SOCIAL SCIENCE SAMPLE COURSE DESCRIPTION

GS- East

The purpose of the social science program is to explore contemporary concepts in as many of the different fields of social science as possible and to examine those concepts from both domestic and international perspectives. In doing this, the goal is to re-examine and move beyond pre-existing ideas about society, government, and the individual in a way that encourages students not only to see answers, but more importantly to learn to ask the right questions.

Much of the course is based on reading excerpts and discussions of contemporary works as well as simulations, experiments, debates, and other novel experiences that challenge and enrich student perceptions of various social science issues. Among the readings recently used were Jared Diamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel; Benjamin Barber’s Jihad v. McWorld; Robert Putnum’s Bowling Alone; and Barbara Ehrenreich’s Nickel and Dimed. Other informational texts such as the North Carolina Progress Board’s Eight Imperatives and the Civic Index by the Civic Education Consortium are also used to inform discussion and provide a foundation from which to examine concepts, ideas, and social theories. Guest lecturers have included Dr. William Kimler of North Carolina State University (“The Evolution of Historical Thought”), Dr. Bill Rivenbark of the Institute of Government (“Making Decisions with Local Government Budgeting”), and Robb Warfield, who discussed his experience serving with the Peace Corps in Mauritania. As part of the effort to “peel back the layers of history” the Social Science students have toured the North Carolina State Archives. The Social Science department has also organized formal debates on same-sex unions in North Carolina and round-table discussions concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In addition to these formal activities, Social Science students have organized “Debates on the Quad” dealing with a variety of topics.

GS-West

Development and Underdevelopment

On the premise that humankind lives on a globe divided into First and Third Worlds, this study introduces students to the historical forces that have created a divided world and to the contemporary structures that distinguish the developed global north and the underdeveloped global south. Building from the notions of power, justice, and equality developed by political theorists in relation to individual societies, students strive to transpose those ideas to the global society in which we now live.

Teacher and students also assess the theories forwarded by sociologists and political scientists to explain the differences in development outcomes in the First and Third Worlds, focusing particularly on modernization and dependency theories. Class is structured primarily around large- and small-group discussions, though debates, films, and field trips are also incorporated. Students in this course are just one-third of the social science community at Governor's School West. Along with their peers from the other social science courses, students in this course participate in community-based research projects in Winston-Salem, culminating in an academic fair the sixth week of Governor's School.