Interested in Social Studies? Central has a large variety of classes you can take, varying from World Geography to U.S. History to upper level classes of AP Government and AP Economics. Central also offers Summer trips you can participate in such as the U.S. History, which will replace a year's worth of US History.
About Us
Steve Starzyk, Department Chairperson
Department email: sstarzyk@blueblazers.org
Department Telephone: 574-295-4736
The Courses...
The Social Studies credits needed for graduation include: U.S. History 1 and 2, one term credit each for World Geography and American Government, and a senior Social Studies elective. Core 40 and Honors Diploma requires six Social Studies credits which must include Economics.
World Geography #2145
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
While the scope and sequence of the Basic World Geography course is similar to the regular World Geography course, the course is taught differently. Students are taught through assignments which stress the development of basic learning skills. Vocabulary, reading, map and chart skills receive heavy emphasis. Short individual assignments which allow the students to work at their own speed are a major part of the course. Students are expected to work on the ability to take instructions and follow them to a successful conclusion. Class size limited to 20.
Geography & History of the World:Academic #2143 & 2144
(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 9, 10, 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 2 credits/year
World Geography provides an opportunity to study the interaction of humans and their environment in space and time. This course helps students understand global patterns of physical and cultural characteristics including: (1) earth-sun relationships, (2) atmospheric and oceanic circulation, (3) land forms, (4) climate, (5) population, (6) transportation, (7) communication, (8) economic linkages, and (9) cultural diffusion. The study of cultural settings should also include political structures, ways of life, customs, and past events that have influenced or have been influenced by the environment. World Geography provides the opportunity to study the five basic geographic themes of: (1) location, (2) place, (3) relationships within places, (4) movement, and (5) regions as they apply to selected areas of the world. Regions selected for study will vary but should include examples from each continent. These studies focus upon the relationships among regions and exemplify important geographic concepts and problems.
Geography & History of the World:Honors #2177 & 2188
(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 9, (10, 11) Length: 2 terms Credit: 2 credits/year
This course is planned for academically gifted students who will explore in-depth physical geography and geographic influences of human life. Creation and analysis of maps and graphs will serve as background for investigation of world places, interactions, and interrelationships. This course fulfills the Geography requirement for graduation. Students wishing to take this course must be recommended by their teachers, make application, and be accepted through the selection process of the honors program.
World History and Civilization: #2171 & 2182
(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 9, 10,11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 2 credits/year
World History and Civilization provides for a study of selected world cultures, past and present. The content of this course provides a basis for students to compare and analyze patterns of culture, emphasizing both the diversity and commonality of human experience and behavior. This course emphasizes the interaction of local cultures with the natural environment, as well as the connections among civilizations from earliest times to the present. This course may be designed to focus on (1) prehistory; (2) early world civilizations, including the rise of civilizations of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia; (3) the classical civilizations of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America; and (4) the development of modern societies. This course might also trace important themes in human history or be designed to focus on a comparative study of two or more selected societies.
World History/Civilization: Honors/AP #2277 & 2288
(Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 9, 10,11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 2 credits/year
This course is planned for academically gifted students who will investigate in-depth historical developments necessary for world understanding. Exploration of world heritage and conflict will serve as background for analyzing current world affairs. This class is open to all students; however, students must maintain at least a C average in the class to remain in the course for the entire two trimesters. World History, Advanced Placement, is a course which follows College Board Entrance Examination guidelines as well as a College Board approved syllabus for Advanced Placement World History. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement World History examination in May.
U. S . History 1-2 #2311 & 2322
Level: 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 2 credits/year
While the scope and sequence of the basic U.S. History course is similar to the regular 11th grade U. S. History course, the course is taught differently. Students are taught through assignments which stress the development of basic learning skills. Vocabulary, reading, map and chart skills receive heavy emphasis. Short, individual assignments which allow the students to work at their own speed are a major part of the course. Students are expected to work on the ability to take instructions and follow them to a successful conclusion.
Prerequisite: Students must be eligible to take Basic U. S. History and have a reading level of stanine 2 or below. Students who fail to meet this criterion may be added if recommended by a teacher and a counselor. Class size limited to 20.
U. S. History: Academic #2331 & 2342 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 10*, 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 2 credits/year
This course is required for graduation. In the course students will participate in class discussions, work in small groups, listen to lectures, do research projects, participate in panel discussions, make oral reports, hear guest speakers, read multiple source materials, and study ways to improve thinking and reasoning. Topics to be studied include history of ideas in the United States, impact of industrialization on the United States, the chronology of American history, citizenship, history of labor and management problems, history of court decisions, and current events.
*Available to 10th grade students who have successfully completed World Geography Honors
U. S. History Honors/AP #2377 & 2388 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 2 credits/year
This course is planned for academically gifted students who will do in-depth investigations of history, current circumstances, and future visions for the United States. Students will not only research and analyze the cause and effect relationships, but also explore the unique approaches to change and problem solving—both domestically and internationally. This class is open to all students; however, students must maintain at least a C average in the class to remain in the course for the entire two trimesters. United States History, Advance Placement, is a course which follows College Board Entrance Examination guidelines as well as a College Board approved syllabus for Advanced Placement United States History. Students enrolled in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement United States History examination in May.
U.S. Government #2361
Level: 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Basic Government satisfies the senior government credit required for graduation. The scope and sequence includes most fundamental concepts of our government’s structure. This course stresses basic social studies skills such as reading/vocabulary, map skills, group study, and listening/note taking. Short, in-class assignments allow for individual monitoring and assistance by the teacher. Students are expected to develop the ability to follow directions and complete assignments.
