216 World Studies (History)
Course information: 1/2 credit each semester; both semesters required; full year course; fulfills the 10th grade 1 credit graduation requirement; open to grade 10 (and students who need to fulfill the sophomore level graduation requirement); Academic Level course
Prerequisite: This course required concurrent enrollment in World Literature (217)
Description: This course is an interdisciplinary two-period, team-taught class combining World History and sophomore level World Literature. It integrates the investigation of historical and institutional development with the exploration of thematic and
structural similarities and differences in the regional literature. Units in this course focus on the impact of religion on society during the Dark Ages and the Renaissance/Reformation; the impact of economics on society during the scientific revolution of the Age of Exploration through Colonization; the impact of politics and government on society during the Enlightenment through World War I; and the impact of institutional change on society during the 20th Century. In each unit, several people who represent the institution of that era become the focus for answering the essential question of the course: Are great (important) people born for greatness or made by the conditions of their society?
315 Accelerated American Studies (History)
Course information: 1/2 credit each semester; both semesters required; full year course; fulfills the 11th grade graduation requirement; open to grade 11 (and students who need to fulfill the junior level graduation requirement); Honors Level course Prerequisite: None
Description: This course is an interdisciplinary two-hour, team-taught class combining U.S. History and junior level American Literature from Exploration/Colonization to the Cold War. Throughout the course, students evaluate possible responses to this essential question: To what extent were people in America able to achieve their dreams? Through thematic units, students investigate various groups of people who are attempting to define who they are and why they are here. From Native Americans, to immigrant Americans, to those forced to immigrate under conditions of slavery, every group had a dream for the America in which they lived.
This course will focus on the interactions between people and their institutions, institutions that impacted the dreams of the American people for both good and bad. Both analytical composition and oral communication (e.g., debate, informal small group discussion, formal oral presentation) are integrated into the class activities. As part of the scope of this course, students will take the U.S.
Constitution Test. By state law, students must pass this test in order to graduate.
454 The Contemporary World
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; elective course; open to grades 9, 10, 11 & 12; Academic Level course Prerequisite: None
Description: Students will explore the geographic, economic, political, and cultural institutions of the modern world. During the first half of the semester, students will receive an overview of nine countries/regions of the world that are selected from the following:
Africa, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, The Caribbean, Central America, China, Eastern Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, The Middle East, Pakistan/Afghanistan, Russia/The Former Soviet Union, Southeast Asia, South America, and Western Europe. They will select these regions as a class based on student interest and current world events. During the second half of the semester, students will develop research skills and analytical skills as they compile a portfolio on one of the countries/regions surveyed earlier. The second half of the course will feature student-driven investigation and discussion of relevant events and issues as they unfold. This course is recommended for students planning to pursue careers in education, law, politics, international relations, and government services.
458 History of the Ancient World
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; fulfills the 9th grade 1/2 credit graduation requirement; open to grade 9 (and students who need to fulfill the freshman level graduation requirement); Academic Level course
Prerequisite: None
Description: Through the examination of the ancient civilizations of The Fertile Crescent, Nile River Valley, Indus River Valley, Yellow River Valley, Greece, Rome and the Americas, students will investigate possible answers to the following essential question:
What does the future of the United States look like? Students will first examine how each civilization developed and interacted with other cultures. They will then investigate the conditions which cause a civilization or any part of it to survive, decline, or integrate into a new idea of civilization. Finally, students will consider the possibilities for the future of the United States.
459 Accelerated History of the Ancient World
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; fulfills the 9th grade 1/2 credit graduation requirement; open to grade 9 (and students who need to fulfill the freshman level graduation requirement); Honors Level course
Prerequisite: None
Description: Through the examination of the ancient civilizations of The Fertile Crescent, Nile River Valley, Yellow River Valley, Greece, Rome and the Americas, students will investigate possible answers to the following question: What does the future of the United States look like? Students will first examine how each civilization developed and interacted with other cultures. They will then investigate the conditions which cause a civilization or any part of it to survive, decline, or integrate into a new idea of
civilization. Finally, students will consider the possibilities for the future of the United States. This course places a strong emphasis on written analyses of primary sources, research projects, and group investigations of critical world history issues.
551 World History
Course Information: 1/2 credit each semester; both semesters required; fulfills the 10th grade 1 credit graduation requirement;
open to grade 10 (and students who need to fulfill the sophomore level graduation requirement); Academic Level course Prerequisite: None
Description: Units in this course focus on the impact of religion on society during the Dark Ages and the Renaissance/Reformation;
the impact of economics on society during the scientific revolution of the Age of Exploration through Colonization; the impact of politics and government on society during the Enlightenment through World War I; and the impact of institutional change on society during the 20th century. In each unit, several people who represent the institution of that era become the focus for answering the essential question of the course: Are great (important) people born for greatness or made by the conditions of their society?
