Honors Human Geography

½ unit                 1 semester

World Geography is a fast-paced study of physical, political, economical and cultural geography of the world.  Human impact on the globe, on biospheres and other processes of the earth are used to integrate the natural with the human geography.  Reading and writing are the methods used in order to build vocabulary, writing skill, analytical skills, and research skills.  The entire course is a preparation for the future Advanced Placement courses.

Honors Oklahoma History
½ unit                1 semester

Oklahoma History is a fast-paced study of the economical, political, social, geographical and cultural development of the area of Oklahoma.  Oklahoma is viewed in the context of the development of the United States.  Reading and writing are the methods used in order to build vocabulary, writing skills, analytical skills, and research skills.  Primary documents are also an important aspect of the course.  Some collaborative work is added.  The entire course is a preparation for the future Advanced Placement courses.

AP Human Geography
1 unit              2 semesters

Advanced Placement European History course is a fast-paced, rigorous survey of European History with an emphasis on the time period 1350 to the present.  The course objective is to develop an understanding of the economic, political, cultural, intellectual, geographical and social trends that shaped Europe during this era.  Reading and writing requirements are significantly greater than average high school courses.  We concentrate on various skills: time writing of essays, primary document interpretations, prioritizing, categorizing, reading and making connections.  The goal of the course is not only to study European history, but to prepare students to be competitive on the Advanced Placement Exam in May and to prepare them for college.

AP United States History
1 unit              2 semesters

Advanced Placement United States History is a fast-paced study of United States History from 1607 to the present. The College Board establishes a specific curriculum. The study of the economic, political, cultural, intellectual, geographical and social aspects create the substance of the course. Reading and writing requirements are significantly greater than other courses.  Students concentrate on various skills:  timed writing of essays, primary document investigation and interpretation, prioritizing of material, and analyzing historical data and ideas. Although many students will be competitive for the AP U.S. History Exam in the Spring, the primary intent is to prepare students to be competitive and able students in college.

AP US Government 
1 unit             2 semesters

This government course is designed to expose students to the theories, concepts and practices of contemporary global governance. The core of the class is an integration of the AP US Government and AP Comparative Government curricula. Students will be expected to understand the main themes of the American political system as well as the main themes of six modern political systems that exist in antitheses to the American federal republic. Students will then be expected to compare and contrast the relative benefits and detriments of differing systems and to draw accurate conclusions from their understanding. Completion of the course coupled with active engagement in the material should qualify the student to take both the AP US Government and AP Comparative Government tests for college credit.

History/Social Studies Electives

Humanities

½ unit             1 semester

Humanities will explore, through lectures, class discussion, video, projects, the paintings sculpture, music and architecture of the Western World from the earliest Stone Age productions to the art of the 20^th century. The class will study human ideas and values as expresses in creative productions, intellectual pursuits and spiritual concepts. 

AP Psychology
1 unit 2 semesters

Pre-requisite: must be a junior or senior

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

Sociology
½ unit             1 semester

This course examines the nature and scope of sociology, its terminology and concepts as well as the development of society.  We will systematically study the groups and societies in which people live.  We will examine and analyze how social structures and cultures are created, maintained and how they affect behavior. 

Economics
½ unit             1 semester

This course introduces students to the concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics.  Specific topics covered include economic systems, demand, supply, prices, market structures, business organizations, financial markets, measurements of economic performance, taxes, The Federal Reserve, fiscal policy, monetary policy, international trade, and economic development.

Business Foundations
½ unit             1 semester

The course will provide the framework for pursuing additional business courses.  This course is an introductory class that will acquaint students with accounting, business law and ethics, entrepreneurship, investment, and marketing.  The students will participate in the Stock Market Game during the semester. 

For more information, contact Department Chair Gemma Defee.