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- Social Studies
Welcome to Palmer Social Studies
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The Social Studies department offers relevant and engaging experiences while looking at both the past and the present to explore the human condition.
Students engage in a variety of learning experiences building on literacy and critical thinking skills. The 9th grade year opens with an opportunity to engage with the community in a personal and meaningful way through a service learning project. This experience is built upon as students are welcome to choose the content and rigor that best suits their interest and needs throughout the rest of their time at Palmer.
We focus on:
- Engaging and Relevant Courses
- Preparation for the Future
- Critical Analysis
Course Options:
- AP Offerings (U.S. History, Government, Economics, Psychology and Geography)
- IB Offerings (Middle Years Program, Standard Level, and Higher Level including History of the Americas and Psychology)
- Electives (Constitutional and Criminal Law, Psychology, History of the South West, Multi-Cultural History, Issues of the 21st Century)
- World History
- United States History
- Economics
- Government
- Psychology
Our Staff Include:
- Rotary Diamond Teacher Award Winners
- Official Advanced Placement Assessment Readers
- IB Examiner
- National Board Certified Teacher
- Award Winning Coaches
- President of Colorado Council for Social Studies
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COURSE PROGRESSION INFORMATION FOR SOCIAL STUDIES CLASSES
9th Grade
World History & Geography
Honors World History and US Government
10th Grade
US History
Honors US History
11th/12th Grade
US Government (1 credit)
11th/12th Grade
Economics (1 credit)
Electives
Suggested Pre-requirements
IB CP Per Prof Skills
Honors work suggested - Jr/Sr only – PWR or EL credit for this course – not for SS credit
Yearbook
Humanities/Elective – not for SS credit
American Popular Culture
American West
Constitutional & Criminal Law
Human Geography AP
Honors work suggested - Jr/Sr only
IB 20th Cent World Hist HL
Honors work suggested - Jr/Sr only
IB 20th Cent World Hist SL
Honors work suggested - Jr/Sr only
IB Hist of Americas HL
IB 20th Cent World required - Jr/Sr only
IB Psychology SL
Honors work suggested - Jr/Sr only
IB Psychology Higher Level
Honors work suggested - Jr/Sr only
Personal Financial Lit
Econ suggested
Psychology
Sociology
Study of Multicultural America
US Government AP
Honors work suggested – Jr/Sr only
Social Studies Faculty
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Paul Blakesley
719.328.6075
Paul.Blakesley@d11.org
Website
Stuart Boyd
719.328.6077
Stuart.Boyd@d11.org
Website
Courtney Bzymek
719.328.6079
Courtney.Bzymek@d11.org
Website
Martha Choi
719.328.6085
martha.choi@d11.org
Website
Summer Coombs
719.328.4183
Summer.Coombs@d11.org
Keith Ferguson
719.328.6094
keith.ferguson@d11.org
Website
Kelsey French
719.328.4406
KELSEY.FRENCH@d11.org
Rob Gilliam
719.328.6098
Robert.Gilliam@d11.org
Website
Trevor Ivan
719.328.4050
TREVOR.IVAN@d11.org
Todd Nelson
719.328.7364
Todd.Nelson@d11.org
Website
Sara Osborne
719.328.7367
Sara.Osborne@d11.org
Website
Andrea Stemper
719.328.7383
Andrea.Stemper@d11.org
Website
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SOCIAL STUDIES
- The 7 credits of Social Studies required for graduation include, specifically, a full year of U.S. History and a semester of U.S. Government. The remaining 3 credits of Social Studies may be fulfilled by any of the classes in the Social Studies department.
- The required semester of Economics is a “stand alone” graduation requirement and is not included in the 6 required credits of Social Studies.
# = DENOTES NCAA APPROVED COURSE
IBMYP GEOGRAPHY AND WORLD HISTORY 1,2 #
Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade Level: 9 Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies) Prerequisite: None
This course provides a thematic exploration of geography through the lens of key developments in world history.