605 Law in American Society
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; elective course; open to grades 11 & 12; Academic Level course Prerequisite: None
Description: Students will examine the American legal system. The course will include an introduction to law and the legal system, as well as various aspects of criminal, civil, and constitutional law. The course will identify the multiple roles various groups play in the legal system. In addition, students will learn more about their rights and responsibilities under the law. This course is
recommended for students planning to pursue careers in education, law, politics, government, social and public services.
61 650 African-American History
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; elective course; open to grades 11 & 12, or 10 with approval of 9th grade social science instructor; Academic Level course
Prerequisite: None
Description: Students will study the unique contributions, struggles, and cultural legacy of African Americans within the context of American history. In an effort to enhance student understanding, special emphasis will be placed on the use of primary historical sources and other media. Students will study the African-American experience from early African arrival in the Americas through challenges facing African Americans in the 21st Century. This course is recommended for students planning to pursue careers in education, law, politics, government, and social services.
652 United States History: Exploration and Colonization to the Cold War
Course Information: 1/2 credit each semester; both semesters required; full year course; fulfills the 11th grade 1 credit graduation requirement; open to grade 11 (and students who need to fulfill the junior level graduation requirement); Academic Level course Prerequisite: None
Description: Throughout the course, students evaluate possible responses to this essential question: To what extent were people in America able to achieve their dreams? In their study of exploration and colonization to the Cold War, students investigate various groups of people who are attempting to define who they are and why they are here. From Native Americans, to immigrant Americans, to those forced to immigrate under conditions of slavery, every group had a dream for the America in which they lived. This course will focus on the interactions between people and their institutions, institutions that impacted the dreams of the American people for both good and bad. This course includes the practice of many reading for comprehension strategies as well as writing for multiple purposes. As part of the scope of this course, students will take the U.S. Constitution Test. By state law, students must pass this test in order to graduate.
653 Accelerated United States History: Exploration and Colonization to the Cold War
Course Information: 1/2 credit each semester; both semesters required; full year course; fulfills the 11th grade 1 credit graduation requirement; open to grade 11 (and students who need to fulfill the junior level graduation requirement); Honors Level course Prerequisite: None
Description: Throughout the course, students evaluate possible responses to this essential question: To what extent were people in America able to achieve their dreams? In their study of exploration and colonization to the Cold War, students investigate various groups of people who are attempting to define who they are and why they are here. From Native Americans, to immigrant Americans, to those forced to immigrate under conditions of slavery, every group had a dream for the America in which they lived. This course will focus on the interactions between people and their institutions, institutions that impacted the dreams of the American people for both good and bad. This course places a strong emphasis on written analyses of primary sources, research projects, and group investigations of the critical issues in the history of the United States to the Cold War. As part of the scope of this course, students will take the U.S. Constitution Test. By state law, students must pass this test in order to graduate.
654 Media Literacy
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; elective course; open to grades 11 & 12; Academic Level course Prerequisite: None
Description: Each day students consume massive quantities of media which helps shape their lives. This course will offer training in how to decipher the information they receive and to understand its potential impact on them. It will allow students to gain the required knowledge and language to describe and understand how the media shapes our culture. In addition, it will teach the critical thinking skills necessary for making intelligent, reflective, and informed choices about the media-saturated world in which we live. The course will emphasize reading, writing, and the critical analysis of media. This course is recommended for students planning to pursue careers in journalism, marketing and public relations, broadcast communication, education, law, politics, international relations, government, social and public services.
655 Modern United States History: Social, Economic, and Political Institutions
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; fulfills the 1/2 credit 12th grade graduation requirement; open only to grade 12 (and transfer students who need to fulfill the Senior level graduation requirement); Academic Level course
Prerequisite: None
Description: Change is a constant in individuals and their nation. The modern, technological world has accelerated the pace of that change. This course will examine the political, economic, and societal changes that have shaped the United States since World War II. The class will evaluate the impact of these changes on demographic relationships (i.e., class/social status, gender, etc.), politics, foreign and domestic policy and the ever-evolving interpretation of the United States Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
The following essential question is the focus of student investigation throughout the semester: How does change impact the United States and its role in the global community? As part of the scope of this course, students will take the Illinois Constitution Test. By state law, students must pass this test in order to graduate.
656 Economics
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; elective course; open to grades 10, 11 & 12; Academic Level course.
Prerequisite: None
Description: In this course, students will be introduced to key economic theories and their implementation around the world. Areas of focus will include business cycles, inflation/deflation, unemployment, taxes, and tools used by governments and central banks to promote the health of the world’s economies. Students will also explore budgeting, credit, insurance, saving, and investing. Above all, the course is designed to allow students to see where individuals, and the nation, fit into the global economic landscape. It is recommended for college-bound students interested in careers in the areas of politics, science, law, engineering, finance, labor management, education, marketing, distribution, and international relations. This course will meet the consumer education requirement for graduation.
