Social Studies

AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: HISTORY 173 (SHU1730AN) 
GRADE: 11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
American Experience is an honors, interdisciplinary option for juniors to fulfill their English and U.S. History requirements. The course  explores the relationships among American history, literature, culture, art, and music, and features both  thematic and  chronological structures.  American Experience students have American Experience US History 173 and American Experience English 373 on their schedules as distinct courses, but the schedules are coordinated  for interdisciplinary instruction.  This course fulfills the Illinois state requirement for a full year of United States history. 
PREREQUISITE: Department Recommendation 

ANTHROPOLOGY 161 (SIA16100N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This course provides an introduction to anthropology. Units of study include:  introduction to anthropology, human evolution, the earliest cultures, culture and survival, the study of the past, social organization, social integration,  and the role of the anthropologist in the modern world.
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations

CHICAGO HISTORY 161 (SRU16100N)
GRADE 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Chicago History considers the history, geography, politics, and ethnography of the city of Chicago. Students read The City of Big Shoulders, by R. Spinney, and other related texts. Particular emphases are the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago in the 1920s and 1930s, and the tenure of Mayor Richard J. Daley. Each student must submit a photo or film project at the semester’s end.
PREREQUISITE: None

CIVICS 161 (SPC16100N) 
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Civics examines the structures and functions of our national, state and local political systems, with emphasis on citizen responsibility and engagement. This class fulfills Illinois’ requirements for civics education and the administration of tests that cover major facets of U.S. government. Students must earn passing marks on such tests to graduate.
PREREQUISITE: None

CIVICS GT 163 (SII16300N)
GRADE: 10 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Civics GT 163, the sophomore Team program course, is team taught and integrated with English GT 263. Team Program courses emphasize both content and skills, appropriately paced instruction, and additional support for individual student needs. Within this collaborative learning environment, students develop their reading, writing, and study skills by engaging in a variety of instructional methods. Thematic units include: the nature of society, principles of government, constitutional rights and responsibilities, structure of government, and principles of law and justice. Civics GT fulfills Illinois’ requirements for civics education and the administration of tests that cover major facets of U.S. government. Students must earn passing marks on these tests to graduate.
PREREQUISITE: Department and Student Services recommendation 

ELL CIVICS 161 (SPC14200N)   
This course pursues the same content and skill goals as Civics (see above), but is tailored for English language learners. Civics examines the structures and functions of our national, state and local political systems, with emphasis on citizen responsibility and engagement. This class fulfills Illinois’ requirements for civics education and the administration of tests that cover major facets of U.S. government. Students must earn passing marks on such tests to graduate. 
PREREQUISITE: Placement as determined by Social Studies and ELL specialists. 

COMPARATIVE GLOBAL ISSUES 171 (SIC17100N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This honors course utilizes a comparative, thematic approach to survey the modern development of Africa, Latin America and Asia, world regions that are increasingly relevant to Americans.  The course gives particular attention to the transitions from colonialism to independence and beyond, as well as the historical roots of contemporary world problems. Student assessment includes traditional objective tests, writing assignments, individual and group projects, and current events.
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations and department recommendation

DEBATE 163 (FAA16300N)
GRADE: 9,10 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject 
The novice debate class stresses the fundamentals of research and argument development. It  also emphasizes basic, formalized debate theory, and strives to develop students who understand that every issue, whether it is one of policy or value, has multiple sides. Students will learn research techniques, gather data on specific topics, construct arguments, and present the arguments in a traditional debate format. During the first semester, students will receive an introduction to the three most common formats of debate, with actual debating occuring  in the policy format. Second semester will focus on value and public forum debate, with policy debate continuing. Students have opportunities to attend extracurricular competitions during each semester. Debate 163 can fulfill the fine arts graduation requirement.
PREREQUISITE: None

