Required Courses
United States History
U.S. History (G341/G342) is a graduation requirement. Aside from the regular United States History curriculum, students can elect to take three other United States History courses to meet the graduation requirement.
CIVICS or AP US Government & AP Macroeconomics
Civics is a graduation requirement. Aside from Civics students can elect to take AP U.S. Government and Politics and AP Macroeconomics. The Constitution Test is given during your senior year Social Studies Class. Each of the above also require a component of Service Learning in our Civic Engagement Project.
American Studies Video.mp4American Studies
G336
1 Social Studies Credit & 1 English Credit
This class will explore American History with a focus on political, social, and economic challenges and changes. This is done in conjunction with American Literature from corresponding time period.
How is it different from regular U.S. History?
American Studies is a two-period, co-taught class with a Social Studies teacher and an English teacher. You will learn U.S. History and American literature together to reinforce key concepts and themes in our government and society.
APUSH recruiting vid.mp4AP United States History
G369
1 Social Studies Credit
The American Experience.mp4American Experience
G004
1 Social Studies Credit & 1 English Credit
What is the format of The American Experience?
It is a two period class combining AP US History with AP Language and Composition taught by Ms. Schock and Mr. Quick.
Do we have to take both AP tests at the end of the year?
No, you can take one test, both tests, or no tests.
Who can take the American Experience?
Any junior who wants a challenge and a deeper look into how “the American experience” changes depending on whose voice is being heard, which voices have been silenced, and what we need to do to tell a more honest narrative of history.
Why does this class matter?
Understanding our nation’s history is essential to understanding society around us in the 2020s. This course will give the context behind the movements, divisions, unity and sacrifices made by Americans throughout our nation’s history while also having a strong tie to examining the America we live in today.
What skills or material will I learn?
You will learn to analyze primary sources, improve your writing, recognize bias and/or propaganda, and delve deeply into the history of the United States. You will also be encouraged to develop your own point of view about events that happened in the past and events that are currently taking place.
AP Gov Room Where It Happens.mp4AP U.S. Government and politics
G479
AP United States Government and Politics is a 1 semester course, often taken in conjunction with AP Macroeconomics. In May, you will have the opportunity to take the College Board AP Exam, which can earn you college credit, saving you time and money!
Why does this class matter?
Democrat? Republican? Independent? No idea? Find out what it all means, and challenge yourself with this AP level course! AP US Government & Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. You’ll also learn how YOU can be a player in shaping your government and its policies.
What skills or material will I learn?
This course is designed to examine the institutions, participants, and processes which characterize political activity in the United States. The course has three objectives:
1. to introduce students to the basics or "nuts and bolts" of American national government,
2. to help students develop an analytical perspective toward the conduct of politics in the United States,
3. to introduce students to the manner in which political scientists understand and explain the political process.
AP Government course outline
How is Public Policy Made?
(A study of conflict)
Unit 1: What is the Foundation?
(The Constitution and Federalism)
Unit 2: What is the Process? Political Beliefs & Behavior
(Political Beliefs, Political Parties, Campaigns, Elections and Voting)
Unit 3: Who Makes Policy?
(Congress, the President, the Bureaucracy, the Judicial Branch)
Unit 4: Who influences the Policy?
(Linkage Institutions: The Media, Interest Groups)
Unit 5: How does policy protect or limit our rights?
(Civil Rights and Civil Liberties)
AP government course description
This course is one semester in length, and is offered to students of above average ability. AP Government provides a nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, institutions, policies and behaviors that characterize the political system and culture of the United States. Students will read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments using foundational documents and Supreme Court decisions. Students taking G469 Advanced Placement Macroeconomics are recommended to take this course as well. The course results in the AP Examination at the end of the year, administered by the College Board. (NCAA Core Course)
AP Macroeconomics
G469
This course is one semester in length, offered to students of above-average ability. This course gives students a thorough understanding of the basic principles of a market economy. Students learn about national income and price determination and become familiar with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. This course meets the graduation requirement and results in the AP Examination at the end of the year, administered by the College Board. (NCAA Core Course)