Social Studies
GLOBAL STUDIES
GLOBAL STUDIES – S3001 & S3002
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 SS credit
Grade(s): 9
Prerequisite(s): none
NCAA approved
This course evaluates key themes in modern Global Studies, including identity, geography and migration, economic systems, innovation, conflict and power, and the environment. Students will wrestle with the overarching essential question, “How have interactions contributed to creating a globalized world?” as they build foundational skills for high school and prepare them for the rigor of future social studies coursework. To that end, students will conduct a research project that allows them to improve their investigative skills while pursuing a topic of their choice. Ultimately, students will apply what they’ve learned in class to be active, compassionate, and contributing members of our community.
GLOBAL STUDIES DUAL LANGUAGE – S3001D & S3002D
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 SS credit
Grade(s): 9
Prerequisite(s): Two Way Immersion (TWI) or Dual Language (DL) Program and Concurrent enrollment with Spanish Literature and Composition 1 or higher
NCAA approved
The majority of this class is taught in Spanish. It is recommended that students be at Spanish Literacy level of I. The Global Studies course encompasses a variety of contemporary and historical social science topics to enhance the understanding of ninth graders of our world and society. Students will learn about the different disciplines in social studies including geography, demography, government, economics, and history. Students will use and develop their writing, collaboration, organization, reading and research skills. Developing argumentative writing using credible sources and historical documents as evidence will also be developed. The goal is to increase students’ understanding of global issues/issues and the connections between them, and students will strengthen academic skills.
La mayoría del curso es en Español. Se recomienda al menos tener el nivel de Spanish Literacy I. El curso de estudios globales contiene una variedad de temas, actuales e históricos, relacionados a las ciencias sociales para mejorar el entendimiento de los estudiantes de noveno grado de nuestro mundo y sociedad. Los estudiantes aprenderán sobre las diferentes disciplinas en las ciencias sociales incluido la geografía, la demografía, gobierno, economía e historia. Los estudiantes utilizarán y desarrollarán sus habilidades de escritura, colaboración, organización, lectura e investigación. El desarrollo de escritura argumentativa usando fuentes creíbles y documentos históricos como evidencia también será un enfoque. La meta es aumentar la comprensión de los estudiantes sobre los temas/problemas globales y las conexiones entre ellos así mismo los estudiantes fortalecerán habilidades académicas.
US HISTORY
Can't decide between US History and APUSH? Watch this.
U.S. HISTORY – S4001 & S4002
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 SS credit
Grade(s): 10 and 11 - Juniors who did not take it as a sophomore MUST sign up this year
Prerequisite(s): None
NCAA approved
Our U.S. History course is a study of the United States from the 1860’s onward. First semester will focus on two themes: Belonging and Creating Change. The majority of the topics and events covered in the first semester will be from the 19th and 20th century with a connection to the present.. Second semester will also focus on two themes: American Economic Policy and American Foreign Policy. The content for 2nd semester will focus on topics and events from the 20th century to the present day. . Throughout both semesters, students will be focusing on historical thinking skills.. ll while learning about the amazing impact history has on our current day.
U.S. HISTORY DUAL LANGUAGE – S4001D & S4002D
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 SS credit
Grade(s): 10 and 11 - Juniors who did not take it as sophomores MUST sign up this year
Prerequisite(s): Two Way Immersion (TWI) or Dual Language (DL) Program and Concurrent enrollment with Spanish Literature and Composition 2 or higher
NCAA approved
The majority of this class is taught in Spanish. It is recommended that students be at Spanish Literacy level of II. This course contains a variety of recent and historical topics related to U.S. history. In the first semester, students will learn about Native Americans, industrialization, American expansion, and historical movements to make change. In the second semester, students will learn about issues connected to U.S. economic policy and recent/historical conflicts the U.S. has been involved in. Students will use and develop their writing, collaboration, organization, reading and research skills. Developing argumentative writing using credible sources and historical documents will also be developed. The goal is to increase students' understanding of U.S. history and the connections between events as well as strengthen academic skills.
La mayoría del curso es en Español. Se recomienda al menos tener el nivel de Spanish Literacy II. El curso de Historia de EE. UU. contiene una variedad de temas, actuales e históricos, relacionados a la historia de EE.UU. para mejorar el entendimiento de los estudiantes de grado diez y once. En el primer semestre, los estudiantes aprenderán sobre los nativos americanos, industrialización, expansión estadounidense y movimientos históricos para hacer cambios. En el segundo semestre, los estudiantes aprenderán sobre temas conectados a la política económica estadounidense y conflictos históricos y actuales que los EE.UU. ha estado involucrado. Los estudiantes utilizarán y desarrollarán sus habilidades de escritura, colaboración, organización, lectura e investigación. El desarrollo de escritura argumentativa usando fuentes creíbles y documentos históricos como evidencia también será un enfoque. La meta, es aumentar la comprensión de los estudiantes sobre los temas estadounidense historia estadounidense y las conexiones entre ellos así mismo los estudiantes fortalecerán habilidades académicas.
