Social Studies
Registration tips, reminders, and considerations
- Each student must earn 3.5 credits of social studies
- 1.0 credit World History
- 1.0 credit United States History or AP United States History
- .5 credit Economics or AP Macroeconomics
- .5 credit US Government or 1.0 credit AP US Government & Politics
- .5 credit Human Geography or 1.0 AP Human Geography
- Any social studies credits taken beyond the graduation requirement count as elective credits.
- Additional social studies courses are found under Electives, in the Global Studies and Health & Social Science tabs, and include 21st Century Issues, AP European History, AP Psychology, Criminal Justice, and more.
Course Offerings
9th Grade
World History
Grade: 9
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters
World History is the study of how the past, present and future connect. In this course we’ll study people, ideas, cultures and philosophies that influenced the past and continues to impact us today. Course goals: 1) Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity; 2) Identify, describe and evaluate the historical and cultural relationships of the world past, present and future; 3) Identify, describe and evaluate relationships of physical environment to world civilization and culture.
10th Grade
United States History
Grade: 10
Prerequisite: World History
Length: 2 Semesters
Knowledge of history is essential if people are to think critically, set goals, solve problems and make positive decisions. Students will learn to apply these skills using an American historical context. First semester units: 1) America: From Birth to Adolescence; 2) Westward Expansion from Multiple Perspectives; 3) The Union in Crisis; 4) The Turn of the Century. Second semester units: 1) Boom and Bust; 2) A Champion of Democracy; 3) A Nation Facing Challenges; 4) Looking toward the Future.
AP United States History
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: World History
Length: 2 Semesters
This course focuses on intellectual, political and social history. The curriculum follows the College Board guidelines for AP courses. Students are encouraged to take the national examination upon completion of this class, the results of which may result in college credit in history. Course Objectives: 1) ability to assess historical evidence 2) ability to draw conclusions based on historical sources 3) ability to use evidence in a clear and persuasive essay 4) mastery of factual knowledge.
11th and 12th Grade
United States Government
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: United States History OR AP United States History
Length: 1 Semester
This is a survey course of United States government and politics. Units of study will include: the Constitution and foundations of US politics and government, American political behavior and the electoral process, government institutions, Bill of Rights - civil rights and civil liberties, and 21st century challenges. Current issues will be embedded into the units of study, as students will be expected to become active and informed citizens.
AP United States Government & Politics
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: United States History OR AP United States History
Length: 2 Semesters
This yearlong course is equivalent to an introductory college course in United States Government and Politics (traditional Political Science 101.) The purpose of the course is to examine the basic governmental institutions (Congress, Presidency, Bureaucracy and Courts) and processes (political beliefs, behaviors, and participation, media, public policy, Civil Rights, Civil Liberties, etc.) at the federal level. The course will provide a variety of learning opportunities and relevant projects to help students better understand the US Government concepts. Registering for AP United States Government & Politics presumes an interest in being challenged by a rigorous curriculum preparing students for the College Board Test and/or college level work.
Economics
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: United States History OR AP United States History
Length: 1 Semester
Economics is the study of how individuals and societies make choices with limited resources and unlimited wants and needs. This course will have students taking a problem solving approach to case-studies and simulation while focusing on the application of basic economic principles, different marketplaces, United States economic institutions, the government’s role in the economy, economic indicators, policy and international economics.
AP Macroeconomics
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: United States History OR AP United States History
Length: 1 Semester
AP Macroeconomics provides a thorough understanding of how an economic system operates as a whole. Students will learn how to: 1) Explain and demonstrate the problems of scarcity and resulting choices. 2) Apply knowledge of how aggregate economic pressures are calculated and their historical and current levels. 3) Utilize macroeconomic models. 4) Analyze consumer and business decisions and government policies that affect aggregate economic measures. 5) Evaluate how policies of one country affect another country. Read the section “Advanced Courses: Advanced Placement” for more information.
Human Geography
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: United States History OR AP United States History
Length: 1 Semester
Human Geography is a study of patterns/processes that shape human use and alteration of the Earth's surface. Students will employ spatial research techniques and landscape analysis to examine the varied economic, political and social organization of human societies. They will also explore the methods and tools geographers use to explain the diversity of human existence.
AP Human Geography
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: United States History OR AP United States History
Length: 2 Semesters
AP Human Geography is a study of patterns/processes that shape human use and alteration of the Earth's surface. Students will employ spatial research techniques and landscape analysis to examine the varied economic, political and social organization of human societies. They will also explore the methods and tools geographers use to explain the diversity of human existence. Read the section “Advanced Courses: Advanced Placement” for more information.