The social studies curriculum is designed to improve the awareness of students in global, national, and personal perspectives. In short, it will enable individuals to better understand themselves, society, and the world.

0201 EUROPEAN STUDIES
Required of all 9th graders 1.0 credit
Class meets 6 mods per cycle, all year
European Studies offers a full year survey of Western European history.
Students will study the geography of modern Europe and trace the development
of the continent from the closing of the Middle Ages to the present day.
Including topics are the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, French
monarchy and revolution, World War I, the Russian Revolution, and World War
II. The course will also explore the rise of the 20th century dictators.

0202 SOCIAL STUDIES 9 HONORS
Offered in grade 9 1.0 credit
Class meets 6 mods per cycle, all year
Scheduled in place of 0201
Recommendation: Previous Social Studies success and Teacher
recommendation
In an enriched atmosphere, which places major emphasis on critical thinking,
creativity, problem solving and collaborative learning, the student will experience
a full year survey of Western European History. Students will study the
geography of modern Europe and trace the development of the continent from
the closing of the Middle Ages to the present day.
Included topics are the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, French
monarchy and revolution, World War I, the Russian Revolution and World War
II. The course will also explore the rise of the 20th century dictators. Efforts will
be made to link historical periods studied in this course to literary themes
discussed in ninth grade English.

*0204 WORLD CULTURES
Required of all 10th graders 1.0 credit
Class meets 6 mods per cycle, all year
The tenth grade World Cultures curriculum will increase international understanding
and appreciation by providing a foundation of knowledge of non-Western
cultures, which allows for complex comprehension of current and potential
issues, as well as the intrinsic worth of each culture studied. This foundation
will better enable the student to respond to the realities of our global age. The
regions to be examined are the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

5010 HUMANITIES 10 HONORS
Offered in grade 10 2.0 credits
Class meets 12 mods per cycle, all year
(course description on page 12)

*0211 U.S. & PENNSYLVANIA CULTURES
Required of all 11th grades 1.0 credit
Class meets 6 mods per cycle, all year
This course is a survey of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects
of the United States and Pennsylvania during the twentieth century. Course
content begins with the Age of Imperialism to the present day and follows the
emergence of the United States as a global superpower. A sample of topics
that will be covered includes major military actions, social movements, cultural
contributions, economic and political developments and the growing influence
of technology.

0212 U.S. & PENNSYLVANIA CULTURES HONORS
Offered in grade 11 1.0
Class meets 6 mods per cycle, all year
Schedule in place of 0211
Pending Board Approval
U.S. & Pennsylvania Cultures Honors is designed for those
minimum four-year college commitment. This course is a survey of the
economic, social, and cultural aspects of the United States and Pennsylvania
during the twentieth century. Course content begins with the Age of Imperialism
to the present day and follows the emergence of the United States
superpower. Topics will be examined in greater detail than the academic
course through sophisticated content analysis including examination supplemental
readings and documents as well as in-depth class discussion.
in the social studies will be emphasized.

0240 PSYCHOLOGY
Offered in grade 12
Class meets 6 mods per cycle, 1 semester
Psychology examines the nature of human behavior. This course
students to the systematic and scientific study of this behavior. Students
exposed to the psychological theories, principles, and phenomena
with each of the major subfields within psychology. Topics discussed
sensation and perception, learning, personality, abnormal psychology
social psychology. Through readings, discussion, viewing and experimentation,
students will achieve a better understanding of themselves.

*0250 U.S. GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS
Offered in grade 12 .5 credits
Class meets 6 mods per cycle, 1 semester
The first segment of this course is designed to give seniors an analytical
perspective on government and politics. It concentrates on democratic theories,
political institutions, and the conduct of politics. The curriculum will focus on national, state and local issues, as well as citizenship responsibilities. The
economic portion of this course will introduce such fundamental concepts as
scarcity, supply and demand, competition and incentives, fiscal and monetary
policy, forms of business organization, the business cycle, and the economic
role of government. Comparative economic systems and the global economy
will also be addressed. This mandatory course is designed to create well informed,
intelligent and participating citizens and consumers.

0260 U.S. FOREIGN POLICY
Offered in grade 12 .5 credits
Class meets 6 mods per cycle, 1 semester
This course examines the United State’s evolution from a tradition of isolationism
to an ever-increasing position of international responsibility. The U.S.’s
involvement in the world’s diplomatic and military arenas will be analyzed.
Concepts such as isolation, neutrality, containment and globalization will be
emphasized.

2400 COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM
Offered in grades 9-12 .25 credits/30 hours
PASS/FAIL
Many students in the Methacton School District are currently performing
service in their community and schools. The Community Service Program was
created as a way to reward students who are making a difference and becoming
active participants in our democratic society. Through their service, they are
learning more about themselves, their community, and exploring future careers
(service learning). Student receive .25 credit for every 30 hours of documented
service, and there is no limit to the number of hours, or credit, each year.
Service hours are from end of one school year till the end of the next. This credit
helps them to meet elective credit for graduation. The Coordinator will meet with
the student to explain the program, suggest service opportunities, and to
explain the reflection component.