The Industrial Revolution to the Contemporary World

Students will study the rise of the nation state in Europe, the French Revolution, and the economic and political roots of the modern world. They will examine the origins and consequences of the Industrial Revolution, nineteenth century political reform in Western Europe, and imperialism in Africa, Asia, and South America. They will explain the causes and consequences of the great military and economic events of the past century, including the World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and the Russian and Chinese Revolutions. Finally, students will study the rise of nationalism and the continuing persistence of political, ethnic, and religious conflict in many parts of the world. Relevant Tennessee connections will be part of the curriculum, as well as appropriate primary source documents.  Students will explore geographic influences on history, with attention given to political boundaries that developed with the evolution of nations from 1750 to the present and the subsequent human geographic issues that dominate the global community. Additionally, students will study aspects of technical geography such as GPS and GIS, and how these innovations continuously impact geopolitics in the contemporary world. (Typically grade 9; Students who take Honors State Dual Credit World History will take a state exam that may grant them college credit.)

The purpose of the AP Human Geography course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students learn to employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. (Grade 9 only; Depending on exam results, students may earn college credit for coursework.)

Students will study the purposes, principles, and practices of American government as established by the Constitution. Students are expected to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens and how to exercise these rights and responsibilities in local, state, and national government. Students will learn the structure and processes of the government of the state of Tennessee and various local governments. The reading of primary source documents is a key feature of United States Government and Civics standards.

This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples.  It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics. This course focuses on constitutional underpinnings of U.S. Government; political beliefs and behaviors; political parties, interest groups, and mass media; institutions of national government; public policy; and civil rights and civil liberties.   (Depending on exam results, students may earn college credit for coursework.)

Post-Reconstruction to the Present

Students will examine the causes and consequences of the Industrial Revolution and America’s growing role in world diplomatic relations, including the Spanish-American War and World War I.  Students will study the goals and accomplishments of the Progressive movement and the New Deal.  Students will also learn about the various factors that led to America’s entry into World War II, as well as its consequences for American life.  Students will explore the causes and course of the Cold War.  Students will study the important social, cultural, economic, and political changes resulting from the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and recent events and trends that have shaped modern-day America.  Additionally, students will learn the causes and consequences of contemporary issues impacting their world today.  Students will continue to use skills for historical and geographical analysis as they examine American history since Reconstruction with special attention to Tennessee connections in history, geography, politics, and people.  Students will continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography within the context of United States history.  The reading of primary source documents is a key feature of United States history standards.  Finally, students will focus on currents human and physical geographic issues important in contemporary America and the global society. (Typically grade 11; Students who take Statewide Dual Credit American History II will take a state exam that may grant them college credit.)

American History I The United States to 1877.  A survey of the settlement and development of the colonies, the Revolutionary period, the making of the Constitution, the diplomatic, economic and political problems of the new government, the growth of Nationalism, Jacksonian Democracy, territorial expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction. American History II The United States since 1877.  A survey of the growth of the United States as an industrial and world power since Reconstruction: the Industrial Revolution, immigration, urbanization, rise of labor, Spanish-American War, Progressivism, World War II, Post World War II, and modern U.S. History. (Available to Juniors and Seniors.)

Economics: This course is a practical study of the economic forces and influences that affect consumers.  The subject matter includes the operation of our economic system and the role of the consumer in the system.  Students will study the relationships between business enterprises, labor, government, and the individual consumer. **

Personal Finance: This course is designed to inform students how individual choices directly influence occupational goals and future earnings potential. Real world topics covered will include income, money management, spending and credit, as well as saving and investing. **

**These courses are taught in conjunction.  Students can earn one full credit at the end of the term. (Typically grade 12)

Students will use inquiry skills to examine the issues that impact the contemporary world. Included in the course will be analysis of the historical, cultural, economic, and geographic factors that have raised certain issues to levels of concern in our nation and around the globe. Students will engage in research and problem solving in order to better understand and assess significant current issues. (Grades 10-12)

This course examines the military heritage of the United States from the colonial period to the present time.  Through an in-depth study of American military history, students assess the key individuals, military policies, postures, organizations, strategies, campaigns, tactics and battles that define the American military experience. (Grades 10-12)

This course introduces the Appalachian Mountain region to students through a survey of its geography, history, cultures, lifestyles, and the arts. Readings, discussions, and multi-media presentations on the above topics will be supplemented by library and field research. The class is designed to create an overall awareness and appreciation of life in Appalachia.  In addition, this course focuses on a designated topic of current interest in Appalachian Studies and is designed to give students in-depth exposure both in the classroom and in the field. Topic examples include mountaintop removal, coalfield labor practices, cultural attachment to place, religion, and Appalachia and the media. (Grades 10-12)

This course consists of a general survey of the Bible with emphasis given to its historical, geographical, artistic, and cultural as well as literary aspects.  It is designed for the Old Testament to be emphasized during the first nine weeks and the New Testament the last nine weeks.  (Grades 10-12)

This course is a survey of major economic, political and social developments from ancient times to the present.  Emphasis on Western Civilization and writing emphasis are key to this course.  Students must have a minimum of 19 in Reading on the ACT to take this course. (Available to Juniors and Seniors.)