High School Social Studies


Sophomores

Students must successfully complete one semester of social studies in their sophomore year.  This must include either (1) a one-semester course in Modern World History or, (2) a year-long course of Advanced Placement European History.

Juniors

Each junior must take a first semester course in Survey of U.S. History I or Advanced Placement U.S. History I and a second semester course in Survey of U.S. History II or Advanced Placement U.S. History II.

Seniors

Students must successfully complete one year of social studies in their senior year. This must include either (1) a one-semester course in U.S. Government and one social studies elective course or (2) a one-year course of Advanced Placement Government and Politics: United States/Comparative. Any senior social studies elective must not be a social studies elective that has previously been taken.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT HISTORY COURSES

A "B" or higher average in social studies and English courses is strongly recommended for students enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

By taking an Advanced Placement course and fulfilling the required writing assignments, all Advanced Placement history students receive high school credit.  The exam is given by the College Board.  By scoring a "3", "4", or "5" on the test, students may receive 3-6 hours of college credit at most universities in the country.   Students may take either or both semesters of Advanced Placement American History (the Advanced Placement exam covers both semesters).  Students must take both semesters of Advanced Placement European History.  Advanced Placement courses are challenging and are recommended for college-bound students whose grades in previous English and social studies courses average at least "B."  The Advanced Placement European History course is suggested for sophomores, as well as juniors and seniors, who are highly academically motivated.  Advanced Placement Government and Politics: U.S./Comparative is a senior-level course.

Social Studies Elective Courses

11023 WORLD GEOGRAPHY 10 11 12  Sem.

This elective course involves the study of world regions and concepts in geography.  Physical, cultural, economic, political, and historical geography of the world's major regions are discussed.  Map skills are also an integral part of this course.  A research paper/project is required.                                 

11041  ANCIENT WORLD HISTORY 10  11  12  Sem.

Students in this elective course will study the development of the world from prehistory to the Middle Ages.  The course also includes an overview of the classical civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome and ends with the study of the Middle Ages.  Research-based projects and presentations will be required.  

11070  ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY 10  11  12  Year

This course will be weighted on student transcripts.  Both a weighted GPA and a non-weighted GPA will be reported. This course is designed to provide college-bound students with the knowledge and skills to successfully complete the advanced placement examination administered by the College Board and to prepare them for college courses.  It begins with the study of the Renaissance and ends with contemporary events.  The following skills will be emphasized throughout this class:  critical reading and thinking; research methods; information gathering and synthesizing; explanation of ideas supported by historical detail; appreciation of cause and effect relationships in history and the interaction of political, social, and cultural aspects which affect history; the ability to work in cooperation in groups and to think independently.  ("B" average or higher in English and social studies strongly recommended.)

11183  NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY 10 11 12  Sem.

This course will be divided into four parts.  The first part will provide a general overview of Native Americans before Columbus (1492).  The second part will focus on European contact to Wounded Knee (1890).  Emphasis will be given to events in history from the Native American perspective.  The focus in this part of the course will be how colonialism and the newly-formed United States of America affected Native Americans.  The third part will begin with Wounded Knee (1890) and end with Wounded Knee (1970).  Particular emphasis will be on the interaction between the United States government and Native Americans.  The final part will focus on contemporary issues confronting Native Americans.  Emphasis in this part will include gaming issues, social issues, education and self determination. 

11203  AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY 10 11 12  Sem.

This course is divided into two parts.  The first half provides an overview of the black man's experience in ancient Africa, South America, and Europe.  Particular emphasis is accorded to the ancient African empires, triangular trade, and slave revolts in South America and the Caribbean.  The second part of the course will be devoted to examining the African Americans' experience in the U.S. from colonial times to the present.  This examination will include a study of slavery and the contributions of African Americans.  It will also include a study of the major trends and movements in the struggle of African Americans from colonial times to the present.  This examination will not be purely historical but will delve also into the social, cultural, psychological, and economic consequences of that experience.  Overall, the second half is oriented toward defining the status of the African American in our present society.

11223  EAST ASIAN STUDIES 11 12  Sem.

East Asian Studies is an historical overview of East Asia focusing on China and Japan with a particular emphasis on the 20th Century. This cultural investigation of China and Japan will be infused with the historical, geographic, economic and political study or this region. East Asia’s interaction with the rest of the world will also be explored.

11363  PSYCHOLOGY 12  Sem.

Psychology literally means "the study of the mind."  The course will attempt to explain the behavior of humans as individuals as well as their behavior in groups.  The course will be a general survey of psychology and will include: personality theory, disorders and therapy, child psychology, social psychology, behavior modification, aging and dying process, physiological psychology and psychology-related careers.  A research project may be required.

11383  ECONOMICS 12  Sem.

This course applies macro and micro economic principles to current issues in order to acquire some perspective on the future.  Practical applications to everyday economic issues will be covered.  Students will acquire knowledge of the economic system in the U.S., as well as other economic systems throughout the world.  This course would enhance preparation for a business career.  It is taught with the cooperation of knowledgeable individuals in the community.

