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SOCIAL STUDIES
The philosophy of the Social Studies Department at Zion-Benton Township High School is that we promote the dignity and worth of each individual who lives in the society and provide students with an understanding of their culture and its values, along with the necessary skills and attitudes to make choices.
Maureen E. Meyer, Department Chair
847-731-9540 - meyerm@zbths.org
SPECIAL NOTES
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All Social Studies Classes for freshmen are by placement based on school district sponsored 8th Grade testing.
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All Social Studies classes require that students purchase materials for projects. Several courses also require the purchase of computer disks.
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Several AP courses require summer reading.
SOCIAL STUDIES A SS301
All Year - 1 Credit - 9
Prerequisite: By Special Placement Only
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: This course is an adaptation of the general Social Studies Class. It affords the student additional assistance that would not be available in a general course. The class is team taught by a regular Social Studies teacher and a L.D. Specialist. Units of study will include: (1) Developing Civilizations of Five Regions; (2) The Early Builders; (3) Great Civilizations in Asia; (4) The Many Worlds of African and the Americas; (5) Europe in Transition: From Feudalism to Nations; (6) Revolutionary Struggles in the West; (7) The Industrial Revolution; (8) Nations, Wars, and Imperialism; (8) Revolutions, Dictators, and Two World Wars; (10) Our Contemporary World. In addition the student will complete the state-required units on history of women and events of Black History.
INTEGRATED SOCIAL STUDIES SS302
All Year - 1 Credit - 9
Prerequisite: Placement will be based on 8th grade test scores.
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: This course will be taught by an interdisciplinary team made up of English and social studies teachers. The course may be taught in a thematic manner. The themes may change each year but will include all of the units taught in the other Social Studies classes at this level. This class will use engaged learning projects to assess student progress and to assist students to understand the concept of integrated learning through teamwork.
CP SOCIAL STUDIES SS303
All Year - 1 Credit - 9
Prerequisite: Placement. Reading at or above grade level
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: This course is general survey course taught at the College Preparatory level for the above average student. The course includes Area Studies, World Problems, and Current Events. This course is designed to develop specific Social Studies skills, to include, but not limited to, the gathering, understanding and interpreting of facts, concepts, charts, and graphs. Students are challenged to connect historic events and cultural developments with current affairs. The course may include the following units of study: (1) Developing Civilizations of Five Regions; (2) The Early Builders of the Western Heritage; (3) Great Civilizations in Asia; (4) The Many Worlds of Africa and the Americas; (5) Europe in Transition: From Feudalism to Nations; (6) Revolutionary Struggles in the West; (7) The Industrial Revolution; (8) Nations, Wars, and Imperialism; (9) Revolutions, Dictators, and Two World Wars; (10) Our Contemporary World. In addition, the student will complete the state-required units on history of women and events of Black History.
SOCIAL STUDIES SS322
(TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY)
All Year – 1 Credit – 9
Prerequisite: See Technology Academy Eligibility and Expectation Requirements. Acceptance into the Academy. Student must purchase/possess the school endorsed Academy laptop.
Fees: Storage Device (Floppy disk, CD-R, or “Jump drive”) and materials for projects
Course Description: This course is designed to develop specific social studies skills, including the gathering and interpreting of facts, concepts, charts, graphs, tables, maps and atlas work, writing and conceptualizing. The skills will be developed within a historical context, which will include a study of world history from prehistoric times to modern day society. Students may be involved in projects that investigate the culture and customs of various civilizations using the laptop for research, organization, problem solving, and publishing of their findings. Units of study will include: (1) Developing Civilizations of Five Regions; (2) The Early Builders of the Western Heritage; (3) Great Civilizations in Asia; (4) The Many Worlds of Africa and the Americas; (5) Europe in Transition: From Feudalism to Nations; (6) Revolutionary Struggles in the West; (7) The Industrial Revolution; (8) Nations, Wars, and Imperialism; (9) Revolutions, Dictators, and Two World Wars; (10) Our Contemporary World. In addition, the student will complete the state-required units on history of women and events of Black History.
AC SOCIAL STUDIES SS314
All Year - 1 Credit - 9
Prerequisite: Placement will be based on 8th grade test scores. Student must score in the top 20% of their class on district placement tests and successful completion of junior high gifted or honors level program.
