GEHRHSD Curriculum Guide 2026-27

Social Studies Electives

HISTORY IN 20th CENTURY AMERICAN POP CULTURE Grades 11-12, 5 Credits

This course will involve the study of the American system of criminal justice at the federal, state and local level. The class is organized around the three major components of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections. It is a major goal of the course to familiarize the student with the basic concepts, ideas and theories of criminal justice and legal proceedings. Students will be introduced to historic and current case law and will be expected to apply them to an understanding of criminology and jurisprudence. Included will be an examination of the role of judges, juries, prosecutors, investigators, defense attorneys, defendants, and other actors in the trial process; the problem of crime in society; the role of the police; and correctional agencies. Both legal and behavioral realities of each stage of the criminal justice process are examined. Examine the issues and events surrounding the September 11, 2001 attacks and its subsequent effects on criminal justice and investigations History in 20th Century American Pop Culture is an elective course that will review and develop student understanding of major historic events, trends and innovations that have had a profound impact on the evolution of American popular culture. These include the evolution of television, motion pictures, radio, the role of professional sports, and popular music. Content examples include the Super Bowl, Woodstock, Punk Rock, and classic television series. The course will also explore ways in which changes in pop culture have had significant political, economic and social implications. Course assignments address the NJCCCS for Social Studies. Artifacts, movies, and interviews will be used to enhance student understanding. LAW AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE AHS CCHS Grades 11-12, 5 Credits