Social Sciences Department at Morton East

American History

Social Science

American History - Core (Fall)

Course Description

Students, review, analyze and interpret various forces and values which have shaped and still influence behavior and events in the United States from the Colonial era to modern times. Students will be introduced to the use of primary and secondary source analysis and Document Based Questions. Focus is on developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Core
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AMERICAN HISTORY (CORE) (FALL), you must
also take AMERICAN HISTORY (CORE) (SPRING).
If you take AMERICAN HISTORY (CORE) (FALL), you must also take
CONSTITUTION TEST (FALL).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Dallek, R, Garcia,J, Ogle,D., and C. Risinger, F. (2005). The Americans. McDougal Littel
 

American History - Core (Spring)

Course Description

Students, review, analyze and interpret various forces and values which have shaped and still influence behavior and events in the United States from the Colonial era to
modern times. Students will be introduced to the use of primary and secondary source analysis and Document Based Questions. Focus is on developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Core
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AMERICAN HISTORY (CORE) (SPRING), you
must also take AMERICAN HISTORY (CORE) (FALL).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Dallek, R, Garcia,J, Ogle,D., and C. Risinger, F. (2005). The Americans. McDougal Littel

Latin American History

Social Science Course

Latin American History (Fall)

Course Description

Students will investigate the history of Latin America, the geography of that region, the cultures of that region (both Native American and the hybrid cultures which emerged after European settlement), and the relationship of this region to the rest of the world. During the first semester, material from Pre-Columbian times to the year 1900 will be covered. The second semester will cover Latin America during the 20th Century.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: None
FEES: None
Offered: Semester Course.

Latin American History (Spring)

Course Description

Students will investigate the history of Latin America, the geography of that region, the cultures of that region (both Native American and the hybrid cultures which emerged after European settlement), and the relationship of this region to the rest of the world. During the first semester, material from Pre-Columbian times to the year 1900 will be covered. The second semester will cover Latin America during the 20th Century.
CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Regular GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: None
FEES: None
Offered: Semester Course.
Required Textbook: Sherman, Dennis. (2003). A History of Latin America. Holt-Rinehart

Modern History

Social Science

Modern History (Fall)

Course Description

In this course students will trace history from World War II to the present. World War II, The Cold War, postwar independence movements, the Vietnam War, developments in Latin America and the Middle East are among the topics covered. This course also examines the technological and social changes that have taken place since World War II. Students will gain an understanding of how these events and changes have shaped the world they now live in.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES:None
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Sherman, Dennis. (2003). Modern World History: The Human Journey. Houghton Mifflin

Modern History (Spring)

Course Description

In this course students will trace history from World War II to the present. World War II,
The Cold War, postwar independence movements, the Vietnam War, developments in Latin America and the Middle East are among the topics covered. This course also examines the technological and social changes that have taken place since World War II. Students will gain an understanding of how these events and changes have shaped the world they now live in.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Regular
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: None
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Sherman, Dennis. (2003). Modern World History: The Human Journey. Houghton Mifflin

World History

Social Science Course

World History - Core (Fall)

Course Description

Students trace the development of civilization from the Classical Period to the Modern Age and increase their awareness of man's role in creating the different societies.
Students will be introduced to primary and secondary source analysis and Document Based Questions, Focus is on developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Core
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take WORLD HISTORY (CORE) (FALL), you must also take WORLD HISTORY (CORE) (SPRING).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Beck, R. and Black L. (2003). World History: Patterns of Interaction. McDougal Littel

World History - Core (Spring)

Course Description

Students trace the development of civilization from the Classical Period to the Modern Age and increase their awareness of man's role in creating the different societies.
Students will be introduced to primary and secondary source analysis and Document Based Questions, Focus is on developing reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Core
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take WORLD HISTORY (CORE) (SPRING), you must
also take WORLD HISTORY (CORE) (FALL).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Beck, R. and Black L. (2003). World History: Patterns of Interaction. McDougal Littel

World History - Honors (Fall)

Course Description

The Honors section carries an Honor Point Students trace the development of civilization from the Classical Period to the Modern Age. They increase their awareness of man's role in creating the different societies. Focus is on the development of critical thinking skills, especially analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Students will be introduced to the use of problem-based learning, primary and secondary source analysis and Document Based Questions.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take WORLD HISTORY HONORS (FALL), you must also take WORLD HISTORY HONORS (SPRING).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Beck, R. and Black L. (2003). World History: Patterns of Interaction. McDougal Little.

