Students study the evolution of one of the world's longest running experiments - the American form of Federalism.

Course Description:  The Government High School course focuses on the United States' founding principles and beliefs. Students study the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. Integrate the six social studies standards of essential content knowledge and four process skills will be integrated for instructional purposes.

WHY STUDY AMERICAN POLITICS?

We live in a highly charged political environment in the United States. We allow anyone 18 or older to vote for our leaders at all levels, have a free press that can be supportive or critical of those leaders, and have a working constitution that is constantly being reevaluated in light of new circumstances. This class will introduce you to that environment and help you make sense of it.

 

 

 

This course or Honors US History is required for graduation and includes a state mandated End-of-Course exam that you must pass. US History is a chronological survey of the people and events that have shaped our nation’s history, starting with the period after the Civil War. We cover a variety of social studies topics, including: geography, archaeology, theology (study of religions), philosophy, sociology, economics, politics, and of course, history. The course emphasizes the importance of listening, careful note taking, map reading, poltical cartoon interpretation, research, writing skills, and critical thinking.

During this semester, we trace the development of the United States, from Reconstruction through the current period. History requires that we review many names and dates, but our main goal will be to look at the large themes that emerge from various periods and the actors that each produced. The names and dates serve as the skeleton as we raise essential questions and issues.

History is the study of the past, but we must remember that history is alive and not disconnected from our lives today. While distant periods and events may seem so remote to us here in the 21st century, many of the same issues and problems have confronted citizens and leaders since the founding of the United States. Because of this fact, we can explore many recurring themes and essential questions as we approach the past, as well as more recent history. Over the course of this semester, you will develop the skills to interpret the past and apply your conclusions to events along our nation’s timeline. History is exciting, because like artists or painters, students can view the same material and create vastly different interpretations.

The purpose of the AP course in Psychology is to introduce the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration of the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

An introductory college course in psychology is generally one semester in length, with some variation among colleges. An AP course in psychology need not follow any specific college curriculum. Rather, the aim is to provide a learning experience equivalent to that obtained in most college introductory psychology courses.

Cumberland County High School
Craig Taylor