Social Sciences

This college preparatory course provides an overview of the history of human society from early civilization to the contemporary period, examining political, economic, social, religious, military, scientific, and cultural developments. Students study cultures of the western and non-western world. The course integrates geography with history and cultural studies. 

This college-level study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the this course are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing. The course has a required summer assignment. The work is due on the first day of class. The assignment will be posted on the school’s website. Students will be eligible to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May. 

The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit. 

*Pending CUSD Board Approval 

This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exam in Human Geography. AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. The course is structured according to the course outline found in the most recent AP® Human Geography Course Description published by the College Board (https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-humangeography/course-details). This is a fascinating class that will introduce you to the spatial world around you and its influences on human interaction and the environment. It is, however, a rigorous course, as is the case with all college-level AP courses. As a result, you will be required to complete reading and writing assignments outside of class and take notes in class on lectures and discussions. 

This is a non weighted AP course as UC/CSU does not consider/recognize course weighting in Grade 9 

This college preparatory course explores the cultural, economic, political, and geographical history of the United States. The course focuses on major developments and turning points in industrialized America. Students will develop and utilize critical thinking skills to analyze history and better understand the world in which they live. 

This college-level, three-trimester course provides students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to understand the course of United States history. Students learn to assess historical materials and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. The course examines time periods from discovery and settlement of the New World through the recent past. The course has a required summer assignment. The work is due on the first day of class. The assignment will be posted on the school’s website. Students will be eligible to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May. The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit. 

The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit 

This course provides students with a thorough overview of how U.S. government and politics work. Students will analyze the founding documents as well as specific case studies and current events to gain a theoretical and practical understanding of our system of government. In addition to the constitutional institutions of the U.S. government, topics addressed include: political beliefs, parties and interest groups, civil rights and liberties, economic, foreign, and other public policy and the skills necessary to make a difference in the political arena. 

This college level, full year course provides students with a thorough overview of how U.S. government and politics work. Students will analyze the founding documents as well as specific case studies and current events to gain a theoretical and practical understanding of our system of government. In addition to the constitutional institutions of the U.S. government, topics addressed include political beliefs, parties and interest groups, civil rights and liberties, economic, foreign, and other public policy and the skills necessary to make a difference in the political arena. (Students are prepared to pass the AP U.S. Government exam, but not the AP Macroeconomics exam.) 

The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit. 

This course provides students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole, emphasizing the study of national income and price determination. The course develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures and economic understanding. This course will integrate the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy as well as the U.S. economy to political and legal systems. These foundations are necessary building blocks to help prepare students for the world after graduation. 

This college level, full year course provides students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole, emphasizing the study of national income and price determination. The course develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. This course will integrate the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. (Students are prepared to pass the AP Macroeconomics exam, but not the AP Government Exam) 

The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit. 

This course explores behavior and mental processes of both human and non-human animals. Students explore implications for everyday life with a scientific perspective on human behavior. This course may be taken as a one trimester or two trimester course. 

This college level, full year course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings, exposes students to each of the major subfields within psychology, and enables students to examine the methods that psychologists use in their science and practice. The course has a required summer assignment. The work is due on the first day of class. 

The A and B portion of AP classes are weighted; the required Seminar portion is a non-weighted elective credit