Shawnee Mission Northwest High School - Lair Yearbook (Shawnee Mission, KS)

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a ocial science examines society . Every man is the creature of the agein which he livesg very few are able to raise themselves above the ideas of the times -Voltaire Northwest social studies teachers attempted to disprove this philosophy by preparing students to think beyond their surroundings through the study of past and present situations. In both required and elective courses, the focus of study explored aspects of societies and their implica- tions on the present. 'Withthe addition of fresh- men to Northwest, more teachers were needed to account for the increased curriculum demands. A1- though the variety of the elective courses endured, the number of required courses offered increased with World Geography, a ninth grade requirement. Students were expected to fulfill three credits of social science by graduation, two and one-half credits of which consisted of a year of ninth grade social studies, a year of American History, and a se- mester of American Government. The remaining half credit was to be filled by an elective. Students often went beyond the require- ments and took more than one social studies elective course. The required curriculum was based on both district and state policies. World Ge- ography, a district standard, consisted of an in depth look at geography and its effects on societies and cultures. It also provided students with a basic understanding of current world issues and ex- plored possible career options. Another objective of the course was to introduce fresh- men to high school. Iuniors were burdened with the requirement of American History. Teachers, of American History emphasized the politi- cal, economic, social and cul- tural aspects of each era, ex- tending from the Colonial Period to the present. The course waspbasically a con- tinuation of the eigth grade introductory level course. Some students had mixed feelings about taking the class. I'm not too excited about the content but but my ...continued an page 20 sticks with- vida mug. photo by Chris Assay' LECTURE AND NOTETAKING are an integral part of Psycho- logy I coursework. Bridgid Mayor outlines Piaget's development theory. photo by Chris Assaf A Social science 19 design by Mutt Cooley

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iii Wil lECQf Dl73SQlfTllf. Cllllltllllhi from puter' IS... teacher really tried to make the class interesting, said Elaine Rowe. American Government was another requirement that made students apprehensive. Seniors, somewhat affected by senioritis, found it hard to concentrate on what they an- .-,-..,.,1 .. 1 1 1- . program. The course was lengthened from a semester to a year in order to better prepare students for college level entrance exams. In regard to electives, most students chose World History or Law and You during their sophomore year in order to meet that requirement early. ur,,,1.1 rr'.. . 1 the subtleties that Mr. David- son uses to illustrate psycho- logy really makes the class in- teresting, said senior Katie Lynch. Sociology looked at in- teractions of people within socioeconomic groups. Several speakers were invited to share views to which most students had never been exposed. 1 - A1- .. ..