History Course Offerings and Descriptions
125H World Studies (Also see English Division Course Offerings)
Open to freshmen
2 semesters; 4 credits
This double-period course is an introduction to both the English and history curricula at the high school and is taught cooperatively by an English teacher and a history teacher. The course is designed to integrate the disciplines and expand the experience that would otherwise be gained in the English and World History courses. Fundamentals in reading skills, writing skills, and critical thinking skills are emphasized. Successful completion of this course satisfies the world history graduation requirement and provides 2 credits in English and 2 credits in world history.
12HX World Studies Immersion/Literacy Support (also see English Division & Academic Support Course Offerings)
Open to qualified freshmen approved for the transition program
2 semesters; 2 credits
World Studies Immersion combines English, Literacy and History curricula and integrates the disciplines to expand the student’s experience. As a part of the three period World Studies Immersion course, students are enrolled in WSI English, WSI History and WSI Literacy Seminar. WSI Literacy Seminar provides intensive, direct reading instruction to increase vocabulary, reading comprehension, word study, and reading rate. By immersing the reading strategies and instruction into the World Studies class, students will benefit from the reinforcement and practice of applying their skills. Successful completion of this course satisfies the world history graduation requirement.
134H American Studies (Also see English Division Course Offerings)
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Prerequisite: World History or its equivalent and English Literature
2 semesters; 4 credits
This double-period course is taught cooperatively by an English teacher and a history teacher. The course focuses on the inter-relatedness of American culture through the study of history, art, literature, and everyday life. Main emphasis is from 1607 to the present. Fundamentals in reading skills, writing skills, and critical thinking skills are emphasized. Successful completion of this course meets the American history graduation requirement and provides 2 credits in English and 2 credits in American history.
323, 3238, 3234/3236 World History
Open to all students
2 semesters; 2 credits
World History provides a multicultural, social, economic, and political study of key developments and questions in world history. The engaging content provides a foundation for students to develop writing and reading skills for life. Successful completion of this course satisfies the world history graduation requirement.
325 World History A
Open to all students
2 semesters; 2 credits
World History A provides a multicultural, social, economic, and political study of key developments and questions in world history. The engaging content provides a foundation for students to develop writing and reading skills for life. Students enrolled in this class will be challenged with readings of above grade-level complexity and should expect the content to move at a more expedited pace. Successful completion of this course satisfies the world history graduation requirement.
331, 3317, 3319 United States History B
Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: World History B or equivalent
2 semesters; 2 credits
The focus of this course is the study of the historical development of the United States, its ideas and institutions from the Age of Exploration to the present. Students will learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography. They will obtain a basic knowledge of culture through a survey of major issues, movements, people and events in the United States history. Students taking this course will have additional supports in building literacy, writing an executive functioning skills. Successful completion of this course satisfies the American History graduation requirement.
333, 3338, 3334/3336 United States History
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Prerequisite: World History or equivalent
2 semesters; 2 credits
The focus of this course is the study of the historical development of the United States, its ideas and institutions from the Age of Exploration to the present. Students will learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography. They will obtain a basic knowledge of culture through a survey of major issues, movements, people and events in the United States history. Successful completion of this course satisfies the American History graduation requirement.
335 UNITED STATES History A
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Prerequisite: World History or equivalent
2 semesters; 2 credits
The focus of this course is the study of the historical development of the United States, its ideas and institutions from the Age of Exploration to the present. Students will learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography. They will obtain a basic knowledge of culture through a survey of major issues, movements, people and events in the United States history. Students taking this class will be challenged with a greater complexity in reading materials and the application of ideas through performance and discussion. Successful completion of this course satisfies the American History graduation requirement.
3361/2 Civics
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
In this course, students will work to refine the writing, reading, and critical thinking skills they have developed in the History Division’s core curriculum. Refining these skills will come as students explore the social, political and economic issues confronting American society through the lens of the United States government, politics and the democratic process. This is the only course that fulfills the Illinois State Board of Education civics graduation requirement.
337 AP United States History
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Prerequisite: World History or equivalent
2 semesters; 2 credits
The “AP” notation included in this course title indicates “Advanced Placement.” Ambitious students are assisted in developing the factual and interpretive abilities necessary to succeed on the 3-hour American History Advanced Placement exam. Emphasis is placed on writing analytical essays and papers. Students are expected to work at the level of an introductory college survey course. High scores on the AP exam often result in college credit. Successful completion of this course meets the American history graduation requirement.
369/2 AP United States Politics and Government
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
The “AP” notation included in this course title indicates “Advanced Placement”. This course introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning, assess causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments. This course explores the theoretical underpinning of U.S. government and politics to provide students with a firm understanding of current events. This course will prepare students to take the AP United States Politics and Government exam, scores from which may count for college credit depending on college or university of choice.