AP U.S. HISTORY* – S4101 & S4102
OFFERED ON ALTERNATING YEARS. NEXT OFFERED FOR THE 24/25 SCHOOL YEAR
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 SS credit
Grade(s): 10,11, 12
Prerequisite(s): None
Fee: AP Exam fee due in the Fall; fee assistance available
NCAA approved
AP U.S. History will survey the cultural and political history of the United States. Using college-level materials and historical analysis, this class will help students develop advanced academic skills. Considerable reading (20-40 minutes every other day), writing and research will be involved. Students in this course are expected to register and pay in the Fall to take the National AP Exam in May. (*) Denotes Weighted Grade Course
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY AND AP HUMAN GEO
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY* – S4651 & S4652
OFFERED ON ALTERNATING YEARS. NEXT OFFERED FOR THE 25/26 SCHOOL YEAR
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 SS credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12 Offered every other year, next in the 2025-2026 school year
Prerequisite(s): None
Fee: AP Exam fee due in the Fall; fee assistance available
NCAA approved
AP European History is a college level 2-semester course that includes the study of Europe from 1450 to today. The class explores the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world we live in today. Without this knowledge, we cannot understand the context of today’s current topics. Students will be able to use historical thinking skills to interpret topics. Topics included in the class are: Renaissance, Revolutions, and Romanticism. We discover scheming monarchs who build nations, the daily lives of the 19th century Industrial poor, the development of new technologies, and why witches were burned in Europe. So, if you like war, drama, culture and art, this class may be for you! Students in this course are expected to register and pay in the Fall to take the National AP Exam in May. (*) Denotes Weighted Grade Course
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY* – S3401 & S3402
OFFERED ON ALTERNATING YEARS. NEXT OFFERED FOR THE 25/26 SCHOOL YEAR
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters / 1.0 SS credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12 Offered every other year, next in the 2025-2026 school year
Prerequisite(s): None
Fee: AP Exam fee due in the Fall; fee assistance available
NCAA approved
The purpose of AP Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to analyze human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. AP Human Geography is a yearlong course that contains seven units of study. Topics include; thinking geographically, population and migration, culture, political geography, agriculture, urban geography, and development and industrialization. Students will have multiple opportunities to apply the information addressed in each unit in activities including note-taking, current events, projects, and formative and summative assessments. Students in this course are expected to register and pay in the Fall to take the National AP Exam in May. (*) Denotes Weighted Grade Course
RACE AND ETHNIC STUDIES/ STREET LAW
RACE AND ETHNIC STUDIES - S766X
Length/Credit(s): 1 semester / .5 credit (EL)
Grade(s): 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): None
This course will allow students to explore and analyze issues related to race and ethnicity as social constructs. Students will examine the role of race and ethnicity in the institutions of government, society and art/media. We will examine historical and current issues from both a global and local perspective. This course is meant to be an honest and challenging look at our society, and will look at controversial topics.
STREET LAW – S525X
Length/Credit(s): 1 semester/.5 SS credit
Grade(s): 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite(s): None
NCAA approved
Have you ever wondered what your rights are? What the limits on police searches and seizures are, or the rights and responsibilities that come with parenthood, renting, or on the job? This course will answer those and many more questions about the law. The course introduces America’s legal system, and includes study of crimes and defenses, wrongful death and negligence, contract and consumer law, family law, and rights under the Constitution. Students will participate in debates and mock trials as well as develop writing and critical thinking skills. Learning about law-related careers will also be a part of this course.
GOVERNMENT
Can't decide between Government and AP Government? Watch this.
CIVICS – S500X
Length/Credit(s): 1 semester/.5 SS credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
NCAA approved
This course will study the composition and function of local, state and national governments in the United States. The emphasis will be on understanding our government, its workings, and the role of citizens in a democratic society. The main topics to be discussed are early government, the Constitution, political parties, the presidency, Congress and the Supreme Court.
*AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS: UNITED STATES - S5151 & S5152
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 SS credit
Grade(s): 10, 11, and 12
Prerequisite(s): None
Fee: AP Exam fee due Nov.; fee assistance available
NCAA approved
The purpose of this class is to show students how the world they live in is interconnected to the political structure and system of government. You will leave this class being able to understand how the current events in the news pertain to you and the functioning of our country every day. You will also develop your own political philosophies in regards to the role of the government. Topics covered include how political parties and interest groups impact politics. How different political opinions influence the lawmaking process. How the three branches of government connect to our daily lives. This is an interactive class every day. Daily class revolves around discussions and interactive assignments to apply government to current issues. Students in this course are encouraged to register to take the National AP Exam in May, but taking the exam is not mandatory for signing up for the class.
