BHS Course Catalog

Social Studies

Freshman

Cultural Studies (2 terms B602/B650) AP Human Geography (2 terms B607)

Sophomore

World History (2 terms B651) AP European History (2 terms B622)

Junior

American History (2 terms B606) AP United States History (2 terms B624)

Senior

American Government (1 term B613) AP American Government (2 terms B614)

Electives: (All electives may be taken in Junior or Senior year)

Economics (1 term B604) AP Psychology: Dual Credit (2 terms B620)
Political Science (1 term B603) Sociology (1 term B616)
Psychology (1 term B614) College American History: Dual Credit              (2 terms B612) Sr Only

 

Cultural Studies (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: None 

Level: Fr 

Fee: None 

In this introductory and required high school social studies class, students will engage in an in-depth study of many elements of local and global cultures.  Students will focus their inquiry on questions that will foster their ability to uncover major areas of global cultural diversity and some of the cultural origins of the modern world.   Our approach will enable students to experience and appreciate the significance of culture in their lives from both a global and local perspective. Throughout the semester, students will be introduced to a broad offering of topics and concepts in a range of the social sciences, including history, human geography with a focus on human-environmental interaction, comparative educational, political, economic and religious systems analyses.  Emphasis will also be placed on current events and issues that continue to define the globalized world.  The course also serves as an introduction to fundamental skills and concepts in the social sciences. Such skills and concepts include, but are not limited to: research, close reading, annotation, writing, technology, oral presentation, and critical thinking.  This course is designed to provide students with a concept and skill base for their academic progression through Batavia High School’s social studies curriculum offerings.  

 

AP Human Geography (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: by approved placement 

Level: Fr 

Fee: None 

AP Human Geography introduces high school students to college-level introductory human geography or cultural geography. The content is presented thematically rather than regionally and is organized around the discipline’s main subfields: economic geography, cultural geography, political geography, and urban geography. The approach is spatial and problem oriented. Case studies are drawn from all world regions, with an emphasis on understanding the world in which we live today. Historical information serves to enrich analysis of the impacts of phenomena such as globalization, colonialism, and human–environment relationships on places, regions, cultural landscapes, and patterns of interaction. AP Human Geography is intended to help prepare students to successfully take the Advanced Placement Human Geography Exam which may possibly earn students college credit.

 

World History (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Cultural Studies 

Level: Soph 

Fee: None 

This course will examine the history of western civilization from prehistoric times to World War II and the  Holocaust. Units of study will involve topics such as ancient civilizations, classical civilizations of Greece and Rome, the European Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Exploration, Age of  Absolutism and Revolution, imperialism, World War I, the causes of World War II, World War II and the  Holocaust. This course challenges students to further develop and employ historical thinking skills. In addition, the course further develops and enhances college, career & civic life standards through inquiry learning. Students will draw connections of course topics to current events.  

 

AP European History (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: Cultural Studies or AP Human Geography 

Level: Soph 

Fee: None 

The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of AP European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing. AP European History is intended to help prepare students to successfully take the Advanced Placement European History Exam which may possibly earn college credit.  

 

American History (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: World History or AP European History 

Level: Jr Required 

Fee: None 

By examining the history of the United States from pre-colonial times through the 20th century, this course will challenge students to develop and enhance historical thinking skills.  Major areas of study include, but are not limited to foundations of American freedom, slavery, Civil War and Reconstruction, industrialization, immigration, the world wars, the Cold War, civil rights, and other domestic, social, political, economic and foreign policy topics.  Students will complete a major research paper or project. Inquiry learning will be emphasized.

 

AP US History (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: World History or AP European History 

Level: Jr 

Fee: None 

AP US History is a highly rigorous course that aims to prepare students for successful completion of the AP US History exam in the spring, which may possibly earn college credit.  The course will follow AP US History curriculum, which surveys the history of the United States from pre-colonial times to the near present.  Major topics of study include, but are not limited to life and society in Colonial America, foundations of American freedom and representative democracy, slavery, westward expansion, Civil War and Reconstruction, industrialization, immigration, imperialism, World War I, the Roaring 20’s, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Vietnam, civil rights, and major political, social, economic, and foreign policy movements throughout history.  Students will work extensively with primary source documents and materials, which will help them learn history at a level that emphasizes critical thinking, analysis, and explaining cause/effect relationships.  

