Social Studies

Cultural Geography

This elective course introduces students to contemporary events, trends, and problems facing citizens across the globe. Students explore the ways in which geography impacts culture, migration, natural resources, and conflict. The course is designed to inform students about political, economic, social, and ecological concerns in the contemporary world. It analyzes the complex relationship between human beings and their geographical environment. In addition, students will study "Enrique's Journey", a nonfiction narrative of the modern immigrant experience by Pulitzer Prize winning author and journalist, Sonia Nazario. Please note that this course will only be offered in odd numbered years beginning in the 2020-21 school year.
IB History of the America (HL 11)

Prerequisites: Admission to the IB Program, B- in Trinity Pre-IB Government and C in IB History 11. IB History is a two-year course which examines the History of the Americas from 1920-1980 and Twentieth Century Topics from 1919-1994. The first half of the course examines the causes, events, and effects of the Civil War, political developments in Latin America, and the Civil Rights and social movements in the Americas post-1945. Students will conduct independent research in their Historical investigations. The second half of the course examines the development of Democratic States in two nations, Authoritarianism, and Rights and Protest movements in two nations from 1948-1994. To receive credit for this course, the student is required to sit for the History exams at the end of senior year.
IB History of the Americas (HL 12)

Prerequisites: Admission to the IB Program, B- in Trinity Pre-IB Government and C in IB History 11. IB History is a two-year course which examines the History of the Americas from 1920-1980 and Twentieth Century Topics from 1919-1994. The first half of the course examines the causes, events, and effects of the Civil War, political developments in Latin America, and the Civil Rights and social movements in the Americas post-1945. Students will conduct independent research in their Historical investigations. The second half of the course examines the development of Democratic States in two nations, Authoritarianism, and Rights and Protest movements in two nations from 1948-1994. To receive credit for this course, the student is required to sit for the History exams at the end of senior year.
IB History Seminar

Prerequisite: C in IB History 11. IB History Seminar is the paired course to the IB 20th-Century Topics History course and is taught first. The Seminar examines the rise of Authoritarianism in a comparative manner. Select nations include Cuba, Chile, and Germany. Skills for document analysis and academic writing are taught and practiced in preparation for the IB History exams. This course is graded and included in the student’s G.P.A.
IB Information Technology in a Global Society (SL 11)

Prerequisite: B average in Social Studies courses. This course emphasizes the social impact of computers on society. Students will learn how information technology has and can significantly change how people work, play and interact. Networks, their importance, and significant social impact in the workplace and in personal activities will be examined. Digital era ethical issues will be examined and discussed. In order to receive credit for the class, students must sit for the IB exams at the end of senior year.
IB Information Technology in a Global Society (SL 12)

Prerequisite: B average in Social Studies courses. This course emphasizes the social impact of computers on society. Students will learn how information technology has and can significantly change how people work, play and interact. Networks, their importance, and significant social impact in the workplace and in personal activities will be examined. Digital era ethical issues will be examined and discussed. In order to receive credit for the class, students must sit for the IB exams at the end of senior year.
IB Psychology (SL) 1

Prerequisites: 3.0 cumulative average and a C or above in Introduction to Psychology. This course aims to develop an awareness of how research findings can be applied to better understand human behavior and how ethical practices are upheld in psychological inquiry. Students will explore the biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches to human behavior and explore alternative explanations of behavior. They will apply diverse methods of psychological inquiry in the study of human experience and environments. In addition, to gain insight into the nature of the individual and society, students will identify, analyze, and evaluate theories and concepts; collect, describe, and analyze data; test hypotheses and interpret source material. In order to receive credit for the course students are required to sit for the IB exams their senior year.
IB Psychology (SL) 2

Prerequisites: 3.0 cumulative average and a C or above in Introduction to Psychology. This course aims to develop an awareness of how research findings can be applied to better understand human behavior and how ethical practices are upheld in psychological inquiry. Students will explore the biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches to human behavior and explore alternative explanations of behavior. They will apply diverse methods of psychological inquiry in the study of human experience and environments. In addition, to gain insight into the nature of the individual and society, students will identify, analyze, and evaluate theories and concepts; collect, describe, and analyze data; test hypotheses and interpret source material. In order to receive credit for the course students are required to sit for the IB exams their senior year.
Introduction to Psychology

This course will familiarize the student with the major schools of psychology by examining traditional as well as current thinking in the field. Topics include the early history of psychology, psychological methods, biological, cognitive, and social approaches to psychology, and personality psychology.
Leadership Seminar