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: Accelerated Social Studies is a world history survey course for the above average student and serves as a precursor for Advanced Placement United States History. This course is designed to develop specific social studies skills including the gathering, understanding and interpreting of facts, concepts, charts, and graphs for the purpose of in-depth analysis, synthesis and evaluation. College Board and ACT style writing and test-taking skills will be introduced. Students will research and write required essays and papers. Reading outside of class is required. Students may also be required to purchase and read selected paperback text material.
The course includes Area Studies, World Problems, and Current Events. Units of study include, but are not limited to, Prehistory and the Rise of Civilization, Western Foundations, Forming Nations and the Changing World. Content is a combination of material covered in Advanced Placement Non-Western World History and Advanced Placement Western History classes as provided by the Advanced Placement Services College Board. In addition, the student will complete the state required units on history of women and events of Black History.
UNITED STATES HISTORY A SS304
All Year - 1 Credit - 11
Prerequisite: By Special Placement Only
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: This course is an adaptation of the general American History class. It is a survey of United States History from foundation to present, covering major events and concepts of our heritage. It affords the student additional assistance that would not be available in a general course. The class is co- taught by a regular Social Studies teacher and a L.D. Specialist. Some areas are: (1) Establishment of a National Government; (2) Sectionalism and Nationalism; (3) Extension of democracy; (4) How our Union was endangered and preserved; (5) Industrialism and westward expansion; (6) Democratic reforms of the 20th century; (7) 20th Century foreign affairs; (8) 21st Century challenges and triumphs on the domestic front. The student will study the history of women in America and events of Black History.
AMERICAN STUDIES SS305
All Year - 2 Credits - 11 - meets graduation requirements for United States History.
Prerequisite: Placement
Fees: Materials for projects and paperback texts required
Course Description: The American Studies course is designed for the student interested in studying History and English together in a team-taught environment using a “thematic and multicultural” approach to teaching. The class uses literature and technology to explore what it means to be an American and the development of the nation, past and present, through the contributions of African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics as well as European Americans.
CP UNITED STATES HISTORY SS306
All Year - 1 Credit - 11
Prerequisite: Reading at or above grade level
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: An in-depth study of United States History from the Colonial Era to the present. Emphasis will be placed on outside primary and secondary source readings and/or a research paper. Tests will include essay responses ranging from the analytical to the descriptive. Students in this course must meet the College-Prep Pathway requirement. Some areas of study are:
1. Establishment of Colonies in North America
2. Sectionalism and Nationalism
3. Rise of Democracy
4. How our Union was endangered and preserved
5. Rise of Industry and Westward expansion
6. Democratic Reforms of the Twentieth Century
UNITED STATES HISTORY SS312
(TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY)
All Year - 1 Credit - 11
Prerequisite: See Technology Academy Eligibility and Expectation Requirements - Acceptance into the junior level of the Academy. Student must purchase/possess the school endorsed Academy laptop.
Fees: Storage Device (Floppy disk, CD-R, or “Jump drive”) and materials for projects
Course Description: This interdisciplinary course will be combined with English 3 (Technology Academy) and delivered in a team-taught environment using a “thematic and multicultural” approach to teaching. In-depth study of American History from the Colonial Era to the present. Emphasis will be placed on outside readings and/or a research paper. Tests will include essay answers ranging from descriptive to analytic answers. Some areas are: 1) establishment of a National Government; 2) Sectionalism and Nationalism; 3) extension of democracy; 4) How our Union was endangered and preserved; 5) industrialism and westward expansion; 6) democratic reforms of this century; 7) 20th Century foreign affairs; 8) 21st Century challenges and triumphs on the domestic front. The student will study the history of women in America and events of Black History.
AP UNITED STATES HISTORY SS307
All Year - 1 Credit (Grade Weighted) - 11
Prerequisite: Must have received an "A" or "B" in CP or AC Social Studies, must read at the 10th grade level, must have a "B" or better in Accelerated English or a "B" or better in CP English, and may need approval of the instructor.
Fees: A.P. examination required
Course Description: College-level survey course tracing development of the American experience from the Age of Exploration and Discovery to the present. Emphasis is placed on a variety of interpretations of important periods in American history, such as the War for Independence, the Age of Jackson, the Civil War and its aftermath, the Progressive Era, and the New Deal. Students will read about 150 pages per week and will write required essays.
