Social Studies Courses

Last updated 2/26/2007

Note: To satisfy graduation requirements, students must earn one unit in U.S. History, a half unit in Economics, a half unit in Government and one unit in World History or World Geography, a total of three units.

3405 U.S. History (Fundamental)
3405 U.S. History (Regular)
3405 U.S. History (Standard)
3440 U.S. History AP (Advanced Placement)
A one-unit course presenting our nation’s progress from Reconstruction to the present in a chronological order of events. Emphases are placed upon the forces and challenges that prompted its growth and rise to a world power. Fundamental is geared to students functioning below grade level. A full survey course is taught at the college level and requires additional readings and in-depth study. Special Education U.S. History would be taught by a Special Education resource teacher. Requirement for graduation (Prerequisite: The Advanced Placement and Fundamental levels require faculty approval.) (Curricululm Guide)

3440 U.S. History AP/English III AP (Combined)    

A two-credit course that combines Advanced Placement English III and Advanced Placement United States History. The English course focuses on developing sophistication and maturity in writing and critically reading and analyzing texts from American literature. The history course provides an in-depth analysis of the development of American history from the pre-Colonial period through the present. It includes a detailed examination of the political and diplomatic, intellectual and cultural, and social and economic history. Because English III AP is based on the survey of American literature, it is an obvious complement to the AP U.S. History course.

3441 European History AP (Advanced Placement)    

A one-unit course providing an in-depth study of the development of Western European history. Designed to increase the knowledge of European political, social, economic, and intellectual history of the nations of Western Europe. The student will gain a better understanding of the problems faced by people at a given time, relate these problems to the present, and attempt to find solutions. This course follows College Board guidelines and is taught at the college level. (Prerequisite: Faculty approval)

3441 European History AP/English 10 Honors (Combined)   

A two-credit course that combines Advanced Placement European history and English 10 Honors. The course in European history provides an in-depth analysis of the development of European history from the High Medieval period to the present. It includes an examination of the political and diplomatic, intellectual and cultural, and social and economic history of Europe. The English 10 Honors portion of the course focuses on World literature with an emphasis on analytical writing and literary analysis. Students research and discuss the historical implications that surround the works of literature while being reinforced in the actual events of history through the European history element of the course.

3441 European History AP/Modern History (Combined)    

A two-credit course that combines Advanced Placement European history and Modern history. The course provides an in-depth analysis of the development of European history from the High Medieval period to the present with a focus on 20th century history. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the course are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principle themes of modern European history, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence, and (c) an ability to express that understanding and analysis in writing.

3401 World History

A one-unit survey of the development of western civilizations from prehistoric man to the present. The contributions of the various civilizations in such areas as law, political organizations, art, science, philosophy, transportation, and communication are examined. The student will study the historical background of problems around the world.

3401 World History (Honors)

A one-unit survey course of the development of western civilization from prehistoric man to the present. This course is taught at a more advanced level than World History, focusing on additional reading and analyses of primary source materials and more document-based writing. This course is designed to prepare students for Advanced Placement coursework. Students are recommended for this course based on middle school standardized test scores.

3402 Ancient History    

A one-credit course taught in grades 9-12. Ancient world history examines in-depth the development of humanity from prehistory through the Renaissance. Students will explore the development of cultures in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America and their contribution to the modern world. (This course will meet the state requirement for one credit in world history.)

3402 Ancient History (Honors)    

A one-credit course recommended for grade 9. This course provides an intensive examination of the development of humanity from prehistory through the Renaissance. This course requires additional reading and in-depth study. (Recommended as a prerequisite to AP European History.)

3405 Modern History    

A one-credit course taught in grades 9-12. This course will take a more in-depth look at events and personalities from the Renaissance to the present that have shaped the contemporary world. Students will examine the impact of the Renaissance, Reformation, and the Enlightenment on the political, social, and economic development of Europe.

3407 Civics    

A one-unit review of the social institutions of our American society, the citizen’s roles within those institutions, and the nature and processes of our legal systems. Special emphasis is given to local and state government.

3407 U.S. Government (Fundamental)
3407 U.S. Government (Regular)
3407 U.S. Government (Standard)
3445 Government/Politics - U.S. AP (Advanced Placement)
3446 Government/Politics - Comparative AP (Advanced Placement)
A one-half unit course required for graduation. Presents an overview of local, state, and national governmental structures, functions, processes, and constitutional foundations. Civic responsibilities, political parties, and election processes are also reviewed. The various levels, from Fundamental through Standard, are geared toward student's reading levels with Fundamental referring to primary skill level and Standard to high school on-grade level. The Advanced Placement course is taught at the college level and requires additional readings and in-depth studies. Special Education U.S. Government would be taught by a Special Education resource teacher. (Prerequisite: The Advanced Placement, Fundamental, and Adaptive levels require faculty approval.)

