Course Guide Home

157021 & 157022 (Year-long) - UNITED STATES AND WORLD HISTORY2: THE EMERGENCE OF THE MODERN WORLD
Grade: 9 
1 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

The course traces the development of society, politics, interactions between people and environment, culture and economics from 1850 to 1945. It will include comparisons of past and present events to provide students with an understanding of the complete global perspective of history.

159511 & 159512 (Year-long) - AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Grade: 9      
1 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: Department Approval

AP Human Geography is a college-level introductory geography course. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of human geography and analyze current world problems, social organization, and environmental issues by studying where human activity takes place, why it takes place there, and the impact on our world. This course prepares students for the AP Human Geography exam. Students have the option to earn college credit through the AP examination. A weighted grade is given for this course.

157031 & 157032 (Year-long) - UNITED STATES AND WORLD HISTORY 3: THE MODERN WORLD 
Grade: 10               
1 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

This course traces the development of society, politics, interactions between people and environments, culture and economics from Post-WWII to the present. It will include comparisons of past and current events to provide students with a global perspective of history and contemporary citizenship.

159011 & 159012 (Year-long) - AP WORLD HISTORY
Grades: 10-12        
1 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: Department approval

AP World History works to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts including interactions over time. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies.  The course will flow chronologically while examining five major historical themes. This course prepares students to take the AP World History exam. Students have the option to earn college credit through the AP examination. A weighted grade is given for this course.

157100 - UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Grades: 11-12      
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

In this course, students closely examine federal and state systems, structures, principles, and historical foundations of government. Attention will be given to the role of economics, social structures, individual perspectives, interest groups, and foreign influences in American politics. Students will think critically about issues concerning the United States' government, the impact of decision-making on a variety of peoples and groups, and their own role as an engaged citizen. Successful completion of this course is required for graduation. In accordance with Missouri law, all Parkway students must pass examinations on their knowledge of the United States and Missouri Constitutions administered during this course. The course also includes the End of Course Assessment required by the state of Missouri.

159121 & 159122 (Year-long) - AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Grades:  11-12       
1 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to challenge students who are interested in advanced studies in government.  Students study the history, institutions, branches, functions, electoral processes, and citizens' role in the governments of the local area, the state of Missouri, and the United States. The course includes an emphasis on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, as well as a study of the principles and provisions of the Missouri and the United States Constitutions. The course includes the End of Course Assessment and The Constitution examination(s), as required by the state of Missouri. Students must pass The Constitution examination(s) to meet state graduation requirements. This course prepares students for the AP US Government & Politics exam. Students have the option to earn college credit through the AP examination. A weighted grade is given for this course.

157350 - HISTORY OF ST. LOUIS
Grades:  11-12     
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

This course will provide an overview of the unique and diverse history of St. Louis. Students will follow the course of development of this small 18th Century trading post as it expands into a major metropolis at the turn of the 20th Century, and culminate with an examination of the city as it now exists. The course will discuss individuals who are important to the development of the city, but will emphasize the significant contributions (e.g. architecture, music, art) of the culturally diverse people who have made the city of St. Louis what it is today. The course will culminate with students examining and debating contemporary, as well as future issues that face our community.

157370 - MEDIA IN AMERICA *not an NCAA “core course”
Grades:  11-12     
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

This course will examine the role of various types of media such as print, film, cinema, radio, television, newspapers, news magazines, campaign ads, and the Internet in shaping American culture and history.  The changing media and changing role of the influence of the media will be examined related to significant topics, periods, and events in history such as the role of colonial news in the American Revolution, enticing people to move west, stating the north/south case at the time of the Civil War, building the west, influencing views during war, as well as shaping today's issues and events in our own nation and abroad.

157571 -  AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY & LITERATURE: AFRICA & THE AFRICAN DIASPORA
Grades:  10-12
1/2 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Modern US History or US and World History 2

This interdisciplinary course will focus on the study of African-American history and culture from the roots in Africa to the modern day. Through a blending of the study of African-American history and literature, this course serves to broaden students' knowledge of African-Americans regarding the broader concepts of race, class, and gender.  The historical survey will include African origins and diasporas, slavery and reconstruction, all the way up to African-Americans in the 21st century.  A variety of literary pieces and historical texts from diverse authors and time periods serve as the foundation of materials for the course. Students will develop high level skills in literary and historical reading, writing, and analysis.

Africa and the African diaspora:  Students will explore the beginnings of African culture, history, and literature and how these spread throughout and further influenced the development of other cultures throughout the world.

157750 - CRIME AND THE LAW
Grades:  11-12     
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

This course studies crime in America and how our society deals with those who break its laws. Topics studied will include an examination of civil and criminal law, constitutional law, individual rights, theories of the causes of criminal behavior, the structure and function of the legal system, and examination of the penal system, and the roles of police, attorneys, and judges. The course will introduce landmark decisions, case studies, and guest speakers. This course will provide for individual research.

157790 - SOCIOLOGY
Grades:  11-12     
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

Sociology is the study of human behavior in groups which range from two people to societies of millions of people. Students will gain an understanding of important sociological concepts such as culture, socialization, status, role and group dynamics. Students will use the tools and techniques of sociology along with audiovisuals, group discussions, and simulations to investigate and analyze human relationships.

