80 likes | 231 Views
Course Selection Information for Ms. Barben’s Classes. February 2013. Course Selection Information. For the current ninth graders, there is not a required Social Studies course for tenth grade at this time.
E N D
Course Selection Information for Ms. Barben’s Classes February 2013
Course Selection Information • For the current ninth graders, there is not a required Social Studies course for tenth grade at this time. • However, tenth grade is terms of content and skills development is even more important due to the new Keystone Exams for the English and Social Studies Departments. • In tenth grade, you will be taking the Keystone Literature Exam. • In eleventh grade, you will be taking the Keystone Government Exam. • Both of these mandated assessments require mastery of reading, analytical, writing, political cartoons, and propaganda skills. • Both require a strong background in History. • So you should take AT LEAST ONE Social Studies elective. • Also, most four year colleges require students to take four years of Social Studies. • It is used in comparing and contrasting students from different districts.
Full Year European History • Full year course • This course covers European History from the 1600s to the present. • It is a good introduction to European History and will be the only European History you will have before going to college. • The approach is a mix of traditional, research, and project based. • This course is the best one to take for college and in preparation for the Keystone Exams. • If you would like to move up a level in Social Studies from Academic A to Accelerated or Accelerated to AP for your junior year, you should take this course. • It will prepare you the best in terms of content and skills.
20th Century European History • One semester course • Covers European History from 1900 to present day • Focus on dominant political, economic, social, and cultural themes • Project and research-based in preparation for the research papers of American History and Government • Content necessary to understand most Social Science courses in the high school and college and to be an educated citizen and voter for foreign policy
AP European History • Full year course • Covers European History from 1450 to the present • Fast-moving course that requires a lot of outside reading and note-taking • Covers between one to two chapters a week • Should be a strong test-taker • Must be motivated and have a strong work ethic • As a tenth grader, you will be expected to function as a freshmen in college in terms of skills and workload • You must take the AP European History Exam in May 2014 • Must have a B+ or higher in both English and Eastern World History
Law and Justice • One semester course • Focuses is on the legal system • Studies the evolution of our constitution, civil rights, criminal rights, the prison system, etc… • This is project and researched based • Final assessment is a portfolio • If you are considering a career in law enforcement, social services, or the legal profession, this is a good introduction course.
Introduction to Psychology • One semester course • Focuses on the study of the brain, personality development, learning, intelligences, and mental health issues • This course is a combination of traditional tests, lab experiments, research, and project based • Requires active participation in the class discussions and simulations • Outside reading is common requiring Talking to the Text • If you are considering a career in education, law enforcement, the legal profession, or marketing, the content and skills introduced are building blocks for future coursework in college.
Current Issues • One semester course • Focuses on current events nationally and internationally • Requires following news on a daily basis through the tv, internet, news magazines, and newspapers • This is project and researched based with an emphasis on reading, writing, and active discussions • Final assessment is a portfolio • If you are a news junkie, this is the course for you.