Curriculum - Social Studies
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Three (3) Credits, specifically in World History, American History and
Government/Economics are Required for Graduation
Course Number: 2109310
Title: World History
Pace Number: 511/509*
Grade: 9
Note: In conjunction with English I
1 Credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire an understanding of the chronological development of civilization by examining the political, economic, social, religious, military, dynastic, scientific, and cultural events that have affected humanity.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: geographic-historic and time-space relationships/the use of arbitrary periodization in history/review of prehistory/the rise of civilization and cultural universals/the development of religion and the impact of religious thought/the evolution of political systems and philosophies/the interaction of science and society/the development of nationalism as a global phenomenon/the origin and course of economic systems and philosophies/the influence of major historical figures and events/contemporary world affairs.
Course Number: 2109320
Course Title: World History Honors
Pace Number: 512
Grade: 9
Note: In conjunction with English I Honors
1 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the past in terms of interpretations of change or process in the development of humanity. This is done by analyzing the political, economic, social, religious, military, dynastic, scientific, and cultural events that have shaped and molded humanity. Implicit in this is an understanding of the historical method, the inquiry process, historical reasoning and interpretation, and the issues of external and internal validity.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: geo-historic development in time-space/comparative views of history/the origin and development of contrasting civilizations/cultural universals/the role of religion in historical change/the varieties of contrasting political theories and philosophies/the role of science and technology as a social catalyst/nationalism as a cohesive force in history/the diversity of economic thought and practices in the world/the influence of the major figures and events/interpretations of the historical development of our present world order.
Course Number: 2103400
Course Title: AP Human Geography
Pace Number: 513
Grade: 9 – in Spartan Sword and Shield Program
Note: Must take AP exam and final
1 credit
Major concept: The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop higher levels of concepts and skills related to Human Geography.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: regions, population studies, cultural concepts and spatial representation, political geography, land use, urbanization, issues related to space, place and scale, economic geography.
Course Number: 2109350
Course Title: Contemporary History
Pace Number: 521
Grade: 10
1 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire an understanding of the chronological development of the contemporary world through an investigation of the significant events and trends that have occurred during the recent past. While the course will deal with twentieth-century history, emphasis will be on the past two decades to assist students with understanding events occurring during their lifetime.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: geographic-historic and time-space relationships/the historical antecedents of contemporary political, social, economic, and religious problems/comparison of the competing goals of the world’s political and economic systems/the impact of religious thought on contemporary world issues/the interaction of science and society/the influence of major historical and contemporary figures and events on the present/projection of current trends and movements.
Course Number: 2109800
Course Title: Contemporary History Honors Dual Enrollment
Pace Number: 520
Grade: 10
Prerequisite: B Average in World History Honors
or A Average in World History. Departmental Approval
1 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the major political, social, and economic developments of the twentieth century. This course is international in character with emphasis on a closely integrated study of historic relationships and with the intent of developing and applying sophisticated techniques of historical analysis. Dual enrollment with Florida International University.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: the causes, practices, and effects of war/economic problems/the rise and rule of single-party dictatorships/de-colonization/the development of technological advancements/the work of international organizations/the interactions of religion and politics/the rise of nationalism/East-West relations since 1945. Dual enrollment through FIU.
Course Number: 2109380
Course Title: Advanced Placement European History
Pace Number: 524
Grade: 10
Must take AP Exam & Final
Note: A Average in World History, Departmental Approval
1 credit
Major concept. Students understand the development of Europe within the context of history by examining connections to the past in order to prepare for the future as participating members of a global community. Students use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, social and employment settings.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: specified by the Advanced Placement Program.
Course Title: Advanced Placement World History Dual Enrollment
Pace Number: 557
Grade: 10 – 12
Note: Must take AP exam & Final
Major concept. Students understand the development of Europe within the context of history by examining connections to the past in order to prepare for the future as participating members of a global community. Students use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures and humanities to solve the problems in academic, civic, social and employment settings. Dual enrollment with Florida International University.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following:specified by the Advanced Placement Program – an exposure to the foundations of World History prior to 1000 A.D. – an emphasis on the time period between 1000 and present Asia, Europe, Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa-China, Mesoamerica, Islam, Mongol dominance, new political units in Africa and Europe.
