Social Studies
Our democracy is constantly evolving. That’s why the SHS Social Studies department is dedicated to developing students who can adapt to the enduring traditions and values of democracy.
By enrolling in social studies courses, students develop reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to understand historical, economic, and societal trends. This makes them well-informed citizens who will be motivated to participate in civic and community life.
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Courses
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AP Comparative Government & Politics
The course uses a comparative approach to examine the political structures, policies, and political, economic, and social challenges of six selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
AP US Government & Politics
AP US Government and Politics is an introductory college-level course in US government and politics.
AP US History
AP US History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university US history course.
AP World History
AP World History is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present.
Consumer Economics
Consumer Economics is designed to help the student understand the economic system of our nation and how it compares to those of other nations.
Current Issues & Solutions
This course is designed to aid the student in exploring and understanding different current issues in modern America.
Dual Credit US History
This class will study the social, economic, cultural, political, and constitutional development of the United States.
Economics
This one semester elective class is designed as an introduction to microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Government/Civics
This one semester class is designed to give the student a general overview of the American system of government.
Honors World Cultures
This course is geared towards students considering Advanced Placement and Dual Credit social studies courses in their academic future.
Independent Study in Social Studies
This independent study program is designed to assist the highly-motivated history student to explore topics of interest in detail. The course will be divided into two nine week segments with the objectives to be set forth by the student and teacher.
Law in American Society
It is essential for a democracy to have well-informed citizens. This class will raise awareness for the laws that protect and restrict you.
Military History
This class will study both the tragic and fascinating recurring theme in human history: armed conflict.
Psychology
This course will serve as an overview of the major fields within psychology with an emphasis on developing an understanding of psychology as the science of human thought and behavior.
Sociology
Sociology is an elective course that studies human society and social behavior.
US History
US History is the study of the development of social, economic, and political institutions in the United States and includes the relationship of this country to other parts of the world during the 20th century.
US History PBL (Project Based Learning)
US History is the study of the development of social, economic, and political institutions in the United States and includes the relationship of this country to other parts of the world during the 20th century.
Visual Cultures or Honors Visual Cultures
This course is a unique blend of the Studio Art and World Cultures curriculums. Students will have the opportunity to explore various cultures through a blend of social studies strategies as well as visual arts production.
World Cultures
World Cultures is a required one year long course that can be taken during a student’s freshman or sophomore year. This class is a people-centered study involving an in-depth look at the world’s major cultures.
World History
World History is the thematic study of historical interactions. The course's main purpose is to show how the development of history relates to mankind's development and present trends and influences.
Student Opportunities
History ClubÂ
The History Club aims at engaging students to learn about and preserve the history of our school and community while participating in civic activities.
Scholastic Bowl (Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference Affiliated)
Scholastic Bowl is a team sport in which students compete by answering questions in the categories of math, science, literature, social studies, and current events. The season begins second quarter and ends in early March.