Social Studies Department

1. 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

2. 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 ! ! ! !

3. Film in American Society Examples of Movies We Watch • 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!

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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!

10. 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.

11. 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!

12. AP Psychology I promise, no group hugs in AP Psych!! • 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!)

13. Psychological Disorders in the Media and American Society Teacher: 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.

14. 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

15. 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 ! ! ! !

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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.

21. 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