Online Social Studies Courses

World History

U.S. History

This two-semester high school course is aligned to the National Social Studies standards as well as to state standards and specifically addresses performance objectives focused on history, government, economics, geography, culture, and social studies skills. This course will delve into the crucial political, social, economic, and cultural events that have shaped and enriched the history of the United States. It will trace the experiences and effects of important historical and political figures from the early colonial era all the way to the influential American leaders of the 21st Century. Students will be able to correlate the impact that European colonization had on the development of the colonies and analyze the underlying causes of the Revolutionary War. They will explore the passionate debates the led to the conception of the United States Constitution and understand why it is a country led by the people and a nation created for the people. By the end of this course, students will be able to summarize important historical events such as the Civil War, America’s westward expansion, the Great Depression, World War I and World War II, and the Cold War, as well as have the ability to analyze issues that are affecting the country today. They will investigate the evolution of technology, political thought, changing opinions, and life changing movements that have played a role in shaping this nation.

Government

This one-semester 12th grade level course provides students with the opportunity to learn about the historical events, philosophers, and topical issues that helped create the democratic foundations of this nation. During this course, students will be introduced to the founding fathers and exposed to the ideas that shaped the nation. Students will examine the early documents that governed the United States, summarize the debates that led to the creation of the Constitution, and investigate the organization that has allowed the Constitution to remain the supreme law of the land for over 200 years. At the end of this course, students will be able to identify important political leaders, trace the development and organization of federal, state, and local government, explain the political process, and analyze the United States’ role as a global political and economic participant. This course is aligned to state and national standards. It specifically targets philosophies and foundations of the United States Government, the organization of the branches of government, government on a state and local level, civil liberties and laws, and how the United States compares economically and politically on a global scale.

Economics

This one-semester 12th grade level course provides students with an understanding of the foundational principles of economics. Students will apply the key microeconomic concepts of supply, demand, and the role of prices as they become familiar with how markets work. In addition, students will gain a new understanding of the world around them as they learn the fundamentals of macroeconomics including how economic performance is measured, the role of government in the economy, and the basics of monetary and fiscal policy. This one-semester 12th grade level course is aligned to state and national standards. It specifically targets important aspects of the world economy including international trade and global economic challenges. In addition to the important content knowledge they will gain, students will apply the economic way of thinking to a variety of situations relevant to their everyday life.

Human Geography

Two-semester high school level course takes a thematic approach to understanding the development of human systems. Building upon the National Geography Standards, the course focuses on human understanding of the world and human social organization. The course explores the human- environment interaction and the interactions among human systems. Semester one introduces students to geographic concepts, theories, models, and methods. Students will develop geographic skills including learning to interpret maps, analyze data, and compare theories. Students will apply their geographic and historical skills while studying physical geography of the major world regions, population and migration patterns, and cultural and political systems. Throughout their study, students will examine current global issues that impact our world today. Semester two explores global connections: tracing the development of modern civilization and human systems from the agricultural revolution to the technological revolution and the development of the modern urban space. Students will analyze economic trends and compare global markets and urban environments. Students will also examine the effects of technology on societies and environments, including human movement, communications, global warming, and pollution. Finally, students will identify challenges facing the modern world.

Geography

Designed as a two-semester high school course, lessons examine all aspects of geography providing students with a concrete understanding of major geographic locations, world economic activities, historical and cultural aspects of societies, and a comprehensive understanding of both geographical tools and themes. Major global regions studied include: North America, Latin America, Europe, Russia, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Antarctica.

Psychology

This one-semester course for high school students introduces the primary facets of psychology. The components include an introduction to the history and research of psychology, an understanding of the biological aspects of psychology, learning and cognitive development, the stages of human development, aspects of personality and individuality, the development and management of psychological disorders, and the interactions of society as it relates to psychology.

Sociology

This one-semester course for high school students addresses the fundamental concepts of sociology. The elements examined include cultural diversity and conformity, basic structures of society, individuals and socialization, stages of human development as they relate to sociology, deviance from social norms, social stratification, racial and ethnic interactions, gender roles, family structure, the economic and political aspects of sociology, the sociology of public institutions, and collective human behavior both historically and in modern times.

Middle School World History

This middle school course will provide students an opportunity to learn the diverse history that has shaped our world. It begins by exploring the earliest human civilizations and the rise of ancient empires and continues to the 21st Century. Students will investigate the development of Medieval societies, the flourishing movements of the Renaissance and the Reformation, and the progress made during different periods of revolution, industrialization, urbanization, and reform. At the end of the course, students will be able to analyze the contributions of political conflicts and social issues to the continuing development and interdependence among nations in our modern world. This two-semester middle school course aligns to the National Social Studies standards and specifically addresses performance objectives focused on history, government, economics, geography, culture, and social studies skills.

Middle School U.S. History

This two-semester course for middle school students provides students with a comprehensive overview of American history, from pre-history to the present day. Students will learn about the rich and diverse history of America’s native peoples, early European colonization and settlement in America, and the creation of a new nation through the American Revolution and the founding documents that endure to this day. They will experience the development and expansion of a young nation and travel with her people through the trials of civil war. In this course, students will examine the major changes brought about by the nation’s Reconstruction, industrialization, urbanization, and progressive reforms. They will closely examine the events and implications of the two World Wars and a worldwide economic depression. Students will have the opportunity to consider post-war America, including the struggle for global influence during the Cold War and the turbulent times of the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam era. Students will be presented with a look at modern America coming into her own as a global power and have the opportunity to think carefully about the challenges and opportunities facing the United States in the 21st Century. This course is strictly aligned to state and national standards.

Middle School World Cultures and Geography

This year-long middle school course is designed to introduce students to the study of geography and help them master important concepts in physical and human geography. World Cultures and Geography is a comprehensive course, organized by region, that helps students understand the Earth’s physical and human variety. Students will analyze population and settlement patterns, evaluate how human activities modify the physical environment, and compare development, standards of living, systems of government, and economic factors around the world. In addition, students will gain a rich understanding of global cultures and the historical factors that have shaped the world around them. All units in the course are parallel, and include studies in physical and human geography, ancient cultures, regional studies, and modern issues. National Geographic standards, which provide guidelines for the study of geography, form the backbone of this course. This course also is aligned to the National Historical Thinking Standards, the Common Core Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects, and state standards.

Middle School Civics Government and Economics

This two-semester eighth grade level course is built upon the National and state standards for Civics and Economics with emphasis on: Social studies Skills, Government, Citizenship, Economics, and the areas of Technology, Civic Participation, and Society. Semester one will introduce students to social studies skills they will need to analyze maps, charts, and data, as well as the ability to be problem solvers and decision makers. Students will also explore fundamental concepts and philosophies that lead to the creation of the United States Constitution. Students will also explore the structure of the United States government on a national, state, and local level, as well as examine tribal government and sovereignty. Semester two will allow students to investigate what it means to be an American citizen and explore the duties and responsibilities associated with such a role. Students will analyze the political process, political parties, and influences that affect them both. Students will also trace the evolution of technology and the changing effects it has had on politics and society. Students will then be introduced to economic concepts such as thinking as an economist, supply and demand, the banking system, and economics in business and government. Students will then explore both government and economics on a global scale.