In addition, the student will complete the state required units on history of women in America and events of Black History.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT A SS308
All Year - 1 Credit - 12
Prerequisite: By Special Placement Only
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: This course is an adaptation of the general American Government class. It affords the student additional assistance that would not be available in a general course. The class is team taught by a regular Social Studies teacher and a L.D. specialist. Units of study will include: (1) Basic Concepts; (2) The United States Constitution; (3) Political Parties; (4) Congress; (5) The Presidency; (6) Consumer Education; (7) Civil Rights; (8) the Federal Judiciary; (9) the Illinois Constitution; (10) Proper display of the United States Flag.
In addition, the student will complete the state-required unit on history of women in America, events in Black History, and Consumer Economics. Within the Consumer Economics unit students will learn how to write a resume, balance a checkbook, reconcile a bank statement, read an amortization chart, and participate in investment strategies by the use of the Internet Investing Simulations and Economic Literacy activities. THE CONSUMER ECONOMICS UNIT IS COMPLETED DURING THE 3RD QUARTER.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SS309
All Year - 1 Credit - 12
Prerequisite: Placement
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: Survey of United States Government divided into: (1) Basic Concepts; (2) the United States Constitution; (3) Political Parties; (4) Congress; (5) the Presidency; (6) Consumer Education; (7) Civil Rights; (8) the Federal Judiciary; (9) the Illinois Constitution; (10) proper display of the United States flag.
In addition, the student will complete the state-required unit on history of women in America, events in Black History, and Consumer Economics. Within the Consumer Economics unit, students may learn how to write a resume, balance a checkbook, reconcile a bank statement, and participate in investment strategies by the use of the Internet Investing Simulations and Economic Literacy activities. THE CONSUMER ECONOMICS UNIT IS COMPLETED DURING THE 3RD QUARTER.
CP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SS310
All Year - 1 Credit - 12
Prerequisite: Placement
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: The major goal of this course is to increase the student's political knowledge and awareness of our political system. Students will be required to do outside reading from several supplementary sources, complete individual projects and reports, and participate in small group activities and simulations.
The course is divided into: 1) Basic Concepts; 2) the United States Constitution; 3) Political Parties; 4) Congress; 5) the Presidency; 6) Consumer Education; 7) Civil Rights; 8) the Federal Judiciary; 9) the Illinois Constitution; 10) Proper display of the United States Flag.
Included in this course is the Proficiency Test on the United States and Illinois Constitutions and flag code that is required by state law.
In addition, the student will complete the state-required unit on history of women in America, events in Black History, and Consumer Economics. Within the Consumer Economics unit, students will learn how to write a resume, balance a checkbook, reconcile a bank statement, and participate in investment strategies by the use of the Internet Investing Simulations and Economic Literacy activities. THE CONSUMER ECONOMICS UNIT IS COMPLETED DURING THE 3RD QUARTER.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SS313
(TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY)
All Year - 1 Credit - 12 - Meets graduation requirement, U.S. and Illinois Constitution Requirement and Consumer Education requirement
Prerequisite: See Technology Academy Eligibility and Expectation Requirements - Acceptance into the junior level of the Academy. Student must purchase/possess the school endorsed Academy laptop.
Fees: Storage Device (Floppy disk, CD-R, or “Jump drive”) and materials for projects
Course Description: The major goal of this course is to increase the students’ political knowledge and awareness of our political system. Students will be required to do outside reading from several supplementary sources, complete Engaged Learning and interdisciplinary projects, and participate in small group activities and simulations.
The course is divided into: 1) Basic Concepts; 2) the United States Constitution; 3) Political Parties; 4) Congress; 5) the Presidency; 6) Consumer Education; 7) Civil Rights; 8) the Federal Judiciary; 9) the Illinois Constitution; 10) Proper display of the United States Flag. Included in this course is the Proficiency Test on the United States and Illinois Constitutions and flag code that is required by state law.
In addition, the student will complete the state-required unit on history of women in America, events in Black History, and Consumer Economics. Within the Consumer Economics unit students will learn how to write a resume, balance a checkbook, reconcile a bank statement, read an amortization chart, and participate in investment strategies by the use of the Internet Investing Simulations and Economic Literacy activities. THE CONSUMER ECONOMICS UNIT IS COMPLETED DURING THE 3RD QUARTER.
AP UNITED STATES SS311
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
All Year - 1 Credit (Grade Weighted) - 12 - Meets graduation requirement, U.S. and Illinois Constitution Requirement, and State Consumer Education requirement.
Prerequisite: Must have received an "A" or "B" in AP or CP American History, must read at the 11th grade level, must have a "B" or better in Accelerated or CP English, and may need written approval of the instructor.