Course Number: 2100310
Course Title: American History
Pace Number: 531/517*
Grade: 11
Prerequisite: World History & English Teacher Recommendation
1 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire an understanding of the chronological development of the American people by examining the political, economic, social, religious, military, scientific, and cultural events that have affected the rise and growth of our nation.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: geographic-historic and time-space relationships/the synthesizing of American culture through the centuries/the continuous westward expansion of American settlements/the origin of American ideals/the American Colonial experience/the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence/the formation of the Constitution and the Federal system/the interpretive evolution of the Constitution over two centuries/sectional schisms in American life/the Civil War and Reconstruction/the technological and urban transformation of the country/the evolution of American lifestyles and ideals over the centuries/American foreign policy development/the cyclical development of the American economy/contemporary domestic and foreign issues.
Course Number: 2100320
Course Title: American History Honors
Pace Number: 532
Grade: 11
Prerequisite: Contemporary History, Departmental Approval
1 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the chronological development of the American people by examining the political, economic, social, religious, military, scientific, and cultural events that have affected the nation. Implicit in this is an understanding of the historical method, the inquiry process, historical reasoning and interpretation, and the issues of external and internal validity.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: geo-historic development in time-space/the significant turning points and trends in the development of American culture and institutions/the significance of westward expansion on the American character/the origin and development of American ideals and characteristics/the effects of the American Colonial experience/enlightened thinking and the Declaration of Independence/the relationship between idealism and reality in the development of the United States Constitution and the Bill or Rights/the changing role of the Constitution over the centuries/sectionalism as a force in American life over the centuries/the origin, course, and aftermath of the America Civil War/the technological and urban transformations of our nation in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries/the changes in American lifestyles through the centuries/the changes in American foreign policy from regional to global/the cycles characteristic of American economic development through the centuries/contemporary American domestic and foreign issues with projected scenarios through the twentieth century.
Course Number: 2100330
Course Title: Advanced Placement American History Dual Enrollment
Pace Number: 540
Grade: 11
Prerequisite: Contemporary History, A/P European History and/or Departmental Approval
Note: Must take AP Exam & Final
1 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to develop the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems, content, and materials of American historic development. Dual enrollment with Florida International University. This is done by focusing on persistent themes and changes in history and by applying historical reasoning to seek solutions to contemporary problems.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: formulate generalizations about the past in order to develop a theory or theories on the development of contemporary American society/derive conclusions from American historical development and growth based on geographic principles/predict the probable effects of actions made by individuals and events within a given historical period/analyze current and historic events as perceived by diverse cultural and ethnic groups over time/synthesize the contributions of major American ethnic cultures to form generalizations about the variety and diversity of American culture/apply processes of critical and creative thinking to evaluate the effects of major American traditions (political, economic, and social) on historical patterns of development in the United States/interpret changes that have occurred in historical development by evaluating the causes and effects of that change/formulate hypotheses on relationships among science, technology, and society and their impact on historical change in the Unites States/evaluate the uniqueness of the American people as a synthesis of various cultures.
Course Number: 2106310
Course Title: American Government
Pace Number: 541/534*
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: American History
.5 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire an understanding of American government and political behavior.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: the documents that shape our political traditions, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights/comparison of the roles of the three branches of government at the local, state, and national levels/the evolving role of political parties and interest groups in determining government policy/how the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic state have evolved and been interpreted/the importance of civic participation in the democratic political process.
Course Number: 2106320
Course Title: American Government Honors
Pace Number: 542
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: A Average in American History
or B Average in American History Honors
.5 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire a comprehensive understanding of American government and political behavior.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: the documents that shape our political traditions, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights/the roles of the three branches of government at the local, state, and national levels/the changing nature of the roles of the three branches of government at the local, state, and national levels/the changing nature of political parties and interest groups over time in determining government policy/the changing nature of citizen rights and responsibilities in a democratic state/the importance of civic participation in the democratic political process.
Course Number: 2106420
Course Title: Advanced Placement American Government
Pace Number: 549
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: A Average in American
History Honors or B Average in AP History. Departmental Approval , Teacher Signature Required
Note: Must take AP Exam & Final
.5 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States. This course involves the study of the general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: federalism and the separation of powers/the development of the Constitution/the process of politics/the nature of public opinion/the role of political parties and interest groups/the major formal and informal institutional arrangement of powers/the development of civil liberties and civil rights.
