Government & Sociology
Twelfth Grade
Upper School
Grade(s)
Division
Participation in Government & Sociology
Participation in Government (Semester 1)
Course Description:
The Participation in Government course intends to empower students with the various skills and knowledge needed to actively participate in the American democratic process by providing an understanding of government structures and civic responsibilities. Students will examine the history of the American government, its evolution, and the contemporary issues faced within our current period.
Essential Questions:
1. How can informed and active citizen participation impact our democracy?
2. What are government roles, responsibilities, and limitations at various levels?
3. How can students translate civic knowledge into effective civic action?
Key Topics:
1. Civic Duties: voting, jury duty, taxes, participating in govt., etc.
2. Governments: democracy, oligarchy, monarchy, totalitarian, etc.
3. The U.S. Constitution: Origins, principles, and amendments.
4. Branches of Government: Role and functions of the three branches.
5. State and Local Government: Understanding non-federal governments
6. Civic Engagement: Voting, activism, and the power of the individual citizen.
7. Rights and Responsibilities: Civil rights, civil liberties, and obligations as citizens.
8. Contemporary Issues: Current events, policies, and progressive movements.
Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
The Participation in Government course intends to prepare students to be active contributors within a democratic society. Promoting skills so students can stay informed, engaged, and responsible citizens are key aspects of the Participation in Government course.
1. Students will understand the structures and functions of the American government at the federal, state, and local levels.
2. Students will develop critical thinking skills through analyzing policies, decisions, and current events.
3. Students will engage individually and within groups in thoughtful debates about current issues.
4. Students will understand the roles of the American citizen - this course seeks for students to exercise their rights and responsibilities.
Areas for Social-Emotional Learning & Executive Functioning Growth:
1. Empathy: Students will develop empathy and perspective-taking by learning about various cultures, points of view, and diverse societies.
2. Effective Communication and teamwork: Learned through collaboration and class discussions.
3. Time and Self-Management: The development of EF skills through independent research, assignments, and projects.
4. Decision-Making: Examining historical strategies will foster effective decision-making skills.
Sociology (Semester 2)
Course Description:
Sociology is about people – how they act, interact, and react with one another. Through this course, students will better understand the complexities of human societies. This senior-level class intends to better prepare students for life in a university setting. This course is to help students understand their place in the groups to which they belong and the function, influence, and interaction within institutions, neighborhoods, and societies. Sociology investigates human society, social relations, organization, and change. This course encourages critical analysis and fosters a deeper understanding of the social world by examining various principles, theories, and methods of sociology. Students will use surveys, case studies, experiments, and interviews to help them gain a better understanding of the people who make up the planet.
Essential Questions:
1. How do societal structures, norms, and institutions shape human behavior and interactions?
2. What are social inequality and injustice's root causes and consequences?
3. How can sociological insights inform our approach to addressing real-world social issues?
Key Topics:
1. Introduction to Sociology: Concepts, theories, and research methods.
2. Institutions: Family, education, religion, the media, etc.
3. Socialization and Identity: How individuals develop within society - how a society develops people.
4. Social Structures and ROles: Class, race, gender, etc.
5. Deviance and Social Control: Crime, conformity, and the criminal justice.
6. Social Change: Technology, globalization, and social movements.
7. Applied Sociology: Using Sociology theories and methods in society.
Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
The main objective of the Sociology course is to equip students with the essential tools to analyze and understand the complex web of human societies. By encouraging social-emotional growth and the development of critical thinking and executive functioning skills, this course will empower students to apply sociological insights to create positive change in the world.
1. Students will analyze and interpret social phenomena and perspectives.
2. Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing policies, decisions, and current events.
3. Students will develop critical thinking and research skills through sociological inquiry.
4. Students will discuss complex social issues and controversies.
5. Students will apply sociological knowledge to real-world problems and advocacy efforts.
Areas for Social-Emotional Learning & Executive Functioning Growth:
1. Empathy: Students will develop empathy and perspective-taking by learning about various cultures, points of view, and diverse societies.
2. Effective Communication and teamwork: Learned through collaboration and class discussions.
3. Time and Self-Management: The development of EF skills through independent research, assignments, and projects.
4. Decision-Making: Examining historical strategies will foster effective decision-making skills.