SOCIAL STUDIES

The goal of the Social Studies Department is to help students understand the world in which they live and to participate in it intelligently and effectively. The world today demands its citizens realize the complexity of issues and be equipped with the skills to make intelligent choices about those issues.

Our world is presented with changes, challenges, and opportunities. Knowledge of global affairs is becoming increasingly more essential to effective citizenship. In acknowledging that reality, the Social Studies program attempts to help students integrate all their social studies learning in the context of global perspective. Further, to prepare Churchill students to meet unknown challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century, our program is committed to teach critical thinking, critical viewing, and decision-making skills and in classrooms that promote open-minded inquiry.

The state of Oregon requires that each student complete 3.0 credits of Social Studies. Churchill graduation requires 2.5 credits consisting of the following courses: 1.0 American Studies, 1.0 Global Studies (within the SLC framework), and .5 Government or 1.0 AP U.S. History (both strongly recommended for 11th grade). Students may choose from a wide variety of Social Studies electives once graduation requirements are achieved.

AP U.S. HISTORY
SS 1.0 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and/or evidence of high academic achievement or potential

This is a college level course in which students prepare for the Advanced Placement U.S. History exam administered by the College Board. Students gain experience in the practice of college level skills such as: analysis of primary source documents, evaluation of different historical perspectives, thesis and essay writing, note taking, and utilizing independent study. A significant amount of work is required outside of class time including assignments during break periods in the school calendar.

In alignment with the AP exam, content emphasis is broad, ranging from the 1600s to the 1970s. Once prepared, students are expected to take the AP exam in May. Results will be sent to the college he or she plans to attend for consideration of advanced standing at entry and/or college credit.

AP WORLD HISTORY
SS 1.0 Credit
12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and/or evidence of high academic achievement or potential

AP World History highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. The course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage prior to 1000 C.E. Consideration of historical events by debatable time periods forms the organizing principle for dealing with change and continuity from 1000 C.E. to the present.

All students are expected to complete preparatory assignments during the summer prior to enrolling in AP World History, as a means of preparing for the course’s college-level curriculum; and to take the Educational Testing Service’s Advanced Placement exam in May, the results of which may be sent to the college he is entering, for consideration of advanced standing and/or college credit.

AP PSYCHOLOGY
SS 1.0 Credit
12
The AP 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 are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Topics of study include: Research Methods, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning, Cognition, Motivation and Emotion, Developmental Psychology, Personality, Testing and Individual Differences, Abnormal Psychology, Treatment of Psychological Disorders, and Social Psychology. Significant emphasis is placed on students' successful performance on the AP exam in May.

ECONOMICS
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
In Economics, students will examine the fundamental principles that make economic systems function. Students will develop an increased awareness of the personal and societal tradeoffs and costs that economic choice and scarce resources necessitate. Course curriculum will include the concepts of relative scarcity, opportunity costs, supply and demand theory, unemployment, inflation and comparative economic systems. Personal economic projects, such as income tax and stock market investing activities, round out instruction.

GOVERNMENT
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
The study of U.S. Government is designed to help students become better and more active citizens who exercise their rights to participate in local and national politics. The course will focus on the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of the federal government, elections, political parties and analysis of state and local governments. A special emphasis will be placed upon political behavior and local initiatives and issues during election years. Additional themes may include comparative political systems, decision making and civil rights.

LAW & AMERICAN SOCIETY
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
Law and American Society will offer a broad overview of the U.S. legal system, with a focus on the legal issues facing Americans in everyday life. The course will provide students with an understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities, knowledge of everyday legal problems and the ability to analyze, evaluate, and in some situations, resolve legal disputes. Students will examine areas of criminal and civil law, juvenile justice, torts, the Bill of Rights and consumer, family and individual rights law. Emphasis will be placed on active learning and project-based activities and assessment. Lawyers from local firms and police officers will be regular guests. Field trips to local courthouses are planned.

MULTICULTURAL STUDIES
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
This course is an exploration into studying how racial/cultural identity is developed. We will explore the racial/cultural identity process for youth who happen to be: African American, Asian American, Latino/a (Mexican American, Chicano/a, Hispanic), Native American/ American Indian, biracial/ bicultural, adopted youth of color and new immigrant youth of color. Discussion will focus on such areas as: assimilation, integration of identity, development of value systems, to be or not to be, and much more.

PSYCHOLOGY
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
The roots of human behavior have developed through years of experiential learning and are equally as shaped by the intrinsic qualities of nature. This course will focus on the question of nature vs. nurture and provide a general overview of psychological processes and concepts. Topics of discussion may include learning, memory, sensation, perception, motivation, altered states of consciousness, abnormal behavior and emotion. Some emphasis will be placed on the role of psychology in determining our own identities and of those around us. Theories such as behaviorism, humanism, functionalism and structuralism will serve as the foundations of our exploration into the world of the human mind and behavior.

AMERICAN POPULAR CULTURE I
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
This course uses a discussion/ video format to make an introductory analysis on the influence of American popular culture. Emphasis includes a sequential look at 20th century music, film, television and sports. This one semester course helps students to build a diverse understanding of America’s rich and sometimes controversial pop culture legacy.

AMERICAN POPULAR CULTURE II
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP U.S. History or American Popular Culture I

This course uses a video/ discussion format to supply a fast-paced, advanced analysis on the influence of American popular culture. Building upon previous pop culture course material, emphasis is placed on visual examples that include a sequential look at music, film, television and sports from 1950-today. Specifically, students evaluate the impact of pop culture on society and consider the various roles pop culture plays (subversive influence, conservative influence, etc.).

