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: Semester

In 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: Semester

In 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.

Sociology

Teacher: Rick Kordenbrock Length: Semester

In 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