Students participating in the Leadership Summit will engage in a nine-week immersion into the philosophy of leadership and practical implications and applications for leaders in the 21st century. As our world faces increased globalization, social injustice and rapidly changing technology the need for strong, self-assured faith-filled leaders endures. This elective offers students the opportunity to discern their vocations as leaders while challenging them to analyze current issues that affect leaders today. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to organize and execute a capstone leadership project with their classmates which will require them to answer the ultimate call to leadership, “What do you care about and what are you doing to do about it?”
Political Science

This elective course is a study of American government that delves into the unique characteristics of American representative democracy, including its fundamental principles, structure, and the role of citizens. Students learn the historical development of structures of power, authority, and governance in contemporary U.S. society and other parts of the world, including the political behavior of citizens operating within this structure. An understanding of civic ideals and practices of citizenship for full participation in society is a central focus of the course.
The African American Experience

This elective course traces African-American history from the arrival of the first Africans to the Americas using historical texts, art, music, film, selected poetry and readings. Students will examine autobiographical accounts of enslaved persons to understand the historical, political, and economical context of slavery in the United States. The course will place special emphasis on the period in US history between Reconstruction leading up to the Civil Rights Movements, including the Harlem Renaissance. Students will explore and analyze issues of "otherness" as they learn about the history of discrimination in America.
The History of American Immigration

This elective course examines and traces the immigrant experience from the colonial period to the present through various primary and secondary source documents and readings. Students study how immigrants, past and present, shaped and continue to influence the political, economic, religious, and cultural life in the United States. Students also examine the challenges that immigrants have faced as a result of xenophobia and anti-immigration movements in the United States. The focus of the course is an examination of the history of Chinese immigration to the United States through a novel study of Lisa See’s Shanghai Girls, the required reading for the class.
Trinity Pre-IB United States History

Prerequisite: B- in Trinity’s Pre-IB World History and Department Approval
This nine-week course emphasizes the evolution of American identity beginning with a study of the United States Constitution. Additionally, students study the political, social, cultural and intellectual trends which have shaped our nation. Students are tested on the United States Constitution to fulfill Trinity High School and Illinois state requirements for graduation. Students must pass the Constitution Test with a grade of 70% or higher in order to pass the course. A grade of a B- is required to continue as a junior in IB History 11. Students who do not continue in IB History 11 will need to enroll in College Preparatory U.S. History for the second block of that course during their junior year.
Trinity Pre-IB World History

Prerequisite: Department approval. Trinty Pre-IB World History is an 18-week survery course that covers the major cultural, political, and economic events from the 1500s-1800s. The course connects different geographical regions through themes of trade, exploration, conquest, colonization, and revolution. A great emphasis of the course is on developing a global mindset allowing students to examine cultural elements and historical events from multiple perspectives. Students will develop skills in advanced writing, research, and document analysis. Materials will include primary and secondary sources. This course is intended to prepare students to succeed in the IB History Program.
United States History

Starting with the colonization of the Americas and the Revolutionary period, this 18 week course course examines the political, social, cultural and intellectual trends that have shaped the United States and American identity. Special emphasis is placed on the structure and function of the United States Constitution as a document that has changed with the nation. Students must pass the Constitution Test with a grade of 70% or higher in order to pass the course and fulfill Trinity’s graduation requirements.
Women's Studies

This nine-week elective course offers students the opportunity to examine women’s history in the United States and modern issues facing women globally. The course begins with an introduction to the meaning of feminism and an in depth analysis of the impact of the media on sex and gender norms. Students then study the historical “waves” of feminism and consider how they impact contemporary issues. Students also have the opportunity to take a close look at modern global issues affecting women in the areas of politics, health, law, abuse and discrimination, work, education, and sports through a study of excerpts from Nicholas Kristoff and Sheryl WuDunn’s national bestseller, Half the Sky. At the end of the course, students will be asked to consider what they believe is the most pressing issue facing women today. The required text for this class is Bridget Quinn’s She Votes: How U.S. Women Won Suffrage, and What Happened Next.
World History

College Preparatory World History is an 18-week survey course that covers major cultural, political and economic events in world history. Students examine the key concepts, peoples, and events from the 1200s to the present, focusing on topics such as the development of global trade networks, exploration, colonization, imperialism and revolution. Significant emphasis is placed on developing a global mindset where students can examine cultural elements and historical events from multiple perspectives. Students cultivate the skills necessary to be historians, including source analysis, academic writing, and collaboration.

Social Studies

Trinity High School