AP Exam $85)

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1564/1566] AP Economics is a two-semester course of study which fulfills the economic graduation requirement. This course in Macroeconomics and Microeconomics is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics. In Macroeconomics students will learn to measure economic performance, national income, price determination, the financial sector, inflation, unemployment, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international trade and finance. In Microeconomics the primary emphasis is on the nature and functions of product markets and the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.  NOTE: In order to receive weighted credit and the Advanced Placement designation on transcripts, students must successfully complete both semesters of the Advanced Placement course and attempt both the Micro and Macro Advanced Placement examinations in that course.

PSYCHOLOGY                           1125 or 1126

1 Semester     1 Credit          Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: None
Supplemental Fee: $5
Paperback Purchase: None

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1532] Have you ever wondered why people act differently in a crowd compared to by themselves? Have you ever tried to figure out what is the best environment for studying in or how someone that seems so happy could have depression? Psychology, the scientific study of human behavior, provides an opportunity for students to gain insights into behavior patterns and our adjustments to social environments. The course will help students in gaining a better understanding of themselves as well as others as it considers such topics as: group behavior, the effects of sleep and drugs, human development over the course of a life span, memory and abnormal psychology. This class will be largely project based and assess students as they learn to do the work of Psychologists.

SOCIOLOGY                              1127 or 1128

1 Semester     1 Credit          Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: None
Supplementary Fee: $5

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1534] If you have ever thought about why is society this way, how did we get this way, and how do I fit in, then this course is for you. We will examine topics such as: Why do male and female students participate in class discussions differently? Do students of the same ethnicity always sit together in the high school cafeteria? Why does the youngest child always seem to get away with everything? Sociology has answers to all of these questions. The goal of this course is to help you develop your sociological imagination. It is to learn to see the world around you sociologically and to give tools and concepts to help you analyze what you see. This course is organized around a series of hands-on, and in-class exercises. Each is designed to introduce students to a different sub-field, to familiarize you with different analytical techniques, and to learn new theories and concepts. In this class, you will work individually, in pairs, and in small groups.

ANTHROPOLOGY                     1153 or 1154

1 Semester     1 Credit          Grades: 10-12
Supplementary Fee: $5
Paperback Purchase: $15

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1502] Anthropology gives students perspectives concerning patterns of culture among people. The course introduces the anthropologist’s processes of observing and analyzing human behavior. Topics studied include (1) theories and principles of cultural formation, growth, function, and change; (2) the relationship of culture to environment; and (3) the relationship between cultural background and behavior.

Health & Human Services Academy

CAPSTONE COURSE:

SOCIAL JUSTICE                                   1171

(Sociology & Cultural Anthropology)

2 Semesters   2 Credits (1 ea., Soc. & Anthro.)

Grade: 12

Prerequisites:  None      

Fee:  $5

Field Trips: TBD

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  [IDOE 1534/1502] Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world” as he recognized the need to improve the world in which he lived.  Social justice provides this opportunity to look at social and cultural issues locally, nationally, and globally.  Sociology will focus on the society in which we live by examining topics such as inequalities of race and ethnicity, gender and age, social status, and culture.  The course expands beyond the United States to look at anthropology, the science of humankind.  Specific focus will be put on culture including education, political/economic institutions, religion, and family.  Various traditions, beliefs, values, social institutions, art, and the impact of humans on other humans will be considered.  During the duration of the course students are required to go outside of the classroom and do as Gandhi said by providing service to others.  An intricate element of the course is to apply the knowledge learned in class to others locally, nationally, and globally through service learning. 

CIVICS (CITIZENSHIP)               1151 or 1152

1 Semester     1 Credit          Grades: 9-12
Supplementary Fee:  $2.50

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1508] Civics/ Citizenship is an overview of citizenship roles and responsibilities designed to help students become independent thinkers and conscientious citizens. This course deals with political trends and behavior which citizens consider relevant to the most pressing issues of the day. The course provides students experiences that will develop attitudes of citizenship within a democratic society. Topics include: (1) the policymaking process; (2) public participation in policymaking; (3) citizenship rights and responsibilities in a changing society; and (4) the relationship between modern society and government. In-depth study of government at the local level is a large component of this course.

AP PSYCHOLOGY                                   1135

2 Semesters      2 Credits      Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: Student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If taking as a Junior, you must have taken Psychology (1125) prior to your Junior year.

Supplementary Fee: $5

Paperback Purchase: $13
AP Exam: TBD by College Board, approx. $85

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1558] This college-level course is designed for qualified students who wish to complete studies in secondary school equivalent to a college psychology introductory course. This 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. Students will be able to understand psychological principles and be able to apply them to their daily lives and the real world. Students are required to participate in a summer reading assignment, and are also responsible for the purchase of the summer reading book.  NOTE: In order to receive weighted credit and the Advanced Placement designation on transcripts, students must successfully complete both semesters of the Advanced Placement course and receive a 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement examination in that course.

