The purpose of Human Geography is to introduce students to the study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding and interaction with our planet. Through a variety of classroom activities, students will gain an appreciation and understanding of the interdependent world in which they live. Students will use geographic concepts and skills to understand the complex interaction between humans and the geography surrounding them. Finally, the course will create a practical understanding of geography and foster students to develop a worldview that transcends their immediate surroundings.
Human Geography Honors
The purpose of Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its consequences. Through examining historical and contemporary issues, students will use geographic concepts and skills to understand the complex interaction between humans and the environment. Finally the course will create an in-depth understanding of geography and foster a worldview that transcends immediate their surroundings.
US Government & Politics College Prep
This full year course is designed to teach students the fundamental skills required to effectively and fully participate in the political processes that are a daily part of living in a democratic society at the community, state and federal level. Students will focus on the nature of power and authority, foundations of American government, political participation and behavior of the American citizenry, the workings of the federal government and creation of public policy and an in-depth look at the judicial system and procedural law. Students will develop their reading and writing skills through analysis of both historical and modern texts related to government and politics in the United States. In order to successfully complete this course each student must pass both the Federal and Illinois Constitution exams required by state law, which will be given in the first semester of the course.
US Government & Law Honors
This full year course is designed to teach students the fundamental skills required to effectively and fully participate in the political processes that are a daily part of living in a democratic society at the community, state and federal level. Students will focus on the nature of power and authority, foundations of American government, political participation and behavior of the American citizenry, the workings of the federal government and creation of public policy and an in-depth look at the judicial system and procedural law. The honors level course will emphasize increased focus on longer term, large scale projects that require students to actually participate in government & politics and mock trials/moot courts through the application of content and skills learned throughout this course. Students will develop their reading and writing skills through analysis of both historical and modern texts related to government and politics in the United States. In order to successfully complete this course each student must pass both the Federal and Illinois Constitution exams required by state law, which will be given in the first semester of the course.
AP Government and Politics
This yearlong course explores the political theory and everyday practice that direct the daily operation of our government and shape our public policies. One express purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the AP Exam for U.S. Government and Politics. This course is for all intents and purposes taught on a college level and requires a substantial amount of reading and preparation for every class. This course is required for graduation. In order to successfully complete the course each student must pass both the Federal and Illinois Constitution exams required by state law. The test will be administered no less than 10 school days before the last day of regularly scheduled classes of the semester. All re-tests must be completed 5 school days before the last regularly scheduled day of classes. Students are also required to complete a Participation Project in which they actively participate in the community and write a paper on their experience.
