SOCIAL STUDIES
All Social Studies courses are year-long unless otherwise noted.
Required Courses:
U. S. History - Grade 7
This class is a survey of the United States from the Civil War to the 1920s. The course traces the development of the American character, social and economic reforms, and the emergence of the United States as a world power. Students write historical narratives, conduct debates, organize oral and visual exhibitions, and analyze current events. Task, subtasks and other assessments focus on reading comprehension, written and oral expression, and a developing conception of themes. This course is partially integrated with English 7 and Religion 7.
U.S. History - Grade 8
This class is a survey of the United States from the Great Depression to the present. The course traces the development of the American character, social and economic reforms, and the emergence of the United States as a world power. Students write historical narratives, conduct debates, organize oral and visual exhibitions, and analyze current events. Task, subtasks and other assessments focus on reading comprehension, written and oral expression, and a developing conception of themes. This course is partially integrated with English 8 and Religion 8.
Ancient and Medieval World History - Grade 9
Did the citizens of Athens debate the issue of free speech as we do today? Why did the West rise to global supremacy? What factors contribute to the rise and fall of any great civilization? These are some of the essential questions that students encounter in Social Studies 1. World History at the ninth grade level is a comparative study of major civilizations from the dawn of complex societies through the Middle Ages. The Western tradition is emphasized, but in order to understand the patterns of world history, students compare the culture, religion, philosophy, politics and geography of non-Western societies.
Modern World History - Grade 10
Students will build on the foundations of ninth grade history as we move from the medieval world through the 20th century. With an emphasis on social, political and philosophical change, we will explore the history of the modern world, emphasizing Europe but examining Africa, Asia and the Americas as well. Ideas are the focus of the first half of the course, as we trace the origins of modern thought and government; in the second half we will examine the nature of global conflict through a study of imperialism, revolution and World War. We will continue to examine the essential questions of the ninth grade course, such as, “Why are some nations rich and others poor?” and “Why did the West rise to global supremacy?” Along with these, new questions will be addressed on the nature of the modern world, for example, “What defines a nation?”
U. S. Studies - Grade 11
This course is designed to help students develop a meaningful awareness of our country’s history and culture. Organized along thematic lines, this study analyzes the way specific ideas and experiences have resonated within our culture at different times. This approach demands a high level of critical thinking, building analytical skills that will help students achieve success in college. In our first unit, we will examine issues of cultural diffusion, as well as the Native American, Mesoamerican, European, and African origins of the cultural threads composing our culture today. In our second unit, we will explore the place of work, geography, and ethnicity in relation to American identity. This study will pay special attention to issues of freedom and exploitation in relation to technology, slavery and immigration. Our final unit will focus on the impact of war and conflicts in America’s past, including the psychology of prejudice and propaganda.
American Government - Grade 12 - one semester
American Government is a course that focuses on the foundations, structure and role of the United States government. The overall goal of the course is to motivate students to reflect on their citizenship and examine their rights and responsibilities as US citizens in order to become more informed, responsible participants in our republic. Some of the themes include: the American political culture, the power of the Presidency, civil liberties and the media. Students study the branches of government, the legislative process, the Constitution and the political and philosophical foundations of our government.
AP Modern European History
This course is an intensive study of the political, social, economic, cultural and intellectual history of modern Europe from the Renaissance through the 20th century. It is intended to prepare students to succeed on the AP exam given in May. Students need superior thinking, writing, and discussion skills as they read college-level material. In order to understand the principal themes of modern European history, students are asked to analyze evidence and to express their understanding in writing. The course is designed for highly-motivated students who demonstrate that they are qualified to complete a college introductory course in this field. Prerequisite: Permission of the department
AP/KAP U. S. History
The course covers the period from 1607 to the present. The focus is an intensive study of the political, social, economic, cultural and intellectual development of the United States. Major emphasis is placed on in-depth analysis of historical themes, issues and problems and acquisition of factual knowledge necessary to be successful on the AP exam given in May. Students read college-level material and are asked to produce superior thinking and writing consistent with university standards. Students who choose the KAP option will earn credit from Kenyon College. Prerequisite: Permission of the department
Electives:
America in the 1960s - one semester
The 1960s was one of the most conflicted and controversial periods in U. S. history. It was also a watershed comparable in magnitude to the eras of the Great Depression and the Civil War. Going beyond the stereotype of the period as one of “sex, drugs and rock’n roll” but also by incorporating these standard images, this course will draw on the growing body of scholarly research on the sixties and place the people, events, and ideas of the time in the context of post-World War II social history. By framing the sixties as a cultural revolution (the definition of which is itself a scholarly issue), we will have a perspective to analyze and interpret the social movements of the sixties. As a cultural revolution, the sixties represented a crisis of authority, a time in which the legitimacy and authority of many of our institutions were challenged. The idea of cultural revolution also provides a bridge between the sixties and the present: a major theme of the course is the relationship between the much discussed “cultural divide” and “culture wars” of recent times and the 1960s. We will assess the extent to which current social and political issues are an outgrowth of the changes that occurred in the 1960s. Offered Fall and Spring
Constitutional Law - Grade 12 - one semester
Designed as a continuation of American Government, Constitutional Law is an elective course that focuses on historical and contemporary issues involving the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Some topics include the separation of powers, executive power, federalism, due process and criminal procedure, First Amendment freedoms, and the 14th Amendment and equal protection. Prerequisite: American Government
Applied Economics - one semester
This elective course will offer students a basic understanding of the principles, issues and theory behind the science of economics. Working from the basic economic problem of limited resources and unlimited wants, we will examine the many different ways in which resources are allocated. How does that scarcity affect our world? How does it affect our daily lives? From globalization and trade to healthcare, gender roles, and public policy, we will explore the necessary trade-offs of modern social, political and financial life and try to resolve the conflicts that develop when profit is made only at the expense of society’s welfare. Offered Fall and Spring
Entrepreneurship - one semester
This elective course will offer students a basic understanding of the principles, issues and practice underlying the science of marketing. Students learn how to test markets to assess consumer demand, identify products that can be successful in the marketplace, produce and market such products, and to use sales figures to refine their strategies.
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