HONORS DEBATE SEMINAR/CONGRESS (FAA19300N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Debate Seminar/Congress is an honors level course for students experienced in either Debate 163 or in co-curricular debate activities and is reserved for Varsity team members who participate in Congressional Debate. The course emphasizes debate theory. Students must read scholarly sources to be informed about current issues and must also learn parliamentary procedure. The course also stresses advanced argumentation skills and research techniques. Debaters are given instruction in evidence selection, argument organization, logic, and analysis. Students must use these arguments in the competitive debates,  held mostly on weekends. Teachers encourage students in Debate Seminar/Congress compete on GBN’s team and  to attend at least one tournament each semester. This course can fulfill the fine arts graduation requirement.
PREREQUISITE: Recommendation of instructor

HONORS DEBATE SEMINAR/POLICY (FAA18300N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
Debate Seminar is an honors level course for students experienced in Debate 163 or in co-curricular debate activities.This class is reserved for Varsity team members who participate in two-person Policy Debate, and  enrolled students must compete for our team, attending at least one tournament per semester.  Teachers emphasize  Debate theory and require students to read scholarly journals on argumentation theory and practice. The course also stresses advanced argumentation skills and research techniques. Debaters are given instruction in evidence selection, argument organization, logic, and analysis. Competing students must utilize these arguments, both affirmative and negative, during competitive debates, which occur after school and on most weekends. This course can fulfill the fine arts graduation requirement. 
PREREQUISITE: Recommendation of Instructor

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY 183 (SVE28300N)
GRADE: 10,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
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 same skills, practices, and methods that historians employ: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides six themes that students explore throughout the course: interaction between 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. The course prepares students for the College Board’s A.P. examination in European History, for which students may earn college credit. 
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations and department recommendation

AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS: UNITED STATES (SVA28100N)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
AP Government & Politics: United States is a college level course providing students with an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. Students will study the constitutional foundations of American government, the citizen base of politics, political parties and interest groups, and the three branches of government. The course prepares students for the College Board’s A.P. examination in American Government & Politics, for which students may earn college credit. It also fulfills Illinois’ requirements for civics education and the administration of tests that cover major facets of U.S. government. Students must earn passing marks on these tests to graduate. 
PREREQUISITE: U.S. History and department recommendation

AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS: COMPARATIVE (SVC28200N)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
This college level course provides a comparative framework for students to explore the diversity of political life around the globe. Units include: the source of public authority and political power, the relationship between the state and society, and the relationships between citizens and states. Our study emphasizes the governments of Britain, Russia, China, Iran, Nigeria, and Mexico. The course prepares students for the College Board’s A.P. examination in Comparative Government, for which students may earn college credit.
PREREQUISITE: U.S. History and department recommendation

HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS GT 163 (SHC15300N)
GRADE: 9 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
History of World Civilizations GT 163, is the freshman Team program course. It is team taught and integrated with English GT 163. Team Program courses emphasize both content and skills, appropriately paced instruction, and additional support for individual student needs. Within this collaborative learning environment, students develop their reading, writing, and study skills by engaging in a variety of instructional methods. Thematic units include:  the development of civilization, religion, government, human achievement, and conflict.
PLACEMENT: Coordinated junior high and high school placement recommendation 

HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS 163 (SHC16300N)
GRADE: 9 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
This survey course examines the history of human civilization across time and around the globe. Students will encounter the major developments and events that have led to our globalized community, including  both western and non-western history. This approach provides students with the global perspective that today’s  global citizens need. Teachers emphasize skill-building in reading, note-taking, writing, speaking,  and thinking critically. History of World Civilizations 163 examines the same content as History of World Civilizations 173 and pursues the same goals for global awareness.
PLACEMENT: Coordinated junior high and high school placement recommendation

HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS 173 (SHC17300N)
GRADE: 9 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
This survey course examines the history of human civilization across time and around the globe. Students will encounter the major developments and events that have led to our globalized community, including  both western and non-western history. This approach provides students with the global perspective that  today’s global citizens need. Students need stronger reading, writing, and abstract reasoning skills to succeed at the honors level. Teachers discuss and assess core academic skills, but assume greater student competence. History of World Civilizations 173 examines the same content as History of World Civilizations 163 and pursues the same goals for global awareness.
PLACEMENT: Coordinated junior high and high school placement recommendation

ELL HISTORY OF WORLD CIVILIZATIONS (SHC13300N)
GRADE: 9,10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This course pursues the same content and skill goals as HWC 163 (see above), but is tailored for English language learners.  The course emphasizes the use of academic vocabulary within the context of world history. Students work on listening, speaking, reading, and vocabulary skills consistently throughout the course.
PLACEMENT:  Coordinated placement involving junior high, department and ELL specialists. 

