CLC
 
 
Social Science
     
             
           
                         
 

Faculty

     
   
 

Mike Smalley , Department Chair

Jon Byham

Rich Hoover

Cris Johansen

 

Bill Lawlor

Michelle Mason

Jon McLaughlin

Denis O'Brien

 

                     
 

Courses

 

All students should complete two courses in the Freshman/Sophomore Block. (Global Education)

Students are also required to take one credit of American History.

 

FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE BLOCK

GLOBAL STUDIES I
This course examines both the diversity and similarity among the world's peoples and cultures with an emphasis on non-western nations. Students will develop a knowledge of and appreciation for the contributions of many cultures in our global society. The course will highlight India , China , and Japan . Each unit will discuss the history, arts, geography, current events, religions, and daily life of these cultures.

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 per sem. Level: 9, l0

GLOBAL STUDIES II
This course examines both the diversity and similarity among the world's peoples and cultures with an emphasis on non-western nations. Students will develop a knowledge of and appreciation for the contributions of many cultures in our global society. This course will highlight Africa , the Middle East , and South America . Each unit will discuss the history, arts, geography, current events, religions, and daily life of these cultures.

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 per sem. Level: 9, l0

ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS (H)
This honors class surveys early civilizations, including those from Egypt , Mesopotamia , the Middle East , India , China , Greece and Rome . It highlights the contributions made by these early civilizations to current civilizations, including world religions such as Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

Semesters: l
Credit: 1/2 Level: 9, 10

CHANGE AND REVOLUTION (H)
This honors course begins with the Byzantine Civilization and the rise of Islam, including both a study of the religion and Muslim culture. It highlights events from the Middle Ages (such as the Crusades, the Black Death, the building of castles and Gothic cathedrals, feudalism, chivalry, etc.), which led to the rise of the nation-states in England , France , Spain and Russia . The cultural changes brought about by the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Enlightenment are also covered. The course concludes with the revolutions in England and France , as well as the Age of Napoleon.

Semesters: l
Credit: 1/2 Level: 9, l0

NINETEENTH AND TWENTIETH CENTURY WORLD (H)
This honors course surveys historical developments from l815 to the present. From the Downfall of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna and the Nationalistic Revolts of l848 the course moves on to the Industrial Revolution and the development of capitalism, socialism, and Marxism. Imperialism is another major topic, including colonial empires of the world through World War I. Major twentieth-century topics include the Russian Revolution, the rise of Fascism, and World War II. The last unit covers the Cold War and other political developments since l945, including the Middle East , Asia and Africa .

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 Level: 9, l0, 11, 12

WORLD GEOGRAPHY I
The first eleven weeks of World Geography I is a study of general concepts in physical, cultural, economic and political geography. The concept of world patterns is developed in such areas as climates, topography, natural and human resources. This study is intended to provide needed background for a more detailed study of the eight major cultural regions of the world. The rest of the semester is a culture regional study of North America .

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 Level: 9, 10

WORLD GEOGRAPHY II
World Geography II consists of a culture regional study of Europe , Latin America , Africa , Asia and the Pacific world.

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 Level: 9, 10

JUNIOR/SENIOR BLOCK

UNITED STATES HISTORY
This course meets the American History graduation requirement.

This course is a survey of our nation's history. Semester one begins with Colonial America and will include the Civil War. Semester two begins with Reconstruction and continues into the 20th century, including the Cold War. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on relating what is learned with the present. Primary goals include an appreciation of our nation's heritage, an understanding of our system of government, and a knowledge of our country's changing role in a changing world. Emphasis is also placed on developing a sense of historical perspective. In the first semester of this course the State requirement for passing the Illinois and United States constitution tests is met.

Semesters: 2
Credit: 1/2 per sem. Level: 11, 12

CURRENT ISSUES IN DEMOCRACY
The objective of this course is to stimulate the students' interest and understanding of the American way of life. It is intended that students realize not only the advantages of a democratic society, but also become aware of the difficulties and dangers of this form of government. Emphasis is given to the view that intelligent people in a democracy differ on the solutions to problems, but it is the obligation of citizens to get the facts and make up their own mind. Lastly, students will recognize that decisions made in our society are made from knowledge of our past history. Some of the units covered are: elections, comparative governments, poverty and current economic problems.

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 Level: 11, 12

LAW IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
Street Law concentrates on providing students with both theoretical and practical applications of law in American society. It is designed to alert students of potential legal problems and liability and when possible provide a basis for self help. Units will include but not be limited to such topics as: court organization, criminal law, and civil law.

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 Level: 11, 12

ECONOMICS (H)
This honors course focuses on the United States economy. The course provides a simple yet comprehensive set of economic concepts and reasoning skills which people can use to understand economic behavior and institutions. It is concerned with such topics as: price determination, types of economic systems, competition, and the principles of macroeconomics and microeconomics. Economics is designed for the average and above student.

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 Level: 11, 12

SOCIOLOGY
Sociology offers a way of looking at social life. It is devoted to giving students a set of concepts which will help to better understand their own behavior and that of others. The course examines the influence of the geographical, biological, and social factors upon human behavior. The nature of the culture is analyzed and emphasis is placed upon the great part played by the cultural factor in shaping both personal life and forms of social relations. This course is designed for the average or better student. Other topics include groups, deviance, and the family.

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 Level: 11, 12

ANTHROPOLOGY
Anthropology is the study of humans. It examines humans both as a creature of the environment and as a creature of culture. This course studies scientific generalizations concerning why humans act as they do. The science of archaeology is studied with practical application where feasible. Emphasis is placed on comparing cultures throughout the world, and how they resolve their unique problems of survival.

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 Level: 11, 12

NINETEENTH AND TWENTIETH CENTURY WORLD (H)
This course surveys historical developments from l815 to the present. From the Congress of Vienna and the Revolts of l848 the course moves on to the Industrial Revolution and the development of capitalism, socialism, and Marxism. Imperialism is another major topic, including colonial empires of the world through World War I. Major twentieth-century topics include the Russian Revolution, the rise of Fascism, and World War II. The last unit covers the Cold War and other political developments since l945, including the Middle East , Asia and Africa .

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2 Level: 9, 10, 11, 12

ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY
This course is limited to a select group of juniors who have demonstrated a high proficiency in reading, writing, and historical skills. Students will spend time interpreting and analyzing primary sources, writing papers, completing projects, and doing outside reading to prepare for the AP United States History exam which is required for all students in the class.

Semesters: 2
Credit: 1
Level: 11
Prerequisites: Honors World History
Dept. Chair Approval
Teacher Approval

MODERN WORLD HISTORY
This course begins with historical events at the end of World War II. The creation of the United Nations will be a focal point. The rise of the United States and the USSR as super powers will be examined. The nationalist movements of Africa , India , and the Middle East will be studied. The role of Latin America in international relations will be studied. The influence of Communist China in Asia and modern world history will be examined. Another area of study will be the collapse of the Soviet Union and its effect on global politics.

Semesters: 1
Credit: 1/2
Level: 12