ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
SOCIAL STUDIES
In order to graduate from Rogers High School after 2008, three years of social studies are required.

Students will demonstrate the acquisition of a body of knowledge by:

  • Reading for comprehension in the Social Studies classed offered at RHS
  • Evaluating and interpreting a variety of historical data, including primary and secondary sources.
  • Connecting the meaning of time and chronology as the basis for organizing historical thought.
  • Developing historical knowledge of major events and phenomena through the development of World and US History while identifying major issues, problems and decision making in regard to these historical events.
  • Analyzing the geographic world regions – using historical, cultural, economic and political characteristics.
  • Understanding and applying the basic principles and ideas underlying the American political system.
  • Applying the Five Themes of geography in understanding the role of geography in the development of human history and activities.
  • Integrating academic and career decision making skills as related to the Social Sciences.
Students will communicate effectively by:
  • Listening, observing, and reading primary and secondary sources.
  • Locating, selecting and organizing information.
  • Using information technology to assist in collecting, analyzing and presenting information.
  • Developing formal written reports organized in a logical and purposeful manner.
  • Communicating as an individual, in groups, and as a class.
  • Developing multi-media presentations combining various communication techniques.
  • Using the fundamental process of speaking and listening to express, learn and explore the Social Sciences.
Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically and to work cooperatively and independently to solve problems by:
  • Applying the problem solving strategies in purposeful ways, both in situations where the problem and desired outcomes are clearly evident and in situations where they are not.
  • Organizing historical thoughts by gathering, organizing, examining, evaluating, and interpreting data.
  • Using research techniques in the classroom.
  • Creating original ideas and solutions when dealing with Social Science projects.
Students will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the rights and responsibilities necessary to learn, live and work in a culturally diverse and democratic society by:
  • Modeling productive citizenship
  • Managing and directing his/her own learning
  • Functioning effectively with others to achieve a shared goal.
  • Adhering to the class profile of expectations in the Social Studies course offerings. Though slightly varied in classes, in general:
  • Attends class and arrives on time with appropriate tools
  • Plans and follows through with goals, assignments, projects, papers, etc.
  • Meets deadlines
  • Adhering to the discipline code of the school as outlined in the RHS handbook
An American History course is required for a Rogers High School diploma by all incoming 9th grade students.

bulletWORLD HISTORY #602
1 Credit – Grade 9
World History is a survey course that covers history form the beginning of human civilizations to the present. Unit of Study include: Early Civilizations: Prehistory – AD 1570 (Ancient Middle East, Egypt, India, China, Greece and Rome); Regional Civilizations: 730BC-AD1650 (Feudalism and the Rise of Europe, The Holy Roman Empire, African Kingdoms, Muslim Civilizations, East and Southeast Asian Civilizations); Early Modern Times: 1300-1800 (The Renaissance and Reformation, Scientific Revolution, European Exploration and Conquest; The Enlightenment and Revolution: 1700-1850 (American Revolution, French Revolution, Industrial Revolution): Industrialism and a New Global Age: 1800-1914 (Nationalism in Europe, Western Democracies, Imperialism, China and Japan): War and Revolutions: 1910-1955 (World War I, Russian Revolution, World War II and Aftermath); The World Since 1945: 1945-Present (The Cold War, Developing Nations, Regional Conflicts, Latin America, The Middle East, Asia, Africa, Globalization and the Global Economy). Students develop an understanding of the major themes in the study of World History, develop the ability to analyze historical evidence, and develop the ability to analyze and express historical understanding in writing.
bulletUNITED STATES HISTORY 1 #651
1 Credit – Grade 10 beginning with the 2009-10 school year.
This required course surveys the development of the United States using the History Standards which include: Chronological Thinking, Use of Historical Data, Analysis and Interpretation and Historical Knowledge. The history of the United States is traced from the Age of Exploration to the Age of Jackson. Students are placed in United States History based on standardized scores, teacher recommendations and previous Social Studies grades.
This course is required of all 10th grade students.
bulletUNITED STATES HISTORY II #672
1 Credit – Grade 11
This is a survey course that traces the basic concepts of American History from the 1820’s through present day. This required course surveys the development of the United States using the History standards which include: Chronological Thinking, Use of Historical Data, Analysis and Interpretation and Historical Knowledge. Students can expect assignments such as essays and oral presentations. A research paper is required. Students will be required to participate in the National History Day program. Students are placed in United States History based on standardized scores, teacher recommendations and previous Social Studies grades.

