Social Studies

Moodle

  • 2101-World Geography (1/2 unit, Gr. 9) This required course deals with the natural features of the Earth, its climate, products and inhabitants. This course is designed to acquaint the student with the location and characteristics of the various nations of the world with some emphasis being given to the influence of geographical factors on the development of political, social, and economic institutions.
  • 2303-World History (1 unit, Gr. 10) First semester of this required course offers an opportunity to review the ancient river valley civilizations and study in detail medieval Europe, the Crusades, the Renaissance and Reformation, and conclude with the emergence of European nationalism. Second semester of this required course deals with industrialization, imperialism and unification, European aspects of World Wars I and II, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and developments of the modern world since 1945.  
  • 2304-AP World Geography (1 unit, Gr. 10, weighted) Prerequisite: Students must posses disciplined study habits, and the course will involve considerable outside class preparation. Students enrolled in this course will be assessed during the first three weeks of the school year to determine if the placement in this course is appropriate. Students enrolling in this course will be expected to participate in frequent formal and informal writing projects. The purpose of this course is to develop a better understanding of how societies interact with other societies through out the course of human history. There will be a greater emphasis on how cultures improved upon technology, how they advanced certain systems of government and what set them apart from other cultures. The goal of this course is to assist students who want to take a high school class that is equivalent to a college level course and receive college credit through the AP exam
  • 2203-American History (1 unit, Gr. 11) First semester of this required course begins with Washington's administration in 1789 and concludes around the turn of the century following the Spanish-American War. Some of the topics will be the beginning of our political system, Louisiana Purchase, growth of the Cotton Kingdom in the South, Mexican War, Gold Rush, Civil War and Reconstruction, the Westward Movement, the Rise of Industrialism, the Spanish-American War, and the beginnings of the U.S. as a world power. Second semester of this required course is designed to assist the student in developing an in-depth understanding of the events that have shaped America since 1900. Topics to be considered will be World War I, the Versailles Conference and its effects, Social Changes of the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II, Korean Conflict, the Cold War and Vietnam. The course will conclude with a view toward the future based on historical perspectives.
  • 2105-American Government (1/2 unit, Gr. 12) This required course deals with the operations of national, state and local governments. The course will emphasize the roles played by each of the three branches of government at the state and national levels. Attention will also be given to executive agencies, pressure groups, lobbyists and political parties. The local government unit will feature a concentrated study of Independence, Missouri municipal government. Included will be a study of the federal and state constitutions thereby meeting the state's constitution requirements.
  • 2403-Missouri History (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12) This semester course is offered as a special interest elective and will trace the history of Missouri from its exploration to the present. It is designed to allow students to develop understanding and appreciation for the "Show Me" state. Some study of state government will be included.
  • 2405-Contemporary Issues (1/2 unit, Gr. 12) Attention will be focused on national and world news. Two major news magazines will be substituted for the usual textbook. As news events are discussed, emphasis will be placed on the roots of world and national situations, distinguishing between fact and opinion in the news, bias in news presentation, and recognition of various propaganda techniques used to sway public opinion. Research will be used to learn how national and international situations have developed, and what proposals have been advanced to deal with these situations. Students who enroll in this course should be able to read at or above grade level, have good comprehension skills, and have the ability to think and analyze situations. They should be able to express themselves both verbally and in writing and be able and willing to participate in class discussions. Extensive reading and research will be required.
  • 2407-Psychology (1/2 unit, Gr. 12) This course is designed to assist students in gaining an appreciation of psychology as the science of studying and understanding human behavior. Emphasis will be on the development of philosophies and methods used to gain insights into behavior, and the individuals developing these philosophies and methods.
  • 2409-Public Law (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12) This is a semester course designed to allow the student to examine his/her place in the American system of justice and law. The course will deal with how the law and the judicial system directly affect the individual. It will deal with the individual rights and responsibilities under our legal system. Topics include: why law, where law comes from, different types of law, the adversary system, rights and responsibilities under the law, juvenile law, etc.
  • 2411-Sociology (1/2 unit, Gr. 11-12) The study of human behavior in groups is designed to acquaint the student with the types of groups we form, how we function in these groups and how we deal with social problems resulting from the interaction within and between these groups.
  • 2241-American History 101 (1/2 unit, Gr. 12, weighted) Prerequisite: Previous completion of 2 semesters of required American History. This course includes the study of political and social development of American civilization from the beginning to the present day. The rise and development of industrialization and urbanization, along with territorial expansion and America's international role, receive attention. History 101 will cover the period from discovery until the end of reconstruction in 1877. The course will offer 3 hours of college credit through UMKC. Students also have the option of earning Advanced Placement credit.
  • 2242-American History 102 (1/2 unit, Gr. 12, weighted) Prerequisite: Previous completion of 2 semesters of required American History. This course includes the study of political and social development of American civilization from the beginning to the present day. The rise and development of industrialization and urbanization, along with territorial expansion and America's international role, receive attention. History 102 starts in 1877 and extends to the present. History 101 is not necessarily a prerequisite for History 102. Students may take this course for 3 hours of college credit through UMKC. Students also have the option of earning Advanced Placement credit.
  • 2413-Recent American Arts and Culture (1/2 unit, Language Arts or Social Studies, Gr. 12) Prerequisite: Successful completion of three units of language arts credits. This course will integrate language arts and social studies by considering and responding to several essential questions about the American culture in the post-World War II era. The theme of the course will especially focus on the issue of growing up in each of the decades since the war. The course work will include individual and group research, decision-making activities, simulations, and oral and written performance. The study of each decade will include how history has shaped the arts, music, film, and literature.  
  • 2204-AP US History (1 unit, Gr. 11, weighted) Prerequisite: B in World History or teacher recommendation. AP US History is designed for students who wish to complete coursework equivalent to a college introductory course in US History. Students successfully completing this course fulfill the graduation requirements as in American History, course number 2203. The class emphasizes analytical skills, academic writing, and factual interpretation in order to prepare interested students to take the AP US History Exam in May for which he/she may earn college credit. This weighted course is a survey of American History from the Age of Columbus to present day.  
  • 2106-AP American Government (1/2 unit, Gr. 12, weighted) Prerequisite: B in American History or teacher recommendation AP American Government gives students an analytical perspective on government and politics by studying the basic foundation and general concepts on US government along the various institutions of government and the groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute US politics: the political parties, interest groups and mass media, public policy, civil rights and civil liberties and institutions of national government, including Congress, the Presidency, bureaucracy and the Federal Courts. This course prepares the student to take the AP US Government and Politics exam in May fro which he/she may earn college credit. Included in this curse will be a study of the federal and state constitutions thereby meeting the state's constitutions requirements. This course will be offered second semester only  
  • 2501-Interpersonal Skills (1/2 unit, Gr. 9-12, weighted) In this course, students will examine the problems of institutional racism, sexism, ageism, and various other types of discriminations. The student is helped to develop an awareness and understanding of deverse values, life-styles, beliefs, and attitude of various racial, cultural, and ethic minorities. Students will explore ideas on how to overcome problems of prejudice using the knowledge gained about diversity and explores the concept of "students helping students" solve their disagreements using conflict resolution and volunteering skills. This course is only offered at William Chrisman High School