Global Studies I
Text: World Geography, 2005 (Glencoe)
Students gain an understanding on how our world is connected. Students look at their world in spatial terms as places and regions, physical systems, human systems, the environment and society, as well as the uses of geography as skills for life. Knowledge of geography enables people to develop an understanding of the relationships between people, places, and environments over time-that is, of Earth as it was, is, and might be.
Assessments include chapter tests, quizzes, special reports and projects, and midterm and final exams.
Global Studies II
Pre-requisite Global Studies IText: World Geography, 2005
Students gain an understanding of the characteristics, distribution, and complexity of Earth’s cultural mosaics. To better understand how the forces of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of Earth’s surface, and how human actions modify the physical environment. Students study the patterns and networks of economic interdependence on Earth’s surface thus learning about the nature and significance of global interdependence.
Assessments include chapter tests, quizzes, special reports and projects, and midterm and final exams.
World History
Text: Connections to Today, 2003 (Prentice Hall)
The student learn World History in the context of themes established by the National Council for Social Studies. Students are involved with projects and field trips that help connect past history to the present. Topics covered in the course include: The first civilization, the Greeks and Romans, Judaism and Christianity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, the World Wars, and Present Times and Modern Thought.
Assessments include chapter tests, quizzes, special reports and projects, and midterm and final exams.
U.S. History
Text: A History of the United States, 2007 (Prentice Hall)
The student learns about our nation’s past in the context of ten themes established by the National Council for Social Studies. Through these themes the student understands events of the past and their contemporary effects. Students at Aiken Prep are involved with projects and field trips that bring history to life and they learn not only the facts of our country’s history, but also the value of that history. The ten themes include culture; power, authority, and governance; science and technology; and civic ideas and practices.
Assessments include chapter tests, quizzes, special reports and projects, and midterm and final exams.
Government
Text: Marauder’s American Government, 2002 (Prentice Hall)
The student knows and is able to use information and activities outlined by the National Standards for Civics and Government. The semester of government covers such topics as: Characteristics of limited and unlimited government, Foundations of the American political system, Values and principals of American democracy, Powers and responsibilities of government, United States and world affairs, and Rights and responsibilities of citizens. Field trips and current events reports enhance the learning experience.
Assessments include chapter tests, quizzes, special reports and projects, and a semester exam.
Economics
Text: Economics: Principles in Action, 2003 (Prentice Hall)
The student learns and is able to use information outlined by the National Council on Economic Education. The semester of economics covers such topics as: Economic systems, Markets and prices, Supply and demand, Competition, Interest rates, Gross domestic product, and unemployment and inflation. Current events are covered throughout the semester so that trends in the economy can be tracked.
Assessments include chapter tests, quizzes, special reports and projects, and a semester exam.
Survey of World Religions
Prerequisite: Global Studies I, World HistoryText: Religions of The World, 1997; The Everything World’s Religions Book, 2002; Globalization and the Muslim World 2004
Students are introduced to some of the most influential religious traditions in the world today. Significant emphasis is placed on the history, sacred literature, beliefs, ethical frameworks, and cultural influences of the major religious traditions. Introductory sessions include discussion of the nature of religion and religious behavior.
Assessments include quizzes, writing assignments, and class participation.
Introduction to Psychology
Text: Understanding Psychology, 2003 (Glencoe)
The 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 learn about explorations and discoveries made by psychologists over the past century, the role of biology and neuroscience in psychology, psychological disorders and differing approaches adopted by psychologists to treat them, and develop an ability to use critical thinking in understanding the workings of the human mind and behaviors.
Assessments include tests, article summaries, observations/experiments outside of class, and class participation.
Twenty-First Century
An elective course that covers the historical transition of world dominance from empires at the start of the 20th Century to the control of independent nation states at the start of the 21st Century. The course spans the globe to cover Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Current events are covered throughout the year to help students connect recent history with the present times in which they are living.
Evaluations include unit tests, class presentations, essays, article summaries, and quizzes.