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Academics
- Social Studies
Social Studies
Social Studies is the study of the relationship of people
to people and to their surroundings. Social Studies topics include,
history, politics, economics, psychology, anthropology and geography.
Four units of Social Studies are required for graduation from
BAHS. Each course has a .50 unit value, and every student must
be enrolled in a Social Studies course at all times. During
the first seven semesters of enrollment, each student will enroll
in the required course or a scholar section if available. During
the second semester of the senior year, students may choose
from four electives. The successful completion of the Graduation
Project shall be an integral part of the 2nd semester senior
year course. Two additional units of social studies are available
as electives.
Social Studies Course Sequence
| Grade |
Semester |
Non-Scholar Courses |
Scholar Courses |
| 9th Grade |
1st Semester |
US & PA History II |
US & PA History II-Scholar
|
| 2nd Semester |
US & PA History III |
US & PA History III-Scholar
|
| 10th Grade |
1st Semester |
Culture |
Culture-Scholar |
| 2nd Semester |
Individual |
Individual-Scholar |
| 11th Grade |
1st Semester |
Problem Analysis |
Problem Analysis-Scholar |
| 2nd Semester |
Political Process |
Political Process-Scholar
|
| 12 Grade |
1st Semester |
Economics |
Economics-Scholar |
| 2nd Semester Electives
Choose One |
Modern European History |
| Special Studies in Recent
America |
| Sociology |
| State & Local History
|
U.S. and Pa. History
II (F)
Grade 9 - 0.50 Units
This course continues the survey of U.S. History begun in grade
eight. It begins following the Spanish-American War and ends
in 1945 with the conclusion of World War II. A heavy emphasis
is placed on the events which shaped the lives and culture of
our ancestors.
U.S. and Pa. History II (Scholar)
(F)
Grade 9 - 0.50 Units
This course continues the survey of U.S. History begun in eighth
grade and is the first offering in the seven course "College
Prep" sequence. It begins following the Spanish-American War
and ends in 1945 with the conclusion of World War II. A heavy
emphasis is placed on the events which shaped the lives and
culture of our ancestors. A greater emphasis will be placed
on historical theory and a special unit on research methods
in Social Studies is included.
U.S. and Pa. History III (S)
Grade 9 - 0.50 Units
This course concludes the two-year survey of U.S. History started
in eighth grade. It begins with post-World War II times and
continues to the present. Present day social problems and major
events and trends in America are compared to historical events.
U.S. and Pa. History III (Scholar)
(S)
Grade 9 - 0.50 Units
This course concludes the two-year survey of U.S. History started
in eighth grade and is the second offering in the seven course
"College Prep" sequence. The course begins with post-World War
II times and continues to the present. Present day social problems
and major events and trends in America are compared to historical
events. A greater emphasis will be placed on historical theory
and a special unit expanding research methods in Social Studies
is included.
Introduction to Culture (F)
Grade 10 - 0.50 Units
The peoples of the world live in many different ways. This course
will attempt to draw together these various concepts introduced
through grade 9. Throughout this diversity, there is a common
structure that transcends obvious differences in lifestyle.
Introduction to Culture is designed to provide insight into
the various ways people live in groups and methods for rationally
examining the life styles of cultures throughout the world.
Introduction to Culture (Scholar)
(F)
Grade 10 - 0.50 Units
The peoples of the world live in many different ways. This course
will attempt to draw together these various concepts introduced
through grade 9. Throughout this diversity, there is a common
structure that transcends obvious differences in lifestyle.
Introduction to Culture-Scholar is designed to provide insight
into the various ways people live in groups and methods for
rationally examining the life styles of cultures throughout
the world.
The scholar course follows the same general path as the regular
course. Greater depth in the theories of Anthropology, as well
as greater detail concerning individual cultures will be examined.
The technical aspects of cultural anthropology will play a major
part in this course.
The Individual (S)
Grade 10 - 0.50 Units
Human behavior is governed by inherited tendencies and environment.
Each individual's uniqueness results from these independent
variables. The course is designed to provide the student with
an insight into his or her own personal behavior, and the behavior
of others.
