Social Studies Department
Course Descriptions
World History and Geography: The Industrial Revolution to the Contemporary World
Students will study the rise of the nation-state in Europe, the origins and consequences of the Industrial Revolution, political reform in Western Europe, imperialism across the world, and the economic and political roots of the modern world. Students will explain the causes and consequences of the great military and economic events of the past century, including the World Wars, Great Depression, Cold War, and Russian and Chinese Revolutions. Students will study the rise of nationalism and the continuing persistence of political, ethnic, and religious conflict in many parts of the world. Students will explore geographic influences on history, with attention to political boundaries that developed with the evolution of nations from 1750 to the present and the subsequent human geographic issues that dominate the global community. Additionally, students will examine aspects of technical geography and how these innovations continuously impact geopolitics in the contemporary world.
Government
Students will study the purposes, principles, and practices of American government as established by the United States Constitution. Students will learn the structure and processes of the government of the state of Tennessee and local governments. Students will recognize their rights and responsibilities as citizens as well as how to exercise these rights and responsibilities at the local, state, and national levels.
Students will complete the state-required U.S. Citizenship test in this class as well.
U.S. History and Geography – Reconstruction to Present
This is an EOC Course
Students will examine the causes and consequences of the Industrial Revolution and the United States’ growing role in world diplomatic relations, including the Spanish-American War and World War I. Students will study the goals and accomplishments of the Progressive movement and the New Deal. Students will also learn about the various factors that led to our nation’s entry into World War II, as well as the consequences for American life. Students will explore the causes and course of the Cold War. Students will study the important social, cultural, economic, and political changes that have shaped the modern-day U.S. resulting from the Civil Rights Movement, Cold War, and recent events and trends. Additionally, students will learn about the causes and consequences of contemporary issues impacting the world today. Students will continue to use skills for historical and geographical analysis as they examine U.S. history after Reconstruction, with special attention to Tennessee's connections in history, geography, politics, and people. Students will continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography within the context of U.S. history. The reading of primary source documents is a key feature of the U.S. history course. Specific primary sources have been embedded within the standards for depth and clarity. Finally, students will focus on current human and physical geographic issues important in the contemporary U.S. and global society.
Economics (0.5 credit Course)
Students will examine the allocation of scarce resources and consider the economic reasoning used by consumers, producers, savers, investors, workers, and voters. Students will explore the concepts of scarcity, supply and demand, market structures, national economic performance, money and the role of financial institutions, economic stabilization, and trade. Finally, students will examine key economic philosophies and economists who have and continue to influence economic decision making.
Personal Finance (0.5 Credit Course)
Personal Finance is a foundational course designed to inform students how individual choices directly influence occupational goals, future earning potential, and long-term financial well-being. The standards in this course cover decision-making skills related to goal setting, producing income, budgeting, saving, borrowing, managing risk, and investing. The course helps students meet the growing complexities of personal financial management and consumer decision making. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will understand how their decisions will impact their future financial well-being.