Geography and History of the World (Gr. 9-10) 2 semesters 8111/8112
Students use geographical skills and historical concepts to deepen their understanding of major global themes. Themes include: change over time, population, migration, culture, language, world religions, ethnicities, political geography, development, food and agriculture, industry, urbanization, and resources. Geographical and historical skills include forming research questions, investigating a variety of primary and secondary sources, and analyzing information to determine and explain patterns and trends. Students analyze, evaluate, and make predictions about major global developments. This course is designed to nurture perceptive, responsible citizenship, encourage and support the development of critical thinking skills and lifelong learning, and to help prepare Indiana students for the 21st Century. (1570)
World History and Civilizations (Gr. 9-10) 2 semesters 8101/8102
This course takes a chronological approach with history, beginning in Ancient Civilizations and ending with modern issues. World History emphasizes past events and developments that greatly impact large numbers of people throughout history and today. As we move through history, students understand content by making history come alive. Emphasis on content knowledge is intertwined with the development of research, analytical writing, and problem solving skills. (1548)
AP European History (Gr. 10-12) 2 semesters 8731/8732
This course is the equivalent of a freshmen college Western Civilization survey class. It is taught over the course of two semesters and is structured around themes and concepts in four different chronological periods from 1450 to the present. Within each period, concepts are prioritized around six themes that work to develop four historical thinking skills. Major topics of interest include the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, World War I, Russian Revolution, Age of Anxiety, World War II, Cold War, and formation of the European Union. To learn almost six hundred years' worth of history in this amount of time, students must be prepared for a reading-intensive and writing-intensive class. (1556)
Prerequisite: Recommendation of current social studies teacher and enrollment in Honors or AP English
Note: Mandatory summer reading assignment
Note: Writing intensive with much daily reading
Note: Taking AP exam at completion of course is required and is funded by the school corporation
AP Psychology (Gr. 10-12) 2 semesters 8421/8422
This advanced placement course is based on standards established by the College Board. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes of both humans and other animals. In this social studies course with an emphasized reliance on critical thinking and scientific knowledge, students will learn about 1) psychology's history and contemporary approaches, 2) research methods psychologists use, 3) the biological influences on behavior, 4) how our senses function, 5) different states of consciousness including sleep, 6) how humans learn, 7) how humans remember and think, 8) theories of motivation and emotion, 9) how humans develop throughout their lives, 10) how our personalities develop and how we assess them, 11) how we establish differences between each other suing tests, 12) abnormal behavior and psychological disorders, 13) therapies available to treat psychological disorders, and 14) how the presence of other people can influence one person's thoughts and behaviors. A more thorough course description can be found at
https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/apc/ap-psychology-course-description.pdf (1558)
Prerequisite: Recommendation from current social studies teacher. If you do not have social studies, you need current English or science teacher recommendation
Note: This course is equivalent to an introductory course at the college level. There will be nightly reading and out-of-class work expectations.Taking AP exam at completion of course is required and is funded by the school corporation
Psychology (Gr. 10-12) 1 semester 8426
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. In this immensely interesting social studies course with a reliance on scientific knowledge, we will learn about 1) psychology's history and how psychologists use the scientific method, 2) how our biological functioning influences our behavior, 3) how humans develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, socially, and morally throughout their lives, 4) how humans learn, remember, and process information, 5) how our personalities develop, 6) classifying psychological disorders and the therapies available to treat them, and 7) how the presence of others can influence our behavior. This class will hep you better understand other people, but more importantly, it will help you better understand yourself. (1532)
Sociology (Gr. 10-12) 1 semester 8416
Students study human social behavior from a group perspective. The sociological perspective is a method of studying recurring patterns in people’s attitudes and actions. These patterns vary across time, cultures, in social settings, and in groups. The influence of culture on group behavior is addressed through social institutions, such as the family, religion, education, economics, government, and social groups. Students also analyze the role of individuals in the community and social problems in today’s world. (1534)
Indiana Studies (Gr. 10-12) 1 semester 8136
Indiana Studies is an integrated course that compares and contrasts state and national developments in the areas of politics, economics, history, and culture. This one semester course uses Indiana history as a basis for understanding current policies, practices, and state legislative procedures. It also includes the study of state and national constitutions from a historical perspective and as a current foundation of government. Examination of individual leaders and their roles in a democratic society is included. Students will examine the participation of citizens in the political process. Topics may include: Indiana Territory, Statehood, Civil War through WWI, Indiana in the 1900’s Civics and Government, Constitution and Indiana Citizens, Indiana Culture, and famous Hoosiers and landmarks. (1518)
Ethnic Studies (Gr. 10-12) 1 semester 8126
