Social Studies

This course is divided chronologically into three sections: Origins to End of Antiquity (1000 BCE-CE 500); Middle Ages (500-1500); and Foundations of the Modern Era (1500-1850) and the Modern Era (1850-present). Because of the scope and span of the course, selected political, social and economic themes and cross-cultural comparisons are emphasized. World History Foundations also provides the context necessary for succeeding history courses.

This course is divided chronologically into three sections: Renaissance to Early Modern Era (1350-1650); Rise of European Dominance (1650-1850); and Apex to New World Order (1850-1990s). The course focuses on how European cultures developed to where they provided an important reference point for world events during the early modern and modern eras. The course is taught at the level of a college freshman survey course.

Enrollment in this course alone is insufficient to adequately prepare students for the Advanced Placement (AP) European History examination. Students who wish, therefore, to sit for the AP examination may choose to register for the separate AP enrichment elective conducted during the school year.

Students enrolled in the United States History course learn both the knowledge and the analytical skills necessary to foster a critical understanding of the nation’s history from the eve of the European encounter to the modern age. While a chronological approach is important, students also are afforded the opportunity to study selected topics in greater detail. The course is taught at the level of a college freshman survey course.

Enrollment in this course alone is insufficient for the Advanced Placement (AP) United States History examination. Students who wish, therefore, to sit for the AP examination may choose to register for the separate AP enrichment course conducted during the school year.

The course in Constitutional History will cover the history behind the development and maturation of the United States Constitution. From the beginnings of American Constitutionalism in British history to modern Supreme Court cases governing scientific and biological behavior, this course will examine the continuous progression and reinterpretation of the Constitution throughout its relatively long history as a governing document. Not only will students study the specific document, but, they will become familiar with the specific social, political, scientific/technological, cultural and economic conditions surrounding the significant changes in Constitutional interpretation. A substantial term paper is required in the third term.

The Seminar in Historical Research and Writing is designed for seniors who have completed their required course of study in the social studies department and desire further, in-depth study in the discipline. The course emphasizes research using online primary sources available at the Library of Congress American Memory website with the goal of writing a substantial thesis paper of approximately 4,000 words. Students also are introduced to the resources available at a university library by visiting UNCG’s Jackson Library, where they have book checkout privileges. The course begins in the fall term with a look at modern history and current events and includes readings in a variety of sources. The bulk of the research and writing is conducted in the winter term. Students spend considerable class time learning the mechanics of research and the construction of an extended paper as well as conducting the actual research. The reading of a noteworthy and recently-published history rounds out the spring term. Enrollment in all three terms is required.

This course covers the standard AP Psychology curriculum prescribed by the College Board in preparation for the national AP Exam. The class utilizes lecture, group discussions, videos, demonstrations, computer simulations, group exercises and student projects. Understanding of a wide range of psychological phenomena and concepts is emphasized beyond simple memorization of facts. The main topics to be covered are the history of psychology, research methods, and basic statistical concepts, the neurological foundations of behavior, learning, memory, language, thinking, intelligence, development, motivation, emotion, social psychology, personality, psychopathology, and psychotherapy.

Students enrolled in Principles of Economics will learn basic concepts of economics that will be used to explore microeconomics and then to introduce macroeconomics. In addition to utilizing an introductory college textbook, students will also read histories in areas of finance and economic development. This yearlong course is modeled on a single-semester, freshman-level college principles course. The main text is Paul Krugman, Robin Wells, and Martha L. Olney, Essentials of Economics supplemented with Niall Ferguson, The Ascent of Money and John Steele Gordon, Empire of Wealth: The Epic History of American Economic Power.