Social Studies

Credit – 1
This course uses a chronological approach from the mid-1300s (Bubonic Plague) into the 20th century (World Wars and Modern Genocide) to analyze world geography, cultures, politics, economics, history, and current events. Students learn about the diversity existing within cultures around the world. Students will understand the relationship between humans and the environment while analyzing issues of cultural and geographic regions in attempts to develop strategies to solve concerns using historical thinking skills. This course of study integrates with technical and other academic areas in various interdepartmental activities.

Credit – 1
This course (Semester 1) teaches students knowledge of government is essential for young adults to become responsible citizens. To achieve this goal, students study the purpose, structure, and ideals of the American constitutional government and its great documents. Additionally, students analyze various types and structures of past and present governments around the world. The rights, responsibilities, and privileges of being a United States citizen are also emphasized.

This course (Semester 2) teaches students the basic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students examine the relationship between individuals, businesses, and governments within the U.S. economy, and the impact of scarcity on their decision-making. A key component of this course is the analysis of various economic indicators (i.e., GDP and Inflation). Additional study is devoted to comparing different economic systems and the dynamics of change in transitional emerging economies.

Civics/Economics integrates with technical and other academic areas in various interdepartmental activities.

Credit – 1
This course uses a chronological and thematic approach to enable students to examine the past and its influences on the present and the future. Students become familiar with United States History from 1850 to the present with an emphasis on the 20th century. Students examine, interpret, and analyze primary and secondary sources to develop multiple perspectives of historical events. Through the application of historical thinking skills, students will evaluate these past events and conclude. This course of study integrates with technical and other academic areas in various interdepartmental activities.

Credit – 1
This course is designed to provide an iterative, college-level experience and preparation for the AP US History exam in May. An emphasis is placed on interpreting primary and secondary sources, applying detailed historical knowledge to historical understandings, and demonstrating historical thinking skills reflecting the discipline of History. Students are expected to master a significant body of historical information and to craft historical arguments from evidence. Topics of the course include: The Interaction Between Cultures in America and the Europeans, Life and Thought in Colonial America, the Ideology of the Revolution, the Development of the Constitution, Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracy, Manifest Destiny, Slavery and the Civil War, Reconstruction, Social Reform Movements, Immigration, Industrialization and Urbanization, World War One, the 1920s, The Great Depression and World War II, the Cold War, Post-Cold War America, and America at the beginning of the 21st century. In addition, the course reflects seven broad-based themes have emerged in the development of the United States: Cultural Identity, Work, Exchange and Technology, Migration and Peopling, Politics and Power, America and the World, Environment, and Geography, and Ideas, Beliefs, and Culture. Elements of these themes are included in unit assignments. Advanced Placement scholars are expected to devote significant independent scholarship and time outside the class to master fully the skills and themes presented. Before the start of school, students are expected to complete two summer assignments to complete their enrollment in the class. Students who pass the AP United States History exam may be entitled to receive college credit.

Credit – 1
Advanced Placement Psychology is designed to allow students to complete studies equivalent to an introductory college course in Psychology. This course covers thirteen intense units which introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other living things. Topics include the history and methodology of science, ethics, learning and cognition, development, and types of personality. Students who successfully pass the Advanced Placement exam may be entitled to college credit. Students must complete required summer coursework for enrollment in the course.

Credit – ½
This related course is designed to link geographic principles to the study of topics of a global nature, including levels of development, diffusion of ideas and viruses, the theory of global warming, population dynamics, globalization, indigenous peoples and the modern world, and the impact of humans on the environment. Emphasis is placed on student mastery of the application of knowledge to discrete tasks. In addition, Global Issues emphasizes the interactions of humans to scientific systems. For example, students study the water cycle to research the impact humans have on the environment. Tectonic plate theory is introduced to study how and why people live in dangerous environments. This course supports the integration of English literacy standards and Math numeracy standards and assists students in improving academic skills.

Credit – ½
This course is a study of the science of the mind and how it influences human behavior. Theories and fundamentals are discussed in-depth with a strong focus on applications and careers. An overview of the different schools of psychology are studied including psychoanalytic, cognitive, biological, and sociocultural theories. Focus topics include psychology and the brain, consumer psychology, developmental psychology, and behavioral psychology.

Credit – ½
This course provides students with an understanding of group behavior in society through the lens of the three major theoretical perspectives taken by sociologists. Students will examine culture and social structure, the individual in society, social inequality, social institutions, and the changing social world. Understanding sociology helps students make vivid connections to real-world events and critically think about how social patterns and structures shape the human world. This course of study integrates with technical and other academic areas in various interdepartmental activities.

Credit – 1
Prerequsite – Designated by DTCC
This course is a survey of general principles underlying human behavior and mental processes. Topics include the nervous system, perception, learning, motivation, personality, and psychological disorders. Methods of assessment and research principles are discussed. This course requires a discounted fee toward earning three college credits.

Credit - 1
Credit – Prerequsite – Designated by DTCC
This course provides an analysis of American social organization and culture through a cross-cultural perspective. Sociology investigates, describes, and analyzes patterns of human behavior in all areas of human experience for purpose of understanding the human condition. This course requires a discounted fee toward earning three college credits.