Social Studies

Social Studies Graduation Requirements for all classes:

All students are required to complete a minimum of 3 units of work in social studies for graduation.

• ½ unit (one semester) American Government in grade 11 or 12 unless permission is granted by Social Studies Department Chairperson to substitute AP U.S. Government and Politics in grade 11 or 12.

• 1 unit (two semesters) American History in grade 10 unless permission is granted by Social Studies Department Chairperson to substitute AP U.S. History in grade 10, 11, or 12.

• ½ unit (one semester) from one of the following courses: World Studies, Ancient and Medieval History, Modern European History, and World Geography, AP European History.

• 1 unit (two semesters) from any other classes.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course covers the major events and people of African American History.  It will include pre-slavery West African cultural influence, the development and evolution of slavery, Civil War and Reconstruction, the reaction to African American emancipation and the emergence of Jim Crow and the post-Civil War White Supremacy movement.  Then, it will continue with a focus on a "long civil rights movement," discussing the freedom struggle during the world wars and New Deal era into the classical civil rights movement to today.  THE STUDENT:  The course is designed for those who would like to view history through a different framework.  It is geared toward the student with an average reading ability. (ST#04107A000)

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course will examine the historical evolution of the fundamental principles of American government, including federalism, and the separation of powers.  Special emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens under the Constitution.  Political parties, civil liberties, lawmaking, the electoral process, campaigns and elections, and the American legal system are some of the units of study.  This course will include an in-depth study of the U.S. Constitution, and the required Constitution test will be given to all students.  THE STUDENT:  This course is open to all juniors and seniors.  This course may be replaced with AP American Government with the approval of the Social Studies Chairperson. (ST# 04151A000)

AMERICAN HISTORY - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION (ONE YEAR): This course is the study of American History from the Second Industrial revolution to the present.  Major units of study include: The Industrial Revolution, Immigration, Progressive Era, World War I, The Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, New Deal, World War II, Cold War, Civil Rights, the turbulent 1960’s and 1970’s, 1980’s Conservatism, The New World Order, and contemporary social, political, and economic issues.  Students will also be completing research projects, reading and writing assignments, and other historical inquiry assignments.  THE STUDENT: This course is required of all students for graduation.  This course may be replaced with AP American History with the approval of the Social Studies chairperson.. (ST# 04103A000)

ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL HISTORY (3500 BCE - 1500 CE) - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course covers the study of world history from its beginning with the four major river civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, and China.  It will then explore the history of these four civilizations through the Middle Ages.  Students will have the opportunity to explore artistic and cultural achievements of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.  THE STUDENT:  The course is designed for those who would like to increase global awareness through the study of history.  It is geared toward the student with an average to above-average reading ability. (ST# 04060A000)

ANTHROPOLOGY - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Anthropology, the study of humankind, seeks to produce useful generalizations about people and their behavior and to arrive at the fullest possible understanding of human diversity.  In this course the emphasis will be on cultural anthropology which focuses on human cultures, or the ways of life in societies.  Students may participate in cross-cultural experiences as well as work on a research project.  THE STUDENT:  This course is especially designed for the student who wants something a little beyond sociology and/or psychology.  Students should read well and have good study skills because the text is college level. (ST# 04251A000)

AP U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION (ONE YEAR):  AP U.S.Government and Politics will provide college-bound students an opportunity for an analytical study of government and politics in the United States.  Through this perspective, students will study general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies.  Students will be challenged to think critically and conduct problem solving activities in a historical as well as a contemporary approach.  THE STUDENT:  In the spring the students are expected to take the AP exam.  Students taking this course should have well developed study habits. (ST# 04157A000)

AP U.S. HISTORY - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION (ONE YEAR):  AP U.S. History is an advanced placement course for the very best college-bound students.  They should be willing to take the AP test in May hoping to receive college credit if they score high enough on the national test.  The course covers major aspects of American History with emphasis on analytic skills and concept development.  Factual knowledge is important to deal critically with the problems and materials in this course.  Ten different units are covered using many outside sources.  This course, unlike regular American History, covers U.S. History from colonization to the election of 2008.  The first semester covers the time period from 1400 to the 1880’s.  The second semester covers 1890 to 2008.  Students will do a research project at the end of the second semester to be presented to the class in a seminar format.  THE STUDENT:  Only the strongest, most motivated history students who are college-bound and who have well-developed study habits should sign up for this course, as it is comparable in difficulty to that of a first year, college level course.  NOTE: This course is not the same as regular American History, and students who do not complete AP U.S. History must still fulfill the American History graduation requirement, which may require compensatory work on the part of the student. (ST# 04101A000)

