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On this page, you'll find Social Studies Department course information.
About the Social Studies Program
The Social Studies Department offers students an opportunity to study elements of human history, human behavior, and cultures. The analysis of social studies rests on both critical reading and evaluation of evidence. It sharpens reading and writing skills and gives students practice in the use of the basic tools of modern life.
Social Studies at a Glance
| Course |
Grade |
Credit |
| World Civilizations |
9 |
1 |
| World Civilizations Regular |
9 |
1 |
| World Civilizations Honors |
9 |
1 |
 |
| Civics |
10 |
0.5 |
| Civics Honors |
10 |
0.5 |
|
| World Geography |
10 |
0.5 |
| World Geography Honors |
10 |
0.5 |
|
| American Studies Honors |
11 |
2 |
|
| U.S. History |
11 |
1 |
| U.S. History Regular |
11 |
1 |
| AP U.S. History |
11 |
1 |
| Issues in America |
11, 12 |
0.5 |
|
| African-American History |
12 |
0.5 |
|
| Latin-American History |
12 |
0.5 |
|
| Criminal Justice |
10, 11, 12 |
0.5 |
| Sociology |
12 |
0.5 |
| Psychology |
12 |
0.5 |
|
| Illinois, Chicago, and Local History |
12 |
0.5 |
|
| Development of Western Thought |
12 |
2 |
|
| Independent Study |
11, 12 |
0.5 to 1 |
Social Studies Courses
| Worlds Civilizations |
| G050 |
Grade 9 |
| G120 (Category I Grade Weighting) |
1 credit |
| No prerequisite |
|
| Year course |
| This is a one-year course designed to assist students of average potential who need specialized and individualized instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills to support the understanding of world history from the beginning of civilization through the late 20th Century. The areas of study are Africa, Asia, and Europe. |
| Worlds Civilizations Regular |
| G100 • G113 ESL • G088 Bilingual |
Grade 9 |
| No prerequisite |
1 credit |
| Year course |
| This is a one-year course designed for average and above average students. This course is a survey of world history from the beginning of civilization in Africa, Asia, and Europe through the 20th Century. |
| Worlds Civilizations Honors |
| G101 |
Grade 9 |
| Prerequisite: Department recommendation |
1 credit |
| Year course |
| This course is a survey of world history from the beginning of civilization in Africa, Asia, and Europe through the late 20th Century. Students enrolling in the course at this level should have excellent reading and writing skills, and they should have prior exposure to research techniques. |
| Civics |
| G090 (G725 Sem. 2) • G089 (G689 Sem. 2) |
Grade 10 |
| No prerequisite |
0.5 credit |
| Semester course; offered both semesters |
This semester course covers the American system of government, the American legal system, the criminal justice system, our rights and responsibilities as citizens, as well as consumer awareness and protection. throughout the study of citizenship, government and law, students will gain a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as members of society. In addition, students will study consumer issues related to contracts, credit, purchasing goods and services, and career planning.
Note: This course fulfills the CONSUMER ED. graduation requirement. |
| Civics Honors |
| G190 (G790 Sem. 2) |
Grade 10 |
| Prerequisite: Department recommendations |
0.5 credit |
| Semester course; offered both semesters |
The focus of this semester course is on the American legal and political system. Through the study of citizenship, students will be exposed to their rights and responsibilities as Americans. In addition, students will study consumer issues dealing with topics like contracts, credit, purchasing goods and services, consumer awareness and protection, and career planning. this course moves at a faster pace and goes into greater depth than regular level Civics. students enrolling this class should have excellent reading and writing skills.
