SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
The main goals of the Social Studies program are to teach students the ways institutions, ideas and customs have developed, an appreciation of diversity among peoples, an appreciation of the American Heritage, ways of coping with continual change, and the assumption of responsibility as a citizen and future leader. The following social studies courses are required: World History, U. S. History, American Government and Contemporary World Issues. All other courses are electives, at least one of which is required for graduation.
Sequence of Required Courses for Social Studies
1 semester World History in grade 9
2 semesters of US History in grade 10 or AP US History in grade 11
1 semester Social Studies elective in grade 10, 11 or 12
1 semester US Government or 1 semester of AP US Government in grade 12
1 semester Contemporary World Issues in grade 12
WORLD HISTORY
912 – College Prep 913 - Honors
Grades 9 Required Semester 1/2 Credit
Placement based on records
This course begins with a study of The Enlightenment and its connections to the American, French, and Latin American Revolutions; the social, political, and economic effects of Industrialization; and the causes and effects of imperialism and conflict (World War I, World War II, and the Cold War) in the 20th century. As preparation for the Ohio Graduation Test, emphasis will be placed on the development of skills in writing, reading geography, and critical thinking (analysis and interpretation of events, patterns, and themes)..
UNITED STATES HISTORY
Courses 922 - College Prep 923 - Honors
Grade 10 Required Year 1 Credit
Placement based on records.
In this course students study the US in the 19th and 20th centuries. Students examine the US Constitution as a living document, the causes and effects of industrialization, the rise of the US as a world power, US conflicts (World War I, World War II, Cold War), the effects of immigration, economics, and politics on the shaping of public policy, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. As preparation for the Ohio Graduation Test, emphasis is placed on writing, reading, geography, and critical thinking (analysis and interpretation of events, patterns and themes).
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY (AMERICAN STUDIES)
Course 935 - AP (Scheduled with 835 Junior English – 4 weight)
Grade 11 Required Year 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
This course is taken in conjunction with Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition in a two-period time block, earning one credit each in English and US History. The course probes in depth the ideas, issues and themes of the American experience through an examination of our nation’s history and literature. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement US History test or register for dual credit through the College of Mt. St. Joseph.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Courses 942 – CP 943 - Honors
Grade 12 Required 1st Semester 1/2 Credit
Placement based on records
This course is a study of the foundations, theory, structure and process of government. Students analyze the Constitution, voting, elections, political parties, interest groups, Congress, the Presidency, the Courts and current political issues, and participate in the political process.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT US GOVERNMENT
Course 945 – AP (4 weight)
Grade 12 Required 2nd Semester 1/2 credit
Placement based on records.
This course is for the highly motivated, politically astute student. Using the nationally designed AP curriculum, the course elaborates on the US Government class and allows the student to earn college credit while in high school. Students are expected to take the AP exam or register for dual credit through the College of Mt. St. Joseph.
CONTEMPORARY WORLD ISSUES
Course 946
Grades 12 Required Semester 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Developed as a “hands on class”, students have the opportunity to explore world issues of political, environmental and economic importance in order to develop a sense of collaboration and a world vision. The course utilizes a variety of methodologies such as speakers, selected readings, media, technology, and traditional instruction. Each student is expected to create a multidimensional anthology/portfolio portraying an analysis of a topic of her choice and her understanding of the relationship between the core Mercy values and her responsibility as a citizen of the world.
PSYCHOLOGY
Course 948
Grades 10, 11, 12 Elective Semester 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to basic concepts in Psychology, with an emphasis on human behavior. Topics include learning, motivation, sensation, perception, memory, personality and thinking.
ECONOMICS AND MARKETING
Course 947
Grades 10, 11, 12 Elective Semester 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: None
This course is an introduction to the basic theories of economics with an emphasis on marketing and entrepreneurship (private enterprise). Key marketing concepts will include: supply and demand, opportunity and cost benefits, and the effect of recessions and depressions on economic growth. The importance of personal financing such as loans, credit, saving and personal budgeting will be incorporated through the study of entrepreneurship. Working in conjunction with Junior Achievement, students will have an opportunity to develop a prototype of an original product from conception to construction.
GEOGRAPHY: HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE
Course 950
Grades 9. 10, 11, 12 Elective Semester 1/2 Credit
This multi-disciplinary class uses a variety of internet resources and hands-on activities to allow students to gain a well- rounded view of globalization. Students will explore the relationship between location, movement, region, culture, and politics with regards to geographical boundaries. Internal and external associations will be utilized to facilitate an outreach program (i.e. guest speakers, local refugees, immigrants, and mission trips.)
CINCINNATI - summer only
Initial class meeting TBA; online work and participation in 4 of the 5 offered field trips scheduled throughout the summer is required.
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Elective Semester 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: None Cost: $255 (includes field trip fees)
This local history course pursues the development of city life through the study of Cincinnati - history, geography, culture, economy, political and social life - using as resources newspapers, historic documents, books, audio-visual, speakers, maps and the buildings of Cincinnati.
See your Guidance Counselor or Social Studies teacher for more information and registration.