Thornton Academy Program of Studies 2-24- 25 | Page 21

ELECTIVES

Beyond the slate of required courses , students may also choose from a wide array of course offerings in history and the social sciences , including semester and year-long electives , and a variety of AP courses . Students who may study the humanities , history , and / or the social sciences at the collegiate level are strongly encouraged to consider , in consultation with their school counselors , AP electives prior to graduation .

Academic World Quest / Great Decisions

1 Credit • Grades 10 , 11 & 12

Welcome to the course that used to be a club ! Academic World Quest is a course for students interested in learning about , discussing , and debating the global issues dominating life in America and around the world . The curriculum derives from the World Affairs Council of America , with a focus on International Relations . Taught in a socratic seminar format , students will often lead class discussions , and have opportunities to dive deeply into a wide range of current issues and their impact on the world . The course culminates in participation in the Maine state Academic World Quest competition held in Portland , and a national competition typically held in Washington DC in April . Concurrent enrollment in AP Human Geography is helpful , but not required .

Blind Eye of History

0.5 Credit • Grades 11 & 12

The idiom “ turning a blind eye ” describes the custom of ignoring undesirable information . Blind Eye of History will examine the story of those treated as “ undesirable ” throughout American history - the people and groups who have been ignored , mistreated , and abused . Students will explore the roots of race hatred , religious persecution , and prejudice based on ethnicity , disability , gender , sexuality , and social class . Highlighting remarkable people and events that contributed to the story of these groups , this course will allow students to delve into specific and impactful events that reverberate through time and lead us to the present . The development of media literacy skills and an overview of American Civics will also help students to make connections between the history of marginalized groups and the evolution of American government .

Economics ( final year offered as an elective ) 1 Credit • Grade 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 • Grades 11 & 12 Prerequisites : School counselor and teacher recommendation

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 , students in this challenging college-level course will learn the critical reading , writing , and historical thinking skills necessary to develop an advanced understanding of European history and succeed on the AP European History exam . At the AP level , students should expect significant outside of class reading , writing , and research , similar to that of an introductory history course at the collegiate level . Students are required to take the AP European History exam .

Government ( final year offered as an elective ) 1 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 and Politics : United States

1 Credit • Grade 12 Prerequisites : School counselor and teacher recommendation

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

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