372/2 Criminal and Civil Law
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This course offers students an authentic introduction to the law by utilizing published court cases and teaching students how to analyze them like lawyers. Students are challenged to examine case law in three primary areas: criminal law, criminal procedure and constitutional law. These units of study not only push students to grapple with sophisticated texts and complex legal questions, but also to confront how the American legal system, and specifically our constitutional rights, intersect with the political, social and economic spheres of our daily lives. Student interests served well by this course: Law, Government, US History and Criminal Justice. Skills targeted in this course: Analytical reading and writing, oral advocacy, logical reasoning and critical thinking.
358/2, 3587/3588 Sociology
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
Sociology is the scientific study of human societies and human group behavior. This course of study teaches us to look at life from a completely new perspective – in a scientific, systematic way. IN this class, students strive to expose the patterns of social behavior that exist in our society. Once exposed, students are invited to investigate the causes and effects of these behaviors and topics such as the sociological imagination, culture and socialization, while ultimately proposing new sociologically-informed solutions to the social problems that exist in our society including inequalities and other issues related to social class, gender, race, sexuality and equity. Skills targeted by this course: research, reading comprehension, argumentative writing, and critical thinking.
359/2, 3598/2, 3594/2-3596/2 Psychology
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
An introduction to the science of psychology, this course includes units on psychological perspectives, scientific methodology, personality, biopsychology, healthy adjustment, consciousness, abnormal behavior, developmental psychology, and therapy. Student interests served well by this course: psychology, human behavior, natural sciences. Skills targeted by this course: reading for understanding.
361 AP Psychology
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
2 semesters; 2 credits
The “AP” notation included in this course title indicates “Advanced Placement.” The AP Psychology Course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Students will study the psychological facts, principles, and theories associated with each of the major subfields within psychology and learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. The course is intended to provide the scope and level of academic accomplishment expected in a college introductory psychology course. In addition, the course aims to instill knowledge, skills and attitudes to apply to one’s own life, while also preparing students to be successful on the AP Psychology exam. Scores from which may count for college credit depending on college or university of choice. Student interests served well by this course: psychology, human behavior.
344 AP European History
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
2 semesters; 2 credits
The “AP” notation included in this course title indicates “Advanced Placement”. AP European History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university European history course. In AP European History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments and processes in four historical periods from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the continuity over time; and argument development. The course also provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical. Developments in different times and places; interaction of Europe and the world; poverty and prosperity; objective knowledge and subjective visions; states and other institutions of power, individual and society, and national and European identity.
3651 African History
Open to juniors and seniors (fall semester only)
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This is a survey course in the rich variety of cultures, religions, and nations located on the African continent. Included is the study of Africa’s geography, its natural resources, and its importance in the global village. Study begins with prehistoric times, continues through Africa’s long history, and includes the arrival of Asians, Arabs, and Europeans to the African continent. Africa’s experience during the Age of Imperialism through the emergence of the independent nations is also studied. Major emphasis is placed on the Nile Valley civilizations, kingdoms of West Africa, the African diaspora, African nationalism, and Africa’s role in the late twentieth century. Reading, map skills, essay skills, chronology, vocabulary, class projects, and current events are emphasized. Student interests served well by this course: Africa, history, race and culture. Skills targeted by this course: reading map skills, critical thinking, writing and research.
366/2, 3667/3668 African American History
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This survey course explores the African American experience in the United States from 1607 to the present. Emphasis is on two interrelated themes: the internal history of the black community, its origins, its development and growth, its triumphs and tribulations in America, and the ways in which race, class, ethnicity, and gender illuminate the African American community as both producer and collaborator in the race, gender, social justice, and culture. Skills targeted in this course: enhanced literary analysis, argumentative/nonfiction writing, critical thinking.
368/2 Philosophy A
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This honors level course is an inquiry into the nature of knowledge and truth, the mind and soul, good and evil, free will and determinism, justice and the state, and god(s). The course combines careful reading of classical and modern texts with the application of philosophical thinking to current issues. The course aims to acquaint students with the questions and issues typical to philosophy, deepen and widen students’ appreciation of our cultural heritage, encourage self-reflection, and sharpen students’ powers of critical thinking and written expression. Student interests served well by this course: history, values, morality, reading and debate. Skills targeted in this course: critical thinking, analysis and reason, complex reading and independent opinion.
3771 Latin American History
Open to juniors and seniors (fall semester only)
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
Organized thematically from pre-Columbian times to the present, units of study include European contact and conquest, colonial history, independence movements in Latin America, postcolonial readjustment, neocolonialism, nationalism, revolution and counter-revolution, and modern issues. This course will enhance students' understanding not only of Latin culture and American foreign policy vis-a-vis Latin America, but also of their place in the world. Students interests served well by this course: history, culture, politics, US and international relations and current events. Skills targeted by this course: reading, map skills, critical thinking, writing and research.
