Dr.
Wendy Hart - Department Chair
E-Mail: wendyh@wcs.edu
Social
Studies instruction includes Standard and Honors classes for
grades 9-12 and Advanced Placement classes for grades 10, 11 and
12. Registration for social studies courses taken at the honors
and advanced placement level requires students to obtain the
recommendation of their current social studies teacher.
World
Geography and World
Geo. Honors
Grade Level:
9
Recommended
Prerequisite: None
Both physical
and cultural geography are studied, giving special attention to
the divergent political, social, religious and economic patterns
of the multiple cultures which share the earth. Emphasis is
placed on learning and development of the 5 themes of
geography: location; place; movement; human-environment
interaction; and region. Students use source materials, maps,
charts, and video/computer materials in order to enhance their
knowledge of the subject matter. Standard.
Emphasis is on developing study skills. Worksheets, map work
and notebook skills are the primary focus. Honors.
Students analyze source materials and develop writing
skills. Rigorous research-based assignments and papers are
required to help prepare students for future Honors and Advanced
Placement social studies courses.
World
History
Grade Level:
10
Credit:
1-Full Year
Recommended
Prerequisite: W. Geography
The
progression of Western Civilization from the classical cultures
of Greece and Rome to the modern world is surveyed in world
history. Students are expected to employ reading, writing,
verbal and study skills in the learning process. Instructional
materials include a text, supplemental readings, and video
presentations.
World
History Honors
Grade Level:
10
Credit:
1-Full Year
Recommended
Prerequisite: not limited to World Geography Honors (but
strongly recommended)
This level is
taught as a college-preparatory course surveying the progression
of Western Civilization from its Fertile Crescent origins, to
the classical cultures of Greece & Rome, to the politics,
society, and economics of the modern world. Students are
expected to employ strong organizational, reading, writing,
verbal and study skills in the learning process. Instructional
materials include a text, supplemental readings and lecture &
multi-media presentations. Individual (& group) research
projects and presentations may be part of the honors
curriculum.
European History AP
Grade Level:
10 - 12
Credit:
1-Full year
Recommended
Prerequisite: W. Geography Honors
This is
a college-level survey course in modern European history, which
begins at the 14th century
and ends with the present. Students are expected to make
linkages from the past in order to develop their knowledge of
how to deal critically with problems of modern history.
European History AP satisfies the World
History requirement. English and History teachers’
recommendations required.
U.S.
History
Grade Level:
11
Credit:
1-Full Year
Recommended
Prerequisite: World History
Presentation
of America’s past includes topics from the 1870’s through the
Modern Era. Standard. Students are expected to
use reading, writing, verbal, and research skills.
Instructional materials include the text and supplemental
readings. An independent study is required.
U.S.
History Honors
Grade Level:
11
Credit:
1-Full Year
Recommended
Prerequisite: not limited to World History Honors (but strongly
recommended)
This level is
taught as a college-preparatory course briefly reviewing U.S.
history up through Reconstruction. The bulk of the course
concentrates on the industrialization of America in the later 19th
century, America’s completion of its Manifest Destiny and the
emergence of the US as a 20th century world power,
the Populist & Progressive reform eras, World War One , the
Roaring Twenties & the Great Depression, World War Two & the
Cold War ear, the Civil Rights Movement & Social Revolution, and
the contempory American Politics, Society, & Economics. Honors
students are expected to demonstrate strong organizational,
reading & study, written & verbal, and critical thinking stills,
Instructional materials include a text, supplemental readings,
and lecture & multi-media presentations. Individual (& group)
research projects & presentations may be part of the honors
curriculum.
*All US
History students are subject to a state mandated End-Of-Course
examination.
U.S.
History AP
Grade Level:
11
Credit:
1-Full year
Recommended
Prerequisite: W. History Honors or European History AP, English
II Honors
Students
survey U.S. History from the Age of Exploration to the present.
This college-level course integrates biographical, economic,
social, political and cultural perspectives on American history.
This course is for accelerated and advanced students. English
and World History teachers’ recommendations are required.
U.S.
Government and U.S. Government Honors
Grade Level:
12
Credit: ½ -
One Semester
Recommended
Prerequisite: U.S. History
In addition
to a thorough examination of the U.S. Constitution, students
analyze the American system of government through focusing on
three branches of government; elections, politics and civil
rights. A major portion of study includes becoming
knowledgeable about current events, which is accomplished in
part by reading the newspaper and news magazines. Both
standard and honor levels are offered.
U.S. Government
AP/Macro Economics AP
Grade Level:
12
Credit:
1-Full year
Recommended
Prerequisite: U.S. History Honors or AP, English III Honors or
AP
For a whole
year, the student will alternate days and attend either the AP
Government or AP Economics class. At the end of the year, the
student will be able to take both advance placement tests. If
this class does not have enough students to register, the
students will need to take both courses during second semester.
Both
English and history teachers’ recommendations required.
Economics and Economics Honors
Grade Level:
12
Credit:
1/2-One
Semester
Recommended
Prerequisite: U.S. History
The main
focus of this course is on the causes and consequences of
economic growth. Students work with fundamental economic
concepts such as markets, economic incentives, and opportunity
cost. Both standard and honor levels are offered.
Marketing may be taken instead of Economics. This meets the
state requirement.
Macro
Economics AP
Grade Level:
12
Credit: ½
-One Semester
Recommended
Prerequisite: U.S. History Honors, English III Honors or AP
Using an
advanced textbook, outside research and reading, students tackle
the study of Macroeconomics, international/global economics and
finance. Economics AP is offered the second semester of the
senior year. English and History teachers’ recommendations
required.
|
