Social Studies
U.S. History
1 credit – Junior
CONTENT: This course studies a time period beginning with President Washington’s oath of office and ending with the current administration. It explores in depth the various presidencies and policies that affected the United States during key times of the nation’s development. Students will study the major wars and their impact on the American people. The course content also explores the issues of poverty, immigration, economic and social movements and injustices throughout the nation’s history. Students will be introduced to the social history of the nation including the trends and fads of the generations.
SKILLS: Students will use their writing skills to compose short paragraphs about history. Students will expand critical thinking skills through analysis of political cartoons, period documents and photographs. Students will learn geographic principles by discussing and application of the five themes of geography and by drawing and completing maps. Students will use debate techniques and class discussions to describe historical events and become better public speakers. Students will complete group assignments in small and large groups. Students will learn higher order thinking skills with mind mapping and building charts.
PREREQUISITES: None
LENGTH OF COURSE: One year
World History and Geography
1 credit – Freshman
CONTENT: This course provides a study of the history of the ancient world and its impact on the present time. It includes study of the development of cultures, social groupings, human activities, technologies, means of communication and world views. The course seeks to develop skills, attitudes and behaviors that will enable students to function as effective citizens in a changing world through the analysis of the history of past civilizations. It will include content from the Renaissance and Reformation.
SKILLS: The student will obtain and analyze information from a variety of sources, make and test hypotheses, organize data and draw conclusions. They will analyze and describe how geography has contributed to the development of the history of the world. Students will use maps, charts, globes, and graphs and will develop critical thinking skills relevant to the study of human events and history relying heavily on the study of the concepts of geography. Students will increase understanding, appreciation, tolerance and empathy for other civilizations and points of view.
PREREQUISITES: None
LENGTH OF COURSE: One year
U.S. Government
1/2 credit – Senior
CONTENT: This course examines the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and the structure, functions and powers of government at the national, state and local levels. Students learn major political ideas and forms of government in history.
A significant focus on the course is on the U.S. Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created. Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights and compare the U.S. system of government with other political systems. Students analyze the impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media on the American political system, evaluate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a democratic society, and analyze the rights guaranteed by the U.S. constitution. Students examine the relationship between governmental policies and the culture of the United States.
SKILLS: Students will be able to better understand the problems and complexities of directing a nation of over 200 million people. They will also be able to understand the need for change in structures in order to effectively govern our society. Students will use technological resources to research statistical data and become more connected to their elected officials.
PREREQUISITES: U.S. History, World History
LENGTH OF COURSE: One semester
U.S. Government Dual Credit
1/2 credit (3 college hours) – Senior
CONTENT: This course provides college level instruction in American Government. The syllabus follows the Houston Community College syllabi for Government 2301 – American Government. It requires college level reading and writing ability. Completion of this course earning a ― C or above will earn students 3 hours of college credit which is reflected on the HCC transcript. The course also fulfills the requirement of ½ credit of U.S. Government for graduation.
SKILLS: Reading and writing at the college level.
PREREQUISITES: ACT Composite score 23 or above with minimum of 19 in English or SAT
Composite score 1070 with a minimum of 500 in Critical Reading or qualifying score on Asset test. Qualified students may take a maximum of 6 hours of college credit per semester.
LENGTH OF COURSE: One year
Economics
1/2 credit – Senior
CONTENT: The focus of this course is on the basic principles concerning production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services in the United States and a comparison with those in other countries around the world. Students examine the rights and responsibilities of consumers and business. Students analyze the interaction of supply, demand, and price and study the role of financial institutions in a free enterprise system. Types of business ownership and market structures are discussed, as are basic concepts of consumer economics. The impact of a variety of factors including geography, the federal government, economic ideas from important philosophers and historic documents, societal values, and technological innovations on the national economy and economic policy is an integral part of the course.
SKILLS: Students apply critical thinking skills to create economic models and to evaluate economic activity patterns. They will have the opportunity to examine how everyday life is affected by economics. They will examine the responsibilities of developed nations to global well-being.
Students will use technology to examine statistical data, make predictions about economic growth and analyze trends in historical context.
PREREQUISITES: U.S. History, World History
LENGTH OF COURSE: One semester
Psychology I
1/2 credit elective – Junior, Senior
CONTENT: An introduction to psychology with focus on the history, current issues and future of psychology, psychological research, learning theory, intelligence, memory and thought, sensation, perception, motivation and emotion.
SKILLS: Students will learn about the various schools of thought and the specialty fields, conduct their own psychological research, study ESP and psychic phenomena, and examine how sensations, perceptions, motivation and emotions affect behavior.
PREREQUISITES: Junior or Senior – approval of the instructor
LENGTH OF COURSE: One semester
Psychology II
1/2 credit elective – Junior, Senior
CONTENT: Primary focus is on abnormal behavior and its treatment, altered states of consciousness, group psychology, stress and the study of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age.
SKILLS: Students will examine meditation and interpretation of dreams, identify various psychological disorders and their treatment, explore group interaction and the various stages of life, and perform experiments.
PREREQUISITES: Junior or Senior – approval of instructor
LENGTH OF COURSE: One semester
World Culture Geography
1/2 credit elective – Freshman, Sophomore
CONTENT: The course focus is to explore and understand people, places and environments on a local, regional, national, and international scale. Studies will center upon identifying and characterizing human origins, cultural hearths, and the centers of European, African, Russian, Latin American, Island, Native and Asian cultures in general terms. Specific areas of study will include languages, religion, art, music, food, physical and political geography, history, and ethnic studies of particular cultures and regions.
SKILLS: Students will research and work with maps, globes, charts, and graphs to analyze and interpret and understand the distinct cultures and environments of the earth while building a portfolio of their achievements and knowledge.
PREREQUISITES: None
LENGTH OF COURSE: One semester
Introduction to Sociology
1/2 credit – Junior, Senior
CONTENT: This course introduces students to sociology. This regular level offering combines a look at the American mainstream and contrasts it with subcultures and elements of diversity within our nation. Students investigate change and peoples’ ability to deal with change. Students develop tools to evaluate where our society has been and its trek into the future. Students examine topics of current importance such as child abuse, alcoholism, racism, the women’s movement, and religion.
Mass media and other popular structures of society such as art and fads will be examined.
SKILLS: Students will be better able to understand the problems and complexities of current and future society. Students will gain exposure to art, culture, religion, mass media, and current events.
PREREQUISITES: None
LENGTH OF COURSE: One semester