Faculty
News and events
Course Descriptions
Potential Future Electives
Social Studies Department
Faculty
Mrs. Bucci (Ms. Bucci's Weblog)
Mr. Moss (Mr. Moss' Blog)
News and Events
"Reimagining Detroit"
John Gallagher, long time Free Press columnist and author of the new book “Reimagining Detroit,” talked to Ms. Bucci’s Contemporary Issues class about the Detroit’s future as a “small great city.” The author later mentioned his visit to AAW on his blog and referred to our students as “Detroit-savvy.” Everyone enjoyed having coffee and breakfast during 1st hour.
Monday, May 3rd AAW students Lia Cuneo, Alison Warchol, LaTonia Harris and Paul Wierzbicki along with Ms. Bucci, visited the MISD for "Upclose Student Government Day". The students had the opportunity to participate in a discussion with Macomb County Commissioners. They prepared presentatons outlining plans to improve the county and attract youth to the area.
Ms. Parwin Anwar, a bilingual educator, addressed the students in Ms. Bucci's Cultural Connections class. She came to talk about her experience fleeing Afganistan during the Soviet invasion during the 1980s and about the similarities and differences between Afghan and American culture. Ms. Anwar's visit was part of a lesson on the history and culture of Afghanistan and Afghan Americans.
American Government
Students will understand the American system of government and will be able to make informed decisions and explain their rationale along with how these decisions impact their community, nation and the world. We will study the ideals of American style democracy and some of the social movements that have move those ideals closer to realities. There will be a special interactive unit on the First Amendment’s Freedom of Expression, especially as it relates to students. Modes of learning will include discussion, debates, simulations and a special community service project. This class teaches students skills which can be applied to active citizenship and to understanding and participating in current events.
U.S. History and Geography
U.S. History and Geography is a two-semester course that is required for graduation. This class will begin with a review of Early American History (from the Native American world through the American Revolution and the Constitutional Convention). The remainder of the course will be spent learning about the people and social forces which shaped the United States from the days before the Civil War until the Cold War. Students will learn through traditional methods related to the textbook and lectures as well as special projects integrating the arts, film, computer research and simulations.
This class will begin with a review of Early American History (from the Native American World through the American Revolution and the Constitutional Convention.) The remainder of the year will be spent learning about the people and social forces which shaped the United States from the days before the Civil War until the Cold War. Students will learn through traditional methods related to the textbook and lectures as well as special projects integrating the arts, film, computer research and simulations.
World History and Geography
World History and Geography is the study of civilizations, people, places, and events over the past 5,000 years of human history. It includes such cultures as those of Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, Renaissance Italy and the 20th century world. Also studied are ideas and concepts such as socialism, democracy, nationalism, dictatorship, communism and Nazism. Students will realize that man has had similar needs and problems universally through time and has met those needs and problems in different ways.
International Relations/Model United Nations
This class is for those who want to know more about the rest of the world and our relationship to it. Students will study politics on a global level and will explore three different approaches to American Foreign Policy. All students will conduct research and develop debating skills necessary to participate in a Model U.N. conference. (This involves role-playing a diplomat from another country.) The conference will take place over several days and may require staying on a college campus. (Fall semester only)
Strong academic and teamwork skills required.
Economics
Economics is a semester course in which students will study the American Economic System in terms of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. The principles of capitalism will be examined with the emphasis on individual and household choices, business choices, money, banking, finance, and the government's role in the economy and trade in both domestic and international markets.
Psychology
Psychology explores basic principles of human behavior with an emphasis on the major characteristics of mental health, theories of learning, and personality development. Traditional and modern theories of psychology will be presented.
Potential Future Electives
These courses may possibly be offered in future years, depending on student interest.
Understanding Diversity and Intercultural Communication
Students will build more cultural self-awareness, learn about cultural differences and how to communicate more effectively cross-culturally. This class will involve lots of participation and some reading and writing. Classroom discussions and skill building will be related to real-world experiences.