3410 World Geography (Fundamental)
3410 World Geography (Regular)
3410 World Geography (Standard)    

A one-unit overview of world regions and representative countries, cultures, economic products, and major imports and exports. Climates and land forms are reviewed, and geographic skills are emphasized.

3450 AP Human Geography    

This course is for students in grades 10-12. It introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and process that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth's surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analyses to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in the science and practice. This course follows College Board guidelines and is taught at the college level. (Prerequisite: Instructor permission)

3431 Economics (Fundamental)
3431 Economics (Regular)
3431 Economics (Standard)
3443 Micro-Economics AP (Advanced Placement)
3444 Macro-Economics AP (Advanced Placement)
This one-half unit Economics course is required for graduation. It reviews the fundamental economic principles of our American manufacturing and marketing techniques and emphasizes how the consumer is affected and may become better informed. The various levels, from Fundamental through Standard, are geared toward student's reading levels with Fundamental referring to primary skill level and Standard to high school on-grade level. The Advanced Placement course is taught at the college level and requires additional readings and in-depth study of economic theories. Special Education Economics would be taught by a Special Education resource teacher. (Prerequisite: All levels except Basic and Standard require placement by the school faculty.)

3432 Sociology    

A one-half unit course presents sociology as a field of study of man in his culture and the organization of society. The student will be exposed to current social issues through the use of periodicals and other current material.

3433 Psychology    

A one-half unit course exploring human behavior – what people do, how they think, and why they act as they do. The student is exposed to a broad survey of the fundamental principles of psychology.

3447 Psychology AP    

A one-half unit course that explores human behavior. This course follows College Board guidelines and is taught at the college level. (Prerequisite: Faculty approval)

3435 Contemporary American Issues    

May be offered for one-half or one unit. Provides students with an opportunity to examine in depth such areas as foreign and domestic problems, the fluctuating economy, man’s impact on the environment, terrorism, technological advances, and expressions of the human condition in a uniquely complex period of history. As students begin to understand the issues that shape society, they will be prepared to assume their roles as responsible citizens of the global community. Recommended grade levels: 11-12

3442 African American History    

A one-unit course designed to be taught in grades 11-12. This course will trace the history of African-Americans from Africa in the 1600's to present day. Special emphasis will be placed on the contributions African-Americans to the history of the United States.

3404 Bible History    

A one-unit survey of the Bible with emphasis upon its historical, literary, geographical, artistic, and cultural aspects. Offers insights into the many historical events recorded in the Bible. It treats the Bible as a great literary work in itself as well as a primary source of allusions found in countless works of literature, art, and music. The first half deals primarily with the Old Testament and the second half with the New Testament.

3404 Bible History II    

A one-unit elective designed to focus deeper into the daily life and customs of the Biblical cultures. This course will cover the pre-excillic, excillic, and post-excillic book with a major focus on the historical significance of the warnings of the twelve prophets. Students will also study the intertestamental period and the historical and cultural aspects of Paul's missionary journeys. (Prerequisite: Bible History I.)

9350 Dynamics of Leadership I   

 A one-unit elective course designed to teach students leadership skills, parliamentary procedure, problem solving/decision-making techniques, communication skills, group dynamics, time and stress management, public speaking, human relations, team building, project planning, and other group processes. A fee will be charged for participation in this course. (Prerequisite: Application process)

9350 Dynamics of Leadership II    

A one-unit elective course designed to afford students the opportunity to apply leadership skills learned in Dynamics of Leadership I. Students will be required to plan, teach, and facilitate units of study as well as complete a portfolio and research paper. A fee will be charged for participation in this course. (Prerequisites: Application process, teacher recommendation, and administrative recommendation)

3497 Film Studies    

A one-unit course designed to be taught in grades 11-12. This course will give students an understanding of the complex relationship between American culture and commercial films of the 20th Century.

3499 Comparative Politics    

A one-half unit course presenting an intensive analysis of our American and selected world political systems. Content is based upon requirements of the College Entrance Examination Board and is taught at the college level. (Prerequisite: Government/Politics - U.S. AP and faculty permission.)