Course Descriptions


Course Descriptions

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American Government - Level II
One Semester, Grade 12

Prerequisites:  None
 

This course gives students a thorough knowledge and understanding of the American governmental system from the federal government down through local governing bodies.  It provides a comprehensive treatment of the totality of our democracy, including its origins, development, principles, organization, and actual workings.  Current issues and problems will be woven into the course so as to give practical application to the theories covered as well as to ensure their relevancy.  This course is required for graduation.   


Anthropology - Level II
One Semester, Grade 10-12

Prerequisites:  None  

This course outlines the four subdisciplines of anthropology and discusses basic anthropological theory.  The bulk of the course focuses on the how's and whys of studying different cultures around the world.  Emphasis is given to definition and explanation of important anthropological terms and concepts such as ethnography, culture, evolution, language, diffusion, and cultural relativism. 


Current Events - Level II
One Semester, Grade 12
Prerequisites:  None  

This course covers newsworthy contemporary issues that are of world, national, or local importance and have contemporary historical significance.  Particular attention is given to events of political, geographic, social, and economic significance in respect to the shaping of the world around us.  In addition to the required textbook, sources such as television, radio, newspapers, and magazines are used as reference material.  An emphasis will be placed on the student’s knowledge of world geography. This course is required for graduation.


Economics - Level II
One Semester, Grade 12

Prerequisites:  None  

This course is a study of how our economic system functions.  Topics such as the United States economic system, supply and demand, business organization, the stock market, and the Federal Reserve System are explored to help students with economic theory.  A practical sense of economics is imparted by investigating housing, investments, credit, insurance, budgeting, and consumerism.  Students submit written reports on consumerism, economic histories, and stock market investing.  This course is required for graduation.


Law Education - Level II
One Semester, Grade 11-12

Prerequisites:  None
 

The law affects every phase of a person’s life.  Thus, every citizen, no matter what his station, should know what his legal rights are and how to protect them.  He must show that with these rights, he has certain legal responsibilities.  The objective of this course is to make students aware of both their rights and responsibilities.  In this class, emphasis is put on law as it affects young adults and how it provides them with practical guidelines for becoming effective citizens and consumers - both now and in the future.  Specifically, the course includes bailments, employment, agencies, insurance, property, and business organizations.  


 Topics in History: The 1960s- Level II
One Semester, Grade 10-12

Prerequisites:  None  

This course will take an in-depth look at the period of U.S. History from the election of John F. Kennedy in 1960 through the resignation of Richard Nixon as a result of Watergate.  Topics covered in the course will include, but not be limited to, media influence on the U.S., the Vietnam War, the counterculture movement, civil rights, the Great Society, and the Cold War.  Course materials will include first hand accounts of events, novels and other literature of the period, videos of events, and guest speakers whenever possible.  Students will be expected to complete a semester written project as a major portion of their grade.  After completing this course, students should have an understanding of the period of history,- which has had the most immediate impact on the U.S. today.  This course does not replace any part of the U.S. History requirement for graduation.  


Indiana Studies - Level II
One Semester
Grade 10-12
Prerequisites:  None

Indiana Studies is an integrated program comparing and contrasting state and national development in the areas of politics, economics, history, and culture.  The course uses Indiana history as a basis for understanding current policies, practices, and state legislative procedures.  Students acquire motivation to participate in the political process as concerned citizens.  This course also includes the study of state and national constitutions from an historical perspective and as a current foundation of government.  The examination of individual leaders and their roles in a democratic society will be included.  Selections from Indiana arts and literature may also be analyzed for insights into historical events and cultural expressions.


Psychology - Level III
One Semester, Grade 11-12
Prerequisites: Overall GPA of 4.5 or above  

Since 1900, psychologists have discovered a vast number of facts and developed a variety of theories about behavior, human development, and mental processes.  The purpose of this course is to pass along to the students some of the knowledge that has been gained.  Students will be introduced to the terms and concepts psychologists use, come to an understanding of the significance of psychological findings in their own lives, and learn how to apply this information to specific situations.  Should enrollment exceed space limitations, first consideration will be given to students entering their senior year.


Sociology - Level II
One Semester, Grade 10-12

Prerequisites:  None  

This course includes the study of human behavior in groups, the structure of society, and societal evolution.  Emphasis is given to the social structure of the United States.  Investigation into the causes and effects of social change is made.  Emphasis is also given to the definition and explanation of important sociological terms and concepts such as functionalism, subculture, poverty, social psychology, inequality, and social statistics.  


United States History - Level II
Two Semesters, Grade 11

Prerequisites:  None  

This course is a study of the growth and development of the United States in four major areas:  1) studying Europeans entering into a strange new environment and responding to it;  2) examining the foundation and development of a new nation in which most of the people lived and worked on farms;  3) telling of a growing nation and its struggles for a place among nations of the world; and  4) bringing the nation into the present day as a predominantly urban, consumer-oriented society with emphasis on its role as a world. 


United States History - Level III
Two Semesters , Grade 11
Prerequisite:  Overall GPA of 4.5 or above

This course covers all of the material included in the regular U. S. History course, but in greater depth; more emphasis is placed on note taking, research, and outside reading.  Additionally, critical thinking skills and problem solving exercises are regularly employed.  Further, the social and economic history of our country is integrated into the traditional study of the political and diplomatic growth of the American nation.   Special emphasis will also be placed on how the events of the past millennium have shaped our modern world with speculation as to what our future may be.  This course is available for college credit through the University of Evansville's Bridge Program.  


World History/Civilization - Level II
Two Semesters, Grade 9-10
Prerequisites:  None

This course outlines the key events and developments of the past that influenced subsequent eras.  A major focus of the course will be how events of the past have shaped our world today.  The emphasis will be on the people, places, events, and key factors shaping Asian, African, and pre-Columbian American culture as well.   Students will practice skills for critical thinking, inquiry and research, and decision making that is necessary for full participation in a democratic society. This course is required during the freshman or sophomore year.


World History, Advanced Placement - Level IV
Two Semesters, Grade 11-12
Prerequisites: Minimum GPA of a 4.5 and World History/Civilization

This challenging course takes a comprehensive look at World History, not merely political events, but overall themes like interactions between cultures and the impact of technology on people and their environment.  More than studying history, this course offers students the opportunity to “do history” by analyzing events using the tools and evidence used by historians.  Success in the modern economy requires an understanding of global connections, and so this course provides excellent preparation for any student planning to pursue a college degree in business or liberal arts.  This course will prepare students for the end of the year Advanced Placement exam.