Course Title

Suggested Grade & Credit

Course Description

9
1/2 Credit

This required semester course examines the structure and purposes of governments, enabling students to better understand the principles and ideals of the American political system. In addition an emphasis is placed on the responsibilities, rights, and privileges of U.S. citizenship to develop the skills necessary for effective participation in the civic process.

World & U.S.

9
1/2 Credit

This required semester course combines the elements of and makes connections between the World, United States, and State of Delaware history, allowing students to demonstrate an understanding of important historical events and concepts from 1000 to 1900 A.D. Students will analyze and interpret historical phenomena and data from the time period. Topics discussed include exploration of the world, interaction between hemispheres, the United States Civil War and Reconstruction, and the development of the United States as an industrialized nation.

10
1/2 Credit

Economics is the study of consumption, distribution, and production of goods and services. This required semester course introduces major microeconomic and macroeconomic principles and their application in a free enterprise society. It includes the effects of choice, supply and demand, money, banking, taxes, international trade, and other economic systems.

10
1/2 Credit

Geography is the study of natural and cultural events that affect the world in different ways. This required semester course introduces students to geographic thinking that helps them understand the importance of place in historical and contemporary issues. Students learn geographic concepts and apply them to various political, economic, cultural, and social issues in order to predict outcomes and synthesize solutions. The five themes of geography will be studied as well as maps, environment, the diversity of human culture, and the use of regions.

11
1 Credit

This required course surveys the progress of our nation from the Reconstruction Era to the present with an emphasis on the 20 th Century. Relationships between historical events and general social, political, and economic issues are presented. Students will gather, examine, interpret, and analyze historical data. In addition economic, geographic and civic concepts will be reviewed and reinforced throughout the year. At the end of the year, all juniors will take the Social Studies DSTP in the spring.

10-12
1 Credit

This semester course allows for the intense study of cultural patterns, world population, land use in agricultural, rural, and urban areas, and industrialization and world economic development. All geography standards will be addressed. It requires extensive independent reading and writing. The course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Human Geography examination, which can be used for college credit. This Advanced Placement course replaces the Geography requirement and students are expected to take the A.P. exam.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation, grade of C or better in all Social Studies classes

11
1 Credit

This yearlong survey course is a chronological study of our nation's development from the colonial period to the present. It is designed for the advanced student. It requires extensive independent reading and writing. The course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement United States History examination for college credit. This Advanced Placement course replaces the U.S. History requirement and covers all of the Social Studies Standards as students are required to take the Social Studies DSTP in the spring. Students are expected to take the A.P. exam.
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation.

World History

12
1 Credit

This yearlong introductory college course is designed for the student that wishes to continue in the Advanced Placement program in Social Studies. The course covers the time period 8000 B.C.E. to the present. Students will make connections and analyze the past and the present. Equal emphasis is placed on the history of Asia, Africa, the Americas , and Europe . Students will take the A.P. exam in May. Extensive reading and writing and independent work is required.
Prerequisites: A.P. U.S. History or U.S. History Teacher Recommendation

Applications of Criminal & Constitutional Law

10-12
1/2 Credit

This semester course examines the use of the U.S. Constitution in the criminal justice system. Students will be exposed to the psychology of criminal behavior as well as the rules of law. Focus on the Supreme Court will involve discussing the institution of civil rights and how the Supreme Court has often influenced legal theory and popular opinion. This course combined with Criminal Justice I and Criminal Justice II can be used for career pathways and college credits can be earned.
Prerequisites: Criminal Justice I with the grade of A, B, or C. It is required for those who want college pathways credits.

Criminal Justice I

10-12
1/2 Credit

This semester course addresses the American criminal justice system. Emphasis is placed on the justice process from arrest through punishment. Juvenile justice, legal terminology, the rights of the accused, definitions of crimes and landmark United States Supreme Court cases, like Miranda v. Arizona are discussed. This course is the first step in the Criminal Justice career pathways and combined with Criminal Justice II and Applications of Criminal and Constitutional Law, students can earn college credits.

Students must receive an A, B, or C in this course to move on in the Criminal Justice program.

Criminal Justice II

10-12
1/2 Credit

This semester course builds upon Criminal Justice I with critical examination of the philosophy and history of the police and corrections systems. It includes an examination of state and federal law enforcement and correctional agencies. The course also offers a survey of professional career opportunities and discusses the make up of the Delaware Court system. Current criminal theories are put to the test in this course with a cumulative final paper. This course combined with Criminal Justice I and Applications of Criminal and Constitutional Law can be used for career pathways and college credits can be earned.
Prerequisites: Criminal Justice I with the grade of A, B, or C. It is strongly suggested that students take this course before taking Applications Criminal and Constitutional Law; it is required for those who want college pathways credits.

Military History

10-12
1/2 Credit

Military history, a semester course, provides the student with an in-depth and detailed study of American military involvement from the Civil War to the present. Emphasis is placed on cause and effect of war campaigns and military strategies, technology, and tactics. Specific topics include analysis of the Battle of Gettysburg, chronology of events leading to World War I, World War I technological advances, and World War II war crimes.

Personal Finance

10-12
1/2 Credit

Designed to introduce students to fundamentals of personal finance, this semester course will focus on goals and decision making, career research and planning, money management, consumer skills, and risk protection. Through simulations, use of the internet, team activities, and other interactive strategies, students will have the information to make better decisions about their present and future income.

Psychology

10-12
1/2 Credit

Psychology is the study of the human mind and human behavior. Emphasis in this semester course will focus on perception, learning, intelligence, and abnormal human behavior.

Sociology

10-12
1/2 Credit

Sociology is the study of society, social institutions, and social relationships. This semester course addresses our contemporary social environment, emphasizing an understanding of the causes, effects, and solutions of social issues such as gender equity, multiculturalism, and voter apathy.

World History
** It is strongly recommended that college bound students take World History.

12
1 Credit

This course surveys human existence from prehistory to modern times including traditional, political, and economic history. Different civilizations are covered throughout the yearlong course. Emphasis is placed on global interdependence, cultural diversity, and geography.