(*) Denotes Weighted Grade Course
*AP COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT: - S5161 & S5162
OFFERED ON ALTERNATING YEARS. NEXT OFFERED FOR THE 24/25 SCHOOL YEAR
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 SS credit
Grade(s): 10,11,12
Prerequisite(s): None
Fee: AP Exam fee due in the Fall; fee assistance available
NCAA approved
Comparative government and politics is a critical field of study for young people. The twenty-first century has taught us that we cannot ignore the world around us. Happenings around the globe now directly impact our lives; social studies teachers and students around the country face the challenge of interpreting many puzzling international events. The AP Comparative course focuses on government and politics in other countries and provides the theoretical framework to compare political systems around the world. By the end of this course, students will be able to grasp some of the political complexities of our global environment and gain some understanding of both commonalities and differences among modern political systems. Students in this course are expected to register and pay in the Fall to take the National AP Exam in May.
(*) Denotes Weighted Grade Course
ECONOMICS
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ECONOMICS – S605X
Length/Credit(s): 1 semester/.5 SS credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): None
NCAA approved
Do you want to understand how the U.S. economy functions? Economics is a one-semester social studies course in which students analyze various economic principles. Essential to understanding the economy is knowing how needs and wants are fulfilled or limited by existing resources. Practical activities are used to stimulate student interest to help them develop knowledge and skills to analyze and understand economic problems. Emphasis is placed on how the economy will impact students now and in the future.
AP MICROECONOMICS 1* – S622X
Length/Credit(s): 1 semester/.5 SS credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): None
Fee: AP Exam fee due in the Fall; fee assistance available
NCAA approved
Do you want to understand how prices are created? The purpose of the course is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers both consumers and producers, within the economic system. Microeconomics is a one-semester college-level course that will grant four college credits (OUS system) when the AP test is taken and passed with a score of three or higher. This social studies course does not require any past AP experience. Students in this course are expected to register and pay in the Fall to take the National AP Exam in May. (*) Denotes Weighted Grade Course
AP MACROECONOMICS 2* – S621X
Length/Credit(s): 1 semester/.5 SS credit
Grade(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite(s): None
Fee: AP Exam fee due in the Fall; fee assistance available
Dual Credit Available through Oregon Tech ECON 202
NCAA approved
Do you want to understand how interest rates and international trade affects the U.S. economy? The purpose of the course is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to economic systems as a whole. Students will learn to think like economists: to question and explore the many ways in which one action causes secondary actions. Macroeconomics is a one-semester college-level course that will grant four college credits (OUS system) when the AP test is taken and passed with a score of three or higher. This social studies course does not require any past AP experience. Students in this course are expected to register and pay in the Fall to take the National AP Exam in May. (*) Denotes Weighted Grade Course
PSYCHOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY
PSYCHOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY DO NOT COUNT TOWARDS YOUR REQUIRED SOCIAL STUDIES CREDITS, HOWEVER YOU CAN EARN ELECTIVE CREDIT.
PSYCHOLOGY – S710X
Length/Credit(s): 1 semester/.5 EL credit
Grade(s): 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite(s): None
NCAA approved
In psychology students explore how the human mind works and the impact both biology and environment have upon behavior. The course seeks to address a number of themes and questions: What personality traits do people who live happy and meaningful lives possess? Why do people dream? How accurate is memory? What factors motivate people to push through adversity? In content the course will examine theories of personality, abnormal psychology, sleep and dreams, social psychology, and behavioral psychology. The course culminates with the students taking what they have learned, and applying their knowledge to an in-depth research project of their choosing.
AP PSYCHOLOGY* – S7251 & S7252
Length/Credit(s): 2 semesters/1.0 EL credit
Grade(s): 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite(s): None
Fee: Possible AP Exam or Dual Credit fee in late Spring
Dual Credit Available through Western Oregon University PSY201 / PSY202
NCAA approved
Have you ever wondered, “Why do humans act and behave in the ways they do?” In AP Psychology you will not only find out the answer to this question, but you can achieve college credit at the same time, either through Willamette Promise Dual Credit or with College Board. In AP Psychology students will use a college-level psychology textbook, as well as advanced primary source readings. AP Psychology will also emphasize memorization, applying authentic information, upper level reading skills, note taking and essay writing. Specific topics to be addressed in AP Psychology are: history and approaches of psychology, research methods, biological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, developmental psychology, personality, testing, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology. Students in this course are expected to take the Dual Credit Exams offered by Willamette Promise or take the National AP Psychology Exam in May. (*) Denotes Weighted Grade Course
PHILOSOPHY – S815X
Length/Credit(s): 1 semester/.5 EL credit
Grade(s): 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisite(s): None
NCAA approved
The study of ethics, morality and philosophy is extremely important in that they help individuals make choices in a very complex world. This course focuses on the various major philosophical schools of thought. A major concentration of the course is the development of the skills to think and evaluate critically.