World History - Honors (Spring)

Course Description

The Honors section carries an Honor Point Students trace the development of civilization from the Classical Period to the Modern Age. They increase their awareness of man's role in creating the different societies. Focus is on the development of critical thinking skills, especially analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Students will be introduced to the use of problem-based learning, primary and secondary source analysis and Document Based Questions.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Honors
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take WORLD HISTORY HONORS (SPRING), you must also take WORLD HISTORY HONORS (FALL).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Beck, R. and Black L. (2003). World History: Patterns of Interaction. McDougal Little.

Civics and Economics

Social Science Course

Course Description

The “Civics and Economics” course will provide Morton students future-readiness skills and concepts to prepare them to be global leaders and participants in our American democracy.  Students will understand how government functions and serves the people as well as how court cases have changed our country over time.  Students will debate current events with their peers, learning how to respectfully express an opinion and respond thoughtfully in dissent.  Students will participate in a Congressional simulation where they will research, write, and present bills in front of their peers.  The course will also provide exposure to financial literacy.  Students will explain how to make informed financial decisions by collecting information, planning, and budgeting.  Exact course units include: Institutions of US Government, Current and Controversial Issues, Financial Literacy, and Simulations and Service Learning.  This is a semester course offered to Seniors.

AP American Government and Politics

Social Science Course

AP American Government and Politics (Legislative Semester) (Fall)

Course Description

This is a semester long simulation of the law-making process in which students learn about the American political system by debating current laws and proposing their own ideas for laws. This course is for the student who likes more active learning that includes group work, class discussions and public speaking. Students are required to take the AP exam
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Earned Credit in American History or concurrent enrollment.
COREQUISITES: If you take AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS (LEGISLATIVE SEMESTER) (FALL), you must also take AP MICRO ECONOMICS (SPRING)
Offered: Semester
Required Textbook: Remy, R. (2003). United States Government: Democracy in Action. Glencoe, McGraw-Hill.

AP American Government and Politics (Legislative Semester) (Spring)

Course Description

This is a semester long simulation of the law-making process in which students learn about the American political system by debating current laws and proposing their own ideas for laws. This course is for the student who likes more active learning that includes group work, class discussions and public speaking. Students are required to take the AP exam
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: Earned Credit in American History or concurrent enrollment.
COREQUISITES: If you take AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT & POLITICS (LEGISTRATIVE SEMESTER) (SPRING), you must also take AP MICRO ECONOMICS (FALL).
Offered: Semester
Required Textbook: Remy, R. (2003). United States Government: Democracy in Action. Glencoe, McGraw-Hill

AP American History

Social Science Course

AP American History (Fall)

Course Description

The Honors section carries an Honor Point Students learn American History through readings and document-based research. Students are required to complete a research paper or project. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the year summer readings are required. Students may not drop the course once enrolled in it.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: None 
COREQUISITES: If you take AP AMERICAN HISTORY (FALL), you must also take AP AMERICAN HISTORY (SPRING). If you take AP AMERICAN HISTORY (FALL), you must also take CONSTITUTION TEST (SPRING).
Offered: Semester Course.
Required Textbook: East - Henretta, J, Brody, J, and Dumenil, L (2004). American: A Concise History3rd Edition. Bedford St Martin Required Textbook: West - Kennedy, D, Cohen, L. and Bailey, T. (2003). The American Pageant, 12th Edition. Houghton Mifflin

AP American History (Spring)

Course Description

The Honors section carries an Honor Point Students learn American History through readings and document-based research. Students are required to complete a research paper or project. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the year summer readings are required. Students may not drop the course once enrolled in it.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AP AMERICAN HISTORY (SPRING), you must also take AP AMERICAN HISTORY (FALL). If you take AP AMERICAN HISTORY (SPRING), you must also take CONSTITUTION TEST (SPRING).
Offered: Semester Course.
Required Textbook: East - Henretta, J, Brody, J, and Dumenil, L (2004). American: A Concise History3rd Edition. Bedford St Martin Required Textbook: West - Kennedy, D, Cohen, L. and Bailey, T. (2003). The American Pageant, 12th Edition. Houghton Mifflin

AP European History

Social Science

AP European History (Fall)

Course Description

The Honors section carries an Honor Point Highly motivated, successful history students study the history, political and economic development and influence of European countries. At the conclusion of the year, students are required to take the Advanced Placement test in European History for college credit. Summer readings will be required, so check with the appropriate instructor before the end of the school year. Students are required to take the AP exam.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AP EUROPEAN HISTORY (FALL), you must also
take AP EUROPEAN HISTORY (SPRING).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Remy, R. (2008). A History of Western Society Since 1300. Houghton Mifflin.

