History Courses
American History
The course will cover the 20 th century. The focus will be on key topics that have forever affected the way we live. Topics such as industrialization, immigration, WWI, The Great Depression, WWII, civil rights movement, and the Cuban Missile Crisis are examples of class material in alignment with the Michigan Benchmarks for Social Studies. In addition to the class material, students will gain a better understanding of charts, graphs, and maps. To generate further relevancy, students will be guided to consistently relate the class material to our lifestyles and culture of today. Tests, quizzes, class discussions, homework, projects and writing assignments determine student grades.
Global Studies
Global studies is a yearlong course which will focus on understanding the world around us on multiple levels and through various learning modalities. The course includes studies of the physical world through knowledge based learning of geography and the application of that learning by the use of maps, atlases, climate studies, and other topographical resources. Study of the peoples of the world will include understanding their varying cultures through exposure to their customs, traditions, religions, arts, music, and literature. A historic approach will be used to study the relationships between peoples and countries, including the effects of international conflicts on society.
American Government
Government is a semester long course that focuses on the fundamental aspects of the United States Government. Students will learn these different aspects in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, reading, writing, and viewing. Students will be introduced to the basic fundamentals of daily routines of the three branches of the government and how each branch is responsible. Tests, quizzes, class discussions, homework, and other daily assignments will be used in the students’ grading.
Economics
Economics is a semester course that will focus on the fundamental themes of Microeconomics, as well as introducing the interdependence of the global economy through Macroeconomic studies. Students will be exposed to the basic economic concepts of Microeconomics including: scarcity and opportunity costs, the types of economic systems, supply and demand, market structures, and money and banking. In addition, the students will also be exposed to various Macroeconomic concepts such as: the measurement of an economics performance, monetary and fiscal policies, and the global economy. Many of these topics will be covered in a hands-on interactive approach, as well as through class discussions, notes, homework, a major project, quizzes, and tests.
Psychology
Psychology looks at human behavior and development. The class looks at how the brain influences behavior and personality, along with the various functions of the brain. Psychological disorders and their treatments are also covered in the first semester of this course. The second semester of the course looks at social development and how we develop relationships and interact with our environment. Students will be exposed to a variety of theories and practices within psychology and will learn how to apply their learning to their lives. Students will be assessed through tests, quizzes, homework, class discussions and journal writings.
Philosophy
Philosophy looks at the development of human thought and beliefs. The class looks at how our system of beliefs and ethics has emerged over time and how many modern ideas were developed. The first semester will look at the historical basis of philosophy and how it relates to today’s modern world. The class will look at Greek, Roman and Eastern philosophies along with the ideas of the Renaissance and Enlightenment. The course will show how early philosophies relate to modern pop cultures, looking at television and movies and how many demonstrate the ideas of early philosophers. The second semester of the course looks at the concepts of being, logic, and ethics with each student developing their own philosophical viewpoint on life. Students will be exposed to a variety of ideas within philosophy and will learn how to apply their learning to their lives. Students will be assessed through quizzes, homework, class discussions and journal writings.
Social Institutions
This course will focus on an examination of events and topics through the five common social institutions evident in every civilization: government, religion, economics, education, and family. Knowledge and skills that students gain from American History and Global Studies will be applied to everyday situations. These experiences will mandate a significant amount of interaction between the student and the community. The course content will focus on numerous topics such as current events, relevant topics, and issues of interest. Students will be actively involved in collaborative and cooperative learning situations throughout the course.
Street Law
Street Law is a course in the practical applications of law. It will include exploration of current legal issues in the news to expand upon the basic areas of study. These areas will include, but not be limited to: Criminal Law, Consumer Law, Family Law, Contract Law, and various laws relating to individuals rights and liberties. The course will employ the case study method in addition to traditional lecture and textbook activities. The students will be required to participate in mock trials.