The Individual (Scholar) (S)
Grade 10 - 0.50 Units
Human behavior is governed by inherited tendencies and environment.
Each individual's uniqueness results from these independent
variables. Individual-Scholar is designed to provide the student
with insight into his or her own behavior and the behavior of
others on a significantly higher level, especially as it relates
to theory.
Problem Analysis (F)
Grade 11 - 0.50 Units
Societies, in order to survive, must adjust to changing circumstances.
In democratic societies, these adjustments to change must be
based upon a majority consensus of citizen opinion. This course
contributes to the student's development as rational, humane
and participating members of American society by involving them
in the study, discussion and evaluation of fundamental controversies
over public policy in the United States. Problem Analysis as
it pertains to the individual will also be included.
Problem Analysis (Scholar) (F)
Grade 11 - 0.50 Units
Societies, in order to survive, must adjust to changing circumstances.
In democratic societies, these adjustments to change must be
based upon a majority consensus of citizen opinion. Despite
the core of common values that holds American society together,
there is widespread political conflict over the specific meaning
of the priority of values such as equality, freedom, justice,
and the dignity and worth of the individual. Furthermore, there
are differences in viewpoint regarding what public policies
will preserve or advance these values. This course contributes
to the students' development as rational, humane and participating
members of American society by involving them in the study,
discussion and evaluation of fundamental controversies over
public policy in the United States.
Political Process (S)
Grade 11 - 0.50 Units
This course will deal with the development, structure and function
of democratic government in the United States, especially at
the national level. The analysis of problems and public policy
issues emphasized in the Problem Analysis course is joined in
the course with the knowledge and skills citizens need in order
to play an active role in democratic policy making. Important
topics studied include: the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights,
the three branches of the national government, political parties,
lobbies and interest groups, elections and public opinion. A
unit on State and Local government is an essential part of the
course.
Political Process (Scholar) (S)
Grade 11 - 0.50 Units
This course will deal with the development, structure and function
of democratic government in the United States, especially at
the national level. The analysis of problems and public policy
issues emphasized in the Problem Analysis course is joined in
the course with the knowledge and skills citizens need in order
to play an active role in democratic policy making. Important
topics studied include: the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights,
the three branches of the national government, political parties,
lobbies and interest groups, elections and public opinion, political
theories and comparative government. A unit on State and Local
government is an essential part of the course. In addition to
these topics, students in the scholar level course will be required
to complete a formal research project.
Economics (F)
Grade 12 - 0.50 Units
This 18-week course will attempt to provide the student with
the minimal understanding of Economics that is necessary for
good citizenship. Students will learn how to study the economic
process from the standpoint of both the individual and of society:
personal economics will focus on personal decisions and participation
in economic life and societal economics will emphasize the basic
problems that a society must solve if it is to satisfy the economy's
needs. Students will be given an opportunity to apply the rational
thinking skills they learned in problem analysis to current
economic issues. Personal Economics will be emphasized in this
course.
Economics (Scholar) (F)
Grade 12 - 0.50 Units
This 18-week course will attempt to provide the student with
the minimal understanding of Economics that is necessary for
good citizenship. Students will learn how to study the economic
process from the standpoint of both the individual and of society:
personal economics will focus on personal decisions and participation
in economic life and societal economics will emphasize the basic
problems that a society must solve if it is to satisfy the economics
needs. Students will be given an opportunity to apply the rational
thinking skills they learned in problem analysis to current
economic issues. Societal economics will be emphasized in this
course. Research will be a major part of this course.
Contemporary Topics (F)
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 - Extra Elective
Only - 0.50 Units
Offered in Even Years
This course is designed to help the student develop skills necessary
for studying and keeping informed about current issues, problems
and events in future life. In doing so, students will be given
instruction in the areas of critical thinking, listening, detection
and evaluation of propaganda, judging factualness of information
and many other history and social science skills. Students will
be responsible for taking an active role in planning topics
for discussion and inquiry, as well as reporting their findings
to other members of the class.
