ELECTIVES
Students will be able to choose between a number of courses representing a wider array of the social sciences . Note that there are both full-year and single-semester courses available .
Academic World Quest / Great Decisions
1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 , & 12
This intensive course is for students interested in global issues . The curriculum derives from the Great Decisions program of the Foreign Policy Association . Updated annually to reflect current trends in foreign policy , the course content focuses on International Relations with opportunities to dive deep into a range of current issues . For more information and a list of topics for the upcoming year , visit : fpa . org / great _ decisions . Students should be prepared for challenging reading assignments ( most at university seminar or graduate school level ) and expect a demanding workload . The course culminates in mandatory participation in two major competitions ( state and national level ), and concurrent enrollment in AP Human Geography is helpful .
Economics
0.5 Credit • Grades 11 , & 12
Students will study how individuals and groups make decisions with limited resources in order to best satisfy their wants , needs , and desires . This course will give students a greater understanding of economics , ranging from the viewpoint of the individual consumer or small business owner to the global economy . We will study the law of supply and demand , forms of business , labor unions , government finances and their influence on the economy , money and prices , and inflation and deflation cycles . The course will relate history and psychology to the study of economics .
AP European History
1 Credit • Grade 12 Prerequisite : Placement by instructor
Napoleon , Bismarck , and Churchill are but three figures that have left their mark on the course of modern history , yet are rarely addressed in other history classes . Through an exploration of the events that have shaped the path of Europe ’ s existence , a greater understanding of global , national and local topics is possible . Students should expect to be challenged not just with voluminous readings but also in the organization and analysis of new data , through their writing and verbal skills and in myriad other ways which will challenge their understanding of the world . Reaching back as far as 1450 and spanning to the current age , this course will prepare students for the required College Board AP European History exam .
Government
0.5 Credit • Grades 11 , & 12
In this course , students will investigate the basic principles and purposes of government , methods of government participation , local and state government , and the three branches of federal government . Current government policies and political issues , the delicate relationship between individual rights and society , and democratic traditions are all investigated and discussed . Students will be expected to refine text reading and analysis skills in preparation for college . By the end of the semester , students will not only understand how our government operates , but also how they can participate in government to address our collective problems and improve society .
AP Government & Politics : United States
1 Credit • Grade 12 Prerequisite : Placement by instructor
AP United States Government and Politics is an intensive study of the formal and informal structures of government and the processes of the American political system , with an emphasis on policy making and implementation . This course explores political theory and everyday practices that direct the daily operation of our government and shape our public policies . Students will develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system , as well as their rights and responsibilities as citizens . Students will be expected to refine text reading and analysis skills as well as critical inquiry of relevant scholarly articles in preparation for college . They will be responsible for accessing a range of news media sources in order to keep up with daily events in the nation and the world . All students are required to take the AP Exam .
AP Human Geography
1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 , & 12 Prerequisite : Placement by instructor
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 . All students are required to take the AP Exam .
www . thorntonacademy . org 25