Social Studies

Required High School Courses

 

Grade 9

 

Standard/Honors American Government (1 credit): This course helps students to develop skills and acquire insights essential to an understanding of American political, economic, and social life at the national, state, and local levels. Attention will be on political, economic, and social issue and preparation for responsible citizenship.

Or

 

Gifted and Talented American Government (1 credit): This course is a study of the American political, economic, and social issues in national, state, and local government. In addition to factual content, the processes, institutions, and values of the American political, economic, and social systems are examined.

 

 

Grade 10

 

Standard/Honors World History (1 credit): Significant episodes from western and non-western history are investigated including the emergence of ancient and classical centers of regional civilization; the development of the hemispheric civilization of Islam; the growth of historical ties of interdependence; the expansion of Europe and its domination of the world in the modern era; the development of Africa and Asia in the modern era; and the development of global networks of political, economic, and social interdependence in the contemporary world. Note: Completion of American Government is recommended

Or

Advanced Placement World History (1 credit): See “AP Courses” for course description

 

Grade 11

 

Standard/Honors United States History (1 credit): United States History enables students to participate in an in-depth examination of the events, participants, patterns, and relationships of our nation from the end of the Civil War to the present era. Recurring historical themes are presented within a chronological framework. The course provides opportunities for students to master the content while also developing the historical thinking skills required for a deep and sophisticated understanding of the past. Note: Completion of a World History course is recommended.

Or

Advanced Placement United States History (1 credit): See “AP Courses” for course description

 

Grade 12

 

Economics and Public Issues (1/2 credit): Economics and Public Issues will prepare students for the economic interactions they will encounter as producers, consumers, and citizens. This course will provide the students the opportunity to master the skills needed to conduct personal finances as earners, savers, borrowers, and taxpayers. Completion of this course satisfies the grade level requirement for Drug Education and the graduation requirement for Economics

Or

 

Advanced Placement Economics (1 credit): See “AP Courses” for course description

AP Courses

 

AP World History (Grade 10)

AP World History focuses on developing students’ abilities to think conceptually about world history from approximately 8000 BCE to the present and apply historical thinking skills as they learn about the past. Five themes of equal importance — focusing on the environment, cultures, state-building, economic systems, and social structures — provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. AP World History encompasses the history of the five major geographical regions of the globe: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, with special focus on historical developments and processes that cross multiple regions. Enrollment in this course requires successful completion of an honors or GT level Social Studies class as well as teacher recommendation.

 

AP U.S. History (Grade 11)

The purpose of this course is to provide a challenging and unique study of United States History at the college level. The course places students in the role of historians; investigating the events, personalities, conditions, and issues of the past. Success in AP United States History requires the ability to read and analyze complex texts, and the ability to write historical arguments. Students will need to be able to apply historical knowledge when answering AP style selective response and essay questions. Students who enroll in this course should have successfully completed an honors or AP level Social Studies course and need a teacher recommendation.

 

AP Government and Politics: U. S. (Grade12)

This course is about the American political system. Political ideology, the development of the political system, and our democratic institutions form the basis of discussion for the course. Student s will be able to evaluate the roll of the national government and its relationship to the concept of liberty in a pluralistic society. The discussions will emphasize the changing political culture of American society and its effect on voting patterns, trends, and the process of government. The main thrust of the course, however, is to be able to apply an understanding of our political system to contemporary events. Enrollment in this course requires successful completion of an honors or AP level Social Studies class as well as teacher recommendation.

 

AP Human Geography (Grade 10, 11, or 12)

The AP Human Geography course is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography. The course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards (2012). Enrollment in this course requires successful completion of an honors or AP level Social Studies class as well as teacher recommendation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AP Psychology (Grade 10, 11 or 12)

The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. Enrollment in this course requires successful completion of an honors or AP level Social Studies class as well as teacher recommendation.

 

AP European History (Grade 11 or 12)

The AP European History course focuses on cultural, economic, political, and social developments. These focus areas provide context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. The course places students in the role of historians; investigating the events, personalities, conditions, and issues of the past. Success in AP European History requires the ability to read and analyze complex texts, and the ability to write historical arguments. Students will need to be able to apply historical knowledge when answering AP style selective response and essay questions. Enrollment in this course requires successful completion of an honors or AP level Social Studies class as well as teacher recommendation.

 

AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics (Grade 12)

This course places students in the roll of economist: investigating economic behaviors, applying principles of economic reasoning, and making informed economic decisions in the fields of microeconomics and macroeconomics. This course requires students to interpret data, express ideas in writing and graphically, and apply understanding to real-world conditions. Upon completion of the course, students will take AP exams in both Micro-and Macro-Economics. This course meets the graduation requirement for EPI. Students enrolling in this course need teacher recommendation.

What are Advanced Placement (AP) Courses and why should I take them?