CURRENT ISSUES                     1129 or 1130

1 Semester       1 Credit      Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: None       

Supplementary Fee: $25

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1512] Major issues facing America and the world are the focus of the course: for example, the economy, constitutional questions, energy policy, the environment, poverty, education, defense, foreign affairs, terrorism, and trade. The course will examine both events in the daily news and ongoing current issues. Students will read about topics, view special news programs, and discuss the issues that arise from these activities. Group projects, written analysis, and oral reports will also be required. Text covering various topics, as well as history textbooks, magazines and newspaper articles, television programs, and the IMC will all serve as main sources for study.

AP COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS                                                      1155

1 Semester (1st sem. only)    1 Credit    

Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Selection Process
Textbook Rental: $15
Paperback Purchase: $28
Supplementary Fee: $5
Additional Cost: AP Exam TBD by College Board, approx. $85

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1552] The AP course in Comparative Government and Politics introduces students to fundamental concepts used by political scientists to study the processes and outcomes of politics in a variety of country settings. The course aims to illustrate the rich diversity of political life, to show available institutional alternatives, to explain differences in processes and policy outcomes, and to communicate to students the importance of global political and economic changes. In addition to covering the major concepts that are used to organize and interpret what we know about political phenomena and relationships, the course should cover specific countries and their governments. Six countries form the core of the AP Comparative Government and Politics course: China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia.  By using these six countries, the course can move the discussion of concepts from abstract definition to concrete example, noting that not all concepts will be equally useful in all country settings.  NOTE: In order to receive weighted credit and the Advanced Placement designation on transcripts, students must successfully complete the Advanced Placement course and attempt the Advanced Placement examination in that course.

TOPICS IN U.S. HISTORY                                    1159

Through Music and Culture:

1 Semester (Fall)    1 Elective Credit  

Grades: 10-12

Paperback Purchase: $17

Supplemental Fee: $10

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1538] It is the purpose of this course to analyze and describe events, leaders, and movements of the United States.  This course will have special emphasis on causes and interpretations of the periods of national crisis and war followed by reconstruction.  This course will also examine different perspectives of history through various musicians and songs and the influence on culture.

Note: This is an elective course and does not fulfill your U.S. History requirement.

TOPICS IN U.S. HISTORY                                   1160

Through Music and Culture:

1 Semester (Spring)       1 Elective Credit

Grades:  10-12

Paperback Purchase: $17

Supplemental Fee: $10

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1538] It is the purpose of this course to analyze and describe events, leaders, and movements of the United States.  This course will have special emphasis on causes and interpretations of the periods of national crisis and war followed by reconstruction.  This course will also examine different perspectives of history through various musicians and songs and the influence on culture.

Note: This is an elective course and does not fulfill your U.S. History requirement.

INTRODUCTION TO LAW

IN AMERICAN SOCIETY            1175 or 1176

1 Semester     1 Credit          Grade: 10-12 

Prerequisite:  None

Textbook Purchase: TBD    

Paperback Purchase: $15

Supplementary Fee: $5

Additional Cost:  Field Trips, TBD

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  [IDOE 1526] Are you interested in a career in criminal justice, the legal field, or just want to be a more informed citizen?  This course explores the rights and obligations of citizenship, the historical development of our system of law, our court structure and procedure, as well as civil and criminal law. Historical and current legal cases that cover constitutional, civil, and criminal issues will be studied Students will demonstrate their knowledge of law and legal procedures by participating in mock trials.  A primary purpose of this course is to develop the ability to think critically by recognizing the value conflicts present in the law and the application of law to students’ personal lives.

AP COMPARATIVE POLITICS /

CURRENT ISSUES                                  1177

2 Semesters   2 Credits        Grades: 10-12

Prerequisite: None

Textbook:  TBA       

Fee: $5       

$11 Paperback Purchase

Additional Cost: AP Exam TBD by College Board, approximately $85.00

This course is weighted on a 5.0 scale.

COURSE DESCRIPTION: [IDOE 1552/1512] The AP course in Comparative Government and Politics/Current Issues introduces students to fundamental concepts used by political scientists to study the processes and outcomes of politics in a variety of country settings. This course will also provide students an opportunity to observe the social life through the media.  The course aims to illustrate the rich diversity of political life, to show available institutional alternatives, to explain differences in processes and policy outcomes, and to communicate to students the importance of global political and economic changes. In addition to covering the major concepts that are used to organize and interpret what we know about political phenomena and relationships, the course should cover specific countries and their governments. Six countries form the core of the AP Comparative Government and Politics course: China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia. By using these six countries, the course can move the discussion of concepts from abstract definition to concrete example, noting that not all concepts will be equally useful in all country settings.