Note: This course fulfills the CONSUMER ED. graduation requirement. |
| World Geography |
| G084 (G684 Sem. 2) • G584 ESL |
Grade 10 |
| G118 (Category I Grade Weighting) |
0.5 credit |
| No prerequisite |
|
| Semester course; offered both semesters |
| This course is designed as an introductory course for social science. During the first semester, the focus is on physical geography and basic geographical skills are emphasized. In the second semester, the focus is on natural resources, farming, manufacturing, and the historical and cultural development of Africa, Asia, and Europe. |
| World Geography Honors |
| G185 (G784 Sem. 2) |
Grade 10 |
| Prerequisite: Department recommendation |
0.5 credit |
| Semester course; offered both semesters |
| The goals of this course are similar to regular level geography but at an accelerated, honors level. Students will be taught to develop a deeper understanding of geography and its effects on individuals and societies by studying the world's physical features, how they blend with social systems, and how they effect economies, politics, and human interaction. This is an excellent preparatory course for American Studies or AP U.S. History. |
| American Studies Honors |
| E062 |
Grade 11 |
| Prerequisite: Department recommendation |
2 credits |
| Year course |
| This course is team-taught by a teacher from English and a teacher from Social Studies. The course interrelates American literature and U.S. History with emphasis on the cultural, political, economic, social and intellectual history of the United States. Students enrolling in this course should have excellent reading and writing skills. |
| U.S. History |
| G102 • G119 (Category I Grade Weighting) |
Grade 11 |
| Prerequisite: Appropriate level placement by Department Chair |
1 credit |
| Year course |
| This is a one-year course required by law of all high school graduates. Proviso students usually enroll during their third year. This course is a chronological survey of United States History. It covers America's growth from the colonial period to the late 20th Century. This course incorporates the required Constitution Exam, which is included in the first semester. |
| AP U.S. History |
| G102 • G119 (Category I Grade Weighting) |
Grade 11 |
| Prerequisite: Department recommendation |
1 credit |
| Year course |
| The Advanced Placement program in United States history is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. History. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands on them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. The course takes a chronological approach to Untied States history and will teach students how to analyze and interpret primary sources, including documentary materials, maps, statistical tables, and pictorial and graphic evidence of historical events. Students will learn to take notes from printed material and lectures or discussions, write essay examinations, and write analytical and research papers. Students will be expected as part of the course to take the AP examination in the spring. Outstanding achievement on the examination may results in receiving college credit for the class. |
| Issues in America |
| G194 (G694 Sem. 2) |
Grades 11, 12 |
| Prerequisite: World History |
0.5 credit |
| Semester course |
| This is a one-semester course designed to study events in Post World War II America. the course will cover challenges that the U.S. has faced in its recent past and present. The focus is on contemporary events that impact our lives. |
| African-American History |
| G122 (G722 Sem. 2) |
Grade 12 |
| No prerequisite |
0.5 credit |
| Semester course ; offered both semesters |
| This is a junior-senior elective designed to cover the African-American experience from its origins in Africa to the current efforts in the United States toward true equality. the course offers a historical, cultural, and literary perspective to the African-American experience in the U.S. and the impact of African-American culture on U.S. history. Course activities include classroom discussion, journal writing, projects, and personal experiences. |
| Latin-American History |
| G385 (G585 Sem. 2) |
Grade 12 |
| No prerequisite |
0.5 credit |
| Semester course; offered both semesters |
| This is a junior-senior elective consisting of a survey of social, political, and economic trends in Spanish America from the 15th to the 20th Centuries. Differences, as well as similarities, in the development of Latin American countries will be studied to provide students with insights into how humans can provide different solutions to similar problems. |
| Criminal Justice |
| X050 |
Grades 10, 11, 12 |
| Prerequisite: World Civilizations Honors |
0.5 credit |
| Semester course |
This semester course is a survey of the criminal justice system, including the agencies, legal terminology, and processes involved in the administration of criminal justice. It provides an overview of police, prosecution, courts, and the correctional system. An analysis of crimes and their proof in context of practical fact situations along with the problems of the administration of justice in a democratic society are also discussed.
Topics and Objective include ... What is Criminal Justice?; Crime Statistics; Cause of Crime; Criminal Law; Policing and Police Issues; the Courts and the Criminal trial; Sentencing, Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections; Prisons and Jails; and The Future of Criminal Justice. This course is part of Proviso East's Magnet School Assistance Program (MSAP) in Public Safety. |
| Sociology |
| G097 (G730 Sem. 2) |
Grade 12 |
| No prerequisite |
0.5 credit |
| Semester course; offered both semesters |
| This course introduces students to sociological theories and terminology necessary to explain and analyze social behavior among humans. Students will learn how to use the scientific method for studies. Students who are entering "people-centered" occupations - law and police work, social services, teaching, and the medical and health related profession - should consider sociology. |
| Psychology |
| G098 (G731 Sem. 2) |
Grade 12 |
| No prerequisite |
0.5 credit |
| Semester course; offered both semesters |
| This course is the study of human behavior. Critical thinking is used to evaluate theories and hypotheses. topics covered in this course include early development, personality theory, learning, the brain, and careers in psychology. |
| Illinois, Chicago, and Local History |
| G124 (G724 Sem. 2) |
Grade 12 |
| No prerequisite |
0.5 credit |
| Semester course; offered both semesters |
| This semester course will broaden students' understanding of the historical, political, economic, and social history of the communities that serve Proviso Townships High Schools, as well as the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago. |
| Development of Western Thought Honors |
| E063 |
Grade 12 |
| Prerequisite: Department recommendation |
2 credits |
| Year course |
This interdisciplinary course allows seniors to earn credit for English Honors and History of Western Civilization. It emphasizes mature inquiry into the cultural, political, economic, social and intellectual development of Western society. Students do extensive discussion, writing, analytical reading, and self-initiated projects to prepare themselves for college.
Note: This course fulfills the CONSUMER EDUCATION graduation requirement if both semester are taken. |
 Students who successfully the course with a final grade of C or better each semester will receive credit in Rhetoric 101 and 102 at Triton College if they meet Triton's qualifying standards. Both semesters are needed to fulfill the Consumer Education graduation requirement. |
| Independent Study in Social Studies |
| G501 |
Grades 11, 12 |
| Prerequisite: Department recommendation |
0.5 to 1 credit |
| One or two semester course |
| Independent study must be appropriately designed and approved. The course will cover the knowledge and skills identified by the student working in cooperation with the selected faculty member. |
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