Course Listing
800 WORLD HISTORY
Grades 9 (Required)
Prerequisites: None.
One Credit. One Year.
This course examines world events from 1600 to the present. It explores the impact of the democratic and industrial revolutions, the forces that led to world domination by European powers, the wars that changed empires, the ideas that led to independence movements and the effects of global interdependence. The concepts of historical thinking introduced in earlier grades continue to build with students locating and analyzing primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives to draw conclusions. World History or Honors World History is required for graduation.
802 HONORS WORLD HISTORY
Grades 9
Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation or 8th grade social studies and ELA class with a grade of “B” or better. A record of proficient scores (700 or better) on ELA state tests.
One Credit. One Year.
The Honors World History course focuses on developing students’ understanding of Western Civilization from approximately 1450 to the present. The course has students investigate the content of the history of Western civilization for significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in four historical periods, and develop and use the same thinking skills and methods (analyzing primary and secondary sources, making historical comparisons, chronological reasoning, and argumentation) employed by historians when they study the past. The course also provides five themes (1. interaction of Europe and the world 2. poverty and prosperity 3. objective knowledge and subjective vision 4. states and other institutions of power 5. individual and society) that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places. This meets the World History graduation requirement.
803 U.S. HISTORY
Grades 10 (required)
Prerequisites: World History or Honors World History.
One Credit. One Year.
This course examines the history of the United States of America from 1877 to the present. The concepts of historical thinking introduced in earlier grades continue to build with students analyzing primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives to draw conclusions. Either U.S. History or KAP U.S. History is required for graduation.
805 KAP AMERICAN HISTORY
Grades 10,11,12
Prerequisites: Students who enroll in this course must make an application to Kenyon College for admission to the KAP Program. Social studies teacher recommendation required. Sophomores will likely have earned an “A” or “B” in Honors World History or an “A” in World History. Juniors and seniors will likely have earned an “A” or “B” in a recent social studies course. Students who have earned over a 3.5 GPA and intend to apply for admission to any college or university should consider applying for KAP American History.
2 Credits. One Year. (8 college semester hours).
Kenyon Academic Partnership (KAP) American History examines American history from before Columbus to the present, following the same format as college American history survey courses. Students will acquire skills that will be needed in college through outside readings, a college level test, a research paper and essay exams. This reading and writing-intensive course is highly interactive and participation in daily class discussion is essential for success. With the approval of Kenyon College, students enrolled in this course for 2 high school credits will enroll in the KAP Program and earn 8 semester hours of college credit on an official Kenyon College transcript at the same time.
806 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT & ECONOMICS
Grades 11 (Required)
Prerequisites: World History and U.S. History.
One Credit. One Year.
How the American people govern themselves at national, state and local levels of government is the basis for this course. This course incorporates American Government, Economics, Financial Literacy, and Research. The topics covered in this course include: Civic Involvement, Civic Participation and Skills, Principles of the U.S. Constitution, Structures and Functions of the Federal Government, Role of the People, Ohio’s State and Local Government, Public Policy, and Government and the Economy.
COTC806 COTC AMERICAN POLITICS & GOVERNMENT
Grades 11,12
Prerequisites for MVHS: Acceptance into Yellow Jacket U, pass the Accuplacer
MVHS: One Credit. One Year.
COTC: Course HIST 100. 3 credit hours.
COTC: Course HIST 100. 3 credit hours.
This course surveys the social world of American politics, the development of politics in relation to changes in society, the economy, and the influences of culture on the politics of the United States. Among the topics discussed are the basic concepts, structures, theories, and processes of the American system of government. In addition, the course discusses topics such as human behavior; the structure of societies, cultures, and institutions; and the processes by which all interact. The course also includes critical thinking and communication to analyze what the American political process is and how it works. Consequently, this course examines American political institutions and behavior regarding history, theories of American democracy, the national government, federalism, and the political processes that include political parties, elections, and public opinion.
807 AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS/AP COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: Students must earn a grade of “B” or better in either English 10 or Honors English 10, have permission from the instructor, or recommendation from their current Social Studies teacher.
One Credit. One Year.
