Contemporary Problems

The Contemporary Problems course provides students with a briefing on essential political science, historical, economic, and sociological information and methods and then offers a topical approach to American and global problems. This course blends political science, history, economics, and sociology; in this way, it introduces students to various issues facing them in America and our globalizing world. Students may explore American problems such as the justice system, drug addiction, runaways/homelessness, as well as global issues such as climate change, human rights violations, war, trade, and terrorism. This course is designed to eliminate much of the confusion and/or ignorance surrounding these and other important issues and allow students to form their own reasonable conclusions and plans on matters that affect their lives in America and the world as a whole. Students will study and evaluate these issues from a variety of perspectives and use a variety of resources. Ultimately, they will offer critiques and propose solutions to these issues, take action to solve them, measure their success, and then reflect on the shared learning experience.

Students will learn topic knowledge, perspective taking, research skills, problem solving skills, and expand their abilities to think historically and critically about the issues affecting America and the world.

Units of Study Titles

Introduction & Perspective

Global Problems

American Problems

Problem Solving and Reflection