Standards in geography and history are emphasized as well as an understanding of how both geography and past events relate to the 21st Century. The course naturally fits into the IB MYP philosophy which requires students to make connections between the classroom learning experience and the modern world. Additionally, MYP Geography World History will focus on skill development in communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement. Through the pursuit of engaging questions and inquiry learning, this MYP course encourages students to think creatively, critically and reflectively of themselves as learners in a complex world.
IBMYP WORLD HISTORY HONORS #
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 9 Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies) Prerequisite: Recommendation
A survey of major developments in the history of the world and the U.S. from 1450 to 1877. An appreciation of the national heritage of the United States and an understanding of how world events relate in an interdependent world will be stressed.
IB MYP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT HONORS #
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 9 Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Government) Prerequisite: Recommendation
A survey of major developments in the history of the world and the U.S. from 1450 to 1877. An appreciation of the national heritage of the United States and an understanding of how world events relate in an interdependent world will be stressed.
IBMYP US HISTORY: RECONST - PRESENT 3,4 #
Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade Level: 10
Credits per Semester: 1.0 (US History)
Prerequisite: None
This course focuses upon the period in United States history from reconstruction to the present. The program is designed to prepare students for the formal IB Program and to provide the students with their district American History requirement.
IBMYP US HISTORY: RECONST - PRESENT 3,4 H #
Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade Level: 10
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (US History)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
The United States and World History is a survey of major developments in the history of the United States and the world from 1877 to the present. United States and world geography will be emphasized, as will civics. The study of our nation’s past as part of the general study of humanity will reveal historical, political, economic, social and cultural connections and relationships among the people of the world. An appreciation of the national heritage of the United States and an understanding of how world events relate in an interdependent world will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding and critical writing.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT #
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 11,12 Credits per Semester: 1.0 (US Government) Prerequisite: None
The opportunity for most United States citizens to acquire the knowledge and dispositions essential for informed effective citizenship is during their school years. Therefore, United States Government is designed to enhance responsible and informed participation in civic life. This course will incorporate the Colorado Civics content standards, and key themes will include the purpose of government and heritage of United States government, comparative governments, the Constitution as a living document, political parties, citizenship rights and responsibilities, states and local government, and government relations to world affairs.
ECONOMICS #
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Economics)
Prerequisite: None
This course includes the basic concepts of economic theory and their application to national, state, and local issues. Topics include the basic concepts of economics, micro-economic issues, macro-economic issues, and international economic issues. Emphasis will be placed on economic literacy to prepare students for college studies.
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY 1,2 #
Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade Level: 11,12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
Advanced Placement Human Geography is a course designed to address primary questions of geography, including the spatial analysis of the human population on the earth, a comprehensive view of settlement patterns and land use issues around the world. Themes of the course will include fundamental concepts of geography, population geography, spatial patterns of power, cultural geography, settlement and land use patterns, and issues of spatial analysis and economic change. Students will have the opportunity to take the National Advanced Placement Examination at the end of the school year.
AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS 1,2 #
Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade Level: 11,12 Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Government or Social Studies) Prerequisite: None
Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics is designed to give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret United States politics and the analysis of specific examples. Topics of study include the Constitution of the United States, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties and interest groups, institutions of national government, public policy, and civil rights and liberties. Students will undergo a rigorous study of factual and interpretative material in preparation for the National Advanced Placement Examination given in May.
AMERICAN WEST #
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 11, 12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
The American West traces the history of the trans-Mississippi region from its exploration by the Spanish and the French through the 1900s. Climate, geography, natural resources, land use, and the contributions of various groups entering and living in the area will be studied.
AMERICAN POPULAR CULTURE #
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 11, 12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
Using music and film as mirrors of American popular culture, this course will trace the growth of music such as the blues, jazz, rock n’ roll, country, and hip-hop, as well as different genres of popular film. It will explore the appeals and sometimes the ideals behind our popular culture and how this is a reflection upon American society in general.