AP  EUROPEAN HISTORY - This advanced placement course is structured around the investigation of key cultural, diplomatic, economic, intellectual, political, and social developments from 1450 to the present.  The goal of the course is to develop a deep understanding of content and principal themes in modern European history, trace historical developments over time, analyze historical evidence and interpretation, and express historical understanding in writing.  This course will also provide an opportunity for students to receive college credit if they meet a qualifying score on the AP test at the end of the year.  Prerequisites for this course would include a recommendation from an 8th grade teacher (for 9th graders) or recommendation from a Social Studies teacher (9-12).  The AP European student should have very strong reading and writing skills. NOTE:  This course is not the same as regular World Studies, and students who do not complete AP European History must still fulfill the World Studies graduation requirement, which may require compensatory work on the part of the student. (ST#04056A000)

ECONOMICS - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The course is designed to cover the basic macroeconomic principles as they apply to an individual’s everyday role in the economy.  Students will actively engage in interesting and practical exercises and simulations where they will learn about the economy and how it relates to their day to day experience.  They will learn how to invest their money into the stock market and into mutual funds in order to make the most of their money.  THE STUDENT:  Economics greatest appeal is that it applies to every student and is an interesting class for students from all ability levels. (ST# 04204A000)

AP ECONOMICS (MICRO ECON AND MACRO ECON) - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Microeconomics is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system.  It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.  Macroeconomics is designed to give the student a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole.  Such a course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination and develops student familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics.  An introductory economics course is highly recommended.  THE STUDENT:  Any student wishing to develop a strong background in economics for a future business career in college. (ST# 04205A000)

MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY (1500-1945) - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  In this course, students will study the people and events of Western Europe from the Renaissance to World War Two.  As part of this course the development of nationalism, internationalism, revolution, political philosophies, and the world wars will be covered.  Besides the required reading and traditional note taking, students will be required to do some outside research into specific areas of the topics listed above.  THE STUDENT:  Written material for the course is geared to students of average to above-average reading ability.  The students who are interested in the development of modern political, economic, and social systems and their impact on our society would enjoy this class.  No prerequisite is required, but successful completion of Ancient & Medieval History would be helpful. (ST# 04055A000)

PROBLEMS AND ISSUES - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Using a weekly news magazine, newspapers, television news broadcasts, and the internet, students will investigate in detail those important national and international problems, events and controversies that are dominating the headlines.  Students will become more informed of the world around them and will learn techniques for analyzing the news.  Students should be prepared to take an active role in class discussions and work on technology-based projects.  THE STUDENT:  Open to all 11th and 12th graders. (ST# 04106A000)

PSYCHOLOGY - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The study of Psychology will help students understand their behavior, as well as, the behavior of those around them.  The main topics of the course will be how to conduct a psychological experiment, learning, memory, dreams, personality, intelligence and creativity, human development, and psychological disorders.  The students should be able to predict and explain a variety of behaviors after covering these topics.  The course includes demonstrations, group work, individual reflection, and two group projects.  These projects give students an opportunity to conduct their own experiments and to explore the life and ideas of a famous theorist.  THE STUDENT:  This course is intended for college-bound students because it does include concepts and vocabulary that are academically challenging. (ST# 04254A000)

AP PSYCHOLOGY - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION: The major objective of this advanced placement course is to provide high school students with a challenging learning experience designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, college-level introductory psychology course.  The AP Psychology course is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the theories and key concepts of each of the major subfields within psychology.  Students will be exposed to many of the contributing psychologists and significant research studies, both historical and current, that have shaped our understanding of behavior and mental processes.  This course will educate students how to apply psychological principles and understand connections between ideas and theories.  Throughout the course, students will utilize psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. This course will also provide an opportunity for students to receive college credit if they meet a qualifying score on the AP test at the end of the year.  (ST#04256A000)

SOCIOLOGY - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  The study of Sociology is designed to help the student develop more objective ways of viewing their social environment.  Emphasis is placed on social institutions (education, religion and family); heredity and environment; mass communication; deviance; poverty and marriage.  Students may create a research paper or project and participate in role-playing and group activities such as the marriage game.  THE STUDENT:  This course is intended for college-bound students because it does include concepts and vocabulary that are academically challenging. (ST# 04258A000)

WORLD GEOGRAPHY - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This course focuses on surveying the concepts and methods of geography by examining locations using the five themes of geography. Students will apply their knowledge of the five themes of geography by examining North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Topics of emphasis will include culture, climate, resources, economy, and population.  THE STUDENT:  This class will use project-based learning and particular attention will be placed on the common core and national geography standards.  (ST# 04001A000)

WORLD STUDIES - GENERAL COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This is a year long required course that provides students with an overview of the events that have taken place in the world from the ancient world to contemporary times.  Students will get the opportunity to explore war and conflict, political and social developments, and economic changes throughout this time.  Students will also be able to participate in a variety of activities that will develop their reading comprehension, writing, and research skills.  THE STUDENT:  World Studies is required of all freshmen. (ST# 04051A000)

The MHS Social Studies Department invites students to schedule learning support time with our staff members during office hours before or after school.  Moline High School also offers tutoring before or after school during the work week.