This alternative to American Government and Economics blends two AP classes into one: AP US Government & Politics and AP Comparative Government & Politics. Each class will last roughly one semester. This innovative course introduces students to the work of political scientists such as the study of demographics, political phenomena and relationships by analyzing government systems, processes, structures, policy choices and policy alternatives. This will be done by comparing the governments, people and institutions of seven countries: China, United Kingdom, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United States. Additionally, students will analyze major world trends such as macroeconomics, global cooperation, civil rights & liberties, the environment and the media. Participation in the AP US Government & Politics exam is required while the AP Comparative Government & Politics exam is optional.
Fee: AP American Government Test - Approximately $97.00 (Required).
Comparative Government Test - Approximately $97.00 (Optional).
COTC809 COTC CRITICAL THINKING
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites for MVHS: Acceptance into Yellow Jacket U, pass the Accuplacer.
MVHS: One Credit. One Semester.
COTC: Course PHIL 105. 3 credit hours.
This course examines the basic elements of logic, argument analysis, and argument construction. Topics include arguments deductive and inductive reasoning, formal and informal fallacies and rhetoric. This course develops student's abilities to think critically, to understand and carefully construct arguments and to understand the uses of language in a variety of contexts.
COTC810 COTC INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: COTC application approval and principal/counselor recommendation.
MVHS: One Credit. One Semester.
COTC: Course PSY 100. (3 semester college credits).
This semester psychology course offers 3 hours of college credit from Central Ohio Technical College. As an introduction to psychology, it researches areas of basic theoretical constructs, nervous system functioning, perception, learning, memory, emotion, cognition, intelligence, personality theories, stress, social psychology and motivational psychology. Taught by a COTC instructor.
Fee: To be determined by COTC.
811 AMERICA AT WAR "A" (Revolutionary War - WWI) 1776-1939
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: Must have a “C” or better in U.S. History and World History or instructor’s permission.
½ Credit. One Semester.
This course will focus on the transition of warfare tactics, strategies, weapons, and motivations for warfare from the American Revolution through the First World War. The course will be taught chronologically to show how warfare has developed over time due to technological advancements and varying state objectives. It will examine the question of why wars are fought and the reasons behind the transition from wars for the acquisition of land and property to wars fought for ideological and political motivations. This course will study the evolution of warfare by discussing in detail the military conflicts of this time period. Wars that will be included are the American Revolution, Civil War, and World War I as well as many other conflicts.
811 AMERICA AT WAR "B" (WWII to Present Day) 1940-2020
Grades 11, 12
Prerequisites: Must have a “C” or better in U.S. History and World History or instructor’s permission.
½ Credit. One Semester.
This course will focus on the transition of warfare tactics, strategies, weapons, and motivations for warfare from the Second World War to the continuing conflicts in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. The course will be taught chronologically to show how warfare has developed over time due to technological advancements and varying starte objectives. It will examine the question of why wars are fought and the reasons behind the transition from wars for the acquisition of land and property to wars fought for ideological and political motivations. This course will study the evolution of warfare by discussing in detail the military conflicts of this time period. Wars that will be included are World War II, Korean War, Vietnam, and the conflicts in the Middle East.
813 KAP SOCIOLOGY
Grades 11, 12 Priority for this class will be given to students who have been accepted into YJU.
Prerequisites: Students who enroll in this course must make application to Kenyon College for admission to the KAP Program. Social studies teacher recommendation required. Sophomores will likely have earned an “A” or “B” in Honors World History or an “A” in World History. Juniors and seniors will likely have earned an “A” or “B” in a recent social studies course.
1 Credit. One Semester. (4 college semester hours).
This course is an introduction to the discipline of sociology, the systematic study of human behavior within social groups and institutions. In this one-semester course, students will explore how society shapes individuals and, in turn, how individuals shape society. We will examine foundational concepts such as culture, socialization, norms, values, and social structure, and consider how these forces influence everyday life.
Students will analyze social phenomena from an academic perspective, learning to identify patterns of interaction and interpret them through major sociological theories. Throughout the course, students will also gain experience with essential sociological research methods—such as surveys, interviews, observation, and data analysis—and learn how researchers use evidence to draw conclusions about social behavior. By the end of the semester, students will develop a deeper understanding of the social world and the tools to think critically about contemporary issues.