367/2 Modern Middle Eastern History A
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This honors level course provides a historical understanding of the social and political changes in the Middle East since the emergence of the Ottoman Empire, particularly over the past 2 centuries. It covers the main social, economic, and intellectual currents that have transformed this region of the world. The primary emphasis is how events today have been shaped and affected by the past. Focus is on the lands of the former Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey, Palestine/Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt) and Iran. Student interests served well by this course: history, culture, politics, U.S. and international relations, and current events. Skills targeted by this course: critical thinking, analysis, and complex reading for understanding.
3642 Asian Studies
Open to juniors and seniors (spring semester only)
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This semester-long course focuses on the modern history and culture of Asia with a focus on South Asia (India and Pakistan) and East Asia (China, Korea and Japan). Students will explore how culture, politics, and economics have shaped these regions and their relationships with the global community. Students will work to refine the critical thinking, literacy, and writing skills from their foundational coursework. Students interests served well by this course: world history, culture, politics, U.S and international relations, and current events. Skills targeted in this course: literacy, argumentative writing, research and critical thinking.
357/2 Women in History
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This course explores the political, economic, and social experience of women throughout history. With a major focus on contemporary issues, Women in History is a semester course where, first quarter, students are introduced to the discipline of Women and Gender Studies. Second quarter, students explore women’s activism throughout American history from the Antebellum period through the present. Students interests served well by this course: US History, gender, sociology, and current events. Skills targeted by this course: Literacy, writing, critical thinking, and oral presentation.
3741/2 Holocaust Students
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This course offers students a deep, interdisciplinary study of the Holocaust. Beginning with an introduction to Genocide Studies, the course examines the long history and myriad manifestations of antisemitism; traces the Nazi rise to power and Nazis’ systemic mass murder; and studies the psychology of genocide, upstanding, and bystanding. It examines how the United States – and the rest of the world – responded to the Holocaust, and studies the proliferation of Holocaust Denial. The course centers the stories of Holocaust survivors and victims. During the class, each student will trace the story of one individual who lived through the Holocaust, learning how they experienced the events studied in the course. The course culminates in a collaborative capstone project.
375/2 The History of Chicago
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
The History of Chicago is a semester-long course designed to develop your knowledge and excitement about this city’s rich history and culture. The course follows Chicago’s history chronologically, but along the way we will study the art, architecture, geography, music, literature, crimes and scandals, sports, civil rights, education, immigration, social class issues, and politics that have shaped and defined the city. Students interests served well by this course: US History, Chicago, and social justice. Skills targeted by this course: Reading, critical thinking, nonfiction/argumentative writing and oral presentation.
376/2 Sports and Resistance in American History
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This course views race, gender, and class divides in American history through the sporting lens with an emphasis on the periods from the Progressive Era through the present. This unique examination will emphasize the roles of government, governing bodies in sports, the media, owners, and athletes in the triumphs and struggles that have engulfed our nation's history. Viewing race, gender, and class through this prism will allow students to address these issues through a path that will appeal to the interests of a wide range of students. Student interests served well by this course: athletics, gender, race, US history, and current events. Skills targeted by this course: reading, oral presentation, and critical thinking.
3782 Youth and Social Justice
Open to juniors and seniors (spring semester only)
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This course will examine issues such as race, gender, sexual orientation, law, and the criminal justice system through the lens of sociology and social justice. This course is intended for college prep students and is designed to further enhance essential skills aligned with Common Core State Standards such as reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and analytical thinking. Students will utilize various reading and writing strategies intended to prepare them for further academic achievement. Students interests served well by this course: history, current events, social justice, activism, and politics. Skills targeted by this course: oral presentation, writing and reflection.
3791/2 Hip Hop in United States History and Society
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
This course will examine the culture of Hip Hop and its continued impact on society through literature, media, film, discussions, and presentations. From Hip Hop’s early origins in the South Bronx of the 1970’s through today. Students will explore the elements of Hip Hop, its connection to historical events, and societal impact. Students will expand upon their knowledge of Hip Hop culture, its impact on American culture and society, and the role they play within it. Student interests served well by this course: race, gender, politics, history, music, and sociology. Skills targeted in this course: critical thinking, analysis, writing, and reading for understanding.
380/2 Equity and Youth Action
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: United States History or equivalent
1 semester; 1 credit
Equity and Youth Action engages students in dialogues about racial equity and diversity and develops solidarity across identities. The course is solution-based, whereby students will collaborate to widen conversations and understandings of racial equity and steps to challenge racial inequity. Students will understand that race affects everyone’s lives while understanding the intersectionality of other social identities. Students will also walk away with the understanding of the importance of equity in society. Participants will engage in workshops on how to discuss race in a respectful manner and disrupt the cycle of socialization. Students will be equipped with the tools to encourage and help lead discussions and civic engagement about racial equity. This course will provide opportunities to conduct academic research, participate in collaborative discussions, and to create topically oriented art-integrated projects reflecting on transformative steps toward racial equity.