157800 - PSYCHOLOGY
Grades:  11-12     
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental process of human beings. Psychology is a behavioral science, which studies the individual's personality, emotions, intelligence, interactions, creativity and motivation. Topics include an introduction to the field, experimental method, sensation, perception, learning, personality, memory and thinking, abnormal psychology, states of consciousness and psychological therapy.

159801 & 159802 (Year-long) - AP PSYCHOLOGY
Grades:  11-12     
1 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental process of human beings. Students will be exposed to psychological facts, principals, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They will also learn about the methods psychologists use to explore the process involved in normal and abnormal perceptions, thoughts, feelings and actions.  This course prepares students to take the AP Psychology exam. Students have the option to earn college credit through the AP examination. A weighted grade is given for this course.

157830 - MODERN WARFARE
Grades:  11-12     
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

This course will take a look at some very important questions concerning the origins of war as well as the study of World War I and World War II, the Cold War conflicts, the Gulf War, and the War on Terrorism. Students will confront and discuss tough questions such as "Is war part of human nature?" "What reasons (if any) justify the use of war?" "What limits should be used in waging war?" and "Can there ever be an end to warfare altogether?" An in-depth look into the military history of our past century will challenge students to evaluate how war fits into our future world.

157840 - PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS
Grades: 11-12     
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

This course is an introduction to the broad, essential, philosophical questions raised and theories proposed about human nature, decision-making, societal problems and issues, and the world. Students will become familiar with the specialized knowledge gained from research and discussion, communication skills, and personal attitudes needed to engage in philosophical discourse and apply these understandings to their lives.

159510 -  AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY - One Semester
Grades:  10-12     
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

AP Human Geography is a college level introductory geography course. Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of human geography and analyze current world problems, social organization, and environmental issues by studying where human activity takes place, why it takes place there, and the impact on our world. This course prepares students for the AP Human Geography exam. Students have the option to earn college credit through the AP examination. A weighted grade is given for this course. 

 157760 -  CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
Grades:  11-12     
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

This course will focus on modern issues in all areas of the social studies: political, economic, and social. The students will read from several sources, including a weekly news magazine. Current events will be studied with a historical perspective and projection of future possibilities. Both domestic and international issues will be examined. A large segment of class time will be devoted to discussion. Therefore, classroom participation during discussions will be expected.

159501 & 159502 (Year-long)  AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
Grades: 11-12     
1 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite:   World History and Modern US History, or US and World History 2

This will be a rigorous course investigating the emergence of the ideas and institutions which shaped the modern world. Students will develop and demonstrate knowledge of basic chronology, intellectual history and an understanding of the major events, themes and trends from the late Middle Ages to the recent past. Together we will investigate the cultural, political, artistic, economic and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which we live.  This course prepares students to take the AP European History exam.  Students have the option to earn college credit through the AP examination. A weighted grade is given for this course.

157820 -  ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Grades:  11-12    
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

Students will explore the development of the environmental movement, its successes and failures, and the reasons for current environmental backlash. Units of study will focus on societal issues that impact wildlife preservation, air and water pollution, land use, population and energy options. Each student will examine and develop an understanding of environmental issues that provide a framework of knowledge into which they can integrate global information for a lifetime of continuous learning.

158700 -  ECONOMICS (HONORS)
Grades:  11-12   
½ Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

This course introduces students to basic economic concepts associated with our free enterprise/capitalistic economy. Basic principles included in the course include scarcity, production, distribution, consumption, supply/demand, inflation, recession, business, labor, and banking. Students will have the opportunity to learn through independent research and discussion.

159301 & 159302 (Year-long) -  AP UNITED STATES HISTORY
Grades:  11-12       
1 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

AP United States History asks students to think conceptually about the changing nature of American society, politics, and the economy over a wide-span of time. Students investigate history through seven major themes:  American and National Identity; Migration and Settlement; Politics and Power; Work, Exchange, and Technology; American and the World; Geography and the Environment; and Culture and Society. Attention is given to analytical and interpretive issues in the field American History, and how historical trends continue to influence our country. In this course, students will engage in a variety of challenging texts, including the course textbook, primary and secondary sources, and non-print-based media, and improve their writing skills specific to historical analysis and synthesis. This course prepares students for the AP United States History exam. Students have the option to earn college credit through the AP examination. A weighted grade is given for this course.

159601 & 159602 (Year-long) -  AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES
Grades:  11-12       
1 Social Studies credit
Prerequisite: None

Advanced Placement African American Studies is designed to offer students a more in depth understanding of the rich and diverse history of people of African descent and their contributions in the Americas and throughout the diaspora. African American Studies examines the collective experiences of people of African descent from a variety of perspectives, including: African-American educational experiences; key individuals and movements; policing and criminal justice; politics and government; critical moments and places; film, television, and entertainment; visual and performing arts; key writings and literature; work, labor, and military service; health and science; faith, family, and community life; connections to Africa and the world; gender and sexuality; and sports and leisure. Students will also consider the ways in which early African people in the Americas shaped and challenged public discourse and expectations about race, politics, culture, religion, class, citizenship status, gender, economics and patriotism. The historical content of this course will be taught with relevance to contemporary and current issues in order to ensure a deeper understanding and connection for students. Students will engage in a variety of activities and strategies ranging from evaluating historical documents to modern films. Participating in discussions, doing research, and completing assigned readings and written work are required.