23-24 Thornton Academy Program of Studies ThorntonAcademy_POS 2023-24 FINAL | Page 37

AP Human Geography
Honors Human Geography
AP Macroeconomics
AP Microeconomics
Personal Finance
Psychology
AP Psychology
Sociology
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AP Human Geography

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12 Prerequisite : Teacher Recommendation
“ Geography is in everything and everything is in geography ” is the mantra for this course . Human Geography is everywhere , as the key concepts of this course dominate the news and determine worldwide , national , and local events . Constantly asking “ where ” problems arise in the world , and then investigating the “ why ,” this class will help students understand global issues , their causes , and effects . Ultimately , Human Geography can be described as understanding the “ why of where .” Topics covered include population and migration , cultural patterns , political geography , agriculture and economics .

Honors Human Geography

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12
In this course , students will develop critical thinking skills through the understanding , application , and analysis of the fundamental concepts of geography . Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences , and learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice . Students will integrate many different content area subjects , such as culture , demographics , land use , and economics . They will also utilize state-of-the-art technology and participate in class discussions and debates .

AP Macroeconomics

1 Credit • Grades 11 & 12 ( next offered in ’ 24- ’ 25 )
Students will become familiar with the economic principles that guide an economic system . Students will study basic economic concepts , measurements of a nation ' s economic performance , price-level determination , the financial sector , fiscal and monetary policy , and the implications of international trade and globalization . This course will prepare students for the required College Board AP Macroeconomics exam .

AP Microeconomics

1 Credit • Grades 11 & 12 ( offered ’ 23- ’ 24 )
Students will study how individuals and groups make decisions with limited resources in order to best satisfy their wants , needs , and desires . They will also gain a greater understanding of economics , ranging from the viewpoint of the individual consumer or small business owner to the global economy . The course will cover the basic economic concepts of scarcity , choice and opportunity cost , the production possibilities curve , comparative advantage and trade , economic systems , property rights and the role of incentives , and marginal analysis . After mastering the basic concepts , topics will include the nature and functions of product markets , factor markets , and market failure and the role of government . This course will prepare students for the required College Board AP Microeconomics exam .

Personal Finance

0.5 Credit • Grades 11 & 12
This course will prepare students to become fiscally responsible citizens . Students will gain an understanding of the banking and credit system ; retirement plans ; the power of investing in stocks , mutual funds , CDs , and bonds ; and real estate . Course experiences include researching investment plans and learning about local and federal governmental processes and its application to everyday life .

Psychology

0.5 Credit • Grades 11 & 12
In this overview course , students will be introduced to major themes in psychology , such as research methodologies , biological basis of behavior , sensation and perception , altered states of awareness , sleep and dreams , learning and memory , feelings and emotions , personality , and abnormal behavior . Students will consult a variety of materials and sources to explore the many dimensions of human behavior . They will work independently and collaboratively in an effort to understand key concepts and vocabulary of psychology . By exploring the different perspectives used in the study of psychology , students will learn to analyze and evaluate new ideas .

AP Psychology

1 Credit • Grade 12
AP Psychology is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings . To accomplish this , the course provides instruction in several major content areas ; these include history and approaches , research methods , biological bases of behavior , sensation and perception , states of consciousness , learning and cognition , motivation and emotion , developmental psychology , personality , testing and individual differences , abnormal psychology , treatment of psychological disorders , and social psychology . Students are required to take the AP Psychology Exam .

Sociology

0.5 Credit • Grades 11 & 12
In this course , students will explore how human behavior is shaped considering groups to which individuals belong and the society in which they live . Students will examine personal experiences and gain insights into society and the larger world order . Students will be challenged to develop a new understanding of human behavior and American society through topics such as the sociological imagination , socialization , race , gender , class , crime , and deviance .

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