| | | CDH Social Studies Department
The Social Studies Department seeks to prepare students to be responsible and effective citizens in
our ever-changing interdependent world. To prepare students to play a dynamic role in their local and
global communities, our department strives to develop students who possess disciplinary knowledge and
skills, and a respect for multiple perspectives. The overall goal is to help develop a just and humane society,
re?ective of our Cretin-Derham Hall values. CoursesNEW SOCIAL STUDIES REQUIREMENTS BEGINNING WITH THE CLASS OF 2013:
Grade 9:
In addition to Values Symposium-Social Studies, students will be required to take one Area Studies elective if
they plan to enroll in US History-honors in 10th grade.
Grade 10:
Students will take two trimesters of US History or US History-honors
Grades 11 and 12:
Students will be required to take a total of 4 social studies credits in Grades 11 and 12 including:
Economics or Econonics - Honors
US Government (Trimester 1, Grade 12) or AP Government (Trimesters 2 and 3, Grade 11 or 12)
Two additional social studies electives (Grade 11 or 12)
Grade 12:
Students will be required to take US Government in trimester 1.
**AP Government will be available to students for two trimesters in either 11th or 12th grade. This class will ful?ll
the Government requirement in grade 12.
Summer school sessions for US History and US History-honors will be offered during the summer of 2008.
Students in the Class of 2012 may apply to take US History or US History-honors during 10th grade.
Approximately 50 students will be accepted. Applications are found in the Guidance Department.
Requirements: Grade 9
Values Symposium (year long)
VALUES SYMPOSIUM – Social Studies Grade 9 students are pre-registered for this course.
This ninth grade interdisciplinary course is intended to provide all students with a common academic and af-
fective experience as they begin their secondary school education. Based expressly on the CDH values of aca-
demics, service, leadership, Catholicity, community, equity, and diversity, this year long course is team taught
through the religion, English and social studies departments, and is supported by technology integration. It is
our goal that students will learn more effectively by connecting traditionally separate subjects, providing a more
natural educational process in preparation for life-long learning. Important aspects of this course include the
building of relationships among the students and between students and their teachers, developing critical think-
ing and communication skills and encouraging informed citizenship and active participation in the CDH com-
munity.
Grade 9
Area Studies Electives: Grades 9, 10
These area studies electives may be taken in addition to the required Grade 9 Values Symposium course.
Trimester 1
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY Tri I – 90021T1
In this course, students will learn about basic geographic ideas, concepts and themes. They will study how ge-
ography in?uences the culture and economy of modern nations. How and why humans live the way they do will
be explained from a number of different viewpoints. Crucial global issues will be dealt with from a geographic
perspective. This course is for students of all ability levels.
Grades 9, 10
LATIN AMERICA Tri I – 90131T1
Students will study the geography, history, culture and current conditions of Latin America. This course is for
students of all ability levels.
Grades 9, 10
Trimester 2
AFRICA Tri II – 90122T2
Students will study the geography, history, culture and current conditions of Africa. This course is for students of
all ability levels.
Grades 9, 10
EAST ASIA Tri II – 90222T2
Students will study the geography, history, culture and current conditions of China, Japan and the Koreas. This
course is for students of all ability levels.
Grades 9, 10
Trimester 3
MIDDLE EAST Tri III – 90423T3
Students will study the geography, history, culture and current conditions of the Middle East . This course is for
students of all ability levels.
Grades 9, 10
RUSSIA AND THE COMMONWEALTH STATES Tri III – 90323T3
Students will study the geography, history, culture and current conditions of Russia. The course also looks at the
emerging democracies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. This course is for students of all ability levels.
Grades 9, 10
Requirements - Grade 11: Choose one sequence*
U.S. Government (tri 1) & U.S. History (tri 2 & 3) OR
AP U.S. Government - Honors (tri 2 & 3) & U.S. History (tri 2 & 3) OR
U.S. Government (tri 1) & U.S. History - Honors (tri 2 & 3) OR
AP U.S. Government - Honors (tri 2 & 3) & U.S. History - Honors (tri 2 & 3)
**Please note**
Students in grades 9 and 10 must take one social studies area elective during their ?rst two
years in order to qualify for an honors social studies course in the 11th grade.
