Course Description (Main Areas)
WORLD HISTORY 1-2 – 1301, 1302 Grade 10
Recommended Prerequisite: None World History 1-2 is a survey of history from
late 18th century to the present, such as the Industrial Revolution,
Imperialism, World Wars and case studies of nationalism. Within this
framework the course develops a number of themes; e.g., political change and
economic development, influence of geography on cultures, growth of science
and technology, effect of intercultural contact, and creativity in the arts.
The development of general reading skills and specific social science skills
will be emphasized.
WORLD CULTURE/GEOGRAPHY – 1309,
Grades 10-12
This elective course will serve as an introduction for 9th graders to gain
knowledge of social science concepts and develop skills that will prepare
students to be successful in the required social science courses. The first
part of the course will be devoted to world and U.S. geography: physical,
political, and cultural. This will be followed with a comparative
world-religions unit and the development of western civilization to 1400
A.D., with emphasis on Judeo-Christian heritage and classical civilizations.
Emphasis will also be given to developing critical thinking skills. This
course has been approved to meet the UC “a” or "g" requirement.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN CIVILIZATION 1-2
– 1316, 1317 Grades 10-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Approval of social science teacher Advanced
Placement European Civilization 1-2 is an advanced course taught at a
college level that deals with the history of economic, political, and
cultural forces in Western civilization from the mid-15th to the twentieth
century. The course material is approached thematically. Students taking
this course may take the advanced placement exam in European civilization.
PSYCHOLOGY 1 – 1325 Grades 10-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None Psychology 1 deals with the factors that
influence human behavior and personality. The topics covered include: nature
vs. nurture, the evolution of psychology as a science, approaches to
treatment, mind over matter, the biology of behavior, sensation and
perception, motivation and abnormal behavior.
SOCIOLOGY – 1360 Grades 10-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None Sociology is the study of human relationships
through analysis of groups: types, structure, dynamics, function. Since the
individual belongs to various kinds of social groups, the purpose of this
course will be to show: why groups form, how they are organized, what their
purpose is in fulfilling the needs of individual members and of society as a
whole, and how they are affected by outside influences. This course will
help students identify the commonality of human behavior in groups and the
similarity of those groups throughout the world.
U.S. HISTORY 1-2 – 1376, 1377 Grades 11-12
Recommended Prerequisite: None U.S. History 1-2 is a two-semester survey
course designed to aid the student in explaining the economic, social, and
political development of the United States from our origins to present
times. Periods studied will include from colony to nationhood, the formative
years, expansion growth and past Civil War, economic growth and political
reform, America as a world power, and American involvement in world
conflicts, growth and individual rights. Students will be exposed to basic
historical skills including critical thinking, writing, and research at the
level appropriate to the student’s educational needs.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY 1-2 –
1382, 1383 Grades 11-12
Recommended Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation Advanced Placement U.S.
History 1-2 is an advanced course taught at the college level. It is
designed for students who wish to take the advanced placement examination.
Those passing the AP exam at a high level usually can receive college credit
and a waiver of the college U.S. History requirement. The course emphasizes
extensive reading, research and problem solving, writing, historiography,
and historical knowledge.
CIVICS – 1393 Grade 12
Recommended Prerequisite: U.S. History 1-2 Civics is designed to foster
citizen involvement in the American political system through a thorough
study of the theory, structure, function, and process of federal, state, and
local government. This course emphasizes the duties and responsibilities of
citizenship. This course fulfills the state requirement for graduation.
ECONOMICS – 1398 Grade 12
Recommended Prerequisite: U.S. History 1-2 Economics is a course in which
students will deepen their understanding of the economic problems and
institutions of the nation and world in which they live, as well as
comparing the U.S. to countries with other types of economic systems. They
will learn to make reasoned decisions on economic issues as citizens,
workers, consumers, business owners and managers. This course primarily is a
course in social science, enriching students’ understanding of the
operations and institutions of economic systems, rather than a course in
household or business management or budgeting.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. GOVERNMENT/ECONOMICS 1-2
– 1395, 1396 Grade 12
Recommended Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation Advanced Placement U.S.
Government and Economics is designed to give students a critical perspective
on government, politics and economics in the United States. The class
involves both the studies of general concepts used to interpret American
governmental, political, and economical systems and the analysis of specific
case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions,
groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality. This
course is intended to prepare students who wish to take the Advanced
Placement Examination in U.S. Governments and Politics.