INDEPENDENT STUDY 161
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
Independent study provides an opportunity for students who wish to pursue a topic that time and curricula demands do not allow for in our regular courses. Students need to arrange their plan of study with a cooperating teacher in the Social Studies Department.
PREREQUISITE: Approval by the Instructional Supervisor

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 161 (SIN16100N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
International Relations examines the formation and function of foreign policy in the United States and in other nations. The focus is on contemporary world problems, with an emphasis on current events. Through readings, discussion, simulations and films, students will examine a variety of topics, including diplomacy, power, military conflict, and the global economy. Students will learn to think critically about international affairs in a way that allows them to understand today’s news headlines, as well as yesterday’s and, more importantly, tomorrow’s. 
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations

AP MACROECONOMICS 181 (SVM28200N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
AP Macroeconomics  provides students with a basic understanding of economic principles. The curriculum emphasizes monetary and fiscal policy, the business cycle, economic growth, international trade and current economic problems. We examine differing philosophies such as Keynesian, Monetarist, and supply-side economics. This course prepares students for the College Board’s AP Macroeconomics exam, for which students may earn college credit. 
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations and Department recommendation

AP  MODERN WORLD HISTORY 183 (SVW28300N)
GRADE: 10,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic
This course begins in 1200 C.E. and examines the world’s development and human interactions from a global perspective. The approach is both chronological and regional. The following themes are emphasized throughout the course: change and continuity over time, technology, demography and its impact upon peoples and environments, social and gender structure, cultural and intellectual developments, and the ways in which all of these are impacted by cultural contacts between peoples. The course prepares students for the College Board’s A.P. examination in Modern World History, for which students may earn college credit. 
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations and department recommendation

MODERN EUROPEAN HISTORY 161 (SIE16100N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
European History: 1920-Present is an examination and analysis of the major themes of 20th Century European history, including: the rise of dictatorships; the coming, waging, and aftermath of World War II; the Holocaust; the Cold War; and present day Europe. 
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations

MODERN MIDDLE EAST 161 (SRS16100N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic
Modern Middle East  introduces students to the 20th century history and current issues surrounding North Africa and the Middle or “Near” East. Students learn about the origins of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the many issues and challenges that the Arab world has faced since emerging from colonialism after the First World War.  Many challenges that confront this region dramatically impact the United States. A major feature of this course are simulations about the Arab-Israeli crisis and other regional conflicts that are  designed to give students experience simulating international diplomacy. Students learn about this complex and current topic by acting as national leaders of the various countries involved. Student will also engage in research and presentations. There are many excellent films, both “Hollywood” and documentaries, that highlight regional issues and we will view some of them.
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations

PSYCHOLOGY 161 (SPY16100N)
GRADE: 11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. Our study of psychology will provide you with new ways to understand why people act, think, and feel as they do. We will engage in the exploration of such topics as psychology as a profession, experimentation, learning, relationship building, perception, personality development, social psychology, motivation, emotions, psychological disorders, and therapies, with a special emphasis on PTSD and the psychological effects of war on the individual. Students will explore these topics employing a variety of approaches, including large and small group discussions, cooperative group work experimental activities, films, and possible guest speakers. 
PREREQUISITE: None

AP PSYCHOLOGY 183 (SVP28300N)
GRADE: 12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
AP Psychology is a full year course designed to give students a college level experience and prepare them for the College Board exam in Psychology. Content areas include: methods, approaches, and history of the discipline; biological basis of behavior; sensation and perception; states of consciousness; learning; cognition; motivation and emotion; developmental psychology; personality; testing and individual differences; abnormal psychology; treatment of disorders; and social psychology. This course prepares students for the College Board’s AP Psychology exam, for which students may earn college credit.
PREREQUISITE: Department recommendation

