Social Studies
Global Studies is a ninth-grade course focusing on the diverse ways of life around the world and fostering an appreciation and respect for the many contributions diverse people groups have made. Through the study of the pertinent issues to the world’s major regions, students will recognize and evaluate the relationships between people, places, regions, and environments. The Delaware State Geography Standards (Maps, Environment, Places, Regions) and State Civics Standard (Government) will inform students’ exploration of how physical environments affect human events and build a global perspective that allows them to understand the connections between global and national issues. Students will learn to interpret geographic information, analyze demographic data, and use maps to solve problems. Related concepts found in the state economics and history standards are a supporting focus.
Civics and Economics is a 10th grade course that encompasses Delaware State Economics Standards (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Economic Systems, International Trade) and the Delaware State Civics Standards (Dynamic Constitution and Politics). At the conclusion of the course, students will understand both how economic and government systems affect peoples’ lives and learn to engage in civil discourse in a way that is meaningful and productive. The Common Core Speaking & Listening Standards will guide these conversations as students engage in discussions related to the dynamic nature of our government, current political topics, and pressing economic trends. These real-world issues will be looked at through a variety of lenses, and seek to equip students with a greater understanding of the diverse perspectives that exist within our nation.
U.S. History is an eleventh-grade course focused on the United States from 1865 to the present. Students will be challenged to become historically minded: to reason, to think, and to perform as historians. The State of Delaware History Standards (Chronology, Analysis, Interpretation, and Content) and Civics Standards (Citizenship & Participation) will guide instruction as students gain insight into the nation’s past by examining period accounts and historical sources reflective of diverse perspectives. Common Core State Standards will ask students to examine the links and make connections between historical events and things taking place today. Students will successfully complete US History as one (1) of three (3) state required social studies graduation requirements.
ELECTIVE COURSES
(These courses cannot be used as a substitute for graduation credit requirements for Social Studies)Contemporary Citizenship is a one-credit senior elective course divided into four disciplines: political science, consumer economics, law, and social issues. In addition, students continue to develop their proficiency in the Common Core State Standards. In “Democracy in Action,” students will explore their duties and responsibilities in our society, understand the application of the Bill of Rights to their everyday lives, and develop an understanding of political processes. In “Financial Literacy,” students will develop an awareness of their roles as consumers and learn about the concepts of money management and credit, insurance, property ownership, consumer protection, and advertising techniques. In “Law and Order,” students will learn about the three parts of the criminal justice system: the police, the courts, and corrections. In “Social Issues,” students will explore the divisive contemporary issues facing Americans and evaluate issues that involve questions of personal rights. Students will develop analytical skills to acquire, organize, and evaluate information for purposes of clarifying these issues
Introduction to Sociology is a one-credit senior elective course. The course provides the conceptual tools for analyzing and understanding social forces that shape our lives. The relationships among socialization and social groups, as well as economic, political, or religious systems are investigated. Students will utilize resources to examine the importance of sociology and make connections between the concepts studied in the text and events occurring in the world today while addressing the demands of the Common Core State Standards.
World History Honors is a one-credit senior course intended for the student that is planning to attend a college or university and desires exposure to college level work. To this end, the course devotes considerable time to the critical evaluation of primary and secondary sources and incorporates college centered reading, writing, and oral presentation skills as an integral part of the course. All students are required to write a college-level research paper. The course requires a substantial amount of work outside the classroom. Students will trace the development of world history by focusing on the study of global forces and large historical themes of societies in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Studies will help students see how cultural interactions have shaped our world and how patterns in history continue to the present day. Furthermore, students should recognize that while historical events are unique, they are often driven by similar and repeated forces by people who have struggled to achieve similar goals. The major focus is the state’s history standards: content, chronology, analysis, and interpretation. Related concepts found in the state’s civics, geography, and economics standards provide a supporting focus. Students may not transfer from this course to a different social studies course after the first two full weeks of the course.