 

American Government (1 term, .5 credit) 

Prerequisite: American or AP US History 

Level: Sr 

Fee: None 

This course fulfills the State’s Constitution requirement. The course covers the basics of democracy, the working principles of our constitution, and the functions of the three branches of government. The course will provide information to allow the student to become an informed citizen capable of participation in our government. 

 

AP American Government (2 terms, 1 credit) 

Prerequisite: American or AP US History 

Level: Sr Elective (Meets Government requirement) 

Fee: None 

AP United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S.  government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics. AP United States  Government and Politics is intended to help prepare students to successfully take the Advanced Placement  Exam which may possibly earn college credit. Strong reading and comprehension skills are needed for success in this course. 

 

Social Studies Electives 

Psychology (1 term, .5 credit) 

Prerequisite: World History or AP European History 

Level: Jr, Sr Elective 

Fee: None 

This course will cover the basic principles, major theories and significant people in psychology. Topics will  range from the biological basis of behavior and how we learn, to development and abnormal behavior.  Psychology is the study of what causes the behavior of the individual. Students taking this course should  be average or above average readers. This course is highly recommended for any student intending to go  to college.

 

AP Psychology Dual Credit (2 terms, 1 elective credit +3 credit hours at WCC) Prerequisite: World History or AP European History 

Level: Jr, Sr Elective 

Fee: A $36 fee will be assessed should the student elect to pursue dual credit 

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. This introductory college level course is rigorous and designed for students willing to be academically challenged with demanding material and concepts. Students will be prepared and encouraged to take the AP exam in May, which can potentially earn college credit. Students enrolled in this class may be eligible to receive both high school and college credit. This course is the equivalent of PSY 100 at  Waubonsee Community College. Students and parents should confer with their potential college choices about the transferability of this course. 

 

College American History (Dual Credit) (2 terms, 1 elective credit, 6 WCC credit hours) Prerequisite: Completion American History 

Level: Senior Elective 

Fee: A $72 fee will be assessed should the student elect to pursue dual credit 

This examination of history reviews the major historical developments from the experiences of indigenous peoples, the colonial regimes and nation building, the Civil War, Reconstruction, western conquest, the rise of industrial capitalism, American ascendance as a global power, the Cold War, and concludes with contemporary American society.  The course employs social and cultural history, as well as the more traditional political and economic approaches.  The course is based on student inquiry and a lab approach that develops research and critical claim skills.  Students who successfully complete this course will be eligible to earn both high school and college credit.  This course is the equivalent of HIS 121 & 122 at Waubonsee Community College.  Students and parents should confer with their potential college choices about the transferability of this course.

 

Sociology (1 term, .5 credit) 

Prerequisite: World History or AP European History 

Level: Jr, Sr Elective 

Fee: None 

This course will introduce students to the basic concepts, principles, and theories of sociology. Topics will include such items as norms, gender, stereotypes, and social class. Sociology is the study of how people behave in groups. Students taking this course should be average or above average readers.

 

Economics (1 term, .5 credit) 

Prerequisite: World History or AP European History 

Level: Jr, Sr Elective (fulfills consumer ed graduation requirement.) 

Fee: None 

This course will introduce the student to the basic principles of economics. A macroeconomic approach will be taken. Issues such as supply and demand will be covered. This course fulfills consumer education graduation requirements. 

 

Political Science (1 term, .5 elective credit) 

Prerequisite: World History or AP European History 

Level: Jr, Sr Elective 

Fee: None 

This course will cover essential questions related to the history, philosophy, and contemporary applications of government. The basic questions of political organization and society will be addressed. Topics will include such items as: What is political science, and why is it important to study? What does it mean to be a good citizen? How does the government best meet the needs of the people? What role should religion play in politics? What makes a law just? Are men equal? What is the nature of man? What is the ideal political system? The course will emphasize the enhancement of reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students taking this class should be average or above average readers. This class is highly recommended for students planning on studying political science or law in college.