Introduction to Social Studies focuses on the study of the non-western world, particularly focusing on the Middle East and Asia. Students will examine the history, culture, and geography of the world, while linking their study to events taking place in the world today. (2 semesters, 5cr. hrs/sem.)
American Government is required in the second year. This course emphasizes the foundations of our governmental system as it compares to other systems. It integrates the detailed study of our three branches of government, executive, legislative and judicial at the national level. (1 semester, 5 cr.hrs.)
Economics, also required in the second year, is designed to acquaint students with the organization and functioning of our American economic system. In addition, the students devote considerable time to personal economics and life skills, especially in the areas of investments, banking, savings and personal finances. (1 semester, 5 cr. hrs.)
American History:United States History is the required course taught in the junior year which concentrates on the political, economic, military and social development of the United States from the immigration of the Native Americans to the settlement by Europeans and Africans during the colonial period to the present day. The first semester deals with the study of American History through the Civil War and the second semester begins with Reconstruction and ends with the study of the present. (2 semesters, 5 cr.hrs/sem.)
Advanced Placement United States History is the American History course available to honor students. This course concentrates on the same content as the United States History course except it is taught at the college level. It involves a more detailed study of the material with considerable emphasis on developing competent skills in analysis, interpretation, research and effective writing. This course includes a one hour a week lab. Students in this course are expected to take the College Board Advanced Placement American History Examination offered each May. (2 semesters, 6 cr.hrs/sem.)
Contemporary History focuses on the study of the American dominated global system starting with the end of World War II. Focusing mainly on the geopolitical context of the Cold War, including the Korean and Vietnam wars, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, the class will also investigate the history of contemporary phenomena with their roots in the post-war order such as the Palestinian-Israeli crisis, globalization, the Information Technology Revolution, and 'The War on Terror.' (2 semesters, 2cr. hrs./sem.)
European History traces the history of Europe from roughly the year 1300 to the end of the Cold War. By exploring the major events and forces that shaped and defined our modern world, students will come to understand the forces operating in the world today and their historical roots.
Advanced Placement European History or History 101 (The History of the Western World) is available for senior honor students. The material for this course is the same as for the History of Western Civilization except it is taught as a college level course. The first semester in Honors History focuses on the study of prehistory to the Renaissance and Reformation. Students have the option of taking the course as Advanced Placement or History 101 (which is the second semester of this course.) History 101 is an introductory Creighton University course taught at Mt. Michael which offers the students the opportunity to earn three hours of college credit. The time frame for History 101 is from 1500 to the present. Those taking the course for A.P. credit are required to write the Advanced Placement European History Examination provided by the College Board in May. (2 semesters, 5 cr. hrs./sem.)