* 11th graders may also take additional electives as indicated.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Tri I – 91321T1
Local, state, and federal government will be covered in this one trimester course. The history and role of political
parties as well as the importance of the media will be addressed. Students will observe local and state govern-
ment in operation. Current political events will be stressed.
Grade 11
UNITED STATES HISTORY Tri II – 91322T2 and Tri III – 91323T3
This two trimester course in U.S. History will emphasize the importance of political history as well as the role di-
verse groups have played in the development of American society. The period of colonial history, the revolution
and constitution; the growth of democratic principles under Andrew Jackson; the Civil War; the relationship of
“big business” and government during the last part of the 1800’s; political changes brought by the depression,
two world wars, and the nuclear age will be covered in this course.
Students in the Class of 2012 may apply to take US History during 10th grade.
Approximately 25 students will be accepted. Applications are found in the Guidance Depart-
ment.
Grade 11
UNITED STATES HISTORY - Honors Tri II – 91352T2 and Tri III – 91353T3
In this course each unit will have an in-depth study of one/two topics within the chronological framework of
American History. Primary sources are used throughout the course to reconstruct the past and supplement
course materials. Developments both past and present are stressed. Students are expected to accomplish
extensive reading assignments incorporating analytical skills and essay writing. A strong background in U.S.
History will help students in this course.
Requires a 3.5 social studies GPA or higher and completion of a social studies elective in
Grade 9 or 10.
Students in the Class of 2012 may apply to take US History-honors during 10th grade.
Approximately 25 students will be accepted. Applications are found in the Guidance Department.
Grade 11
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. GOVERNMENT - Honors Tri II and Tri III 97550T2
Advanced Placement U.S. Government is a two trimester course open to11th and 12th grade students. 11th grad-
ers would take this course to ful?ll their U.S. Government requirement. 12th graders may take this course to ful?ll
two of their three trimester social studies requirement.
Advanced Placement U.S. Government will cover the development of our political system and how it func-
tions today. The three branches of government will be stressed. The process of creating public policy and the
implementation of that policy will be examined. Students who take this course will be expected to do extensive
readings and have good writing skills. Advanced Placement U.S. Government will prepare students to take the
Advanced Placement exam in the spring. Many colleges and universities will give credit and /or advanced place-
ment to students who do well on the exam.
Requires a 3.5 social studies GPA or higher and completion of a social studies elective in
Grade 9 or 10
Grades 11, 12
Requirements - Grade 12: Choose one sequence
Economics and two Electives OR
Economics - Honors and two Electives OR
Senior Interdisciplinary Symposium - (Spectrum - ICL) - Honors (year long)
ECONOMICS Tri I – 93421T1 or Tri II – 93422T2 or Tri III – 93423T3
This one-trimester course is designed to give the students an understanding of basic economic theory and its ap-
plication to both the American economic system and economic realities throughout the world. Special empha-
sis is placed on poverty and distribution of resources within our nation. The bishops’ pastoral on the American
economy and other current resources are utilized.
Grade 12
ECONOMICS - Honors Tri III – 93453T3
In this course, after an introduction to basic economic concepts, students are guided in a critical analysis of se-
lected economic topics. Through readings, research, and discussion they develop some expertise in interpreting
the signi?cance of current economic policies and identify patterns that will give shape to the economic world of
the 21st century. Reading skill and an interest in developing a better understanding of today’s world are essential
in this course.
Grade 12
SENIOR INTERDISCIPLINARY SYMPOSIUM - Honors Year long– 30000T1
Senior Interdisciplinary Symposium (Institute for Catholic Leadership) is an interdisciplinary course that ful?lls the
12th grade requirements for credit in English, social studies and religion. The course admits approximately forty-
?ve students per section, is taught by three teachers (one from each discipline) and meets for two consecutive
class periods.