Advanced Placement courses provide the opportunity for students to take rigorous, college-level courses in high school and, depending upon their score on the AP exam and the college attending, receive college credit, advanced placement, or both. Many colleges and universities grant college credit based on the AP test score a student earns and as a result, advanced academic standing may be granted to a student. Earning college credit prior to attending college may allow students to take lighter course loads during their freshman year in college, double major, and study abroad while still graduating on time.

 

Students taking AP courses are better prepared for the college challenge and perform better in college than those students who have not taken AP courses. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “Preventing underachievement in high school requires appropriately enriched and challenging course selections.” The United States Department of Education has provided the following statistical information regarding AP courses and student performance in college:

  • Students who take no AP courses in high school have a 33% chance of earning a Bachelor’s degree
  • Students who take 1 AP course have a 59% chance of earning a Bachelor’s degree
  • Students who take 2 or more AP courses have a 76% chance of earning a Bachelor’s degree

 

Expectations of students enrolled in A.P. Courses:

  • A strong commitment to, and interest in, the subject matter being studied
  • A willingness to strive to meet the demands of a college level course
  • Intellectual curiosity and creativity
  • A willingness to make the AP Program a priority
  • Strong reading, writing, and test taking skills for science, humanities, and social science courses
  • Strong mathematical reasoning, reading, writing, and test taking skills for mathematics, science, and economics courses
  • Strong critical thinking skills for all AP courses
  • Excellent attendance
  • An A or B in previous G/T or honors courses in a similar field
  • A willingness to develop time management skills that will preclude procrastination
  • The recommendation of a current teacher in the discipline area of the AP class

 

What students can expect when taking AP Courses:

  • Summer reading and writing assignments
  • Nightly homework of at least one hour including weekends for each AP course enrolled
  • Frequent tests and quizzes based on reading material not necessarily covered in class
  • Extensive independent reading and note taking that is significantly greater than the reading and note taking in G/T or honors classes
  • Essay assignments
  • Oral reports
  • Debates and discussions
  • Research outside the school setting
  • Morning and after school review sessions before tests and the AP Exam

 

 

Decisions Regarding Extracurricular Activities and Work:

Most students who take AP courses are very involved in student activities and they should have no problem continuing with these activities as they take AP courses. However, students must weigh the impact of a job upon their performance in AP courses and reduce work hours as necessary to ensure success in these courses.

 

Possible Electives

 

Psychology (1/2 credit): This is a study of human behavior, examined within the context of the behavioral sciences of psychology and sociology. Fundamental to this course is a focus upon identity development, schools of psychology, normal and abnormal behaviors, and treatment. Note: Grade 11 or 12 standing is recommended.

Honors Philosophy (1/2 credit): This course examines philosophical questions about the nature of being, the mind, ethical behavior, and life. A range of important philosophical systems and several ethical dilemmas that have consistently perplexed thoughtful people will be examined. This course should appeal to students who have a strong interest in questions rather than answers, the unknown rather than the known, ideas rather than facts, and the “why” rather than the “what.” Note: Grade 11 or 12 standing is recommended.

Films and History (1/2 credit): For many Americans, movie dramatizations are their primary source of knowledge about many events in the past. But how accurate are they? In this course, students will develop criteria for judging the accuracy of historical films. They will then view and analyze several movie classics that portray various periods of history. Research of life during historical eras and review of movie criticism will be included. Students will assess the results of research to give each film a rating for its historical accuracy. This will enable them to determine if these movies about a historical period can be viewed for educational value, as well as raise questions that they should consider whenever they again watch a film portraying the past.

Honors Abnormal Psychology (1/2 credit): Students define and analyze abnormal behavior from a variety of perspectives. The major types and ranges of abnormal behavior are examined in detail, with special emphasis on causation and symptoms. The course culminates with analysis of treatment approaches and their respective techniques. Note: Completion of Psychology is recommended.

Military History (1/2 credit): Military History presents students with an opportunity to enrich their study of World and United States History. Students will analyze motivations, meanings, and methods underlying wars in different societies. The course investigates the development of military institutions within a global and comparative framework. Students will systematically analyze key concepts of military history including: basic principles of warfare, theories of war, leadership, strategy and tactics, and the changing nature of war.

Facing History: The Holocaust (1/2 credit): This course will help students develop an appreciation for justice, a concern for interpersonal understanding, and a sensitivity for those who have been wronged. Students will identify historical patterns of racism in order to connect the past with the present. Students will increase understandings of human behavior in order to recognize different forms of prejudice and discrimination.

Juvenile Justice (1/2 credit): Juvenile crime has become a focal point as citizens and political leaders discuss the prevalence of violence in America. This Juvenile Justice course will enable high school students to understand the importance of the rule of law, and become aware of how juveniles are treated in the criminal justice system. Students will identify societal problems that contribute to juvenile delinquency and discuss possible solutions, acquiring the ability to make informed decisions as they become young adults. This course will provide students with the critical thinking skills necessary to function as productive citizens in the community.