Modern European History (S)
Grade 12 - 0.50 Units
A survey of European history with a special emphasis on events
leading to the development of nation states in 1500 will be
the basic content of this course. Special emphasis will be placed
on the Crusades and Heraldry. Some attention will be paid to
the conflict between constitutional and autocratic traditions.
The successful completion of a forty (40) hour SENIOR PROJECT
is a specific requirement of this course. If a student elects
to take two courses, then the SENIOR PROJECT will only be a
part of one, to be determined at the beginning of the semester,
with a class project assigned in the second course.
Special Studies in Early America
(F)
Grade 10, 11, 12 - 0.50 Units
Offered in Odd Years
This era of America's History is characterized by the developments
that led to the creation of America as an industrial giant.
The course will follow this development from the formation of
the young republic under the new constitution, through the expansion
years, the Civil War era, and onto the developments that allowed
America to emerge into the 20th century as an industrial power.
Special Studies in Recent America
(S)
Grade 10, 11, 12 - 0.50 Units
This period of the nation's history is marked by the impressive
developments that have carried the United States to the position
of leadership in the world. This course traces the dramatic
story of the "Golden Twenties"; the Great Depression of the
1930's; the excitement, tragedy and overwhelming sorrow of World
War II; and the years since 1945, years filled with trouble
and yet not without promise for the future. The successful completion
of a forty (40) hour SENIOR PROJECT is a specific requirement
of this course. If a student elects to take two courses, then
the SENIOR PROJECT will only be a part of one to be determined
at the beginning of the semester.
Sociology (S)
Grade 12 - 0.50 Units
This senior elective semester course introduces students to
the discipline of sociology. A primary aim of the course is
to help students develop a greater awareness of how their own
individual behavior is shaped by their interaction with others
in social groups. Standard sociological concepts such as culture,
role, status, norms, institutions, conflict and change are approached,
when possible, through topics and issues of current interest.
Students are given opportunities to learn the logic and methods
of the discipline through exercises in sociological inquiry.
The successful completion of a forty (40) hour SENIOR PROJECT
is a specific requirement of this course. If a student elects
to take two courses, then the SENIOR PROJECT will only be a
part of one to be determined at the beginning of the semester.
State and Local History (S)
Grade 11, 12 - 0.50 Units
This course is designed to give the students an opportunity
to study the history of our neighborhoods, including both local
and county histories, blended with national, state, and regional
histories. The focus in the first half of the semester will
be on the early development of Pennsylvania and its place in
national events. In the second half of the course, we will concentrate
our studies to include numerous topics of national, state, regional
and local history. During the course, the student will be challenged
to study the events of state and local history in order to gain
a deeper understanding of our heritage and to bring a closer
connection of local history with the larger events of national
history.
The student will be engaged in the study of Pennsylvania's geography,
economics, social and political events, and the history as it
interrelates with our neighborhood histories. Students will
be using printed materials from textbooks, newspapers, government
publications, movies on related topics, pictures, slides and
interviews to gain a fuller understanding of local history's
significance and meaning. Historical research will be encouraged
to enable the student to develop skills in the use of the library.
Daily class assignments will be centered around the specific
topics of state and local history, and must be completed in
order to receive the .50 unit for the course. In addition, the
student will be required to choose a topic of interest to be
studied throughout the course, with the intention of developing
a research or term paper on the subject. The student will be
required to keep a notebook and folder of projects to be handed
in at the end of the course. The successful completion of a
fort y (40) hour SENIOR PROJECT is a specific requirement of
this course. If a student elects to take two courses, then the
SENIOR PROJECT will only be a part of one to be determined at
the beginning of the semester.
Independent Study in Social Studies
I & II (F and/or S)
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 - With Permission
of Instructor and Social Studies Supervisor - 0.50 Units Each
This Independent Study course is designed for students who need
to go beyond the regular offerings to complete the four unit
Social Studies requirement.
Independent Study in Social Studies
Scholar I & II (F and/or S)
Grade 9, 10, 11, 12 - With Permission
of Instructor and Social Studies Supervisor - 0.50 Units Each
High ability students with an interest in Social Studies research
or course work not offered at BAHS may register for this independent
study course. A course plan with objectives and procedures must
be worked out with the instructor prior to approval.
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