Graduation Academy Social Studies

Course Offerings

• Government introduces the student to the basic principles of political science. Students will also examine historical ideas and values, which contributed to the American democracy. Emphasis is placed on students becoming part of an active citizenry. The semester course covers the foundation, principles, and structure of the American government along with strategies for becoming an informed citizen.

• This course is a comprehensive study focusing on major themes and concepts essential to understanding American economic, political, and social institutions. Learning emphasizes analytical writing, interpreting historical documents, developing both written and oral communication skills, understanding cause and effect relationships, discovering and significance of people, places and events impacting U.S. History, and applying historical principles in today's world.

• This course will be divided into themes of study centered on life in 20th Century America. Students will research topics to gather background information on the people, places and events being depicted in the films. Students will draw on their knowledge of history and filmmaking to analyze and critique films and to determine their historical accuracy.  Currently, students will study the civil rights movement in America.

• Street Law will provide students with a practical understanding of law and the legal system. Through this class students will gain a better understanding of the roles that law, lawyers, law enforcement officers, and the legal system play in our society.

• Street Law II is open to students who have successfully completed Street Law I. Students' interests drive the curriculum selection for this semester course. Current areas of study are the death penalty, juvenile justice, and 1st Amendment rights.

• World Geography is a course designed to help students acquire a better understanding of the world in which they live by analyzing where and how people live, their culture, and how they fit in an interdependent global society.  Our primary focus will be physical locations, climate, history, economics, and social concerns.