STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GRADE 9

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1 STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GRADE 9 Since the United States is a representative democracy, the primary reason for government education is the maintenance of our constitutional democracy. Our democracy functions best when its citizens are informed and actively participate in all facets of government. This semester course considers state and federal governments as they currently function. It includes the structure and functions of state and federal governments, the political foundations of our democratic system, and the role and development of the three branch system. The course also explores the role of the bureaucracy and of political parties and citizens in our system. Students will examine civic virtues, civic participation, and the rights and responsibilities of American citizens. This course will also include a study of important Supreme Court cases and the Supreme Court s role in the governance and the development of legal rights and responsibilities. Students must pass two (2) tests one on the Missouri state constitution and laws and one on the Federal constitution and laws to meet Missouri requirements for graduation. WORLD HISTORY GRADE 10 In order to prepare for an increasingly interdependent world, sharpen analytical skills, and enrich their development; students must investigate the major cultures and civilizations of the world. Students will examine and evaluate the impact of various groups, individuals, places, and events on the development of world civilizations in order to understand underlying issues related to present day situations. This course stresses the development of today s interdependent world, as well as how and why the world was shaped and influenced by previous civilizations and societies. Emphasis will be given to the historical perspective of events and include the concepts of nationalism; industrialism and technology; political, social and economic thought; and the effects of geography. Students will make use of resource materials, note-taking and written examinations. xii

2 ADVANCED WORLD HISTORY The focus of Advanced World History is on analyzing events and evaluating relationships and consequences at a deeper level of understanding. Provides in-depth approach to the survey course material. The class will utilize discussion, essays, and research projects. RECENT AMERICAN HISTORY To develop informed responsible citizenship practices, students must be aware of events that have shaped our country s present position. This course introduces students to events, persons, and concepts which have defined America since Reconstruction. Surveys America s past from Reconstruction to the present. It is an introduction to persons, institutions, events, cultural and social groups, and issues influential in shaping modern America. Students will make use of primary sources, maps, graphs, note-taking, oral and written examinations. ADVANCED RECENT AMERICAN HISTORY The focus of Advanced Recent American History is on analyzing events and evaluating relationships and consequences at a deeper level of understanding. This class provides an in-depth approach to recent American history. xiii

3 GEOGRAPHY Geography will help students become better acquainted with the world today. The course will assist students in their understanding of why communities are different around the world and present how people adapt their food, shelter, clothing, and customs according to the environment in which they live. The content for this course is included in 9 th grade Introduction to Social Studies; this course will be deleted in Defines the physical characteristics of the major regions of the world and how geography and people are influenced by the physical environment. Dominant political and cultural divisions of study include: North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, sub-saharan Africa, regions of Asia, the former republics of the Soviet Union, as well as Australia and Oceania. GOVERNMENT Since democracy is self-government, the first and primary reason for government education is the maintenance of a constitutional democracy. This requires participation by informed and responsible citizens. In this course, junior and senior students investigate the functions and structures of state and federal governments, the political foundations of the system, the role and development of the three branches, the bureaucracy, as well as the role of political parties and citizens in the American government system. CURRENT EVENTS To prepare for responsible citizenship in a democratic society, students must be aware of events enfolding in current history. Application of social studies concepts of history, economics, geography, and sociology is critical in analyzing the impact of current events. xiv

4 This course focuses on today s events and their significance to students lives. Newspapers and other informative media are examined so the students can better profit from them. Events on the local, national, and international levels are discussed. Articles will be selected to introduce the student to the various disciplines and key skills of social studies. Weekly quizzes will be given. Discussion is a major part of the course. CONTEMPORARY ISSUES Awareness of multiple perspectives including geopolitical climate, socio-economic climate, and historical ramifications increases students understanding and evaluation of contemporary issues which affect their life as informed citizens. This course focuses on today s events and their significance to students lives. Newspapers and other informative media are examined so the students can better profit from them. Events on the local, national, and international levels are also discussed. Each week 5-7 topics are chosen, researched and then discussed in class. A quiz is given each week. Discussion is a major part of the course. SOCIOLOGY Sociology is the scientific study of groups within society and the relationship of members to the group and to others who interact with the group. It allows the student to better understand the importance of groups in primary areas, in communities, and in the existing world structure. Studies human relationships, their causes and consequences. The sociologist conducts investigations of people s interactions in group situations to learn about ethnocentrism, prejudice, deviation, mobility, sanction, plus numerous other concepts. This course is intended to provide basic sociological concepts and background material for contemporary social condition with emphasis on student participation in discussions and group activities. Projects are required. Some areas of study are: research, cultures, crime and delinquency, poverty, minorities, civil rights, and demography. Class participation is included in the grade. xv

5 PSYCHOLOGY I The study of psychology allows the learner to better understand human behaviors their origins, their uniqueness, and possible effects. Psychology studies the human brain and all aspects of behaviors from the personal to the unusual to the unacceptable. Includes the following topics: Introduction to Psychology; The Central System; Alternate State of Consciousness; Learning; Language, Thought, and I.Q.; Infancy and Childhood. Brief mention of abnormal behavior and therapies will be made. Tests and class activities are the basis for grades. PSYCHOLOGY II The study of psychology allows the learner to better understand human behavior their origins, their uniqueness and possible effects. Psychology studies the human brain and all aspects of behaviors from the personal to the unusual to the unacceptable. Includes the following topics: Adolescence; Adulthood and Aging; Motivation/Emotion; Stress and Coping; Personality; Abnormal Psychology; Interpersonal Relations. Tests, class activities, and reading assignments are the basis for grades. THE 60 S: A DECADE OF CHANGE To provide an opportunity for advanced level students to conduct an in-depth study of a particular era of history. By combining literature, geography, and economic elements with communication arts skills, students analyze and express the continuity and change in the world. xvi

6 This course is an intensive study of the government systems, social philosophies, underlying historical occurrences, and the literature that shaped the culture of a particular period of history. Coursework will include research and writing, project preparation, presentations, and significant outside reading. SENIOR AMERICAN HISTORY I Covers the period from Discovery to Reconstruction with special emphasis on the major political, economic, and social forces which have been influential in shaping our world. We will look at the divergent groups who have contributed to our development, watershed events which occurred in this period and specific people who were of importance. Required research for various projects. Covers the period from Discovery to Reconstruction with special emphasis on the major political, economic, and social forces which have been influential in shaping our world. We will look at the divergent groups who have contributed to our development, watershed events which occurred in this period and specific people who were of importance. Required research for various projects. SENIOR AMERICAN HISTORY II Students are given an in-depth, challenging study of history that provides students with first-hand experience in historical methods and research. This class analyzes the events that shaped and influenced the development of the United States and provides an introduction to college level course work. Uses the same format of Senior American History I to cover the Industrial Revolution, America s Rise to World Power, and extends to the present. Students will visit Truman Library and complete a research project. xvii

7 WESTERN CIVILIZATION The United States in a multi-ethnic nation with institutions rooted in Western Civilization. This course enables students to understand the early development of democracy, capitalism and the philosophies that have shaped American heritage. Students are introduced to college level course work. The civilization that developed in the West, beginning in ancient Mesopotamia, has impacted the entire globe. This class will trace the development of western civilization up to the Reformation in the sixteenth century. Students will determine the impact of people, places, institutions, and events on the development of western civilization and their influence on future civilizations. xviii