Social Studies Department

Graduation requirements –
3 credits of Social Studies, one of which
must be American History (U.S. &
W.H. II satisfies this requirement)
½ unit of American Government

College expectations –
☞

4 credits of Social Studies
Clayton Summer Program
☞
American Government
☞
☞
Aiello & Glossenger/Meyers
American Military Experience
☞
Livingston
American Government

Teacher: Debra Wiens or Daniel Glossenger
Semester
Length:

Two Essential Questions are explored:
 Who Governs?
 To What Ends?

How do we learn?
 Socratic Circles, Debates, Role-plays
 Web Searches (for real-world evidence)
 Student Presentations
 Direct Instruction using visuals, and more

American Government is a required course
 You want to learn how our political system works,
 You are willing to think and work,
 You enjoy discussion and exploring new ideas ! ! ! !
Film in American Society
Examples of Movies We Watch

Teacher: Josh Meyers
Length: Semester

A co-taught class (History + English), meets same
period, students can take for English or History credit

Main emphasis is how film both shapes and
reflects American history and society

Students watch films in class and for
homework, learn about how directors manipulate us

Primary assessments are several short writing
assignments and class discussions after viewing films

Students get to make a short film as a group project!

If you love movies, this is the class for you!
African American History I
Teacher: Rick Kordenbrock
Length: Semester
In this class you will study African American history from slavery to
emancipation.
There will be required reading of both secondary and primary sources.
There will also be extensive use of movies, image analysis and classroom
discussion to examine the impact of slavery and freedom on American
and African American history.
This class has no prerequisites and does not obligate you to take African
American History II.
African American History II
Teacher: Rick Kordenbrock
Length: Semester
In this class you will study African American history from Reconstruction
to the election of President Obama.
There will be required reading of both secondary and primary sources.
There will also be extensive use of movies, image analysis and classroom
discussion to examine the impact of race relations on American and
African American history since the Civil War.
This class has no prerequisites and may be taken independently of African
American History I.
Sociology
Teacher: Rick Kordenbrock
Length: Semester
In this class you will study the relationships between groups in society,
and the influence of groups on individuals, and of individuals on
groups.
There will be required reading of both secondary and primary sources.
There will also be extensive use of partner and small and large group
activities, movies and classroom discussion to examine social issues
relevant to American society and to the Clayton High School
community.
This class has no prerequisites and is recommended for any student who
is interested in the social relations that impact who we are as
individuals and as a society.
World at War

Teacher: Sam Harned
Length: Semester

Primary Goal: To have a better understanding of World War I and
World War II

We read various works of non-fiction and fiction that covers this time
period, as well as watching informative films and full length feature
movies to enhance knowledge of the topic.

Moderate level of work involved

The most important requirement for this class is an interest in history,
specifically World War I and World War II
American Military
Experience
Length: Semester, Summer School only!

Teacher: Chris Livingston

Topics: Why America fights, mil. tech, and how mil. influences U.S. culture

We will read non-fiction articles & primary accounts. We will view
documentaries and movies. Lastly we will engage in strategic military role
playing games and board games

The only requirement is an interest in military affairs and history!!!
Classical Civilizations

Teacher: Sam Harned
Length: Semester

This course studies the Ancient World with a special emphasis on
Greece and Rome

This course allows student to explore the culture and mindset of
citizens of Ancient Civilizations

We will read extensively in Ancient literature, drama and poetry.

There is a moderate amount of homework in this class.
Principles of Economics

Teacher: Daniel Glossenger
Length: Fall Semester

This course teaches you the basics of economics. Students learn
how individuals and companies make decisions about consuming
and producing goods and the impact of taxes and policies. Students
simulate economic concepts throughout the course.

If students complete the personal finance unit, pass the class, and
pass the Missouri Personal Finance Assessment, they fulfill the
Personal Finance graduation requirement.

Drawing graphs and completing problem sets is essential to success
in this class. The class also uses a college-level textbook.
AP Macroeconomics

Teacher: Daniel Glossenger
Length: Spring Semester

This course teaches you the big picture of the economy. Students learn
how countries measure economic performance, how to fix the economy
when it isn’t working, how the money supply works, and the basics of
international trade. Students continue simulating economic concepts
throughout the course.

Drawing graphs and completing problem sets is (still) essential to success
in this class. The class also uses a college-level textbook.
Behavioral Psychology

Teacher: David Aiello
First Semester

The main question is why do humans behave the way they do?

College-level text and daily assignments, usually about 30
minutes

Lots of discussion, demonstrations, experiments, videos

Most topics are very relevant to you, your friends, your family

Prerequisite for AP Psychology

Major units of Study:
 History and Methods of Psychology
 The Brain and Consciousness
 Sensation and Perception
 Learning, Thinking, Memory, & Problem solving
 Motivation, Emotion, & Stress
AP Psychology

Teacher: David Aiello
Second Semester

Still trying to understand why we behave the way we do
I promise, no group

Basically, the second half of the course, with the expectation
that students will take the AP Exam in May. Efforts are made
to prepare the students to earn college credit on the exam.
hugs in AP Psych!!

