Current Problems, Issues and Events
This course provides students an opportunity to apply techniques of investigation and inquiry to the study of significant problems or issues from the international to local level. Students develop competence in recognizing cause and effect relationships recognizing fallacies in reasoning and propaganda devices, synthesizing knowledge acquired into a useful pattern, generalizing for factual evidence and stating hypotheses. The topics will vary from year to year.
Law Education
Law Education provides an understanding of the American legal system and its basis in the United States Constitution. Content for this course is designed to promote an understanding of society and its system of laws by indicating how citizens may effectively function within the law. Ways of dealing with interpersonal conflict in order to secure constructive change are included, along with the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Case studies, field trips, simulations, and mock trials will be used in the course whenever feasible.
Psychology
Psychology provides an opportunity to study individual and social psychology and how the knowledge and methods of psychologists are applied to the solution of human problems. Content for this course includes some insights into behavior patterns and adjustments to social environments. The course should develop critical attitudes towards superficial generalizations about human beings, respect for the difficulty of establishing the truth of a proposition, and a heightened sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others.
United States History
United States History emphasizes national development in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries and builds upon concepts developed in previous studies of American history. After a brief review of significant events in the early development of the nation, the course gives major emphasis to the interaction of historical events and geographic, social, and economic influences on national development in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Students demonstrate the ability to trace and analyze chronological periods and examine the relationships of significant themes and concepts in United States history. Students will be able to sequence historical events, examine cause and effect, identify different perspectives, and relate historical situations to current issues. Opportunities are given to develop inquiry skills by gathering and organizing information from primary source material and a variety of historical and contemporary sources, accounts, and documents. Investigation of themes and issues include the analysis of the importance of cultural pluralism and diversity of opinion in American society. Students are given opportunities to exercise their skills as citizens in a democratic society by engaging in problems solving and civic decision making in the classroom, school, and community.
Geography and History of the World
Geography and History of the World id designed to enable students to use the geographic "way of looking at the world" to deepen their understanding of major global themes that have manifested themselves over time-for example, origin and spread of world religions; exploration; conquest and imperialism; urbanization; and innovations and revolutions. In Geography and History of the World, specific geographic and historical skills and concepts of historical geography are used to explore these global themes primarily, but not exclusively, for the period beginning 1000 CE. The skills are grouped into five sets, each representing a fundamental step in a comprehensive investigative/inquiry procedure. They are: forming research questions, acquiring information by investigating a variety of primary and secondary sources, organizing information by creating graphic representations, analyzing information to determine and explain patterns and trends, and presenting and documenting findings orally and/or writing.
The historical geography concepts used to explore the global themes in Geography and History of the World include change over time, origin, diffusion, physical systems, cultural landscapes, and spatial distribution and interaction. By using these skills, concepts, and the processes associated with them, students are able to analyze, evaluate, and make predictions about major global developments. Geography and History of the World us designed to nurture perspective, responsible citizenship, encourage and support the development of critical thinking skills and lifelong learning, and to help prepare Indiana students for employment in the 21st Century.
World History and Civilization
World History and Civilization provides for a study of selected world cultures, past and present. The content of this course provides a basis for students to compare and analyze patterns of culture, emphasizing both the diversity and commonality of human experience and behavior. This course emphasizes the interaction of local cultures with the national environment, as well as the connections among civilizations from the earliest times to the present. This course is designed to focus on: (1) prehistory; (2) early world civilizations, including the rise of civilizations of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia; (3) the classical civilizations of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America; and (4) the development of modern societies.
Economics
Economics includes a study of the allocation of scarce resources and their alternative uses for satisfying human wants. This course examines basic models of decision-making at various levels and in different areas including: (1) decisions made as a consumer, producer, saver, investor, and voter; (2) business decisions to maximize profits; and (3) public policy decisions in specific markets dealing with output, and prices in the national economy.
United States Government
United States Government provides a framework for understanding the nature and importance of responsible civic participation and for learning the rights and responsibilities of individuals in preserving and improving a constitutional democracy. The course enables students to explore the historic origins and evolution of political philosophies into contemporary political and legal systems. Constitutional structure and the processes of the legislative, executive and judicial of the national, state and local levels of government are examined. Students learn how to draw conclusions about the impact and interrelationships of history, geography, and economics upon our system of government. They also learn to demonstrate an understanding of the governmental structures of the United States and other political systems, as well as the relationship of American government to the world affairs. Students learn to analyze the roles of individuals and groups in the political process by identifying, analyzing and debating political issues. They also learn to access data from primary and secondary resources and use current technology to access relevant source materials and as a tool for procuring documents in support of learning projects. Related learning experiences in the school and community enable students to learn how to participate effectively in the political process.