13000  AMERICAN HISTORY/GOVERNMENT/SOCIAL STUDIES/SCIENCE 1 Year Prerequisite - Active IEP and Placement by IEP Team    Repeatable                                                                          

This course combines content from a number of social science and natural science courses.  During the first semester, students will study government and history, concentrating on American History and the United States Constitution.  Students will participate in activities designed to teach the process for amending the U.S. Constitution and how it influences daily life.  During the second semester of this course, students are introduced to the many wonders of science.  Instruction will address genetics, anatomy, physical science, and basic biology.  This course is offered in the resource room and includes modified content, adapted to meet students’ individual needs.

17130  CITIZENSHIP 1 Year

The purpose of this course is to help students develop skills to get along with peers and community members.  Practical issues of a personal, local, and national scope are explored.  Students will identify what it means to be a good citizen and will have opportunities to practice skills.

17140  GOVERNMENT 1 Year Prerequisite - Active IEP    Repeatable

This course provides students with knowledge of individual rights and responsibilities, as well as procedures for procuring needed services.  Classroom instruction focuses on local, state, and federal laws that affect each individual; activities regarding how to access community services; and rights and responsibilities of United States citizens.

Sophomore Social Studies Courses

All sophomores are required to take one semester of social studies.   Students may fulfill this requirement through one of the following options: enrollment in the semester-long Modern World History course OR enrollment in the year-long Advanced Placement European History course.

11063  MODERN WORLD HISTORY 10  11  12  Sem.

Students in this course will begin their study with the Renaissance and Reformation, followed by the Era of Exploration and the age of Revolution (scientific, political, and industrial).  The study of the Age of Imperialism will be followed by a look at the world in the 20th century.

11070  ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY 10  11  12  Year

This course will be weighted on student transcripts.  Both a weighted GPA and a non-weighted GPA will be reported. This course is designed to provide college-bound students with the knowledge and skills to successfully complete the advanced placement examination administered by the College Board and to prepare them for college courses.  It begins with the study of the Renaissance and ends with contemporary events.  The following skills will be emphasized throughout this class:  critical reading and thinking; research methods; information gathering and synthesizing; explanation of ideas supported by historical detail; appreciation of cause and effect relationships in history and the interaction of political, social, and cultural aspects which affect history; the ability to work in cooperation in groups and to think independently.  ("B" average or higher in English and social studies strongly recommended.)

Junior Social Studies Courses A year of U.S. History is required of all juniors and is offered in semester units of Survey or Advanced Placement. Each student must take a first semester course and a second semester course.                                 

11101  SURVEY OF U.S. HISTORY I  11 1st Sem. This is the general American history survey course required for all juniors except those who have chosen to take Advanced Placement U.S. History.  This course provides a chronological look at American society and culture from early Native Americans through Reconstruction.  It addresses the major historical issues of this period which include the nature of history and contemporary issues.

11122  SURVEY OF U.S. HISTORY II 11  2nd  Sem. This is the general American history survey course required for all juniors except those who have chosen to take Advanced Placement U.S. History II.  This course provides a chronological look at American society and culture from Reconstruction to the present.  It addresses the major historical issues of this period which include the nature of history and contemporary issues. 

11141  ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY I  11  1st Sem. This course will be weighted on student transcripts.  Both a weighted GPA and a non-weighted GPA will be reported. This course is designed to provide college-bound students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete the Advanced Placement examination administered by the College Board and to prepare them for college courses.  It begins with the study of early American history and ends with Reconstruction.  In addition to covering the major issues of this time period, this course will also look at the nature of history, historical research, and contemporary issues.  A research paper or project is required.  This course is recommended for college-bound students.  (A "B" average or higher in English and social studies is strongly recommended.)  

11162  ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY II 11   2nd  Sem. This course will be weighted on student transcripts.  Both a weighted GPA and a non-weighted GPA will be reported. This course is designed to provide college-bound students with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete the Advanced Placement examination administered by the College Board and to prepare them for college courses.  It begins with the study of Industrialization and ends with the current administration.  In addition to covering the major issues of this time period, the course will also look at the nature of history, historical research, and contemporary issues.  A research paper or project is required.  This course is recommended for college-bound students.  (A "B" average or higher in English and social studies courses is strongly recommended).

Senior Social Studies Courses All seniors are required to take two semesters of social studies. Students may fulfill this requirement through one of the following options: enrollment in the semester-long U.S. Government course and another semester social studies elective not previously taken OR enrollment in the year-long Advanced Placement Government and Politics: U.S./Comparative course.                

11283  U.S. GOVERNMENT 12  Sem The basic objective of the course is to provide students with the knowledge necessary to participate as citizens in governmental affairs.  The topics covered may include:  the Constitution, its historical background and the principles incorporated into it; the federal government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches and the federal bureaucracy; state and local government; elections, voting behavior and political parties, and political behavior.                

11320  ADVANCED PLACEMENT GOVERNMENT & POLITICS: UNITED STATES/COMPARATIVE 12  Year This course will be weighted on student transcripts.  Both a weighted GPA and a non-weighted GPA will be reported. This course is designed to help students successfully complete the College Board Advanced Placement Government and Politics exam and meet the district senior social studies requirement.  Students will be prepared to take both the U.S. government and the comparative government exams to qualify for college credit.  AP Government & Politics: United States/Comparative will give students an analytical perspective on the government and politics of not only the U.S. but also of England, France, Mexico, Russia, and China.  Recommended for college-bound students with an interest in preparing for the College Board exams.