Students must pass Behavioral Psychology to take AP Psych.

Major units of study:
 Lifespan Development
 Intelligence, Testing, & Personality
 Disorders, Treatments, & Social Behavior

After this class, you will be able to psychoanalyze your friends
and family! (not necessarily accurately, and certainly not for pay, but you still
can psychoanalyze them, which I guess you could have done beforehand, but now
you will sound a little more professional!)
Psychological Disorders in the
Media and American Society
Teacher: Mr. Aiello
Length: Spring Semester

This course is designed for seniors who
have completed the Psychology and AP
Psychology courses and want even more.

Major units will include the following
disorders: Anxiety; Somatoform and
Dissociative; Mood; Personality;
Schizophrenia and Delusional;
Neuropsychological; Mental Retardation;
Autism; and Treatment.

Films likely include: Lars & the Real Girl;
As Good As It Gets; Matchstick Men; The
Hours; The Talented Mr. Ripley; A
Beautiful Mind; Memento; Sybil; Good
Will Hunting; and One Flew Over the
Cuckoo’s Nest.
AP United States History

Teachers: Sam Harned or Josh Meyers
Length: Full Year

Primary goal is to gain a greater understanding of American History
and how history is written and analyzed

Secondary goal is to take and be successful on the AP exam

Students analyze documents, participate in vigorous class discussions,
and learn to write effectively as an amateur historian

An excellent college preparatory class, including moderate amounts
of reading and homework

The AP experience helps prepare students for college

A challenging course, but if you are successful in World History II,
have a love of the subject, and are willing to work hard you will
succeed
It’s not as challenging as you think.
THE IGNORANCE OF
Don’t be a victim
ONE VOTER
IN A DEMOCRACY
IMPAIRS
THE SECUIRTY
OF ALL. --JFK
Join in, stand out
IGNORANCE
IS THE SINGLE
GREATEST TOOL
OF OPPRESSION.
I’M NOT GOING TO
CENSOR MYSELF TO
COMFORT YOUR
IGNORANCE.
I will inform myself
I will participate
I will speak
Knowledgably and
Confidently
Because…
Governments Don’t Want Well Informed,
Well Educated People Capable of Critical
Thinking.
That is Against Their Interests.
They Want Obedient Workers,
People Who Are Just Smart Enough
To Run the Machines and Do the
Paperwork.
And Just Dumb Enough
To Passively Accept It. -George Carlin
Take AP American Government.
Life is too risky
to live without it.
AP American Government
and Politics

Teacher: Debra Wiens
Length: Spring Semester

Two Essential Questions are explored:
 Who Governs?
 To What Ends?

How do we learn?
 Socratic Circles, Debates, Role-plays
 Web Searches (for real-world evidence)
 Student Presentations
 Direct Instruction using visuals, and more

American Government is a required course. This AP
course is for you if:
 You want to learn how our political system works,
 You are willing to think and work,
 You enjoy discussion and exploring new ideas ! ! ! !
AP World History

Teacher: Paul Hoelscher

Survey of human experience

Readings are at a college level.

Emphasis on social history and
non-Western locations

Gain a greater understanding of
our complex world today
Length: Full Year
AP Human Geography

Teacher: Rick Horas

Length: Second Semester

Main emphasis is how location affects our
world today; It’s really a current events
course on steroids!

Students work with maps, computer
simulations, watch movies and discuss
geographic topics

Primary assessments are nightly text
readings to prepare students for AP
Geography Test
AP European History

Teacher: Mr. Harned
Length: Full Year

This is a rigorous academic class that looks at European history from
the Renaissance through the Cold War

Students are expected to take the AP Exam at the end of the course

An excellent college preparatory class, including moderate amounts of
reading and homework

The most important requirements are a willingness to work hard and a
love for European history.
Sports and Western
Society

Teacher: Paul Hoelscher

Length: semester

Origin and development of Modern Sports

We study how sports represents values

European and American History
Current Issues in
American Society

Teacher: Paul Hoelscher

Length: Semester

The weekly news for that semester

Issues that influence students

Research to learn different perspectives

Students will read Time magazine
and various other online sources of info
History of St. Louis

Teacher: Kurtis D. Werner

This course will provide an overview of the unique
and diverse history of St. Louis

We will study the history, art, architecture, and music
of the Midwestern city

We will examine and debate contemporary, as well
as future, issues that face our community
Philosophy

Teacher: Rick Horas

Length: Semester

Students read articles, keep a journal,
create projects and write essays in order
to better understand how to approach
Life’s Big Questions:

What is right?

What is love?

What is the meaning of life?

Does God exist?