Social Studies Courses

Grades: 10 (Full Year)
Prerequisite: None

This class includes a variety of activities, including individual and group projects, many of which demand a certain amount of creativity and thought. It covers segments of the history of the world instead of a general sweep of the entire history. What is happening in the world determines some of the units to be covered. Emphasis, however, is on western civilization.

Grade: 10 (Full Year)
Prerequisite: Admission to Challenge Program (See a Counselor)

This is a challenge class which deals with history as seen through literature, art, and music. This course incorporates research, problem solving, and field trips. Activities include field trips, group, and individual reports.

Grades: 11 (Full Year)
Prerequisite: None

This required course addresses the social, political, and economic development of the United States of America. The course is divided into two semesters, The Revolutionary War, Constitution, Civil War, industrial growth, and depression are covered in the fall semester. In the spring, modern America, New Deal, World War II, Cold War, 1960s, and the Vietnam War are covered. Activities included case studies and history simulations.

Grades: 11 (Full Year)
Prerequisite: None

This course meets the state requirement for U.S. History; in addition, students have the option of taking this course for college credit from Vincennes University provided they meet the criteria established by Vincennes University. Topics covered first semester range from the Exploration/Colonization period to the Civil War era. Second semester covers the Reconstruction era to present day. This course includes analyzing primary historic sources, maps, and detailed investigation of U.S. History topics.

Grades: 10-12 (Full Year)
Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to acquaint students with various geographic regions and cultures throughout the world.

Grades:12 (1 Semester)
Prerequisite: None

This class is required for seniors. It includes the following topics: political theory, Constitution, voting, and elections, the three branches of the federal government, state government, and local government. Activities include group work, case studies, and individual and group projects.

Grades: 12 (1 Semester)
Prerequisite: Participation in Challenge program, teacher recommendation, or PSAT verbal score of 40 or better.

This course is designed to fulfill the high school requirement for government as well as allow students the opportunity to gain three hours of college credit at many universities. The course is composed of readings, books, and lecture. The student will take a national exam in May to gain college credit.

Grades: 12 (1 Semester)
Prerequisite: Admittance by instructor's approval only.

The "We the People" program was developed by the Center for Civic Education through an act of Congress. The primary goal of the program is to promote civic responsibility and participation while increasing the students' knowledge and awareness of how the U.S. government functions. By utilizing the texts, class discussions, and debates, students will improve their critical thinking and public speaking skills. The class is unique because it culminates with an actual simulated congressional hearing competition at Vincennes University.

Grades: 12 (1 Semester)
Prerequisite: None

This course addresses behavior and thinking. Topics covered include child development, the development of intelligence, reasoning, learning, theories of personality and mental illness. Activities include case studies and readings.

Grades: 12 (1 Semester)
Prerequisite: "B"average in American history or permission of instructor.

This class is designed for college bound seniors. Topics included in this class will be behavior, personality theory, memory, thinking and language, and many others. Students should be willing to participate in class discussion, read assigned articles, write papers, and complete projects. The students will take a national exam in May to gain college credit.

Grades: 12 (1 Semester)
Prerequisite: None

This course focuses mainly on the study of human relationships and groups. Topics covered include culture, socialization, social organizations, institutions and social change. Activities include case studies and readings.

Grades: 12 (1 Semester)
Prerequisite: None

This required course addresses the activity in a nation that affects the production, distribution, and use of goods and services. Topics covered include markets, prices, business competition, the management of the nation's economy and comparative economic systems. Activities include group work and economic simulations.

Grades: 12 (1 Semester)
Prerequisite: Participation in Challenge program, teacher recommendation, or PSAT verbal score of 40 or better.

This course is the study of how individuals and societies allocate their limited resources in an attempt to satisfy their unlimited wants. It deals with individual decisions, how prices, production, and the distribution of income are carried out in a market. The students will take the national exam in May to gain college credit.

Grades: 11-12 (1 Semester)
Prerequisite: World History

This is an elective course to acquaint students with Asian countries which have become economic giants and major rivals of the U.S. Major emphasis is placed on China, Japan, the Indian subcontinent, and portions of Southeast Asia. Several activities of a creative nature are utilized.