Social Studies
Faculty
| Ken Brown | 594-2766 (VM) | kbrown@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Allison Cota | 594-2760 (VM) | ACota@piedmont.k12.ca.us |
| Mark Cowherd | *594-2626 x#503 (VM) | MCowherd@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Courtney Goen | 594-2770 (VM) | CGoen@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Gabrielle Kashani | *594-2626 x#533 (VM) | GKashani@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Dave Keller | *594-2626 x#490 (VM) | DKeller@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Janine Sohn | 594-2405 (VM) | JSohn@piedmont.k12.ca.us website |
| Department Office Phone | 594-2645 |
(VM) = Voice Mail only
* Numbers with asterisks cannot be dialed directly. Dial 594-2626, and at the prompt press the pound sign (#) and the extension number without further waiting.
Course Descriptions
World Cultures and Geography
5503
(Year) (9)
In this elective course, students will primarily study the cultures of the non-western world, including the Middle East, Africa, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Each of these regions will be explored through their geography, history, religions, traditions, culture, economies and political systems. Emphasis is on the world as an interdependent community made up of cultures that have similarities and differences. Historical developments in each of the major cultural areas will be presented so that students can better understand the present state of affairs and current events in these locales.
Modern World History
5559
(Year) (10)
The focus of this class will be on the struggles and triumphs, conflicts and controversies that have engaged men and women from the Enlightenment to the Cold War. Students will study modern developments in history, culture and geography. The themes of democracy, industrialization, imperialism, totalitarianism, war and nationalism will be examined as they emerge out of Europe and affect people in countries around the world. This course is required for all sophomores.
Law and Society
5555
(Year) (10, 11, 12)
5556
(Semester) (10, 11, 12)
Law and Society introduces students to the various areas of law including: criminal, civil, family, consumer, workplace, housing, and individual rights. Students will learn about the court system in the US and California, the various steps to a trial as well as the legal principles on which the laws are based. Mock trials, lectures, and class discussions will be the dominant modes of instruction.
Modern United States History
5510
(Year) (11)
Modern United States History presents a thematic approach to 20th century history following a short review of events leading up to the Progressive Era. This class examines themes such as the growth of the federal government, social movements, economic concerns, foreign affairs and civil rights throughout U.S. history. Students will explore the contributions of diverse people to the American heritage and identity. This is a challenging course designed to improve students’ research abilities, written and verbal communication skills and critical thinking skills. This course is required for all juniors unless enrolled in AP U.S. History.
AP European History
5516
(Year) (11, 12)
Prerequisites: Upper classmen and students with a minimum of a B+ grade for both semesters in Modern World History and United States History (AP or College Prep) and for both semesters in Sophomore and Junior English will be given priority. Performance on an entrance exam will be a factor. Summer assignment required.
AP European History is the equivalent of a college-level introductory course to the study of European history since 1450. It introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the AP program in European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing. A rigorous level of reading and writing is required and a high level of class participation is demanded of each student.
AP United States History
5515 (Advanced Placement)
(Year) (11, 12)
Prerequisite: Criteria for enrollment in AP US History will be announced in the spring
AP US History is an alternate option for satisfying the US History requirement. The course will provide students with a learning experience equivalent to an introductory college level course. The colonial period to the present is covered in chronological and thematic units designed to develop the writing skills and knowledge necessary to analyze American history. College credit may be obtained at most universities by scoring 3 or above on an Advanced Placement test given in the spring. Summer reading is assigned and required in advance of the course.
Civics
5532
(Semester) (12)
Prerequisite: U.S. History
Civics encompasses a study of the American government system with emphasis on the US government and its institutions. Topics covered will include the following: the basic legal system of the US; political affiliation, participation, and the voting process; executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, and individual rights. Some time with be spent covering international forms of government and state government structures. Class discussions, lectures, simulations, and problem solving through individual and group projects will be the dominant modes of instruction. This course is required for all seniors.
Economics
5541
(Semester) (12)
Prerequisite: U.S. History
In this course, students will gain an understanding of economic principles and look critically at economic issues. Students will examine aspects of America’s market economy, supply/demand, business organizations, economic institutions, economic policies and issues surrounding globalization and trade. This course is required for all seniors.
Psychology
5533
(Year) (10, 11, 12)
This survey course provides students with an understanding of basic principles in psychology. Areas of attention include: biology & behavior, states of consciousness, stages of development, learning & memory, intelligence, motivation, emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, and social psychology. Lecture, interactive discussion, hands-on activities, case studies, film, readings, and projects are used to further student understanding of both individual and group behavior. Students will be given many opportunities to apply theories of human behavior to their own identities, as well as to broader student concerns. In addition to content mastery, the course will focus on further developing analytical thinking, note-taking, and organizational skills.