Prerequisites: Students with a reading level of stanine 2 or below are eligible for Basic Government. Students who fail to meet this criterion may be added if recommended by a teacher and a counselor. Class size limited to 20.
U. S. Government:Academic #2371 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11*, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
United States government provides a framework for understanding the nature and importance of responsible civic participation and for learning the rights and responsibilities of individuals in a constitutional democracy. The course enables students to explore the historic origins and evolution of political philosophies into contemporary political and legal systems. Constitutional structure and the processes of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the national, state, and local government are examined. Students learn to draw conclusions about the impact and interrelationships of history, geography, and economics upon our system of government. They also learn to demonstrate an understanding of the governmental structures of the United States and other political systems, as well as the relationship of American government to world affairs. Students learn to analyze the roles of individuals and groups in the political process by identifying and analyzing political issues. They also learn to access data from primary and secondary resources and use current technology to access relevant source materials and as a tool for producing documents in support of learning projects. Students have opportunities to take, defend, and evaluate positions on current issues that impact political decision making. They should understand their ability to influence policies and decisions as individuals and in groups. Related learning experiences in the school and community enable students to learn how to participate effectively in the political process. The study of United States government also offers students opportunities to develop knowledge, inquiry skills, and the means to preserve and improve our constitutional democracy.
*Available to 11th grade students who have successfully completed U. S. History in 10th grade.
U. S. Government - AP #2381 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11*, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
The students will critically examine government and politics in the United States. The students will study the history, structure, institutions, and policies of the U.S. Government. Emphasis will also be placed on political beliefs, and behaviors, political parties, interest groups, the mass media, and the importance of citizen participation. The relationship of the U.S. to other nations will also be examined. U.S. Government, Advanced Placement, is a course which follows College Board Entrance Examination guidelines for advanced placement U.S. Government.
*Available to 11th grade students who have successfully completed U. S. History in 10th grade.
Applied Economics #2481 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11*, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
Applied Economics investigates the specific economic effect of market forces and government policies on individuals and the major institutional groups, such as business and labor, in the economy. Special attention is given to economic concepts and principles used by consumers, producers, and voters. Learning experiences, such as projects, field trips, and computer applications, are strongly encouraged as ways to demonstrate practical applications of economic concepts.
*Available to 11th grade students who have successfully completed U.S. History .
**For the Student Company to function, every student must purchase one $10 share of stock and participate in all company activities.
Economics #2471 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11*, 12................ Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Economics includes a study of the allocation of scarce resources and their alternative uses for satisfying human wants. This course examines basic models of decision making at various levels and in different areas including: (1) decisions made as a consumer, producer, saver, investor, and voter; (2) business decisions to maximize profits; and (3) public policy decisions in specific markets dealing with output and prices in the national economy.
*Available to 11th grade students who have successfully completed U.S. History .
**For the competitive company experience to function, every student must purchase one $10 share of stock.
Economics: Honors / AP #2931 & 2942 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11*, 12................ Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Economics includes a study of the allocation of scarce resources and their alternative uses for satisfying human wants. This course examines basic models of decision making at various levels and in different areas including: (1) decisions made as a consumer, producer, saver, investor, and voter; (2) business decisions to maximize profits; (3) public policy decisions in specific markets dealing with output and prices in the national economy.
Economics, Advanced Placement, is a course which follows College Board Examination guidelines for advanced placement economics.
Psychology #2571 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11*, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Psychology provides an opportunity to study individual and social psychology and how the knowledge and methods of psychologists are applied to the solution of human problems. Content for the course includes some insights into behavior patterns and adjustments to social environments. The course should develop critical attitudes toward superficial generalizations about human beings, respect for the difficulty of establishing the truth of a proposition, and a heightened sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others. Psychology, Advanced Placement, is a course which follows College Board Examination guidelines for advanced placement psychology.
*Available to 11th grade students who have successfully completed U.S. History 1–2.
Psychology: AP #2581 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11*, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 1 credit/term
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Psychology, Advanced Placement, is a course which follows College Board Examination guidelines for advanced placement psychology.
*Available to 11th grade students who have successfully completed U.S. History 1–2.
Sociology #2671 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 10, 11, 12 Length: 1 term Credit: 1 credit/term
Sociology provides opportunities for students to study group behavior and basic human institutions. Broad areas of content include the study of institutions found in all societies and could involve: (1) the family, (2) religion, (3) community organizations, (4) political and social groups, and (5) leisure time organizations. Moral values, traditions, folkways, the mobility of people, and other factors in society which influence group behavior should also be included in the study of Sociology.
Exploratory Teaching #2871
Level: 11, 12 Length: 2 terms Credit: 2 credits/year
This course is a two-semester elective for juniors and seniors of average or above average ability. Exploratory teachers meet as a regular class two hours a day for the second and third trimesters. They will study child development, teaching techniques and the American school system. The student will be assigned to a particular classroom to work as an aide. During the school year students could experience working in three or more different grade levels. Evaluative studies will be conducted with each individual student.
African Studies #2231 (Core 40 & AHD)
Level: 11, 12.................. Length: 1 sem. .............. Credit: 1 credit/sem.
African Studies helps students understand and appreciate the diverse peoples, cultures, and economic systems of the African continent. This course examines: (1) the early kingdoms and cities of Africa, (2) early trade routes with Europe and the East, (3) the influence of African culture in the Americas, (4) the colonization of Africa by European countries, (5) African influence in the United States, (6) the establishment of independent nations in Africa, and (7) contemporary traditions, literature, art and other cultural aspects.
