AP European History (11-12): Advanced Placement European History is a survey course dating from approximately 1450 to the present that concentrates on major political, social, economic, intellectual, and cultural themes throughout this period. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of AP European History 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. At the conclusion of this course on a specific date, the students can participate in the testing program provided by College Board. This is a two trimester course.
There is a required summer assignment to be graded in the first marking period of the course.
AP Human Geography (9-12): The Advanced Placement Human Geography course 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. It is an excellent course for preparing students to become geo-literate youth and adults. This is a two trimester course.
There are required summer assignments.
AP Macroeconomics (10-12) offered 2026-2027:
Prerequisite: Algebra II
The purpose of the AP course in macroeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. This is a two trimester course.
Ability to earn three college credits is available.
AP Microeconomics (10-12) offered 2027-2028: AP Microeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failures, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. This is a two trimester course.
Ability to earn three college credits is available.
AP Psychology (11-12): Advanced Placement Psychology is an introduction to basic scientific logic, facts, theories, and principles of psychology, including the study of human motivation, learning, emotion, perception, thought, intelligence, and personality. In addition to the facts of psychology, students will also learn the “how” of psychology. Students in this course will engage in an objective and systematic study of human behavior and mental processes. The writing component of the course includes an APA style research paper and an in-depth analysis of current psychological research found in a professional psychological journal. At the conclusion of this course students can participate in the testing program provided by College Board for potential college credit. This is a two trimester course.
Ability to earn three college credits is available.
AP US Government/Politics (11-12): AP United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. Students will be given the opportunity to take the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam in May. This is a two trimester course.
Civil War (10-12): This course involves the study of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. The struggle over slavery, military strategies and tactics, significant personalities, and crucial turning points will be stressed. Political changes and effects will also be discussed.
Financial Literacy and Economics (11-12): This required trimester course will introduce students to the basic principles of financial literacy and economics. Students will begin to develop the skills and strategies that promote personal and financial responsibility related to financial planning, savings, investment, and the wise use of credit. Five broad topics will be the foundation of the course: college and/or career planning, money management, savings and investing, income, and spending. Additionally, this course will provide students with an understanding of basic economic concepts and systems.
Geography (11-12): Geography will help students develop an understanding of a broad range of geographic concepts including physical geography, population, culture, spatial behavior, natural resources, urbanization and regions. Through studying the highly integrated relationships between the physical world and the spatial patterns of cultural, political, and economic activities, the student will see the significance of the geographic perspective and gain a new appreciation of this complex world in which we live.
Government and Politics (11-12): Government and Politics is a required course for graduation. beginning with the Class of 2019 and covers several aspects of government. The course will explore the origins of the American democratic system while looking at how the Constitution embodies the values and purposes set up by the Founding Fathers. The structure and function of the government will be analyzed on a national, state, and local level. Throughout the course we will focus on how the people play an active role in government and the importance each citizen contributes to society.
History of Agriculture and Food (11-12): This one trimester course is designed to educate students about concepts related to human food procurement and production through historical stages of hunter-gatherer societies, Neolithic revolutions, technological changes and mechanization, as well as modern discourses on food and food production. It will be a multi-disciplinary look at the above topics including anthropological, economic, historical, political, and sociological components. It will be both chronological and topical in structure.
Holocaust Studies (10-12): This course will offer each student an in-depth look at the history of genocide throughout history. Specific attention will be focused on the Holocaust of Nazi Germany during World War II. This class will also include discussions on stereotyping, bias and discrimination.
Honors Financial Literacy and Economics (11-12): This required trimester course is designed to alert, inform, and educate students in concepts of financial literacy and economic theory. Students will begin to develop the skills and strategies that promote personal and financial responsibility related to financial planning, savings, investment, and the wise use of credit. Five broad topics will be the foundation of the course: college and career planning, money management, savings and investing, income, and spending. Additionally, this course will provide students with an understanding of important economic principles, theories, and systems.
Honors Government and Politics (11-12): Government and Politics is a required course for graduation and covers several aspects of government. The course will explore the origins of the American democratic system while looking at how the Constitution embodies the values and purposes set up by the Founding Fathers. The structure and function of the government will be analyzed on a national, state, and local level while showing how each level is interrelated. Throughout the course we will focus on how the people play an active role in government and the importance each citizen contributes to society.
Honors Philosophy and the Good Life (10-12): The study of philosophy provides students with the opportunity to explore the great questions of human existence. It is of lasting relevance to students entering all career pathways, given its focus on allowing the student to get a better grasp of what it means to live a good and meaningful life. In this introductory course, we will examine various ethical systems and their bearing on contemporary moral issues and discuss some of the prevailing questions that have challenged thinkers for centuries, such as the existence of God.
*Additional coursework will be required for the Honors course
Honors Philosophy and the Universe (10-12): The study of philosophy provides students with the opportunity to explore the great questions of human existence. It is of lasting relevance to students entering all career pathways given its focus on preparing students to work with individuals of many backgrounds. In this introductory course we will examine questions about worldviews, meanings of life, and what is real.
*Additional coursework will be required for the Honors course
Honors Women's Studies (11-12): An interdisciplinary study of the various ways women have participated in American society and politics. The course will attempt to help students understand the impact which political, social, economic, and racial aspects of American history have had on American women, and, conversely, the impact women in the United States have had on developments within these areas. The course will include a critical analysis of the role of women in society as well as an examination of the intersectional experience of American women.
Introduction to Law (11-12): Introduction to Law offers students interested in law and/or law enforcement an introduction to legal theory and a history of the evolution of law. The American legal system is the main focus of the course with topics such as the U.S. Constitution, the Judicial Branch, Landmark Supreme Court Decisions, and Criminal Law and Procedures comprising the core concepts of this Social Studies Elective.
Local History (10-12): This course is designed to give students a better perspective of their community and the rich history it holds. The history of York County will be taught using primary and secondary sources. Specific attention will be given to York's role during our nation's development and the effects of national trends on the population of York County.
Philosophy and the Good Life (10-12): The study of philosophy provides students with the opportunity to explore the great questions of human existence. It is of lasting relevance to students entering all career pathways, given its focus on allowing the student to get a better grasp of what it means to live a good and meaningful life. In this introductory course, we will examine various ethical systems and their bearing on contemporary moral issues and discuss some of the prevailing questions that have challenged thinkers for centuries, such as the existence of God.
Philosophy and the Universe (10-12): The study of philosophy provides students with the opportunity to explore the great questions of human existence. It is of lasting relevance to students entering all career pathways given its focus on preparing students to work with individuals of many backgrounds. In this introductory course we will examine questions about worldviews, meanings of life, and what is real.
Psychology (11-12): The objective of this course is to acquaint students to the study of human behavior. While some information will be theoretical in nature, the emphasis of the course will be on material that will be applicable in everyday life.
Sociology (11-12): Sociology is the study of human social life, groups, and societies; focusing on the modern world. In this course, students will utilize a sociological perspective to step back and objectively view our social world in a new light.
Students selecting Sociology are strongly encouraged to have a desire to listen to various perspectives and a desire to share personal opinions. This course will demand analytical thinking skills as students will evaluate, discuss, and debate our subject matter.
Western Civilization (11-12): This course will study the history of Europe through the influence of the Greek city-states and Roman Empire of the Middle Ages. Topics include: the legacy of Greece and Rome, the rise of Christianity, and the Middle Ages. Analytical skills and higher order thinking will be required.