Geography
Geography tries to make sense of the world around us. It helps us understand how people, places, and environments came to be and how they affect each other. In this class, we ask where is something? Why is it there? How did it get there? How does it affect the natural environment in this area? Every world region is examined, including Canada and the USA, Latin America, Europe and Russia, Africa, Southwest and Central Asia, South and East Asia, and Oceania. Each unit seeks to answer an essential question that tackles a challenging social issue. There is a strong emphasis on working with maps and other related social studies skills. In December, all 7th and 8th graders participate in the National Geographic Bee.
Grade Level: 7

United States History 8
This course is designed to show the students the growth of the U.S. in economic, political, and social areas. The students analyze the great changes in American life since the birth of the nation, as well as elements that have endured to build American's heritage. Students also study political and military conflict and evaluate the role of America in the world. Students continue to build and use skills in geography and learn historical writing and data analysis skills. All 8th grade students participate in the History Day competition, based on the topic of their choice.
Grade Level: 8

World History and Geography
World History is a year-long survey of the record of the human experience from the development of early civilizations to the major crises and accomplishments of the Twentieth Century. World geography and current events are included in the curriculum of this class. All sophomores write a research paper on the World History topic of their choice. This is done in conjunction with their English class as part of the History Day competition.
Grade Level: 10

U.S. History
U.S. History is a year-long survey course beginning with the Revolutionary period and ending with the Vietnam War era. The student will explore the forces and individuals that played key roles in the development of the U.S. and examine the causes of the main events in American history. All juniors participate in the History Day competition using a U.S. History topic of their choice.
Grade Level: 11

Advanced Placement U.S. History
This course is a college-level survey of U.S. History. Students will combine secondary texts and primary sources to analyze the cause and effect relationships between people, events, and circumstances from the era of colonization to the present. All juniors participate in the History Day competition using a U.S. History topic of their choice.
Prerequisite: 3.4 cumulative GPA and sophomore instructor's approval
Grade Level: 11

American Studies: History
American Studies: History is designed to be a research and writing-centered course that will create public history projects on STA, local, state and U.S topics. The class will study the history, art, literature and popular culture of the United States during the 125+ years in which the Academy existed, and include these in the projects. While the course will focus on the period after 1885, important events from earlier eras will be covered through the summer reading or in connection with other topics. Students will use primary source documents at STA and local museums in their research. Like all juniors, students in the class will participate in the History Day competition.
Prerequisite: Ability and desire to work independently and with a group to succeed in an interdisciplinary class. Satisfies: US History 11. Students must also register for American Studies: English and American Studies: Art.
Grade Level: 11

Economics & Government
One semester of this course is devoted to the fundamentals of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The other semester introduces students to American government, law, politics, and civics.
Grade Level: 12

Advanced Placement Economics (Micro & Macro)
Students must register for both Micro and Macro Economics

Advanced Placement Microeconomics
First Semester only: This course is a college-level introduction to microeconomics. Topics include supply and demand, production and market structure, and factor markets.
Prerequisite: 3.25 cumulative GPA and/or department approval
Grade Level: 12

Advanced Placement Macroeconomics
Second Semester only: This course is a college-level introduction to macroeconomics. Topics include inflation, unemployment, taxation, and money supply.
Prerequisite: 3.25 cumulative GPA and/or department approval
Grade Level: 12

Advanced Placement Government (American & Comparative)
This course provides a college-level introduction to political theory and political science. Topics include branches of government, interest groups, elections, parties, and bureaucracy. Special projects focus on lawmaking, major court cases, and political action. Slightly over one semester is devoted to American government and the remainder of the year to comparative (international) government. Students completing the course will be prepared for both AP government exams.
Prerequisite: 3.25 cumulative GPA and instructor's approval
Grade Level: 12

HIGH SCHOOL ELECTIVES

Crime and Justice
This course is designed for seniors who are considering majoring in sociology, behavioral science, social work, political science, or law enforcement. Students discuss crime and justice from a Catholic perspective. Topics include: Catholic Social Doctrine, drug and alcohol abuse, racial profiling, prison reform, prison ministry, the history of crime and punishment in the modern age, mercy and forgiveness, victim’s rights, crime scene investigation, interrogation techniques and crime trends and statistics. The class meets two class periods per week. The course utilizes community experts on various topics and includes several field trips.
Prerequisite: Instructor's approval
Grade Level: 12

Psychology
This course is an in-depth study of the processes involved in the operation of the human mind and emotions. The areas of study include the development of cognitive processes, theories of personalities and human development, sensation and perception, emotions and motivation, and psychological disorders.
Grade Level: 12

MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVE

Middle School Quiz Bowl & Knowledge Bowl
Quiz Bowl and Knowledge Bowl is a semester-long elective class offered on alternate days. Students learn the rules of both competition formats, form teams, and compete in friendly matches. Optional opportunities against other schools will be available. Graded assessment will be based on two categories – knowledge of the rules and strategies (not ability to answer questions) and sportsmanship and classroom behavior. Class graded S/U. First or second semester.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Updated January 9, 2012