-
A challenging curriculum and dedicated teachers help Academy students reach their highest potential.
Courses Offered
Social Studies Department
WORLD GEOGRAPHY is a one year course designed to increase the student’s knowledge and understanding of the world in which she lives. The course explores the many ways in which natural surroundings influence people and how people adjust themselves and their way of living to those surroundings. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of the physical geography of a nation or region to its cultural, social and economic development. Political, historical, economic and cultural factors are introduced along with discussion of current events from around the world. Extensive map skills development teaches students location and the relationship of nations and regions of the world to each other. Prerequisite: None
WORLD GEOGRAPHY HONORS is a course designed to increase the student’s knowledge and understanding of the world in which she lives. The course will explore the relationship between the physical environment and the development of the people living in that environment. Emphasis is placed on how the cultural, historical and economic development of a country or region is influenced by its physical geography. Current events and issues will be discussed and studied. Extensive map work will help to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Computer use for research and other projects will be required. ACT preparation will be an ongoing part of the class. Students will be expected to do assigned reading and writing activities designed to enhance topics and themes discussed in the course. Prerequisite: Enrollment is based on entrance test scores and elementary academic records.
WORLD HISTORY explores the historical, political, economic and cultural development of the world’s major regions. Major emphasis is placed on the historical aspects of various cultures in order to increase the student’s knowledge and understanding of the interrelationship of various societies and an appreciation of cultural differences among the people of the world. Through a study of the past, the present is brought into clearer understanding. This course will give students a better understanding of their world and help guide them into the 21st century. The purchase of reading materials and other supplies may be required. Prerequisite: World Geography
WORLD HISTORY-HONORS is a course for selected students. It explores the historical, political, economic and cultural development of the world’s major regions, with an emphasis on Europe. The interrelationship of various societies and an appreciation of cultural differences among the people of the world will be an important aspect of the course. Students will be required to complete special projects and assignments of various types. Outside reading will be required. The goal of this course is to prepare students for life in an increasingly interrelated and complex world. Prerequisite: “B” in each semester of World Geography-H, “A” in each semester of World Geography
U. S. HISTORY is a year course which surveys our nation’s colorful past beginning with exploration and colonization and continues through modern times. The course emphasizes the political, economic, social, and cultural developments in the country and examines how these developments relate to events in other areas of the world. Discussions of current events and issues will help illustrate the relationship between the past and present to help students understand the news of the day. The course is also designed to instill a sense of patriotism of the United States and knowledge of our nation’s contributions to the progress of mankind. Prerequisite: World Geography and World History (or Civics if no World History)
U. S. HISTORY HONORS involves a study of political, economic, social, and cultural developments in the United States. Emphasis is placed on relating events of the past to the present and the future. Development of critical thinking and problem solving skills is stressed throughout the course. Students will be expected to do assigned reading and writing activities designed to enhance topics and themes discussed in the course. The course is designed to instill in students a sense of the uniqueness of the
United States and knowledge of its contributions to the progress of all mankind. Prerequisite: “B” in
each semester of World Geography-H and World History-H (or Civics-H if no World History-H) or “A” in each semester of World Geography and World History(or Civics if no World History)
AP U. S. HISTORY is a college-level course that requires students to develop mastery over the assigned content while developing the ability to critically analyze and interpret both primary documents and writings by respected historians. Students taking this class will be required to take the AP exam. The content to be studied will begin with the European discovery of North America in 1492 and include events up to the 1990’s. Emphasis of the course will lead students to examine important trends in political, economic, and social changes in United States history through reading, writing, discussions, and document analysis. It is strongly recommended that students have performed very well in honors level social studies and English courses. Supplemental assigned reading materials must be purchased. A fee of approximately $85 will be charged for the exam. Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they are candidates for such a rigorous course. Prerequisite: Junior Status required. “B” in each semester of World Geography Honors and World History Honors or “A” in each semester of World Geography and World History and Department Head approval based on standardized test scores
CIVICS is a year course. Civics is the study of American citizenship, government, and economics. It investigates what it means to be an American citizen. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the US Constitution as the fundamental reference for the establishment of government in the United States. In addition to US and local current events, world events, which are politically socially or economically relevant, are investigated complimentary to the text, Government and Economics in Action. Prerequisite: World Geography, World History, U. S. History