AP European History (Spring)

Course Description

The Honors section carries an Honor Point Highly motivated, successful history students study the history, political and economic development and influence of European countries. At the conclusion of the year, students are required to take the Advanced Placement test in European History for college credit. Summer readings will be required, so check with the appropriate instructor before the end of the school year. Students are required to take the AP exam.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 10-12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AP EUROPEAN HISTORY (SPRING), you must
also take AP EUROPEAN HISTORY (FALL).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Remy, R. (2008). A History of  Western Society Since 1300. Houghton Mifflin.

AP Micro Economics

Social Science

AP Micro Economics (Fall)

Course Description

The Honors section carries an Honor Point. The purpose of AP Microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. Students learn why individuals, businesses, governments and societies must make choices to get more of the goods and services they want. Topics include: supply and demand, market clearing prices, starting your own business, the role of the
federal government in the economy, consumerism and personal investment strategies. Students are required to take the AP exam. This course fulfills the Consumer Education Graduation requirement.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AP MICRO ECONOMICS (FALL), you must also
take AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT & POLITICS (LEGISTRATIVE SEMESTER)
(SPRING), AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS (SPRING)
Offered: Semester Course
Fee: Course fee and mandatory AP exam fee.

AP Micro Economics (Spring)

Course Description

The Honors section carries an Honor Point The purpose of AP Microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. Students learn why individuals, businesses, governments and societies must
make choices to get more of the goods and services they want. Topics include: supply and demand, market clearing prices, starting your own business, the role of the federal government in the economy, consumerism and personal investment strategies. Students are required to take the AP  exam. This course fulfills the Consumer Education Graduation requirement.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AP MICRO ECONOMICS (SPRING), you must
also take AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT & POLITICS (LEGISTRATIVE
SEMESTER) (FALL).
Offered: Semester Course.

AP Psychology

Social Science Course

AP Psychology (Fall)

Course Description

The Honors section carries an Honor Point Highly motivated, successful social science students learn psychology though readings and experiments. At the conclusion of the year, students are required to take the Advanced Placement Test in Psychology for college credit. Summer readings may be required, so check with the appropriate
instructor before the end of the school year. Students are required to take
the AP exam.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AP PSYCHOLOGY (FALL), you must also take AP PSYCHOLOGY (SPRING).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Meyers, David G. (2004). Psychology 7th Edition Worth.

AP Psychology (Spring)

Course Description

The Honors section carries an Honor Point Highly motivated, successful social science students learn psychology though readings and experiments. At the conclusion of the year, students are required to take the Advanced Placement Test in Psychology for college credit. Summer readings may be required, so check with the appropriate instructor before the end of the school year. Students are required to take the AP exam.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AP PSYCHOLOGY (SPRING), you must also take AP PSYCHOLOGY (FALL).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Meyers, David G. (2004). Psychology 7th Edition Worth.

AP World History

Social Science Course

AP World History (Fall)

Course Description

The AP section carries an Honor Point AP World History is a college-level course offered to 9th grade students who have shown the academic preparedness to be successful in a rigorous history course. APWH is designed to help students develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts and interactions between different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. The
chronological time frame is from 8000 BCE to the present.
CREDIT: 0.5
TYPE: Advanced Placement
GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AP WORLD HISTORY (FALL), you must also
take AP WORLD HISTORY (SPRING).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Earth and Its Peoples: Global History, AP Edition.

AP World History (Spring)

Course Description

The AP section carries an Honor Point AP World History is a college-level course offered to 9th grade students who have shown the academic preparedness to be successful in a rigorous history course. APWH is designed to help students develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts and interactions between different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. The
chronological time frame is from 8000 BCE to the present.
CREDIT: 0.5 TYPE: Advanced Placement GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
COREQUISITES: If you take AP WORLD HISTORY (SPRING), you must also
take AP WORLD HISTORY (FALL).
Offered: Semester Course
Required Textbook: Earth and Its Peoples: Global History, AP Edition.