Course Offerings - Grade 11

Advanced Placement European History - Course No.: 4202

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

Advanced Placement European History has been structured to provide a college level survey of European History and to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam. The course is a chronological approach (1450 to the present) of the subject that focuses on various European historical themes, some of which include political/diplomatic events, artistic movements, women’s roles, and economic and social trends. Significant writing will be an integral part of the course work. In addition, during the summer prior to the beginning of the course, each student is required to complete the course summer reading assignment. Students who enroll in this course will be prepared to take the AP European History exam in May.
PREREQUISITE: None

Advanced Placement Economics (Macroeconomics and Microeconomics) - Course No.: 4214

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: OTHER: Global Scholar Course Passing and completing both semesters of this year long course meets the Consumer Education requirement for graduation.

Advanced Placement Economics has been structured to provide a college level survey of Microeconomic and Macroeconomic concepts preparing students for Advanced Placement exams. The purpose of this course is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics, the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system as a whole. Microeconomics places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of products and markets and includes the study of factor markets and the role of the government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Macroeconomics places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination, and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. Significant reading, writing, and research will be an integral part of the course work. Students who enroll in this course will be prepared to take the AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics exams in May.
PREREQUISITE: None

Advanced Placement Human Geography - Course No.: 4224

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

Advanced Placement Human Geography is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography. The course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine the socioeconomic organization of the planet and the environmental consequences this has caused. Students also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. Students who enroll in this course will be prepared to take the AP Human Geography exam in May.
PREREQUISITE: None

Advanced Placement Psychology - Course No.: 4216

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

Advanced Placement Psychology is an introduction to the exciting field of the study of human behavior.  Students will be introduced to concepts in each of the major subfields within psychology.  Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use to answer questions such as why our memory fails us or how we can learn more efficiently, why we conform or obey authority figures. The course also includes information about how our brain and body process information, child and adolescent development, mental illness and treatment, sensation and perception, social psychology, and motivation and emotion. Students who enroll in this course will be prepared to take the AP Psychology exam in May.
PREREQUISITE: None

Advanced Placement United States History - Course No.: 4208

GRADES: 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Summer Reading Assignment. Access will be made available through google classroom beginning June 1st. 

Advanced Placement United States History has been structured to provide a college level survey of United States history and to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam. The course takes a chronological approach to the subject, while also honing historical skills including identifying developments and processes, sourcing documents, analyzing claims and evidence, contextualizing events, making connections and argumentation. Significant reading, writing and research will be an integral part of the course work. This course is intended for independent learners and highly motivated students. Students who enroll in this course will be prepared to take the AP United States History exam in May. 
PREREQUISITE: None (Completion of AP European History or AP World History is recommended) 

Advanced Placement World History: Modern - Course No.: 4270

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

Advanced Placement World History focuses on developing students’ abilities to think conceptually about world history from approximately 1200 CE to the present and apply historical thinking skills as they learn about the past. Six themes of equal importance — focusing on the environment, cultures, governance, economic systems, social structures and technology — provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. AP World History encompasses the history of the five major geographical regions of the globe: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, with special focus on historical developments and processes that cross multiple regions. Significant writing and research will be an integral part of the course work. Students who enroll in this course will be prepared to take the AP World History exam in May.
PREREQUISITE: None

American Studies - Course No.: 4222

GRADES: 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Taken in conjunction with American Studies-English (CN: 2020).

American Studies integrates the study of U.S. History and American Literature. This cross-curricular course focuses on reading, writing and critical thinking. Emphasizing collaboration, inquiry and multidisciplinary study, the course aims for an immersive, transformative experience. This year-long course meets for a double period and fulfills the junior year requirements for both English (American Literature) and Social Studies (U.S. History).
PREREQUISITE: None

Current Issues - Course No.: 4209F, 4210S

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

Current Issues provides an opportunity to study and analyze a wide variety of vital present-day world topics. Emphasis is placed on oral presentations, classroom discussions, and written research assignments.  Instruction includes the use of the library, Internet, and research materials.
PREREQUISITE: None

 

English Learner (EL) United States History - Course No.: 4220

GRADES: 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0

English Learner United States History is a course for identified EL students. It is a broad survey of the major social, economic and cultural events, concepts and themes that have been the forces in the development of the United States. This standard United States History course is modified to meet the needs of students unfamiliar with the basic factual, cultural and conceptual elements of United States history and government.
PREREQUISITE: Placement

Geography - Course No.: 4226

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

Geography is an introduction to the study of people of the world and their ways of life. The introductory unit emphasizes map and globe use and reading including place location and the interpretation of geographical data. Political and economic systems, climate and vegetation patterns, physical regions and other man-land topics are studied. With this background, the remainder of the course is devoted to the study of the various culture regions of the world. A mapping/writing research project is required each semester.
PREREQUISITE: None