SOCIOLOGY 161 (SOC16100N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
Sociology examines the basic principles of human interaction. Students are introduced to the rudiments of scientific investigation in the area of human behavior. Special attention is given to such topics as culture, status and role, social inequality, crime and deviance, and the institutions of education, religion, and the family. A thirty hour volunteer project and reflective essay is the final exam. 
PREREQUISITE: None

U.S. HISTORY GT 163 (SHU15300N)
GRADE: 11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
U.S. History GT 163,  the junior year Team program course, is team taught and integrated with English GT 363. Team Program courses emphasize both content and skills, appropriately paced instruction, and provide additional support for individual student needs. Within this collaborative learning environment, students further develop their reading, writing, and study skills by engaging in a variety of instructional methods. Thematic units include: consciousness, identity, the American dream, and war and conflict. This course fulfills the Illinois state requirement for a full year of United States history.
PREREQUISITE: Department and Student Services recommendation

U.S. HISTORY 163 (SHU16300N)
GRADE: 11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
U.S. History  traces the origin and development of the United States with emphasis on the political, economic, and social institutions. Significant time is devoted to the 20th century and to the rise of the United States as a world power. This class fulfills the Illinois state requirement for a full year of United States history. 
PREREQUISITE: None

U.S. HISTORY 173 (SHU17300N)
GRADE: 11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
U.S. History Honors examines the history of the United States in depth, with emphasis on cause and effect, analysis and synthesis of events, and extensive development of the student's ability to write a well organized and coherent essay that argues a position on a historical topic or theme. To succeed, students need more developed reading, writing and reasoning skills. This course fulfills the Illinois state requirement for a full year of United States history.
PREREQUISITE: Department recommendation. 

AP U.S. HISTORY 183 (SHU28300N)
GRADE: 11 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
A.P. U.S. History is an accelerated program that examines history through the use of documents and college level interpretive materials from both chronological and thematic perspectives. The course prepares students for the College Board’s A.P. examination in U.S. History, for which students may earn college credit. This course fulfills the Illinois state requirement for a full year of United States history.
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations and department recommendation

ELL U.S. HISTORY 163 (SHU13300N)
GRADE 10,11,12 LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
This course pursues the same content and skill goals as U.S. History 163 (see above), but is tailored for English language learners.  The course emphasizes the use of academic vocabulary within the context of world history. Students work on listening, speaking, reading, and vocabulary skills consistently throughout the course. This course satisfies the Illinois state requirement for a full year  of United States history.
PREREQUISITE: Placement as determined by Social Studies and ELL specialists. 

WORLD GEOGRAPHY 161 (SIG16100N)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: .50 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
World Geography 161 is structured to analyze geographic issues in the world, and how mankind both impacts and is impacted by geography. The class places emphasis on the following geographic themes: location, place, relationships within places, movement, and how regions form and change. 
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations

WORLD RELIGIONS 161 (SRW16100)
GRADE: 10,11,12 LENGTH: 1 Sem CREDIT: 0.50 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
World Religions 161 explores and analyzes comparative themes addressing world religious traditions. Students will analyze  the foundations, beliefs, and cultural impact of religions throughout our nation and world. Students will leave the class with a better understanding of the world’s religions and of their world today. The course will include field trips to local houses of worship, as well as guest speakers.
PREREQUISITE: History of World Civilizations

GLENBROOK ACADEMY 193 GRADE: 9 (SSA19300)
GLENBROOK ACADEMY 293 GRADE: 10 (SSA29300)
GLENBROOK ACADEMY 393 GRADE: 11 (SSA39300)
GLENBROOK ACADEMY 493 GRADE: 12 (SSA49300)
LENGTH: 2 Sem CREDIT: 1.00 GPA: All Subject & Academic 
The Glenbrook Academy of International Studies is a four year District 225 program for those who have demonstrated a history of academic excellence and an interest in a concentrated program of international studies. The Academy meets daily for coordinated, intensive training in English, foreign languages, and history. The current sequence includes World History, U.S. History, American Government and current global issues.  
PREREQUISITE: Entrance is by application only during the spring of 8th Grade

Core Courses

Elective Courses

Social Studies Resource Center

Social Studies teachers enjoy working with students 1-1 and are available by appointment.  The Social Studies Resource Center is a quiet study place where students can work alone, in small groups, or with their teacher.