Course Selection Information for Ms. Barben’s Classes

February 2013

Course Selection Information• For the current ninth graders, there is not a required Social Studies

course for tenth grade at this time.• However, tenth grade is terms of content and skills development is

even more important due to the new Keystone Exams for the English and Social Studies Departments.

• In tenth grade, you will be taking the Keystone Literature Exam. • In eleventh grade, you will be taking the Keystone Government

Exam.• Both of these mandated assessments require mastery of reading,

analytical, writing, political cartoons, and propaganda skills.• Both require a strong background in History.• So you should take AT LEAST ONE Social Studies elective.• Also, most four year colleges require students to take four years of

Social Studies. – It is used in comparing and contrasting students from different districts.

Full Year European History

• Full year course• This course covers European History from the 1600s to the

present.• It is a good introduction to European History and will be the

only European History you will have before going to college. • The approach is a mix of traditional, research, and project

based.• This course is the best one to take for college and in

preparation for the Keystone Exams.• If you would like to move up a level in Social Studies from

Academic A to Accelerated or Accelerated to AP for your junior year, you should take this course.

• It will prepare you the best in terms of content and skills.

20th Century European History• One semester course• Covers European History from 1900 to present day• Focus on dominant political, economic, social, and

cultural themes• Project and research-based in preparation for the

research papers of American History and Government

• Content necessary to understand most Social Science courses in the high school and college and to be an educated citizen and voter for foreign policy

AP European History• Full year course• Covers European History from 1450 to the present• Fast-moving course that requires a lot of outside reading and

note-taking• Covers between one to two chapters a week• Should be a strong test-taker • Must be motivated and have a strong work ethic• As a tenth grader, you will be expected to function as a

freshmen in college in terms of skills and workload• You must take the AP European History Exam in May 2014• Must have a B+ or higher in both English and Eastern World

History

Law and Justice• One semester course• Focuses is on the legal system• Studies the evolution of our constitution, civil

rights, criminal rights, the prison system, etc…• This is project and researched based• Final assessment is a portfolio • If you are considering a career in law enforcement,

social services, or the legal profession, this is a good introduction course.

Introduction to Psychology• One semester course• Focuses on the study of the brain, personality development,

learning, intelligences, and mental health issues• This course is a combination of traditional tests, lab

experiments, research, and project based• Requires active participation in the class discussions and

simulations• Outside reading is common requiring Talking to the Text• If you are considering a career in education, law

enforcement, the legal profession, or marketing, the content and skills introduced are building blocks for future coursework in college.

Current Issues• One semester course• Focuses on current events nationally and

internationally• Requires following news on a daily basis

through the tv, internet, news magazines, and newspapers

• This is project and researched based with an emphasis on reading, writing, and active discussions

• Final assessment is a portfolio• If you are a news junkie, this is the course for

you.