CONSTITUTIONAL AND CRIMINAL LAW #
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 11-12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to explore the constitutional foundations and structure of the federal and state legal systems. Key concepts include the first ten amendments and individual rights, law enforcement, judicial systems, civil and criminal law, and balancing rights with responsibilities.
STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL AMERICA
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 11,12 Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
From the beginning, America was both multiracial and multicultural. This course is designed as an opportunity for every student to see themselves in the historical narrative of America. Students will investigate, interpret, and analyze historical evidence to gain a better understanding of a nation peopled by the world. Students will be challenged to recover the missing chapters of American history; the stories of separate and shared experiences of multiple minority groups. This course is an opportunity for academic growth and a deeper and more diverse education to equip students with the knowledge and skills to be productive members of a country where everyone will be minorities.
PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 11-12 Credit Per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies or Postsecondary Workforce Readiness)
Prerequisite: Recommend completion of Economics
This course develops understanding and skills in money management, budgeting, financial goal attainment, use of credit, insurance, investments, and consumer rights and responsibilities. It shows students how to become financially responsible, conscientious members of society. This is a Project based learning class.
SOCIOLOGY #
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 11-12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
Sociology is the study of group behavior, society, and the social order. This course includes an examination of the differences in societal behavior, social class systems, minority groups, poverty, prejudices, and current social movements.
PSYCHOLOGY #
Course Length: 1 Semester Grade Level: 11-12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
Psychology is the study of individual human behavior and mental processes. This introductory course focuses on the nature of behavioral science, methods of scientific study, intelligence, personality, learning, consciousness, stress, adjustment and abnormal behavior.
IB PSYCHOLOGY 1,2 STANDARD LEVEL
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
The IB Standard Level psychology course aims to develop an awareness of how research findings can be applied to better understand human behavior and how ethical practices are upheld in psychological inquiry. Students learn to understand the biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behavior and explore alternative explanations of behavior. They also understand and use diverse methods of psychological inquiry.
IB PSYCHOLOGY 5,6,7,8 HIGHER LEVEL
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 4 Semesters Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
This course includes an in-depth study of individual human behavior and mental processes. In two years of study, students will examine the historical development of psychology, the different theoretical approaches to understanding behavior, the effects of perception of human behavior, effects of biological influences on behavior, and methods of scientific psychological inquiry. Students will also explore one optional topic.
IB 20th CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 5,6 STANDARD LEVEL #
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
Twentieth Century World History is a study of selected World History topics chosen to prepare the student for the Standard Level Examination in history at the end of one year of study. Emphasis is placed on the causes, practices and effects of war; the rise and rule of single party states; and the establishment and work of international organizations.
Additional topics include economic developments and social change in the twentieth century. Students are required to demonstrate critical writing skills, the ability to work with historical documents and knowledge of historiography for the examination.
IB 20TH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 5,6 HIGHER LEVEL #
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade Level: 11
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
Twentieth Century World History is a study of selected World History topics chosen to prepare the student for the Higher Level Examination in history at the end of two years of study. Students are expected to continue the course of study with IB History of the Americas in the senior year. Emphasis is placed on the causes, practices and effects of war; the rise and rule of single party states; and East/West relations after 1945. Additional topics include economic developments and social change in the twentieth century. Students are required to demonstrate critical writing skills, the ability to work with historical documents and knowledge of historiography.
IB HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS 7,8 HIGHER LEVEL #
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 2 Semesters Grade Level: 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (US History or Social Studies)
Prerequisite: IB 20th Century World HL
History of the Americas is a study of selected history topics chosen to prepare the student for the Higher Level Examination in history. The course is a continuation of the program begun in the junior year with Twentieth Century World History. Students will study United States history, Canadian history, and Latin American history since 1865. Emphasis is placed on economic problems and solutions, political developments, social trends, and foreign relations. Students are required to demonstrate critical writing skills, the ability to work with historical documents and knowledge of historiography for the examination.