ELECTIVE COURSES FOR GRADES 10 – 12

bulletAFRICAN/AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY #685
.5 Credit – Semester Course – Grades 10-12
This survey course will cover the historical development of the African continent from ancient times, the development of African kingdoms; the period of colonial rule to the period of African nation building. Attention will be given to the present day problems in Africa. The course will also examine the experiences of African-Americans in the United States from the colonial period to the present day.
bulletADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY #632
1 Credit – Grades 10-12
This course follows the Advanced Placement curriculum written by the College Board as preparation of the College Board Advanced Placement Exam given in May. All students in this course are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May. Students may receive up to six college credits depending on their score on this exam. AP European History covers the period 1450 to present. Due to the level and purpose of this course, students must be prepared to do extensive reading of primary and secondary sources, research projects and essays. At least one term paper is required. Emphasis is placed on cultural, scientific, and philosophical developments in European history, as well as political developments. This course provides an excellent opportunity for high school students to experience the pace of a college course. Students must maintain a B- or better average each quarter to continue enrollment in this course. This is a course for students with a strong desire to study history or related fields in college.
Prerequisites:

  • Previous history grade in the B range or better
  • Social Studies teacher recommendation
  • Acceptance of summer reading list
  • Department Head approval
GEOGRAPHY COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students will learn to apply the five themes of Geography (Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement and Regions) to nations of the world and they will develop an understanding of world cultures. In addition, emphasis will be placed on map skills and learning the political boundaries of the countries of the world today. Two semester courses offer students an overview of the world today.

bulletGEOGRAPHY: NORTH AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA, EUROPE #680
.5 Credit – Semester Course – Grades 9-12
bulletGEOGRAPHY: AFRICA, ASIA, AUSTRALIA #681
.5 Credit – Semester Course – Grades 9-12
bulletANCIENT HISTORY A #600
.5 Credit – Semester Course – Grades 10-12
A survey course in which students trace the development of man from prehistoric times through the river civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt. Classical Greece and its contributions to Western Civilization are emphasized.
bulletANCIENT HISTORY B #603
.5 Credit – Semester Course – Grades 10-12
A survey course in which students study the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and the contributions Rome made to Western Civilization. The Middle Ages and the Age of Chivalry are also studied.
bulletEUROPEAN HISTORY #631
1 Credit – Grades 10-12
This course is designed for students highly motivated in Social Studies. Students will analyze how Europe came to dominate the world, and lose it after World War II. Students will become familiar with history makers ranging from Louis IV, Napoleon, and Hitler to Gorbachev. Special emphasis is placed on the changing role of Europe in the world today. Work includes critical essays, research papers, oral reports, and exhibition projects.

JUNIOR AND SENIOR ELECTIVES

bulletADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY #670
1 Credit – Grade 11
This course follows the Advanced Placement curriculum written by the College Board as preparation for the College Board Advanced Placement Exam given in May. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May. Students may receive up to six college credits depending on their score on this exam. Given the level and purpose of the course, students must be prepared to do extensive readings of primary and secondary sources, research projects, debates, journal and essays. At least one term paper is required. This course provides an excellent opportunity for high school students to experience the pace of a college course. Student must maintain a B- average each quarter.
This can be taken in place of US History II
Prerequisites:

  • Previous history grade in the B range or better
  • Social Studies teacher recommendations
  • Acceptance of summer reading list
  • Department Chair approval
bulletINTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY #684
1 Credit – Grades 11-12
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of psychology. Topics include such areas as personality, human growth and development, counseling and psychotherapy. Students must be willing to participate in class discussions and work together on class projects. Recommended for college bound students. Critical essays, research papers and projects are required each quarter.
bulletADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY #655
1 Credit – Grade 12
A full year college level course for the student who would like to earn college credit. Course focus will be based on preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam which is required for all students in this course. Topics covered will be: Sensation and perception, learning, motivation and emotion, memory and thought, attitude formation, altered states of consciousness, language development and the scientific study of the behavior of living things. Use of the Internet as a major part of the course is required as well as traditional modes of research.
Prerequisites:
  • Previous Social Studies teacher recommendation
  • Final grade of B or above in previous Social Studies course
  • Department Chair approval
bulletYOUTH AND THE LAW #654
.5 Credit – Semester Course – Grades 11-12
The focus in this course is the study of civil law, criminal law and the judicial process. In this course students will examine and participate in simulated cases of intentional and unintentional liability and various criminal offenses. Students will actively replay the judicial process. Guest speakers, field trips (where possible), and simulated experiences are widely used in this course of study. Essays, projects and research papers on the criminal justice system are required.