Current Problems, Issues, and Events
Current Problems, Issues, and Events gives students the opportunity to apply investigative and inquiry techniques to the study of significant problems or issues. Students develop competence in (1) recognizing cause and effect relationships, (2) recognizing fallacies in reasoning and propaganda devices, (3) synthesizing knowledge into useful patterns, (4) stating and testing hypotheses, and (5) generalizing based on evidence. Problems or issues selected will have contemporary historical significance and will be studied from the viewpoint of the social science disciplines. Community service programs and internships within the community may be included.
Economics
Economics examines the allocation of resources and their uses for satisfying human needs and wants. The course analyzes economic reasoning and behaviors of consumers, producers, savers, investors, workers, voters, institutions, governments, and societies in making decisions. Students explain that because resources are limited, people must make choices and understand the role that supply, demand, prices, and profits play in a market economy. Key elements of the course include the study of scarcity and economic reasoning; supply and demand; market structures; the role of government; national economic performance; the role of financial institutions; economic stabilization; and trade.
Ethnic Studies
Ethnic Studies provides opportunities to broaden students’ perspectives concerning lifestyles and cultural patterns of ethnic groups in the United States. This course will either focus on a particular ethnic group or groups, or use a comparative approach to the study of patterns of cultural development, immigration, and assimilation, as well as the contributions of specific ethnic or cultural groups. The course may also include an analysis of the political impact of ethnic diversity in the United States.
Indiana Studies
Indiana Studies is an integrated course that compares and contrasts state and national developments in the areas of politics, economics, history, and culture. The course uses Indiana history as a basis for understanding current policies, practices, and state legislative procedures. It also includes the study of state and national constitutions from a historical perspective and as a current foundation of government. Examination of individual leaders and their roles in a democratic society will be included and students will examine the participation of citizens in the political process. Selections from Indiana arts and literature may also be analyzed for insights into historical events and cultural expressions.
Introduction to Social Science
Introduction to Social Science develops an understanding of the nature of the social sciences and presents reasons for studying them. The course involves consideration of the social sciences such as: (1) the study of humanity; (2) the reasons for separate fields or disciplines; (3) the objectives, materials, and methods of each discipline; and (4) the difficulties encountered by social scientists in applying scientific method to the study of human life. Content may include group and individual behavior, education, social systems, and the role of the social studies.
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. The course is divided into eight content areas: History and Scientific Method, Biological Basis for Behavior, Development, Cognition, Personality and Assessment, Abnormal Psychology, Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Behavior, and Psychological Thinking. History and Scientific Method explores the history of psychology, the research methods used, and the ethical considerations that must be utilized. Biological Basis for Behavior focuses on the way the brain and nervous system function, including sensation, perception, motivation and emotion. Development analyzes the changes through one’s life including the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and moral development. Cognition focuses on learning, memory, information processing, and language development. Personality and Assessment explains at the approaches used to explain one’s personality and the assessment tools used. Abnormal Psychology explores psychological disorders and the various treatments used for them. Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Behavior covers topics such as conformity, obedience, perceptions, attitudes and influence of the group on the individual.
Sociology
Sociology allows students to study human social behavior from a group perspective. The sociological perspective is a method of studying recurring patterns in people’s attitudes and actions and how these patterns vary across time, cultures, and in social settings and groups. Students describe the development of sociology as a social science and identify methods of research. Through research methods such as scientific inquiry students examine society, group behavior, and social structures. The influence of culture on group behavior is addressed through institutions such as the family, religion, education, economics, community organizations, government, and political and social groups. The impact of social groups and institutions on group and individual behavior and the changing nature of society will be examined. Influences on group behavior and social problems are included in the course. Students also analyze the role of individuals in the community and social problems in today’s world.
United States Government (dual credit offered through the Early College Program)
United States Government provides a framework for understanding the purposes, principles, and practices of constitutional representative democracy in the United States. Responsible and effective participation of citizens is stressed. Students understand the nature of citizenship, politics, and governments and understand the rights and responsibilities of citizens and how these are part of local, state, and national government. Students examine how the United States Constitution protects the rights and provides the structure and functions of various levels of government. Analysis of how the United States interacts with other nations and the government’s role in world affairs is included in this course. Using primary and secondary resources, students will articulate, evaluate, and defend positions on political issues. As a result, they will be able to explain the role of individuals and groups in government, politics, and civic activities and the need for civic and political engagement of citizens in the United States.
*United States History (dual credit offered through the Early College Program)
United States History is a two-semester course that builds upon concepts developed in previous studies of U.S. History and emphasizes national development from the late nineteenth century into the twenty first century. After reviewing fundamental themes in the early development of the nation, students are expected to identify and review significant events, persons, and movements in the early development of the nation. The course then gives major emphasis to the interaction of key events, people, and political, economic, social, and cultural influences in national developments from the late nineteenth century through the present as they relate to life in Indiana and the United States. Students are expected to trace and analyze chronological periods and examine the significant themes and concepts in U.S. History. Students develop historical thinking and research skills and use primary and secondary sources to explore topical issues and to understand the cause for changes in the nation over time.
World History and Civilization
World History and Civilization emphasizes events and developments in the past that greatly affected large numbers of people across broad areas and that significantly influenced peoples and places in subsequent eras. Key events related to people and places as well as transcultural interaction and exchanges are examined in this course. Students are expected to compare and contrast events and developments involving diverse peoples and civilizations in different regions of the world. They will examine examples of continuity and change, universality and particularity, and unity and diversity among various peoples and cultures from the past to the present. Students are also expected to practice and process skills of historical thinking and research and apply content knowledge to the practice of thinking and inquiry skills and processes. There will be continuous and pervasive interactions of processes and content, skills and substance, in the teaching and learning of history.
*American Studies
American Studies is an integration of English 11 and US History content and standards. This unique course is taught in a two period block for dual credit through the LHS/VU Early College Program
