Why do human beings behave the way they do? Is hu- man behavior primarily instinctual, learned, or a combination of nature and nurture? To what degree has evolution sculpted human behavior? How do the various subfields of psychology differ? Is it true that given the development of new technology, most human behaviors can now be explained by understanding the biological processes of the brain? By the end of the course, students will be able to formulate their own answers to these questions and better understand their own behavior and the behavior of those around them. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students can take the AP exam in May. Prior course work in regular Psychology is not required.

Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 3.80 or above and consent of current AP US Government Instructor

Who ultimately holds power in the United States? Does power equally lie with our Congress, president and judicial system, which “check and balance” each other? Or do other persons/groups--such as committee chairmen, political action committees or the media--ultimately “call the shots”? And what power do average people--like you and me--have? To answer these and other fundamental questions about the American political system, students will study aspects of the lawmaking and policy making process. Topics covered include, among others, the Constitution, federalism, civil liberties, public opinion campaigns, interest groups, Congress and the lawmaking process, the Presidency, the judicial system, economic policy, foreign policy, and state and local governments. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May.

Credit: 1 unit
Eligible Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: Admission into the honors program is considered only at the beginning of each academic year. Only those students who have their World History teachers’ approval may be added to an honors roster. To qualify for approval, students must, in the opinion of their teachers, have both the work ethic and the critical thinking, reading, writing, and interpretive skills needed to succeed in Honors Advanced Placement U.S. History. 

This course is an in-depth study of the cultural, economic and political history of the United States. This course requires students to read and analyze at the college level as well as the use of additional source materials. Students are expected to meet additional research and writing requirements beyond those of the standard United States History course. Students are required to pass the U.S. and Illinois Constitution tests upon completion of this course. This course follows the scope and sequence as described by the Advanced Placement program. If a student chooses to drop out of AP at semester, they will automatically be placed in US III for the next semester. Completion of AP History covers all regular US history courses; therefore, a student may not enroll in US III as an elective in their future course work. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in May.

Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Sociology

This course gives students an opportunity to learn about the criminal mind by looking at classical and modern theories behind some of the most notorious criminal figures and infamous events in history. This is an academic course that looks to inform students on some of the most crucial unlawful troubles in society while examining what role crime plays in race and class in our culture. The class studies the attempts society makes to control criminal actions and bring order to humanity.

Credit: .5 units

Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

 

This course is designed to explain the role that economics plays in the decision-making process. First, students learn about microeconomics--how individual choices affect supply and demand, organization of individual business firms and markets, and how individual incomes are determined. Next, students learn about macroeconomics--choices made by the whole economy, gross  domestic product, unemployment, inflation, and money supply and banking systems. Last, students learn about the world economy--how choices affect the global economy, international trade, and problems of less-developed countries.

Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 3.80 or above and consent of current Honors Economics Instructor

This course is an in-depth study of the role that economics plays in the decision-making process. First, students learn about microeconomics--how individual choices affect supply and demand, the organization of individual business firms and markets, and how individual incomes are determined. Next, students learn about macroeconomics--choices made by the whole economy, gross domestic product, unemployment, inflation, and money supply and banking systems. Last, students learn about the world economy--how choices affect the global economy, international trade, and problems of less-developed countries. This challenging course also includes a 12-week project dealing with the role of consumers in the global economy with real life applications. Students who earned credit in Economics may not enroll in this course.

Credit: .5

Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11

Prerequisite: None

 

Credit: .5 units

Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

 

This course provides students with a broad overview of the field of Psychology. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students will also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Emphasis is placed on psychoanalytic, behavioristic,  humanistic  and  cognitive  approaches  to  human behavior. Topics covered include a brief history of the field, psychological methods, biology and behavior, learning, memory, adolescence, adulthood, gender roles, and psychological disorders. Students that have completed one or both semesters of AP Psychology are not eligible for this course, but may choose to take AP Psychology following the completion of this course.

Credit: .5 units

Eligible Grade Level: 11, 12

Prerequisite: None

 

This course covers the basic study of sociology  by introducing the founding sociologists and theories that underscore this social science. The course explores the main theories that define social issues of culture, societal structure, race, gender, adolescence  and stratification. This knowledge precedes a study of the break-down in society which leads to deviance and the need for social control. This course is a prerequisite for Criminology.

Credit: .5 units

Eligible Grade Level: 10

Prerequisite: World History

 

All sophomore students are required to take this course. This course provides an overview of the cultural,  eco-nomic, and political history of the United States from the Pre-Columbian period through the Civil War. Students examine history through a number of methods, and an emphasis is placed on student-centered exercises while evaluation extends from traditional testing to student projects and presentations. U.S. History is required for graduation from St. Francis High School and by the State of Illinois. The course also fulfills the State of Illinois requirements for the U.S. Constitution exam. The normal content of the course is enhanced by the use of the following strategies & resources: primary sources, secondary sources, group work, political cartoons, class discussion, think pair share activities, lectures, note taking, map work, term papers, debates, documentaries, films, handouts, written and reading homework.

 

Students are required to pass the U.S. and Illinois constitution tests upon completion of this course. Students that have successfully earned credit in A.P. US History are not eligible for this course.

Credit: .5 units
Eligible Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: U.S. History I

This course provides an overview of the cultural, economic, and political history of the United States from the period of post-Civil War through World War II. The normal content of the course is enhanced by the use of the following strategies & resources: primary sources, secondary sources, group work, political cartoons, class discussion, think pair share activities, lectures, note taking, map work, term papers, debates, documentaries, films, handouts, written and reading homework. Students that have successfully earned credit in AP U.S. History are not eligible for this course.

Credit: 1 unit

Eligible Grade Level: 9

Prerequisite: None

 

This course provides an introduction to and general treatment of World History with special attention to pivotal periods in the development of Western Civilization. Students examine history through a number of methods, and an emphasis is placed on student-centered exercises while evaluation extends from traditional testing to student presentations. Fundamental study skills such reading, listening, writing/note taking and critical thinking will be fostered so students have the opportuning to develop the habits and techniques that will be useful at the college level.