Social Studies Department

World History 1
Grade Level: 9
Credit: 0.5, Semester
Prerequisite: None

World History 1 is a semester-long course that focuses on the history of the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, World War I, and globalization as well as the challenges that have arisen in our modern world. The course emphasizes the historical connections between each of these periods. World History 1 examines the origins of modern day society and introduces basic geographical, sociological, political, and economic concepts necessary for the study of all social studies. The advent and spread of modern technology and its impact on the present day is also examined. Current world news events are emphasized throughout the course. Current events discussions will also be held to put historical events into their proper perspective. Students will interpret the effects of the Industrial Revolution, evaluate a challenge that has arisen in the world today and suggest how to best move forward by creating a magazine-like spread, and make connections from the Imperialist era to today through a google slides presentation. One semester of World History 1 is required for graduation. 

World History 2
Grade Level: 10
Credit: 0.5, Semester
Prerequisite: None

World History 2 is a semester-long course that focuses on the history of World War II, the Rise of Democracy, and the Modern Middle East. World History 2 examines the origins of modern day society and continues to explore basic geographical, sociological, political, and economic concepts necessary for the study of all social studies courses. Geography knowledge and skills, as well as current world news events, are emphasized throughout the course. Current world news discussions will be held to put historical events into their proper perspective. Students will examine the roots and stakeholders of a current conflict in the Middle East and present their findings, research and evaluate modern democracies around the globe, and draw connections between the origins of WWII and a piece of literature through an essay. One semester of World History 2 is required for graduation. 

United States History
Grade Level: 11
Credit: 1.0, Full Year
Prerequisite: None

This is a full year survey course of the history of the United States. The course aims to provide students with an understanding of specific patterns and events in American history through the use of primary source readings, critical thinking and writing skills, as well as simulation activities.  Students are encouraged to move beyond learning facts to the higher level of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of political, social, cultural, and economic events in American history.  The students will study the impact of colonization, slavery, immigration, civil rights and foreign policy as well as other issues that have shaped the country the U.S. has become today.  One year of United States History is required for graduation.

AP United States History
Grade Level: 11
Credit: 1.0, Full Year
Prerequisite: None

This is a full year detailed course of the history of the United States. The course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of historical events from the Pre-Columbian Era to present day. Students will develop analytical skills, critical problem-solving skills, and weigh evidence and interpretation to the social, political, economic and cultural patterns in American history through readings, discussion, and Document Based Questions. The course is designed to prepare students for the AP US History exam in the spring. Depending on the AP exam score, some colleges will apply college credit or count it as a completion of a requirement. AP United States History fulfills the one year requirement of US History for graduation. 

U.S. Government
Grade Level: 12
Credit: 0.5, Semester
Prerequisite: None

A semester course that enables students to understand the working of the American political process. The course covers the foundations of American Federalism and includes an in-depth study of the U.S. Constitution and of the three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial. Active student participation is encouraged through critical thinking exercises, debate and simulation activities. Seniors are required to complete one semester of US Government as a graduation requirement.

Economics
Grade Level: 12
Credit: 0.5, Semester
Prerequisite: None

Economics is a one-semester survey of the American economic system.  Special attention will be given to macro and microeconomic theory, free enterprise and entrepreneurship, taxation, and the financial systems of the United States.  Students will also learn practical financial knowledge such as understanding how credit scores and credit cards work, and the impact of saving and investing. In an effort to provide real-world and personal connections to students, economic related news video content and its application to economic theory will be studied throughout the semester.  Seniors are required to complete one semester of Economics as a graduation requirement.

AP U.S. Government
Grade Level: 12
Credit: 1.0, Full Year
Prerequisite: None

Advanced Placement United States Government is a comprehensive, college-level survey course of the Government of the United States. The course will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, and interpretation of primary source documents. As a college-level experience, students are given the opportunity to study the U.S. Government in greater detail and develop skills critically important to successful college study. The course is designed to prepare students for the AP US Government exam in the spring. Depending on the AP exam score, some colleges will transfer in college credits or count it as completion of a prerequisite.   

Speech and Debate
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit: 0.5, Semester
Prerequisite: None

Students learn the fundamentals of public speaking, and emphasis is placed on the ability to face an audience and deliver a thoughtfully written, organized and well prepared speech. Students learn the principles of formal public speaking, rehearsed as well as extemporaneous and impromptu. Listening and other communication & critical skills are also emphasized. Students also research, analyze, and debate current issues. This one-semester course satisfies the speech/communication credit necessary for graduation.

Psychology
Grade Level: 11-12
Credit: 0.5, Semester
Prerequisite: None

This social studies semester elective course explores the workings of the mind and human behavior. The foundations of psychology will be explored with an emphasis on students’ personal connections to psychology material. Students will learn about human behavior as they draw from the course material to gain insight into their own lives and the lives of those around them. 

Contemporary World Affairs
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit: 0.5, Semester
Prerequisite: None

This is a one-semester course with the objective to introduce students to various sides of contemporary global issues and current news in an objective and comprehensive manner. Student involvement is emphasized in this course through a variety of formats including discussion, seminars, cooperative learning, simulations, multimedia presentations, Internet research, essay writing, debates, and student presentations. Development and utilization of advanced critical reading, thinking, writing and speaking skills are integral to this course. This one-semester course satisfies the speech/communication credit necessary for graduation.

 Culture
Grade Level: 11-12
Credit: 0.5, Semester
Prerequisite: World History 1 and World History 2

Embracing concepts from Cultural Anthropology, this course is an opportunity for students to explore not only their own culture and history, but also the culture of others. Themes of the course will include the importance and elements of culture, celebrating various cultures and issues of cultural responsiveness and cultural competency. Additionally, this course provides an opportunity to play a leadership role in how culture is celebrated at school.