657 Sociology
Course Information: 1/2 credit each semester; both semesters required; full year course; elective course; does not fulfill the social sciences graduation requirement; open to grades 11 &12; Academic Level course
Prerequisite: None
Description: This course scientifically analyzes the group behavior of human beings. This course is designed primarily for college preparation, but any student could benefit. Course content includes an analysis of basic institutions of society (family, religion, government, education, and economics) and their problems. Course topics include culture and cultural comparisons, social class and status, values and norms, population, race and ethnic relations, criminal behavior, marriage and divorce, collective behavior, etc.
Careers in education, social work, advertising, law, criminology, recreation, and politics, among others, require a background in sociology.
658 Psychology I
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; elective course; open to grades 11 & 12; Academic Level course Prerequisite: None
Description: An essential question faces the students and, in fact, current practitioners in the fields of psychology: How much of any given behavior is the result of nature and thereby the result of genetic predispositions, and how much is nurture, and thereby the result of environmental conditioning? These issues are the philosophical basis around which the subjects of the course (personality theory, learning theory, development, and abnormal psychology) revolve; they serve as a dynamic and ongoing presence for the summative activities at the end of each unit of instruction. Further, rather than address research and statistics as separate issues, those subjects are covered throughout the units, with the intent of strengthening the students’ understanding of research procedures and the viability of research findings. It is recommended for those planning to pursue careers in education, social and public services, childcare, law, business, advertising, and medicine.
63 659 Psychology II
Course Information: 1/2 credit; Spring semester; elective course; open to grades 11 & 12; Honors Level course Prerequisite: Psychology I (658)
Description: The advanced semester of psychology places more emphasis on the “medical model” as an explanation for the essential question: How much of any given behavior is the result of nature and thereby the result of genetic predispositions, and how much is nurture, and thereby the result of environmental conditioning? Topics include sensation and perception, memory and cognition, emotion and motivation, and social psychology. The course culminates in a research project designed, researched, tested, and presented by each student. Students learn how to use and perform statistical analysis for research purposes as well as how to utilize professional journals for background information in their projects. It is recommended for those planning to pursue careers in education, social and public services, childcare, law, business, advertising, and medicine.
852 Advanced Placement (AP) United States History
Course Information: 1/2 credit each semester; both semesters required; full year course; fulfills the 11th grade 1 credit graduation requirement; open to grade 11; Honors Level course
Prerequisite: It is highly recommended that the student have an A or B in the sophomore level required course and a strong desire to take the AP exam.
Description: This is an advanced course in the study of the history of the United States from its foundations until the present. It primarily focuses on the development of college-level critical thinking, reading, and writing skills while focusing on issues and primary sources related to various historical eras. It is expected that all students in this course will take the College Board Advanced Placement exam. As part of the scope of this course, students will take the U.S. Constitution Test. By state law, students must pass this test in order to graduate. Students will be required to complete outside assignments and reading prior to taking this course.
*The cost of the Advanced Placement examination is determined annually by the College Board. Students eligible for free or reduced lunch or who have fee waivers for the current year are eligible to have the cost of the exam waived.
853 Advanced Placement (AP) Macroeconomics
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; elective course; open to grades 11 and 12; Honors Level course. This course does not fulfill consumer education requirements.
Prerequisite: It is highly recommended that the student have an A or B in previous social science courses and a strong desire to take the AP exam.
Description: This course offers students the opportunity to pursue a college-level study of macroeconomics while still in high school.
The course will give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to our economic system. It will place particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination while developing students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. It is expected that all students in this course will take the College Board Advanced Placement exam. Students will be required to complete outside assignments and reading prior to taking this course.
*The cost of the Advanced Placement examination is determined annually by the College Board. Students eligible for free or reduced lunch or who have fee waivers for the current year are eligible to have the cost of the exam waived.
855 Advanced Placement (AP) Government & Politics: United States
Course Information: 1/2 credit; either semester; elective course; open to grades 11 & 12, or 10 with approval of Content Area Chair;
Honors Level course
Prerequisite: It is highly recommended that the student have an A or B in previous social science courses and a strong desire to take the AP exam.
Description: This is an advanced course in the study of the national government. It primarily focuses on the development of critical thinking, reading, and writing skills while focusing on issues and primary sources related to government and its essential premises and structures. This course is recommended for students wishing to pursue careers in law, education, government, politics, social and public services, and business. It is expected that all students in this course will take the College Board Advanced Placement exam.
Students will be required to complete outside assignments and reading prior to taking this course.
*The cost of the Advanced Placement examination is determined annually by the College Board. Students eligible for free or reduced lunch or who have fee waivers for the current year are eligible to have the cost of the exam waived.
859 Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology
Course Information: 1/2 credit; Spring semester; elective course; open to grades 11 & 12; Honors Level course
Course Information: 1/2 credit; Spring semester; elective course; open to grades 11 & 12; Honors Level course