Social Studies Courses

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 & 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
The history component of the American Studies course is designed to place the history of the United States into a cultural context. The major events and people will be examined in terms of their cultural significance during the time, as well as in terms of their lasting impact. Primary source materials including music, literature, and art will be blended with textbooks and supplemental readings to provide a wide range of opinions on historical events. All juniors participate in the History Day competition using a U.S. History topic of their choice.
Prerequisite: 2.7 cumulative GPA; application plus sophomore English and history iinstructors' approval; 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 & 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

History Seminar
This course is open to seniors from both Saint Thomas and Visitation who have an interest in history and are looking for a college level experience.  The seminar will explore topics of interest throughout world history (e.g., ancient Rome, imperialism in Africa, World War II, etc.) from a wide variety of perspectives.  Students will be asked to participate in discussions and interactive simulations based on readings and research, write papers, and create a documentary film.  Tests will not be a part of student evaluation.  Development of college skills is a core component of the class.
Prerequisite: Instructor's approval dependent upon enrollment
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 Levels: 11, 12 

Mentorship Program
This program allows senior students to develop professional interests and explore career requirements under the supervision of teachers. Participants will develop goals and outline objectives with the mentor teacher, work 5-8 hours per week to accomplish those goals, keep a portfolio and journal, and write a final paper on the experience.
Prerequisite: Approval of the mentor instructor and the Dean of Academics (pass/fail class)
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 matches.  Optional opportunities for after-school competitions against other schools will be available.  In addition, a two-week session will be devoted to debate.  The high school debate coach will introduce the basics of competitive debate.
Grade Levels: 7, 8

Updated January 28, 2010