Course Number: 2102310
Course Title: Economics
Pace Number: 543/553*
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: American History
.5 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire an understanding of the way in which society organizes its limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. Students will be introduced to the major characteristics of the mixed market economic system in the United States and how the basic economic questions are answered. The intent is to provide the students with an understanding of the forces of the marketplace by examining the effect of their roles as producers, consumers, savers, investors, resource owners, voters, and taxpayers on the system.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: economic reasoning and principles for reaching decisions in the market place/the roles and impact of economic wants, productive resources, scarcity and choices, opportunity costs and trade-offs, economic incentives, specialization, comparative advantage, division of labor/interdependence/how markets work/savings and investment/the role of the citizen as producer, consumer, and decision maker/the role and function of government policy/the role of money and financial institutions/labor/distinctions between micro and macroeconomic problems/the similarities and differences among various economic systems.
Course Number: 2102320
Course Title: Economic Honors
Pace Number: 544
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: A Average in American History or
B Average in American History Honors. Approval from American History Teacher
.5 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the way in which society organizes to use its limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants. The course will also deal with the distinguishing characteristics of other types of economic systems. Particular attention will be given to the American mixed system. The intent is to provide students with tools to examine and analyze the implications of market solutions and public policy decisions related to economic problems.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: use of economic reasoning and principles in reaching decisions in the market place/the role and impact of economic wants, productive resources, scarcity, and choices/opportunity costs and trade-offs, economic incentives/specialization/comparative advantage/division of labor/interdependence/how a market functions/the role of pricing and price determination/types of market failures/savings and investment/the role and function of government and governmental policy/the function of money and financial institutions/labor supply and demand/the distinction between micro and macroeconomic problems/types of competition /inflation/unemployment/ monetary and fiscal policy/socioeconomic goals/freedom/economic efficiency/equity/full employment stability/growth.
Course Number: 2102370
Course Title: Advanced Placement Macroeconomics
Pace Number: 580
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: A average in American History Honors or B Average in AP History. Departmental Approval, Teacher Signature Required.
Note: Must take AP exam & Final
.5 credit
Major concept. Students understand the choices they must make as producers, consumers, investors, and tax payers. The study of economics provides students with the knowledge and decision-making tools necessary for understanding how a society must organize its limited resources to satisfy its unlimited wants.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: fundamental economic concepts including scarcity, opportunity costs and trade-offs, productivity, economic systems and institutions, exchange, money and interdependence. Analysis of macroeconomic concepts including gross national product, aggregate supply and demand, unemployment, inflation and deflation, monetary policy, fiscal policy and international economics.
Course Number: 2107300
Course Title: Psychology I
Pace Number: 545
Grade: 11-12
.5 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to provide students with opportunities to acquire an understanding of human behavior, behavioral interaction, and the progressive development of individuals.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: theories and methods of study employed by psychologists/human growth and development/self-concept, development/adjustment, motivation and desire, intelligence, conditioning and learning, memory/personality and behavior/emotion and frustration/abnormal behavior/conformity/autonomy/alienation/stress/mental health/therapy.
Course Number: 2107350
Course Title: Advanced Placement Psychology Dual Enrollment
Pace Number: 592
Grade: 11-12
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation. Departmental approval.
A average in English Honors classes.
Note: Must take AP Exam & Final
1 credit
Major concept. Through the study of psychology, students acquire an understanding of and an appreciation for human behavior, behavioral interaction, and the progressive development of individuals. This will better prepare them to understand their own behavior and the behavior of others. Dual enrollment with Florida International University.
Course Number: 2108300
Course Title: Sociology
Pace Number: 546
Grade: 11-12
.5 credit
Major concept. The purpose of this course is to acquire an understanding of group interaction and its impact on individuals.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: methods of study employed by sociologists/social institutions and norms/social classes/relationships between the sexes/racial and ethnic groups/the handicapped/societal determinants/group behavior/the socialization process, including the transmission of group behavior/social deviation/social conflict/social stratification/social participation/the role of social organizations and institutions, including their interrelationships and interdependence.
Course Number: 2106370
Course Title: Comprehensive Law Studies Honors/Dual Enrollment
Pace Number: 556
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Writing teacher approval, Departmental Approval
.5 credit
Major concept. Students learn that the American legal system is the foundation of American society. They examine the components and processes associated with the American legal system and are provided with a comprehensive examination of the civil and criminal justice systems. Dual enrollment with St. Thomas University.
The content should include, but not be limited to the following: historical antecedents for law, reason for laws, civil and criminal law, social values and their impact on the establishment and interpretation of laws, causes and consequences of crime, comparison of adult and juvenile justice systems, significance of the Bill of Rights to the American legal system, family and consumer law, rights and responsibilities under the law, importance of the adversarial relationship in American jurisprudence, participation in mock trial competitions.
*Class sizes are smaller and accommodations are made to address students’ learning needs.