CIVICS HONORS is a year course which is an in-depth study of the historical, structural and political development of American democracy, governmental structures, citizen’s rights, and economics. The course also investigates other forms of government and economic systems. Emphasis is placed on the study of the US Constitution as the fundamental reference for the establishment of American government. In addition to US and local current events, world events, which are politically, socially, or economically relevant, are investigated complimentary to the text, Magruder’s American Government. Outside readings and projects are required. Prerequisites: “B” in each semester of World Geography Honors, World History Honors, and American History Honors; or “A” in each semester of World Geography, World History, and American History
WESTERN CIVILIZATION-HONORS is a year elective course open to juniors and seniors. The course traces the narrative of events from the Middle Ages to the present. Major topics include the Renaissance, Reformation, and Revolutions, as well as important historical figures. As these topics are explored, students will improve skills in critical reading, thinking, and writing. Students will be required to purchase study books and supplemental reading materials. Prerequisite: ”B” in each semester of prior Social Studies Honor courses; “A” in each semester of prior Social Studies courses
SOCIOLOGY is a year-long course that involves the study of interrelationships that take place in society. The course examines these relationships and the resulting advantages and problems caused by group interaction in society. The course will examine the individual’s role within various groups, such as the family and social class. The course includes a study of various social problems currently affecting American society. A primary goal of the course is to help students better understand their membership and role in our complex society. This course fulfills the LA. Core 4 requirements, but does not fulfill the TOPS requirements. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
PSYCHOLOGY is an elective semester behavioral science course designed to introduce the students to the study of psychology. The course will investigate the history of psychology and its transformation into a science. Additional objectives include the understanding of the scientific method and psychological principles. To this end, time will be devoted to biological science, neurological sciences and social behavior. Following the completion of the course, students will have a basic understanding of the complexities of human behavior and the science involved in its study. This semester course will not fulfill the LA. Core 4 or TOPS requirements. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
20TH CENTURY HISTORY is a year elective course designed to bring the story of American growth and development up to current times. The course will examine domestic, political, economic and social development in United States society and also review US involvement in world affairs. Students will learn the story of modern America as we enter the new millennium. This year course will not fulfill the LA. Core 4 or TOPS requirements. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
LAW STUDIES is year-long elective course which gives students a basic knowledge of the American Judicial System. Both civil and criminal law will be examined. Topics relating to the criminal justice system, civil law, the court system (federal vs. state, trial vs. appellate), and the steps which normally occur during a civil lawsuit will be examined. Attention will be given to topics that may affect students in their adult lives, such as, divorce, adoption, and financial issues, such as wills and inheritance. This year course fulfills the LA. Core 4 requirements, but does not fulfill the TOPS requirements. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
A SURVEY OF WOMEN IN HISTORY is a semester course which surveys the history of women in America from the colonial period to the present with emphasis on relevant political, social, and economic influences that affected the evolution of a woman’s role in society. The course will emphasize the variety of women’s experiences during various periods in United States history and will examine some of the significant events, processes, figures, and movements shaping those experiences. A fee of approximately $25 will be charged for materials. This semester course will not fulfill the LA. Core 4 or TOPS requirements. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status
LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND METHODS is a year class open to select juniors and seniors who are currently in student council and who hold elected positions in a class or club. This “Contemporary Issues” class is designed to instruct students in the various methods and techniques for planning, implementing and evaluating projects related to school activities. Topics include parliamentary procedure, public speaking, group dynamics, managerial skills, self-awareness, and human relations. The course content will also include writing project proposals and evaluations. This year course will not fulfill the LA. Core 4 or TOPS requirements. Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Status and SGA Moderator approval . Discipline record will be taken into consideration for admission.
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES is a year class designed to empower those students who have displayed leadership in the school. The course will focus on the skills needed to address both school and community issues. The course will include public speaking techniques, communication and managerial skills, and styles of peer leadership. The course content will also include writing project proposals and evaluations and assembling portfolios of their projects. The students will be required to take leadership roles both in and outside of the classroom. This year course will not fulfill the LA. Core 4 or TOPS requirements. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status and an “A” in each semester of Leadership Skills and Methods, and SGA Moderator approval
HUMANITIES is a semester elective course open to juniors and seniors which is designed to explore the complex relationships between faith, reason, experience, religion, and worldview. Students are introduced to the harmony that exists between faith and science and to the exciting relationship that
exist between nature and spirit. This course encourages growth in understanding spiritual truths in light of human reason. This semester course will not fulfill the LA Core 4 or TOPS requirements. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status. There is a course fee of approximately $30 to cover the cost of the textbook.
