26-27 BPS Course Catalog - Flipbook - Page 75
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
222921/222922 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
280121/280122 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 secondary sources, write a variety of essays, engage deeply with thorough content knowledge, and effectively communicate their
historical understanding through discussion. This course satisfies the US History graduation requirement. AP US History
includes a required summer assignment.
Prerequisites: None
Grades Taught: 10
Credit: 1
NCAA Approved
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