2011-12 High School Course Offerings - Durham Public Schools

mathematical formulae, models, and qualitative data to geographical
concepts. A significant outcome of the course is awareness
of the relevance of academic geography to everyday life and
decision making.
Contemporary Law and Justice
Prerequisite: Civics and Economics
This course is a practical study in the legal, judicial, law enforcement,
and correctional systems of the United States. Students
focus on legal principles and the laws and procedures derived
from them. They examine relevant examples of civil and criminal
laws, law enforcement methods, court procedures, and corrective
justice. Students will acquire information through direct observation
of local courts and law enforcement practices, interviews
with local and state officials, and visits to correctional facilities
Psychology
Prerequisite: Classification as a junior or senior
This course engages students in the understanding, articulation,
and dissemination of psychology as a science. Students study
human development, learning, motivation, and personality with an
emphasis on the empirical examination of behavior and mental
processes.They examine intelligence and creativity, altered states
of consciousness, stress, mental illness, psychotherapy, community
resources that promote good mental health, testing and research
methods, and adjustment in society.
Advanced Placement Psychology
Prerequisite: Classification as a junior or senior
This course is a reading systematic and scientific study of the
behavior and mental processes of human beings and other
animals. Students explore the psychological facts, principles, and
phenomena of the major sub fields, and the methods psychologists
use in their science and practice.
U.S. History Since 1945
Prerequisite: U.S. History (This course does not fulfill the graduation
requirement for U.S. History.)
This course is designed as a college-style seminar course for
juniors and seniors.The content of the course will be arranged
both chronologically and thematically. Special attention will be
given to the civil rights movement, the women’s liberation
movement, and the Chicano movement.
World Geography
Prerequisite: None
This course is a study of people, places, and environment from a
physical and cultural perspective. Students will explore the various
regions of the world and gain a greater understanding of how
people interact with their physical environment as well as how
the environment shapes culture and influences the development
of civilizations. Using texts, globes, maps, charts, and variety of
other resources, students will gain a greater understanding of the
diverse communities around the globe.
Sociology
Prerequisite: Classification as a junior or senior
This course concentrates on the systematic study of human
society and human interaction. Using observation, the scientific
method, and cross-cultural examination, students will discover
how patterns of behavior develop, culture is learned, and social
predictions are made.
Poverty in America
Prerequisite: Completion of U.S. History
This course focuses on the history, causes, and effects of poverty
in the United States, and the role that poverty plays in American
society today. In addition to building a strong foundation of
factual knowledge, emphasis will be placed on the development
of analytical thinking, reading, and writing skills.
World Religions
Prerequisite: World History
(The course is designed to follow DPS Board Policy 3030.)
This is a survey course that introduces the basic perspectives
and practices of major world religious traditions. Topics include
Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Confucianism,Taoism,
and Islam. The course will also explore the impact of these
religions on society.
Independent Study in Social Studies
Prerequisite: Students must have prior approval from their sponsoring
teacher before registering for this course
18 www.dpsnc.net