Fees: A.P. examination required.
Course Description: The Advanced Placement Course in United States Government and Politics is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret United States politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality.
The subjects that the course covers include Constitutional Arrangements, policy making institutions such as the Legislature, the Executive, the Bureaucracy, and the Courts, Public Opinion and the Media, Political Participation and Voting Behavior, Political Parties, Interest Groups, Election Laws and Election Systems, Civil Liberties and Rights, and accelerated Budget Making. THE CONSUMER ECONOMICS UNIT IS COMPLETED DURING THE 3RD QUARTER.
Tests are designed to simulate the AP Exams. Questions, both multiple choice and essay from past exams are used. Students need to learn to interpret charts, graphs, and political cartoons. This kind of practice will make students less apprehensive for the real AP Exam. In addition, the student will complete the state-required units of the United States and Illinois Constitutions, the flag code, and Consumer Education. Within the Consumer Economics unit, students will learn how to balance a checkbook, reconcile a bank statement, and participate in investment strategies by the use of the Internet Investing Simulations and Economic Literacy activities. The Advanced Placement Examination is a course requirement for credit.
Students who receive a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam may receive from 3 to 9 hours of college credit in history or political science, depending upon the college and its departmental policies.
SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
PSYCHOLOGY I SS315
Either Semester - .50 Credit - Elective 12
Prerequisite: Open only to qualified 12th grade students who earned a “C” average or above in United States History.
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: This course deals with the study of human behavior. Topics to be developed include: Introduction / History / Research Methods of Psychology, Biological Bases of Behavior, Consciousness, Sensation and Perception, Motivation & Emotion, Learning, and Life Span Development.
PSYCHOLOGY II SS316
Second Semester - .50 Credits - Elective 12
Prerequisite: Psychology 1
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: This course deals with a reinforcement of the foundations acquired during Psychology I. Topics to be developed include: Personality and its Assessment, Stress and Health, Psychological Disorders, Treatment of Psychological Disorders, and Social Psychology. A research project may be required.
AP PSYCHOLOGY SS317
All Year - 1 Credit (Grade Weighted) - Elective 12
Prerequisites: Open only to qualified 12th grade students who have received an “A” or “B” average in one of the following courses: AP United States History, CP United States History, CP English 3, AC English 3, AC Biology or AP Biology. Students must read at 11th grade level. Students may need the written approval of the instructor.
Fees: Advanced Placement Examination
Course Description: Advanced Placement Psychology is designed for the highly motivated student and will provide a solid background for college psychology courses. This course deals with the study of human behavior. Topics to be developed include: History and Approaches of Psychology, Research Methods, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning, Cognition, Motivation and Emotion, Developmental Psychology, Personality, Testing and Individual Differences, Abnormal Psychology, Treatment of Psychological Disorders, and Social Psychology. Research projects are required. The Advanced Placement Examination is a requirement for credit.
SOCIOLOGY SS321
Either Semester - .50 Credit - Elective 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: This course deals with the study of society. Sociology is concerned with groups – how they are formed and how they change – and with the actions of individuals within groups. Topics to be developed include Introduction to Sociology, Sociologists Doing Research, Culture, Socialization, Social Structure and Society, Social Stratification, Inequalities of Race and Ethnicity, and Inequalities of Age and Gender.
SOCIAL STUDIES WORKSHOP SS3001/SS3003
Either Semester - .50 Credit - Elective 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None. Replaces a failed semester of Social Studies
Fees: Materials for projects
Course Description: This course is designed to makeup one semester of the required freshman Social Studies course. Students from all Learning Pathways may use this course to replace the corresponding semester of the required Social Studies course that they have failed. This course does not fulfill American History or American Government requirements.
This course will use workshop strategies. The content will not necessarily repeat any specific content of any other required Social Studies course. Suggested course of study will include but are not limited to: Basic Social Studies Skills; Study Skills; Geography Skills; Rise of Industry; Political Revolutions; and Expansion into the Americas. Students may not take this course concurrently with another Social Studies ninth grade course.
NOTE: Semester One and Semester Two may not be repeated.
SOCIAL STUDIES SEMINAR TBA
Either Semester - .50 Credit - Elective 10, 11, 12 - may be repeated for a total of 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Department Chair approval
Fees: To be set
Course Description: Designed for students wishing to obtain specialized Social Studies credit. The course includes an in-depth project in the seminar area of study. Written teacher and department head approval is required.
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