HUMANITIES
LA, SS 1.0 Credit
11, 12
This course balances literature and the fine and performing arts and has an interdisciplinary focus. It integrates cultural components of both western and non-western units of study. This course satisfies the expectations of the 4J District humanities requirement. Students will be involved in multiple research-based projects, reading several novels, studying the role of arts in different cultures and historical time periods.

INTRO TO BUSINESS
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
This course covers the basic strategies and practices for business start-up and operation. Students will create a business plan and study the marketing and financing of a business. Instruction will be given on how government regulates and provides assistance to entrepreneurs.

RACHEL CARSON HIGH SCHOOL

NATURAL RESOURCES SEMINAR
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology and Algebra I

This course serves as the anchor for all other Rachel Carson courses. These small group seminars will meet to discuss and debate topics related to natural resource issues. The seminar will be a place to discuss current events, learn from local professionals and facilitate the exchange of information between students and teachers. The seminar will also provide instruction in computer use, accessing on-line resources and address logistical concerns relating to other Rachel Carson classes. Students should expect to spend a portion of their seminar time on-line, outside of normal class time.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
SS .5 Credit
11, 12
The essence of public policy is meeting the needs of society. Students in this course will immerse themselves in the study of public policy through a school improvement project in the micro-society of CHS. Students will work in teams where they will identify, analyze, propose and implement solutions to issues or problems on campus. The internet will be used extensively for research and communications. Project examples include: campus-wide recycling, school grounds improvement, integrated pest management and promoting alternative transportation.

NATURAL RESOURCES ADVANCED SEMINAR
SS 1.0 Credit
12
This class is offered to Rachel Carson students returning for their second year. The focus is on a more in-depth study of issues related to cultural and natural resources. Students will be expected to produce independent research projects, present information on current events, and engage in debates on controversial issues.

SLC PROGRAM COURSES

ACADEMY OF BUSINESS & LAW SLC
SS 1.0 Credit
9, 10
This course is part of a two-year program integrating English, social studies, mathematics, and technology as it relates to business and law. Students may join the Business and Law Academy at either the 9th or 10th grade levels. Oregon State Standards will be incorporated into the curriculum.

In the social science component of this academy, students will learn a historical chronology of US and world events from the beginning of the century and moving to present day. Focus will be placed on a global perspective of events that which have shaped the world we live in. Through this curriculum students will develop a strong knowledge of U.S. and world events and their connection to past and present day business and law practices. For more info on the Academy of Business & Law SLC program, see page 24.

POP CULTURE SLC
SS 1.0 Credit
9
The popular culture small learning community offers creative integration of engaging course material and college prep curriculum. Students will explore contemporary culture through experiential learning activities such as debates, simulations, trials, poetry slams, role-plays, inclusive games and projects. The dynamic interaction between pop culture and society is revealed as students participate in a supportive community of teachers and friends.
"Hands-on" learning strategies are complemented by a strong academic emphasis. Students are challenged by substantial reading and writing tasks consistent with other high quality "college prep" curriculums. Essential content will include analysis of literature, music, film, theatre and other forms of creative expression from the past 100 years of history. Students will examine units ranging from the Progressive era to today. From Theodore Roosevelt to Madonna, we explore the cultural legacy of various individuals and world events that have shaped who we are. For more information on the Pop Culture SLC program, see page 27.

SCIENCE & HUMANITIES INTERDISCIPLINARY PROJECT (SHIP) SLC
SS 1.0 Credit
9, 10
Prerequisite for 10th graders only: All 10th graders must have been enrolled in SHIP during previous school year.

The social studies component of SHIP will focus on a global perspective of world history and geography. Students will conduct an in depth study of modern twentieth-century world history as well as a regional geographic tour of the world. Considerable emphasis will be placed on learning about history through primary source documents, personal essays, letters, and other resources in order to give history a global flavor. Topics of study include: The War Years, Unsolved Problems of the Modern World, Revolution, and Regional history and geography. For more information on the SHIP SLC program, see page 28.

WELLNESS INTEGRATED NETWORK (WIN) SLC
SS 1.0 Credit
9
As part of the W.I.N. small learning community, this is the social studies class that will incorporate the mental, physical, social and emotional aspects of wellness through self-evaluations and hands-on projects. Themes will include high school transition- study skills, fitness and nutrition plans, peer relationship skills, communication skills and heredity and medical predispositions. For more info on the WIN SLC program, see page 29.

ADVANCED 9/10 SLC
SS 1.0 Credit
9, 10
As part of the Advanced 9/10 small learning community, this is the social studies component that will incorporate advanced materials and skills sets that is the core of the program. Students may join the Advanced SLC at either the 9th or 10th grade levels. Oregon State Standards and AP preparation will be incorporated into the curriculum.

Students will learn a historical chronology of US and world events from the beginning of the century and moving to present day. Focus will be placed on a global and domestic perspective of events that which have shaped the world we live in. Through this curriculum students will develop a strong knowledge of U.S. and world events and their connection to past and present day developments. For more information on the Advanced 9/10 SLC program, see page 25.

CURRENT HISTORY SLC
SS 1.0 Credit
9
This Current History SLC class offers a traditional language arts curriculum with a twist. While students will practice basic language arts skills and read classic literature, they will also focus on current events. Students will learn about journalistic writing along with various styles of essay writing. The class will enrich and coordinate with the content of the social component of the SLC and support the radio broadcasting component as well. For more information on the Current History SLC program, see page 26.