Social Studies Department

Graduation requirements – 3 credits of Social Studies, one of

which must be American History (U.S. & W.H. II satisfies this requirement)

½ unit of American Government College expectations –

☞ 4 credits of Social Studies Clayton Summer Program

☞ American Government☞ History of St. Louis

American Government Teacher: Debra Wiens or TBD Length: Semester Two Essential Questions are explored:

Who Governs? To What Ends?

How do we learn? Socratic Circles, Debates, Role-plays Web Searches (for real-world evidence) Student Presentations Direct Instruction using visuals, and more

American Government is a required course You want to learn how our political system works, You are willing to think and work, You enjoy discussion and exploring new

ideas ! ! ! !

Film in American Society Teacher: Josh Meyers Length: Semester A co-taught class (History + English), meets same

period, students can take for English or History credit

Main emphasis is how film both shapes and reflects American history and society

Students watch films in class and for homework, learn about how directors manipulate us

Primary assessments are several short writing assignments and class discussions after viewing films

Students direct their own short film for a final project

If you love movies, this is the class for you!

Examples of Movies We Watch

African American History I

Teacher: Rick Kordenbrock Length: SemesterIn this class you will study African American history from

slavery to emancipation.There will be required reading of both secondary and primary

sources.There will also be extensive use of movies, image analysis and

classroom discussion to examine the impact of slavery and freedom on American and African American history.

This class has no prerequisites and does not obligate you to take African American History II.

African American History II

Teacher: Rick Kordenbrock Length: SemesterIn this class you will study African American history from

Reconstruction to the election of President Obama.There will be required reading of both secondary and primary

sources.There will also be extensive use of movies, image analysis and

classroom discussion to examine the impact of race relations on American and African American history since the Civil War.

This class has no prerequisites and may be taken independently of African American History I.

SociologyTeacher: Rick Kordenbrock Length: SemesterIn this class you will study the relationships between groups in

society, and the influence of groups on individuals, and of individuals on groups.

There will be required reading of both secondary and primary sources.

There will also be extensive use of partner and small and large group activities, movies and classroom discussion to examine social issues relevant to American society and to the Clayton High School community.

This class has no prerequisites and is recommended for any student who is interested in the social relations that impact who we are as individuals and as a society.

World at War Teacher: Sam Harned Length:

Semester Primary Goal: To have a better understanding of World War

I and World War II We read various works of non-fiction and fiction that

covers this time period, as well as watching informative films and full length feature movies to enhance knowledge of the topic.

Moderate level of work involved The most important requirement for this class is an

interest in history, specifically World War I and World War II

Classical Civilizations Teacher: Mr. Harned Length:

Semester This course studies the Ancient World with a special

emphasis on Greece and Rome This course allows student to explore the culture and

mindset of citizens of Ancient Civilizations We will read extensively in Ancient literature, drama and

poetry. There is a moderate amount of homework in this class.

Principles of Economics

Teacher: TBD Length: Fall Semester We explore basics of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and

international economics We learn the essential economic concepts such as Supply &

Demand, monetary and fiscal policies, GDP, and inflation. We will view the Pixar film A Bug’s Life and analyze its

economics! Also, other memorable econ demonstrations. If you want to gain a major insight into how the real world

really, really works, this could be the class for you! Don’t worry—it’s only a tiny bit math-y and you will receive at

least One Dollar for taking the course!

AP Macroeconomics Teacher: TBD Length: Spring Semester Primary goal is to master the fundamental of macroeconomics

and prepare you to take and pass the AP Macro exam in May. Students use an advanced textbook and master the main

macroeconomic elements: GDP, Inflation, Unemployment, Interest Rates, Exchange Rates

A fair amount of reading and homework, so be prepared! Many colleges and universities require students to take an econ

course, so this is great college preparation. Lots of new material that challenges students, but experience has

shown that you will pass the AP Exam, learn loads, and have fun.