Ethnic Studies provides opportunities to broaden students’ perspectives concerning lifestyles and cultural patterns of ethnic groups in the United States. This course will focus on various ethnic groups and use a comparative approach to the study of patterns of cultural development, immigration, and assimilation, as well as the contributions of ethnic or cultural groups. The course will also analyze the political impact of ethnic diversity in the United States. Topics may include: Historical experiences of African Americans, Latino Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and the modern condition of race and ethnicity. (1516)
United States History (Gr. 11) 2 semesters 8221/8222
This course builds on information from 8th grade U.S. History (pre-Civil War) and highlights the interaction of important events, people, and political, economic, social, and cultural influences in national developments from the late 1800’s through the present. Students identify and review significant events, people, and movements in the early development of the nation. Students examine the significant themes and ideas in U.S. History. They develop historical thinking and research skills and use primary and secondary sources to explore topical issues and to understand the cause for changes in the nation over time. (1542)
Note: Two semesters are required for graduation for all diploma types
AP United States History (Gr. 11) 2 semesters 8721/8722
This course is based on content established by the College Board. The course has a chronological frame from 1492 to the present and focuses on multiple causation and change in United States history over time. A variety of historical themes are examined in order to place the history of the United States into larger analytical contexts. Students analyze and interpret primary sources and develop awareness of multiple interpretations of historical issues in secondary sources. A comprehensive description can be found on the College Board AP Central Course Description web page at: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.html. Students must also be prepared to do reading assignments prior to class and then be ready to analyze and participate in discussions that are in-depth about the reading done prior to class. (1562)
Prerequisite: English 10 Honors
Note: Mandatory summer reading assignment
Note: Taking AP exam at completion of course is required and is funded by the school corporation
Advanced Social Science, College Credit Sociology (Gr. 11-12) 1 semester 8446
This course is taught at CHS with dual enrollment/credits through PFW. Students develop a sociological perspective. They become less ethnocentric and more able to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Per PFW’s course description, SOC 161 Principles of Sociology is the study of the “nature of interpersonal relationships, societies, groups, communities, and institutional areas such as the family, education, the economy, and religion.” Social stratification and social change are also examined. This course will meet the requirements of the Indiana State Standards, as well as those of PFW. Students who successfully complete this course receive 1 high school credit and 3 PFW college credits. (1574)
Prerequisite: B average GPA, top ½ of class, passed English ISTEP, PFW application though Guidance, Spring
Note: Course fees – approximately $105 per credit hour for 3 college credits (total approx. $315) and college textbook fee (Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks online or at bookstore before first day of class.)
Economics (Gr. 12) 1 semester 8506
This course examines scarcity, which is the distribution of resources and their uses for satisfying human needs and wants. The course analyzes economic reasoning used by consumers, producers, savers, investors, workers, and governments in making decisions. Topics include the study of Scarcity and Economic Reasoning, Supply and Demand, Market Structures, Role of Government in the Economy, National Economic Performance, Money and the Role of Financial Institutions, Economic Stabilization, and Trade. Students will understand that resources are limited and make choices in a system where supply and demand, control prices and production. The behavior of people, societies, institutions and economic thinking is integral to this course. (1514)
Note: Counts as a quantitative reasoning course
AP Microeconomics (Gr. 12) 1 semester 8756
This is a course based on content established by the College Board. The course gives students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economics system. Topics include: (1) basic economic concepts, (2) the nature and functions of product markets, (3) factor markets, and (4) market failure and the role of government. A comprehensive description can be found on the College Board AP Central Course Description web page at: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/descriptions/index.html. (1566)
Prerequisite: Algebra II with a B- or better or recommendation from AP Microeconomics instructor
Note: Mandatory reading assignment in December
Note: Taking AP exam at completion of course is required and funded by the school corporation
Note: This course is only offered second semester
Note: Counts as a quantitative reasoning course
Note: Expectation of daily reading
United States Government (Gr. 12) 1 semester 8326
This course provides a framework for understanding the nature of citizenship, politics, and governments while understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizens participating in local, state, and national government. Students examine how the U.S. Constitution protects rights, providing the structure and functions of various levels of government, as well as, the means for international diplomacy. Using historical and modern resources, students analyze, articulate and defend positions on political issues thereby, understanding the role of citizens in political engagement and support of a democratic society. (1540)
Note: One semester is required for graduation for all diploma types
AP United States Government and Politics (Gr. 12) 1 semester 8746
AP United States Government and Politics provides a college-level, non-partisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study United States foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. Units of study will include foundations of American democracy, interaction among branches of government, civil liberties and civil rights, American political ideologies and beliefs, and political participation.
Note: Mandatory reading assignment in December
Note: Taking AP exam at completion of course is required and funded by the school corporation
Note: This course is only offered second semester
