SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE COURSES IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE SEE DR. TWADELL IN ROOM 7080 http://www3.district125.k12.il.us/Social_Studies/electives.html AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One year GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE - Students in AP Human Geography explore the peoples of the world.!The class provides the foundation for understanding fundamental similarities and differences between people!culturally, politically, economically and socially through a spatial perspective. TOPICS COVERED - Human Geography spans all of the social studies through its spatial perspective. Students in Human Geography will study history, religion, politics, economics, sociology, psychology and other social studies subjects, BUT through a world perspective. ADVANTAGES/ BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS Where and why are the essential questions of this course. Ever wonder why languages are spoken where they are in the world? Where are different religions practiced? Where is there religious conflict?!Why is it there? Where do people live in the United States?!! Human geography answers all these questions. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1. The news of the world will make sense to students of Human Geography.!Where is there conflict?!Why are there McDonalds all over the world?!Why did Sept. 11 happen?!All these questions will be answered! 2. Geography takes history to the the present!!Ever wonder what happened after World War II or how the events of the past connect to today...Human Geography will makes sense of it all. 3. Geography deals with different places, peoples, customs and traditions. What makes us unique?!What binds us together as people?!This is what makes Human Geography special. FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES - Human Geography students complete field studies in the suburbs surrounding Stevenson.!They actually become geographers and take pictures and write reports of the suburban cultural landscape. ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One Year GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE - The Study of European history since 1450 introduces students to the cultural, economic, political and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would all lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of conflict and continuity in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. Additionally, the student will improve discussion, reading, and essay writing skills in preparation for college class work and the university environment.

TOPICS COVERED - Renaissance/Reformation, Religious Wars, Emergence of Modern Nation-States, Absolutism/Constitutionalism; Enlightenment; French Revolution and Napoleonic Era; Industrial Revolution; Age of Imperialism, Rise of Nationalism and Unification Movements; World War One Era; Russian Revolution; Rise of Dictatorships; World War Two Era; Cold War and its collapse; Europe post-1970. ADVANTAGES/BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS- Challenges student learning, students earn college credits for required courses in many universities-(Normally 90 to 95% of our students earn a 3, 4, 5 honor score on AP Test); reduces time and cost for college; national recognition; enhances the college application; improved critical analysis skills; writing and test-taking skills enhanced. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1. Challenge yourself with interesting and useful material 2. Discover how the interactions between men and women, religious groups and social classes formed the foundations for modern societies through out the world. 3. Develop the reading and writing skills needed for any future AP courses in Social Studies at Stevenson High School. FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES - Debating, writing, discussing, reading - about the real forces in history and the individuals who impacted society, government and life as we know it. ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One Semester GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE - Further student understanding of the philosophy and content of the law as applied by our courts and the legal system. TOPICS COVERED - When Constitutional rights such as freedom of speech, right to bear arms, and the rights of the accused may or may not be restricted. ADVANTAGES/BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE- RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS Students will better understand trial rules and procedures, in addition to the appeals process. Students will be able to follow the intricacies of major legal proceedings in the news. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1. You will know what it is like to be a trial attorney 2. You will know what it is like to be a juror 3. You will increase your proficiency in basic skills such as listening, public speaking, reading and critical thinking. and have fun at the same time! FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES - Trials. You will function as an attorney, witness and juror during a very realistic trial. ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

GLOBAL RELATIONS WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One Semester GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE - To deepen and broaden students' identity as they understand how to view the world through the eyes of a "global" citizen. TOPICS COVERED - Determined by current events and American national interests. We cover many political issues, such as America's relations with its allies and the U.N.; security issues such as the spread of WMD and terrorism; regional conflicts such as in Israel, Colombia, Congo; global environmental and economic problems; the legacies of the Cold War; etc. ADVANTAGES/BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS Builds on many other social studies courses, teaches how to be critical media consumers, develops perspective on being an American citizen, builds reading and discussion skills. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1. Students know it's an important course--it will answer their questions about what the U.S. is doing in the world, and raise their interest in staying well-informed by reading the newspaper and viewing excellent, relevant videos. 2. Lots of discussion, viewpoints, personal reflection are encouraged through simulations, debating, journal writing, open-ended inquiry--we're all learning together as new things unfold. 3. It's fun and stimulating even though there's a lot of reading to do. FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES - We do a lot of political cartoons and create a scrapbook for a project. ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

NON-WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One Semester GUIDING PHILOSOPHY OF THE COURSE - The purpose of the Non-Western offering is to cover areas of world history and culture that are often neglected due to a lack of time in other courses. Topics covered are comprehensive -students will be guided chronologically through the beginnings of civilization through modern day issues and problems. More importantly, the course will give a voice to a part of the world that very often does not (or is not allowed to) have one. TOPICS COVERED - Primal Cultures and Native Americans, Sub-Saharan Africa, India, China / Japan. Special emphasis is given to pre-European influence, imperialism, and colonial legacy. ADVANTAGES/BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS NWC students have fewer gaps in their understanding of history, and develop a broader and more relevant context to understand today’s world and their place in it. Mankind must address serious challenges today, including an emerging clash of civilizations. NWC students enjoy lots of discussion and learn the benefits of an open and inquiring mind as they explore the perennial questions of survival and fulfillment. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1. Did you know that the European Renaissance and Age of Exploration would have never happened if Europe did not have contact and trade with the kingdoms of black West Africa?

