COURSE NAME: Contemporary Political and Social Issues

SCHOOL DISTRICT: Sharon Spirngs

INSTRUCTOR: Brian Cox

FULL YEAR

MAXIMUM TOTAL CLASS ENROLLMENT - ALL SITES: 25

COURSE PREREQUISITES:Junior or Senior in High School

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION / OUTLINE: Contemporary Political and Social Issues is the study of the world
around us and the society that we live in. It introduces students to issues that influence our life in this
global, multi-cultural society. Students will research current economic, political, social, and cultural problems,
and explore how ongoing conflicts affect groups as well as individuals.

Emphasis is upon America as a dynamic society in the 21st century, witnessing changes involving community,
state, nation, and world. Some of the pressing problems facing our rapidly changing society will be examined
in detail using different media outlets including the internet and "social media", television news, periodicals
and the newspaper.

Critical thinking skills and technology related research is emphasized. Speaking and listening skills are
reinforced through class discussions and oral presentations. The study of interdisciplinary connectins relates
contemporary political and social issues to history, thereby enabling students to grasp the interrelationship
between and among them. The use of a varietyh of technologies is integrated throughout the curriculum.

Each day we will be gathering, discussing, and analyzing political and social issues. Students will be expected
to participate in daily classroom discussions as we analyze major topics.

The primary goal of the Cntemporary Political and Social Issues is to raise the awareness of students to the
world around them and provide a common language for talking about issues while encouraging discussion
of contemporary issues. Students bedcome aware of social, economic cultural, and political issues that
affect them in a golbally multi-cultural society. Through regular screening of print, internet and television
media, an emphasis is placed on the role of the media in shaping world events and influencing public
opinion. It will engage the student in practical exp0erience in negotiating a set of values that reflects a
group's common ethical ground. Through discussion forums and debates, students will develop a sense of
their own view on issues and begin to define themselves as a ploitical personality.


OTHER NOTES / MISCELLANEOUS:

2/11/14