• COURSES IN SOCIAL STUDIES ▲

  4040 World Geography Studies (WGEO)(03320100) 1 Credit
  In this course, students will examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international scales from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography. A significant portion of the course centers around the physical processes that shape patterns in the physical environment, characteristics of landforms, climates and ecosystems and their interrelationship with political, economic, and social processes that
  shape cultural patterns of regions, patterns of settlement and the distribution and movement of world populations. Students will identify the processes that influence political divisions of the planet and analyze how different points of view affect the development of public policies. Problem solving and decision making skills will
  be emphasized in order for students to ask and answer geographic questions.
  Grade: 9
  Prerequisites: None

  4024 United States History since Reconstruction (USHIST)(03340100) 1 Credit
  This course will focus on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold War and post Cold war eras, and reform movements including civil rights. Students will use critical thinking skills to analyze the impact of geographic factors, constitutional issues on American society and will evaluate the dynamic relationship of the three branches of the federal government. A large part of the overall focus of this course is targeted to the development and application of the principles of citizenship. In order the meet this requirements, student will use a variety of primary and secondary source materials such as Supreme Court cases, biographies, songs, letters, speeches, photographs, maps, novels, and films. The ultimate goal is to establish a sense of time and a sense of place.
  Grade: 11
  Prerequisite: None

  4035 Economics with Emphasis on Free Enterprise (ECO-FE)(03310300) ½ Credit
  The focus of this course is on the basic principles of production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services in the United States and a comparison with those in other countries. Students will analyze the interaction of supply, demand, and price. They will investigate the concept of specialization and international trade, economic growth, key economic measurements and monetary and fiscal policy. A study of the Federal Reserve System, government and business roles in the free enterprise system will be address as well. This course also incorporates instruction in personal financial literacy. Students will apply critical-thinking skills using economic concepts to evaluate the cost and benefits of economic issues.
  Grade: 12
  Prerequisite: None

  4042 Sociology (SOC)(03370100) ½ Credit
  This course is an elective course which is an introductory study in social behavior and the organization of human
  society. This course will describe the development of the field as a social science by identifying methods and
  strategies of research leading to an understanding of how individuals relate to society and an ever changing world.
  
  The importance and role of culture, social structure, socialization and social change in today’s society are also
  topics that will be introduced. Primary and secondary sources will be used to address each topic listed.
  Grade: 9-12
  Prerequisite: None

  4014 World History Studies (WHIST)(03340400) 1 Credit
  This is a survey of the history of mankind. Due to the expanse of world history, the scope of this course will focus on the “essential” concepts and skills that can be applied to various eras, events, and people within the standards set by TEA. Students will identify and analyze important events and issues in western civilization as well as in civilizations in other parts of the world. They will evaluate the causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th century. The impact of geographic factors, the evolution by which constitutional governments and contemporary economic systems developed will be the key focus of this course. Students will use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, and use multiple sources of evident to develop a greater understanding of complex content material.
  Grade: 10
  Prerequisite: None

  4032 United States Government (GOVT)(03330100) ½ Credit
  The focus of this course is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. This course is the culmination of the civics and governmental content and concepts studied from Kindergarten through the required
  secondary courses, therefore a significant focus of the course is on the United States Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created. Students will analyze major concept of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of power, popular sovereignty and individual rights. By examining each, students will valuate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a constitutional republic. To support the teaching of this course, students will use primary and secondary sources such as the complete text of the U.S. Constitution, selected Federalist Papers, landmark U.S. Supreme Court Cases, speeches, letters, and periodicals that feature analysis of political issues and events.
  Grade: 12
  Prerequisite: United States History Since Reconstruction

  4041 Psychology (PSYCH)(03350100) ½ Credit
  This course is an elective course in which students study the science of behavior and mental processes. In this course, students will examine the full scope of the science of psychology such as the historical framework, methodologies, human development, motivation, emotion, sensation, perception, personality development, cognition, learning intelligence, mental health and social psychology. Student will use primary and secondary sources to address each topic listed.
  Grade: 9-12
  Prerequisite: None

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

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• SPECIAL COURSES ▲

  Social Studies Research Methods (One-Half Credit)
  General requirements: Students shall be awarded one-half unit of credit for successful completion of this course. Students may take this course with different course content for a maximum of two credits.

  In Social Studies Research Methods, an elective course, students conduct advanced research on a selected topic in social studies using qualitative and/or quantitative methods of inquiry. Students present their research results and conclusions in written and visual or oral format. The course is designed to be conducted in either classroom or independent settings.

  Special Topics in Social Studies ½ Credit

  General requirements: Students shall be awarded one-half unit of credit for successful completion of this course. Students may take this course with different course content for a maximum of two credits.

  In Special Topics in Social Studies, an elective course, students are provided the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the historic, political, economic, geographic, multicultural, and social forces that have shaped their lives and the world in which they live. Students will use social science knowledge and skills to engage in rational and logical analysis of complex
  problems using a variety of approaches, while recognizing and appreciating diverse human perspectives.                                          Grade: 11- 12

  Personal Financial Literacy (One-Half Credit) – Available via the TxVSN in the TLC
  General requirements: This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. Students shall be awarded one-half credit for successful completion of this course.

  Personal Financial Literacy will develop citizens who have the knowledge and skills to make
  sound, informed financial decisions that will allow them to lead financially secure lifestyles and understand personal financial responsibility. The knowledge gained in this course has far-
  reaching effects for students personally as well as the economy as a whole. When citizens make wise financial decisions, they gain opportunities to invest in themselves, build businesses, consume goods and services in a responsible way, and secure a future without depending on outside assistance. The economy benefits from the optimal use of resources, increased consumption, and strong local businesses. State and local governments benefit with steady revenue streams and reduced future obligations as our society ages.

  Personal Financial Literacy is designed to be an interactive and research-based course. The course will teach students to apply critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze decisions involving earning and spending, saving and investing, credit and borrowing, insuring and protecting, and college and postsecondary education and training.

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• CAREERS IN SOCIAL STUDIES ▲

  Archeologist or Anthropologists - www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/anthropologists-and-archeologists.htm

  Social Worker - www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm

  Library technicians - www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/library-technicians-and-assistants.htm

  Museum curator - www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators.htm

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