2. Did you know that the founding fathers of the United States were heavily influenced by the Native American tribes of the northeast? Indian influence paved the way for our “Articles of Confederation” and “Constitution.” 3. Did you know that there is a conflict going on in Africa that some experts refer to as “Africa’s First World War?” This course will explore why so few people know about the conflict, its origins, and its possible effects on Africa and the world as a whole. FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES - Although there are still tests and quizzes this class stresses class discussion, projects, simulations, and group activities. Some projects are done individually while others are done in groups. The final exam is a project of student choice. ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

WORLD RELIGIONS WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One semester GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE - This course is meant as a reflection on different religions from around the world. Reading and discussion as well as self-reflection are central to the course. Students are asked to reflect on what it means to be human and how this connects with different concepts of supreme beings. Students do not have to be religious to take this course. TOPICS COVERED - Indigenous (Native) Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam ADVANTAGES/ BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS - The opportunity to think about who you are and how you fit in the world; gain a deeper understanding of world conflict; discover societies different from the United States; cover topics in World History in greater detail. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1 Discover who you are 2. See how you fit in the world 3. Learn about different people from around the world FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES 1. Discussions, discussions, discussions 2. Comparing The Matrix to Buddhism 3. Working on group projects, like one on Indigenous Religions 4. Time to reflect on your own life ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

SOCIOLOGY WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Juniors and Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One Semester GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE - The purpose of sociology is to help students understand their social world better. What determines the rules of society? How do the people around you affect the person you are becoming? TOPICS COVERED - Topics covered include culture, gender, deviance and crime, wealth and poverty, families, group dynamics. ADVANTAGES/BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS The advantages to sociology are that it is relevant to your life right now and will help you make decisions about your life in the future and it will help you have a better understanding of who you are. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1. You will learn about yourself 2. Learn about people around you 3. Learn about people you haven’t even met. ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

POLITICAL THOUGHT WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One Semester GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE -To acquaint student with political thought and its literature. TOPICS COVERED - Just war, social responsibility, Japanese Internment, Red Scare, Conspiracy and Scandal, juvenile justice. ADVANTAGES/ BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS and Social Studies to explain current events and relate it directly to writing. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1. Current Events 2. Interdisciplinary 3. Great teachers FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES - Into the Wild Trial ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

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PSYCHOLOGY WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One Semester GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE - A deeper understanding of human behavior will help create better human beings and a better society. TOPICS COVERED -Psychological Theories Of Behavior, Theories of Learning, Theories of Intelligence, Motivation, Memory, States Of Awareness, The Nature of Personality, Conducting Laboratory Studies In Psychology, Mental Illness, Mental Health, and Therapy ADVANTAGES/ BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS Every profession, every citizen, and every nation would be safer, saner, and more secure if people had a clearer understanding of why human beings act in the way they do. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1. Find out more about why you do the things you do. 2. Deepen your understanding about the many factors that influence your behavior - the influence your behavior - the media, your family, friends. 3. Learn skills to make yourself a stronger student - and a better human being - in an a challenging college style class. FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES - Demonstrations of hypnosis and meditation. Running blindfolded through mazes. Trying psychological experiments on friends and family. Learning to analyze movies from a psychological perspective. ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

PHILOSOPHY OF IDEAS (CLC Dual Credit) WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One Semester GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE - Everyone has a philosophy. Find out your own, discuss it with others, and study philosophies of the past. TOPICS COVERED - The great Western philosophies of the past 2400 years. ADVANTAGES/ BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE - Honors Credit. College Credit through the College of Lake County which can be transferred to the college you attend after Stevenson. Learn a little bit about yourself and others. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE 3. Learn why you know what infinity is without ever having experienced it. 2. Cogito, ergo sum. (“I think, therefore I am.”) 1. Know thyself. FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES - Be a philosopher! Debate other philosophers! ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

AP PSYCHOLOGY WHO CAN TAKE THIS COURSE - Seniors LENGTH OF COURSE - One Year GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE - To give students a college level experience that includes an introduction to the field of psychology and psychological research. TOPICS COVERED - Social Psychology, Methods of Research, The Brain, Sensation/Perception, Learning/Cognition, Development, Personality, Disorders/Treatment ADVANTAGES/BENEFITS OF TAKING THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1) Learn how to conduct psychological research 2) Be able to explain components of human behavior 3) Understand development over the life span TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE - RELATION TO WORLD/US TOPICS 1) Fun!!!! 2) Fun!!!! 3) Fun!!!! FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES Orange Brain Surgery, Subliminal Messages, Developmental Project, Chocolate Cookie Lab, Record Player Activity, Mind Reading ANY QUESTIONS I NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR

AMERICAN STUDIES* WHO CAN TAKE THE COURSE: Juniors LENGTH: One Year GUIDING PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE: American Studies uses a range of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to authentically and meaningfully trace the complex traditions, beliefs and assumptions that shape American culture. The course exposes students to multiple historical interpretations and literary works in preparation for college and places responsibility on the students’ shoulders to advance their knowledge of the culture and to fulfill their civic duty to the society in which they live. TOPICS COVERED: The core curriculum for U.S. History and Junior English is covered in the class. *This course fulfills the United States History graduation requirement. ADVANTAGES: The course provides students with a valid educational framework designed to empower students to update their beliefs and assumptions as part of the ongoing process of scholarship. This, in turn, enables students to create their own meaningful, yet historically accurate, interpretations of the American experience. TOP THREE REASONS TO TAKE THIS COURSE: 1. The course provides students with a holistic approach to learning. 2. The team approach creates a terrific learning environment. 3. Students meet two core requirements for the price of one. FAVORITE COURSE ACTIVITIES: - Students enjoy being engaged in a variety of educational activities in all American Studies classes. ANY QUESTIONS I STILL NEED TO ASK MY TEACHER OR COUNSELOR: