BPS High School Course Catalog 24-25 - Flipbook - Page 75
democratic principles of popular sovereignty, federalism, limited government and personal freedoms,
separation of powers, checks and balances, and judicial review. Students also take a closer look at the
Congress, the Presidency, and the federal courts, and apply critical thinking to their discussions and
to their analytical writings about the inter-relationships among the three branches of government.
They deal with the connections of our national government to political parties and interest groups, to
the media and public opinion, and to state and local governments. The course is designed to fulfill the
United States government requirement and to prepare students for the AP test given in the spring of
each year. The first term includes the following topics: Introduction to US Government, The
Constitution, Federalism, Public Opinion, Political Participation, Political Parties, Campaigns and
Elections. The second term includes: Interest Groups, Congress, The Presidency, The Bureaucracy, The
Judiciary, Civil Liberties and Civil Rights.
Prerequisites: Students may self-select; however, students who are successful have taken other AP
courses and have strong reading and writing skills. Students are required to take the full year course for
graduation and State of Michigan requirement.
Grades Taught: 11, 12
Credit: 1
NCAA Approved
222920 AP Psychology
The purpose of the AP course in Psychology is to introduce students to the scientific study of the
behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the
psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within
psychology. They will also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. It is
the aim of AP Psychology to provide a learning experience equivalent to that obtained in a college level
introductory psychology course. AP Psychology is intended for juniors and seniors who are genuinely
interested in gaining a deeper understanding of psychology in preparation for further exploration in
college. This course, which is a social studies course, is especially helpful for students who wish to pursue
majoring in psychology or neuroscience, which is now a significant component of the MCAT (Medical
College Admissions Test).
Prerequisites: Students may self-select; Successful AP students have a B average on tests in other social
studies classes. AP Psychology A is a prerequisite for AP Psychology B.
Grades Taught: 11, 12
Credit: 1
NCAA Approved
280120 AP US History
AP US History is a year-long course designed to provide an in-depth survey of the social, cultural,
economic, and political developments of the United States from Pre-Columbian American society
through the modern era via a variety of historical interpretive lenses. This course is intended for the
student who has a strong interest in history, will develop continued sophisticated writing skills, and
promotes continued strength in reading comprehension. The course is designed to prepare students to
take the Advanced Placement Exam. As such, students will extensively read and analyze primary and
second-ary sources, write a variety of essays, engage deeply with thorough content knowledge, and
effectively communicate their historical understanding through discussion. This course satisf ies the US
History graduation requirement. AP US History includes a required summer assignment.
Prerequisites: None
Grades Taught: 10
Credit: 1
NCAA Approved
200420 World History
World History is a year-long course designed to introduce students to the essential knowledge base
of human social development through the study of the origins and development through time of an
ever-changing global society. Students will be introduced to the study of history and, throughout the
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