The primary content emphasis for this course pertains to the study of United States history from Reconstruction to the present day. Students will be exposed to the historical, geographic, political, economic, and sociological events which influenced the development of the United States and the resulting impact on world history. So that students can clearly see the relationship between cause and effect in historical events, students should have the opportunity to review those fundamental ideas and events which occurred before the end of Reconstruction.
World History is a required course for sophomores concerning the nations and peoples of the world. Included with the history and geography are cultural development, political and economic systems and social structures. The student will be challenged to think critically about international relations, human commonalities and differences and their impact on the student’s own life.
Course Outline
WORLD CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY (1.0 Credit)
World Cultural Geography encompasses both the physical and cultural aspects of the discipline. Early emphasis is placed on the development and appreciation of physical geographic knowledge including meteorology, geomorphology and cartography. These skills having been mastered, a cultural approach to the world’s various ethnic regions is addressed during the remainder of the year. Elements including political ideologies, religious beliefs, and unique cultural practices, as well as current situations of the world’s major ethnic regions, are discussed.
ANTHROPOLOGY (1.0 Credit)
Students acquire an understanding of the differences and similarities, both biological and cultural, in human populations. Students recognize the characteristics that define their culture and gain an appreciation for the culture of others. The content includes, but not be limited to, the following: human biological and cultural origins -adaptation to the physical environment -diversity of human behavior -evolution of social and cultural institutions -patterns of language development -family and kinship relationships -effects of change on such cultural institutions as the arts, education, religion and law.n.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (0.5 Credit)
This course is designed to provide students with a basic knowledge of the purpose, structure, and operation of the national and state governmental systems. The primary content of study is the Federal system and its underlying principles as they are related on National, State, and local levels..
ECONOMICS (0.5 Credit)
TThis course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the important relationships of economics to our social and political problems. The course emphasizes the philosophy, development, and operation of our American economic system and its important influence upon the individual and society.
SOCIOLOGY (0.5 Credit)
Sociology is an elective course designed to familiarize students with various cultures and the problems resulting from people living in groups. This course covers such topics as culture, sub cultures, social institutions, collective behavior, social change, social deviation, the family, religion, racial and ethnic minorities, poverty, and crime. The latter portion of this course deals specifically with the pressing problems of our society, their causes, and possible solutions.
PSYCHOLOGY (0.5 Credit)
This course focuses on the study of human behavior. As an introduction to the field of psychology, this course includes consideration of psychological principles, terminology, major theories, careers, methods of experimentation, and practical applications. Special topics include personality development, problem solving, group dynamics, and motivation.
