The main characteristics of effective leadership are intelligence, integrity or loyalty, mystique, humor, discipline, courage, self sufficieny and confidence. -- James L. Fisher

Social Studies Department - back

Freshmen Leadership
Freshmen Leadership course provides an opportunity for students to pursue a course of study that effectively combines social studies course content together with core social studies skills. This class will instill the problem-solving process, provide students opportunities to participate in meaningful activities, utilize conflict resolution, and communication skills. This class will also provide students with increased access to technology, brain-based research, as well as collaborative techniques and skills in speech and debate.

World Geography
World Geography provides an overview of physical and cultural geography. An awareness of similarities and differences in human needs and behaviors is developed. Geographic education focuses on the themes of Location on Earth’s surface, Place Characteristics, Relationships within places (Human Environments), Movement, and Regions that lead to an understanding of social, economic, historic, geographical, and physical features of the planet on which we live. Eight World History units covering GHSGT objectives have been infused to better prepare Geography students for GHSGT & EOCT.

World History
World History is a survey of people and nations of both Western and non-Western civilizations. This course explores the political, cultural, and economic heritage of civilizations from the time of recorded history to present.

U.S. History
United States History isa survey of the development of the United States from discovery through the present. The purpose of this course is to increase knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of America’s social, political, and economic evolvement from colonization to its current position as a world leader.

AP U.S. History information is located on Mr. Cole's Blog.

American Government
American Government is a study of the local, state, and federal governmental functions. Through application of knowledge and analysis of situations, possible solutions to some basic problems will be explored. Citizenship rights and responsibilities are emphasized. Focus areas include: Developments of our political system, Federalism, Civil Liberties, political Parties, Special Interest and Opinion Groups, Political Theory and Comparative Government, and the functions of our Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government. Required for graduation.

AP American Government
The AP Government program is a heavily case-study based analysis of our political system equivalent to most introductory level college courses in political science. Curriculum is based on the College Board curriculum guide for AP Government. Placement in this course is based on academic performance and teacher recommendation.

Economics
Economics addresses the fundamental concepts and essential elements of the market economic system in a problem/issues orientation. Issues such as economic growth, productivity, the impact of government on the economy, foreign trade, and rights and responsibilities of individual consumers are explored. Basic principles studied include: Opportunity Costs and Scarcity, supply/Demand analysis, Competitive markets, Macroeconomics measurement, Business cycles, Inflation, Unemployment, Monetary and Fiscal Policies, Comparative; Advantage, and international trade.

AP Economics
AP Economics is a college level course in both Micro and Macro economics. Content is primarily focused on technical analysis of business costs and production, competition, market dynamics, economic measurement, and government policies. Students should be well-versed in mathematical concepts and graphical analysis. Placement is based on academic performance in social studies and mathematics, and teacher recommendation.

Psychology
This course gives a general overview of the principles and concepts of psychology, including learning theory, perception, intellectual, and social development, abnormal behavior, and interpersonal relationships. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a better understanding of the dynamics that shape our own behaviors as well as the behaviors of others.

Current Issues
An in-depth examination of contemporary local, state, national, and international issues. The main purpose of this course is to assess and analyze social, political, and economic issues involved in current events, and American involvement in international events since World War II.

Teacher Apprentice I
This class introduces teaching as an integral part of education; covers operations and behaviors fore effective learning and a variety of teaching strategies. Offers field experiences under the direct supervision of certified teacher: stresses observing, analyzing and classifying such activities and comparing personal traits with those of successful teachers. (9 weeks in the classroom at SCHS and 9 weeks field experience with feeder elementary schools)

Teacher Apprentice II
This course concentrates on teaching as an integral part of education: covers observing, analyzing and classifying teacher strategies, operations, and behaviors that lead to effective learning in the classroom. Includes field based experiences under direct supervision of a certified teacher. (17 weeks of Field Experience)