Social Studies Electives

Click on the course names to view videos or slides. 

Contact the College and Career Center about Dual Credit classes. 

District Secondary Social Studies information

• World Geography Studies L,K, HORIZONS:  (1 credit) In this course, students analyze the relationships between people, places, and environments. Students use problem-solving and decision-making skills to ask and answer geographic questions. A significant portion of the course will center around physical processes, places, and regions, the environment, the political, economic and social processes that shape cultural patterns, human systems such as population distribution and urbanization patterns, and the economic conditions which have led to and reinforced the developed and developing world. • This course may be taken during the 9th or 10th grade to fulfill the first social studies requirement for the Foundation High School Program.  • This course may not be taken in addition to Human Geography

• Human Geography-Advanced Placement/HORIZONS:  (1 credit) Human Geography is about making connections through the study of patterns and processes which shape human understanding, use, and modification of the Earth’s surface.  In today’s world where places are increasingly interdependent, it is important to have an understanding of how events in one region of the world can have a major impact on events in other regions. Human Geography provides a framework to understand how this world is spatially organized and interdependent.  In this rigorous course, students will develop a sophisticated view of the world enabling them to use geographic concepts and tools to make sense of why things happen where they do.  • This course of study is the equivalent of an introductory college course and is available to students interested in taking the Advanced Placement examination in Human Geography. • This course may not be taken in addition to World Geography.  

• World History Studies L,K:  (1 credit) The purpose of this one-year course is to provide students with a chronological study of world history.  The major emphasis of this course is on the study of significant people, events, and issues from the earliest times to the present. Students will examine historical points of reference, evaluate the causes and effects of economic imperialism, the historic origins of contemporary economic systems, trace the historical development of law, and analyze the impact of major religious and philosophical traditions.  Students will analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and the growth of industrial economics. • This course may be taken during the 9th or 10th grade to fulfill the first social studies requirement for the Foundation High School Program.

• World History Studies–Advanced Placement/ HORIZONS:  (1 credit) The purpose of the Advanced Placement World History course is to develop greater understanding of world processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. Building on a short summary of cultural and institutional world history prior to 1200 C.E. (AD), the course focuses primarily on the last 1000 years of global experience. Using a chronological approach, the curriculum uses six major themes as unifying threads, helping students to put what is particular about each t ime period or society into a larger framework. Knowledge of major developments that illustrate or link the six thematic areas and of major civilizations in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Americas is expected. This course of study is the equivalent of an introductory college course and is available to students interested in taking the Advanced Placement examination in World History Studies.  This course may be substituted for World History Studies. • This course may be taken during the 9th or 10th grade to fulfill the first social studies requirement for the Foundation High School Program.

• European History-Advanced Placement/HORIZONS:  (1 credit) The Advanced Placement European History course focuses on European history from the High Renaissance (approximately 1450) to the present.  The themes studied are intellectual and cultural history, political and diplomatic history, and social and economic history.  Students will analyze historical evidence and learn to apply their analysis in essays and in multiple choice questions.  The course is an elective and does not meet the state standards for substitution for the World History Studies required course. • Prerequisite: U.S. History or concurrent enrollment • May not substitute for World History Studies

• African-American Studies:  (1 credit) Ethnic Studies: African American Studies focuses on the historical and cultural contributions of African Americans. This course is designed to assist students in understanding issues and events from multiple perspectives. This course develops an understanding of the historical roots of African American culture, especially as it pertains to social, economic, and political interactions within the broader context of United States history. It requires an analysis of important ideas, social and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions. Knowledge of past achievements provides citizens of the 21st century with a broader context within which to address the many issues facing the United States. • Grades 10 - 12

• Mexican-American Studies:  (1 credit) Ethnic Studies: Mexican American Studies course focuses on the historical and cultural contributions of Mexican Americans. Students explore history and culture from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course emphasizes events in the 20th and 21st centuries, but students will also engage with events prior to the 20th century. Students will utilize primary and secondary sources to learn about the complexities of the Mexican experience. • Grades 10- 12

• Sociology L or DC :  (1/2 credit) Sociology is designed for students who are interested in enhancing their understanding of themselves and the society in which they live. The course deals with typical situations which people meet in their daily lives. Institutions, which are found in all societies, are studied, and emphasis is placed on the relationships people have within them. Study is also made of societal problems, including such topics as growing up, divorce, current events, etc.  • Grades   11-12

• Psychology:  (1/2 credit) Psychology is designed to acquaint students with the concept of human behavior. This elective provides a general introduction to the field of psychology. Specific topics include the following: learning and creativity, perception, theories of personality, human growth and development, and abnormalities. Psychology involves group work, laboratory experiments, independent reading/ research, and active participation by the student. • Grades 11-12

• Psychology-Advanced Placement/HORIZONS/DC:  (1/2 credit) The Psychology Advanced Placement course is designed to provide students with an analytical perspective about the field of psychology. After a general introduction to the methods, application, and history of the study of psychology, several areas of emphasis will be explored. These include sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotions, personality, abnormal psychology, and treatment of psychological disorders. The course is available to juniors and seniors interested in taking the Advanced Placement exam in Psychology. • Grades 11-12

• Special Topics in Social Studies – World Area Studies K, HORIZONS:  (1/2 - 1 credit) World Area Studies is designed to provide students the opportunity to study the geography, culture, history, politics, and economic development of selected regions and countries. Current world problems, such as population growth, global pollution, nuclear weapons, arms control, and world hunger will be explored. The regional studies will include an analysis of the issues and events pertinent to the area.  Major regions of the world will be studied; however the course allows for flexibility regarding countries studied within each region as they relate to current events.  Methods for resolving international problems will be analyzed. • Grades 11-12

• Special Topics in Social Studies-Street Law:  (1/2 - 1 credit) The Street Law course is designed to give students a deeper understanding of the impact of criminal law and civil law upon their daily lives. Court structure, criminal procedure, civil rights, and other legal issues will be examined.  This course is available to juniors and seniors only. • Grades 11-12

• History through Film: (1/2 credit) History through film is designed to give students a better understanding of historical events ranging from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Students will view films to learn about significant historical events and analyze the film for bias, point of view, relevance, and historical accuracy.  • Grades 11-12

• Western Civilization and the Bible:  (1 credit) proposed new course

The purpose of this social studies course is to teach students knowledge of biblical content, characters, and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture including public policy,  It will familiarized students with the contents and history of the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament.  Students will learn about the influence of the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament on law, history, government, music, customs, and culture  • Grades 11-12

• College Academy US History DC:  (1 credit)

• US History DC:  (1 credit)

• Economics DC:  (1/2 credit)

• Texas Government DC:  (1/2 credit)