Geography Honors - Course No.: 4228

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

Geography Honors is an advanced introduction to the study of the people of the world and their ways of life. The introductory unit emphasizes map and globe use and reading including place location and the interpretation of geographical data. Political and economic systems, climate and vegetation patterns, physical regions and other man-land topics are studied. With this background, the course is devoted to the study of the nations of the world.  Detailed examinations of topics related to cultural geography are studied throughout the course.  A research project is required each semester.
PREREQUISITE: None

Global Scholar Capstone Experience - Course No.: 4902F, 4903S

GRADE: 11, 12 LENGTH:1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER:

Students explore a personal passion through a global project in this interdisciplinary, blended course.  Students engage in sophisticated inquiry and research methods, curation, and synthesis of resources while supporting their unique arguments and finding solutions to the world’s most pressing issues.  This course builds on the skills and knowledge gained in previous globally-focused courses.  Students will select and design a course of study in conjunction with a mentoring teacher who will facilitate the production of actionable steps towards solving the problem the student has selected. Final products can be self-designed as papers, documentaries, galleries, service projects, oral histories, etc. Students will experience blended learning integrated with face-to-face and online independent learning components.  This course is the final requirement for the Illinois Global Scholar Certificate.
PREREQUISITE: None

International Studies - Course No.: 4241F, 4242S

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

International Studies is a survey of the non-western world, including Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.  Culture, social and economic organization, ethics and belief systems are examined. World events and class interest will impact course studies.  A research assignment is required.
PREREQUISITE: None

 

Law - Course No.: 4245F, 4246S

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5

Law class is a survey of the American legal system, reviewing many of the bedrock legal principles upon which our nation was founded. The coursework focuses on three areas of law: tort law, contracts and warranties, and criminal law. We will hear from judges, prosecutors, criminal defense attorneys, police officers and other guests as topics, interest, and guest availability warrant. Students will participate and perform in two mock trials, acting alternately as attorneys, witnesses, and the jury, in either a civil or criminal case. By the end of the semester, students should be able to “think like a lawyer” and see the world around them with a whole new perspective.
PREREQUISITE: None

Psychology - Course No.: 4251F, 4252S

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 

Psychology is a basic survey course designed to introduce students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.  It includes discussions of the triumphs and failures of our memory, how we learn, the brain, states of consciousness, mental illness and treatment, sensation and perception, social psychology, and other psychological topics of interest. By the end of the semester, students will have a better understanding of themselves and the people around them.
PREREQUISITE: None

Sociology - Course No.: 4257F, 4258S

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

Sociology is the study of the effects of the environment on human behavior. Possible areas of study include, but are not limited to culture, social structure, socialization, sex roles, social interaction, organizations and bureaucracy, social deviance, stratification, ethnic relationships, institutions, and contemporary issues.
PREREQUISITE: None

 

Understanding Perspectives: African American Studies: 4223F, 4225S

GRADES: 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.5 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

African-American studies promotes a classroom environment of inquiry, discovery, and discussion that will guide students through an in-depth and detailed understanding of African-American history and the rich contributions made to American culture. The course will challenge stereotypes, biases, and misunderstandings about African Americans. The course will touch on essential themes including protest, activism, culture, and celebration. This is a one-semester, globally-focused course in The Global Scholar Program.
PREREQUISITE: None

United States History - Course No.: 4262

GRADES: 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0

United States History is a broad survey of the major social, economic, political, and cultural events, concepts, and themes that have been the forces in the development of the United States. Research work is required each semester.
PREREQUISITE: None

United States History Honors - Course No.: 4264

GRADES: 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0

United States History Honors is a broad survey of the major social, economic, political, and cultural events, concepts, and themes that have been forces in the development of the United States. This course emphasizes the use of primary resources, individual writing assignments, and in-depth analysis of issues and concepts such as revolution, economics, nationalism, sectionalism, imperialism, democracy and activism. Research work and writing are assigned each semester.  This course is intended for proficient readers and independent learners. 
PREREQUISITE: None (Completion of a World History course is recommended)  

World History - Course No.: 4272

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

World History examines the major trends in history, economics, and culture from a global perspective. Contemporary issues are included to show relationships between the past and present. This course is suggested for the student seeking to understand the dynamics of the world’s future.  Students will learn to analyze, evaluate and interpret historical events and trends.  Research work and writing are assigned each semester.
PREREQUISITE: None

World History Honors - Course No.: 4274

GRADES: 9, 10, 11, 12 LENGTH: Full Year CREDIT: 1.0 OTHER: Global Scholar Course

World History Honors examines the major trends in history, economics, literature, art, and culture from a global perspective. Contemporary issues are included to show relationships between the past and present. This course is suggested for the student seeking a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the world’s future. More individual writing, outside resources and in-depth analysis of topics are emphasized.   Students will learn to analyze, evaluate and interpret historical events and trends.  Research work and writing are assigned each semester.
PREREQUISITE: None