The three disciplines in the course are integrated in two primary ways. First the course focuses upon themes that
are common to the three subject areas. The values of Catholic Social Teaching underlie the selection of literature
and guide the approach to each topic. Second, the disciplines are integrated through an emphasis on develop-
ing skills: reading, writing, critical thinking and discussion.
ICL has a focus on service-learning and leadership. When a student registers for ICL, he/she agrees to do a year
of service at one of the program’s designated sites.
Registration for ICL requires a 3.5 cumulative GPA in English, religion and social studies, or
recommendation of teachers in these three subjects.
Students will be encouraged to attend and participate in an ICL overnight retreat. Approxi-
mate cost: $65.00. Financial assistance is available to students who cannot otherwise afford
to attend the retreat.
St. Mary’s University has approved ICL as part of its Program for Advanced College Credit (PACC). Twelfth grader
students who take ICL and maintain a “C” average in this class may earn three college credits from St. Mary’s
which are transferable to approximately sixty other colleges and universities.
St. Mary’s University will give credit for Readings in Literature OR Senior Interdisciplinary Symposium, not both.
* Grade 12
Electives
DEBATE Tri I – 92121T1
Students explore issues while focusing on preparing and communicating effectively. Using a variety of tech-
niques and delivery methods, the course will emphasize participative, active, informal and formal persuasion.
Processes of Lincoln-Douglas (one on one) and Traditional (team) debate will be the vehicle by which students
can demonstrate their research, case development and presentation skills.
Grades 10, 11, 12
SOCIOLOGY Tri I – 92621T1 or Tri III – 92623T3
This course will introduce students to the study of human society and its origins. Students will study the impact
institutions, organizations and the pressure to respond to the norms of a culture play on the individual within
various societies.
Grades 11, 12
WOMEN’S STUDIES Tri I – 95421T1
This course is designed around the question, “What does it mean to be a woman?” Students will be expected to
engage in critical thinking. A variety of resources will be used so that students develop informed opinions when
expressing agreement or disagreement. Some of the topics covered are: health care issues, anatomy, the chang-
ing role of women in society, the role of women in the United States history, women in the workplace, etc.
Grades 11, 12 (females only)
CLOSE-UP Tri II – 92622T2
This is a trimester-long course in which students study the theories and practices of government. It culminates in
one week in Washington, D. C. where the students see and experience federal government in action. Students
who sign up for this class are expected to participate in the trip to Washington, D.C. Current events will be
stressed. Costs for last year’s trip were approximately $1.750.00.
Grades 11, 12
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - Honors Tri II – 94452T2
This one-trimester honors course is designed for students who are interested in analyzing the complex relation-
ships among nations of the world. After the fundamentals of foreign policy are studied, the course will proceed
into a series of case studies, focusing on international organizations, nations and issues that have been in the
news. The successful student will come to the course with above average reading, writing, and speaking skills, as
well as the willingness to adopt other countries’ and cultures’ points of view.
Requires a 3.5 social studies GPA or higher and completion of a social studies elective in
Grade 9 or 10
Grade 12
PSYCHOLOGY Tri II – 96422T2 or Tri III – 96423T3
This course is a study of the major theories of psychology and how they relate to the development of the per-
sonality. Topics such as learning, perception, the shaping of values, the unconscious personality and behavior
disorders will be introduced.
Grade 12
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. GOVERNMENT - Honors Tri II and Tri III – 97550T2
Advanced Placement U.S. Government is a two trimester course open to 11th and 12th grade students. 11th
graders would take this course to ful?ll their U.S. Government requirement. Seniors may take this course to ful?ll
two of their three trimester social studies requirement.
Advanced Placement U.S. Government will cover the development of our political system and how it func-
tions today. The three branches of government will be stressed. The process of creating public policy and the
implementation of that policy will be examined. Students who take this course will be expected to do extensive
reading and have good writing skills. Advanced Placement U.S. Government will prepare students to take the
Advanced Placement exam in the spring. Many colleges and universities will give credit and/or advanced place-
ment to students who do will on the exam.
Requires a 3.5 social studies GPA or higher and completion of a social studies elective in Grade 9 or 10
Grades 11, 12 | |