Behavioral Psychology

Teacher: David Aiello 1 Semester The main question is why do humans

behave the way they do? College-level text and daily

assignments, usually about 30 minutes

Lots of discussion, demonstrations, experiments, videos

Most of the topics are very relevant to you, your friends, your family

Prerequisite for AP Psychology This class is only for students who like

to have some fun while learning!

AP Psychology Teacher: David Aiello Second Semester Still trying to understand why we behave the

way we do Basically, the second half of the course, with

the expectation that students will take the AP Exam in May. Some efforts are made to specifically prepare the students to earn college credit on the exam.

Students must pass Behavioral Psychology to take AP Psych.

Even more discussions, activities, demonstrations, and videos!!

After this class, you will be able to psychoanalyze your friends and family! (not necessarily accurately, and certainly not for pay, but you still can psychoanalyze them, which I guess you could have done beforehand, but now you will sound a little more professional!)

I promise, no group hugs in AP

Psych!!

Psychological Disorders in the Media and American

SocietyTeacher: Mr. Aiello Length: Spring

Semester This course is designed for seniors who have completed the Psychology and AP Psychology courses and want even more psychology.

Major units will include the following disorders: Anxiety; Somatoform and Dissociative; Mood; Personality; Schizophrenia and Delusional; Neuropsychological; Mental Retardation; Autism; and Treatment.

Potential films include The Aviator; Psycho; Seven Pounds; The Odd Couple; A Beautiful Mind; Memento; Dominick and Eugene; and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

AP United States History

Teachers: Sam Harned or Josh Meyers Length: Full Year Primary goal is to gain a greater understanding of American

History and how history is written and analyzed Secondary goal is to take and be successful on the AP exam Students analyze documents, participate in vigorous class

discussions, and learn to write effectively as an amateur historian An excellent college preparatory class, including moderate

amounts of reading and homework The AP experience helps prepare students for college A challenging course, but if you are successful in World History II,

have a love of the subject, and are willing to work hard you will succeed

AP American Government and

Politics Teacher: Debra Wiens Length: Spring Semester Two Essential Questions are explored:

Who Governs? To What Ends?

How do we learn? Socratic Circles, Debates, Role-plays Web Searches (for real-world evidence) Student Presentations Direct Instruction using visuals, and more

American Government is a required course. This AP course is for you if: You want to learn how our political system

works, You are willing to think and work, You enjoy discussion and exploring new

ideas ! ! ! !

AP World History Teacher: Paul Hoelscher Length: Full Year Main emphasis is to understand the human experience

across time and space Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam

in May This course is taught at a college level. The text and

supplemental readings are at a college level. There is an emphasis on social history. Often contemporary comparisons are made through class

discussion.

AP Human Geography Teacher: Rick Horas Length: Second Semester Main emphasis is how location

affects our world today; It’s really a current events course on steroids!

Students work with maps, computer simulations, watch movies and discuss geographic topics

Primary assessments are nightly text readings to prepare students for AP Geography Test

AP European History Teacher: Mr. Harned Length: Full Year This is a rigorous academic class that looks at European

history from the Renaissance through the Cold War Students are expected to take the AP Exam at the end of

the course An excellent college preparatory class, including moderate

amounts of reading and homework The most important requirements are a willingness to work

hard and a love for European history.

Current Issues in American Society

Teacher: TBD Length: Semester Course is based on what is in the

news for that semester Students work on research and

read articles focusing on issues facing their community, nation & world

Students will read current events using Time magazine

Sports and Western Society

Teacher: TBD Length: Semester The thesis for the course: sports represents the culture of a given

society; we can learn about a group of people from the sports that they played.

We will study the history of sports in Europe (Greece, Rome, Renaissance) and development of sports in the United States (basketball, football, baseball) with themes of race, gender and business.

History of St. Louis Teacher: Kurtis D. Werner This course will provide an overview of the

unique and diverse history of St. Louis We will study the history, art, architecture,

and music of the Midwestern city We will examine and debate contemporary,

as well as future, issues that face our community