SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM
Social Studies is and integral part of a student's education. Every day, people will deal with social studies issues. Our goal as a social studies department is to have our students understand what is happening in the political arena in the United States, the dynamics of the U.S. economy, local government and the influence of other nations and cultures on our personal lives.
Critical thinking, writing, and research skills play a fundamental role in all the social studies classes. We believe we are preparing our students to be good citizens, who have the knowledge to understand what is happening in the world and the United States. We also help the students realize the importance of being active and involved citizens.
WORLD HISTORY
World History is taught for grades 9-12. It covers all aspects of history and is very important for understanding what is happening in the world today. Different aspects of social studies including geography, economics, current events, American history and government are touched upon. Students will research world cultures. Application of this research allows students to better understand today's world.
AMERICAN HISTORY
American History is a required course for all juniors. The course covers the complete time frame of American History from the first inhabitants until present, with more time and emphasis placed on the years from the Civil War toward today. Instructional methods include lecture, discussion, reading the text, various types of writing activities, and videos. Emphasis is placed on discussion in class, with the relevance of the material to today's world being highlighted. Students are expected not only to learn the content, but to understand history as a natural progression that includes an explainable past, and a somewhat predictable future. Students should leave the course with improved writing and critical thinking skills, and should have a greater understanding of America's core democratic values.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY
World Geography is a social studies elective taken mainly by freshmen and sophomores, with a few juniors and seniors in the mix as well. The content at the beginning of the course includes basic concepts that are key to understanding both physical and cultural geography. Once that is covered, the course moves on to various regions of the world, and the physical and cultural characteristics of each region are studied. Throughout the course, students study much of the globe, focusing on culture, environment, politics, economics, and conflict, as well as many other areas. Current events play a major role in the course making the relevance of the content obvious to the students. Instruction and evaluation not only deal with content, but are designed to improve writing and critical thinking skills as well.
GOVERNMENT
Government is a required course for all Newaygo High school Seniors. It is a two-semester course dealing with nationals, state and local government systems. The year begins with the formation of the American governmental system, the development of the constitution and the Bill of Rights. Emphasis is placed on representative democracy and our rights and responsibilities as citizens. An "Election Convention" is held on election years. This simulated party convention includes the nomination procedure, campaigning for office, the importance of voting, and an in depth look into national issues concerning Americans at the time of the actual elections.
The three branches of government are studied with the final project a "Mock court Trial." The students become lawyers, witnesses and court officers and prepare cases for trial. On trial day, everyone comes dressed in character for a full day of action in a real courtroom in White Cloud. Judge Drake, Prosecutor Roach and County Clerk Laurel Brueker assist the students in preparing lifelike cases, leaving the students with a sound sense of accomplishment.
The final making period is filled with governmental officials who give up a day of their busy work schedule to come speak with the students. Mayors, FBI agents, State Police officers, the Sheriff, local government clerks, and many more. Students are also given the opportunity to vote on actual voting machines and register to vote.
ECONOMICS
Economics is a comprehensive look at the American economic system. Students are given instructed in theoretical concepts and simulations.
PSYCHOLOGY
Psychology is an overview of the field of psychology. Emphasis is placed on the field of Developmental Psychology from conception to death. Mini-units include the brain, personality, and abnormal psychology.
SOCIOLOGY
Sociology is the scientific study of human society. Using theoretical models, students are encouraged to look at the world they live in with analytical eyes.
CURRENT EVENTS
No Description available 
11110000100010001100110010101010100010001111111111001100111111111000000011110000111111111100000010000000111100001010101010100000
|