Social Studies
     
Academic U.S. Cultures I (Prerequisite: None)
  Democracy and the presentation of America is an ongoing process, therefore we must understand our past to successfully undertake the challenges of the future. Academic U.S. I will present a detailed approach to America, beginning with exploration and ending in 1876. Students will be able to participate in multi-disciplinary projects including, but not limited to, Art, Music, Religion, Literature, and Geography. Intense research and writing across the curriculum will be used to better understand the events and people who built America. Academic skills will be stressed so that the students will successfully receive an in-depth background to America Culture. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
     
Comprehensive U.S. Cultures I (Prerequisite: None)
  Comprehensive U.S. I will present a detailed approach to America, beginning with exploration and ending in 1876. Students will be able to participate in multi-disciplinary projects including, but not limited to, Art, Music, Religion, Literature, and Geography. Basic research and writing across the curriculum will be used to better understand the events and people who built America. Academic skills will be stressed so that the students will successfully receive an in-depth background to America Culture. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
     
Academic U.S. Cultures II (Prerequisite: Academic U.S. I)
  Since our Nation certainly did not end in 1876, it is altogether appropriate to continue an investigation of American culture to the present. Academic U.S. II will stress the same skills and objectives as Academic U.S. I. An emphasis will be placed on America's growing diversity and the accompanying challenges. This course is designed for the academic level and college-bound student. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
     
Comprehensive U.S. Cultures II (Prerequisite: U.S. Cultures I)
  Since our Nation certainly did not end in 1876, it is altogether appropriate to continue an investigation of American culture to the present. Comprehensive U.S. II will stress the same skills and objectives as Comprehensive U.S. I. An emphasis will be placed on America's growing diversity and the accompanying challenges. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
     
Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics
(B average in Academic U.S. Cultures I and II or a teacher recommendation)
  "If all men were angels there would be no need for government." Advanced Placement Government is a course for talented students who will focus on the constitutional basis of U.S. government and the duties of all Americans. Students will research and study political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups, and mass media as they relate to the way we govern ourselves. Course objectives include preparation for the College Board Advance Placement Examination for possible credit, appreciation and better understanding of politics and political behavior, and improvement of critical thinking and analysis. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle. This course will not replace the 11th grade mandatory Government and Economics course.
     
Academic Government /Economics
(Prerequisite: Academic U.S. Cultures or the recommendation from U.S. Cultures I or U.S. Cultures II teacher.)
  We enjoy the gift of freedom for which others have paid the price. We owe the same to our children. No aspect of life goes untouched by government and every American family makes daily economic decisions that affect their lives. Academic Government provides students with the sense of their place as young responsible Americans. The institutions responsible for making and enforcing policies and laws of the nation are examined. The course concludes by comparing different governments of the world. It is an academically demanding course. Academic economic is a study of the economic theory and an in-depth study of economic problems facing the United States and the world. Students will be presented with the interrelated and complex problems which arise due to the different values which exist throughout the economic world. In both segments of the course, students will have the opportunity to participate in a "mock" United Nations, and experience other field trips which reinforce classroom concepts already presented. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
     
Comprehensive Government/Economics
(Prerequisite: U.S. Cultures I and II)
  The quality of our lives depends upon the quality of our government and individual economic decisions. In order for students to make rational, informed choices, the decision making process will be examined and practiced. Examples of this will include voting, volunteering, input into local and state government, check writing, credit card use, budgeting, banking, taxes, and becoming involved in any other pertinent activities. Students will have the opportunity to participate in field trips which will reinforce classroom concepts already present. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
     
Academic World Design, Local History, and Research
Prerequisite: U.S. I, U.S. II, Govt/Econ)
  To fully understand and appreciate our local history, we must place our local events into a world perspective. This course will identify major events in our local history and place them in a world perspective both historically and geographically. This course is designed for students interested in an in-depth study of local history. Students will select a topic of local interest, investigate and research the topic, and prepare and present the results in a multi-faceted presentation. Research techniques and writing skills will be stressed in this historical forum. Students will have the opportunity to visit chosen research sites for hands-on experiences and research. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
     
Academic World Design, Human Awareness, and Diversity
(Prerequisite: U.S. I, U.S. II, Govt/Econ)
  To understand ourselves, we need to understand those around us. After all it is becoming a smaller world. In today's ethnically, radically, and religiously diverse society, understanding and tolerance are the keys to survival. When we accept that we all have the same goals, we realize that working together achieves a more harmonious world. To this end, the World Design, Human Awareness & Diversity course will first analyze the world from a geographic and cultural context. The Human Awareness course will then analyze aspects of the human experience to meet this end. Students will investigate the life experiences of others, including but not limited to, dress, food, holidays, dance, music, literature, religion, and traditions. For Eastern students to better understand this concept, they will investigate the changing human experience within their own community. This course will reach out and visit local diversity such as Lancaster County Amish, Mennonites, Cinco de Mayo and Kwanzaa. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
     
Comprehensive World Design, Human Awareness & Diversity
(Prerequisite: U.S. Cultures I, II & Govt/Econ)
   
     
Contemporary Issues (Prerequisite: U.S. Cultures I)
  With young people in today's society facing so many contemporary problems and issues, it is imperative that these students be able to discuss, elaborate upon, and research the topics. The course will initiate the student's ability to express themselves appropriately and work together within a team to solve problems. This course will stress the individual responsibility as it relates to team building skills to reach objectives. This course does not replace any required Social Studies course. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
     
American Honor/Local Roots (Prerequisite: None)
  As American pride rises from tragedy, it is imperative that students understand the responsibility of citizenship. This course shows the sacrifices made and the standards established to achieve and maintain freedom. The knowledge of the Constitution, the structure and function of the United States, Pennsylvania and local municipal governments, and the role of the student-citizen will be stressed. Visitations to local and state government facilities, as well as speakers will be used to meet this objective. For the student to fully achieve this, an understanding of local roots must take place. Local history not covered in U.S. Cultures I will be investigated to enrich the student-citizen concept. 1 credit - 6 periods/cycle.
     
     
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