Social Studies Course Descriptions

Description: Pre-AP World Geography is designed for mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as well as an extension beyond this mastery.  In this course, critical thinking and analytical skills will be utilized in various projects including interpretation of primary and secondary source materials.  Students will use their knowledge of spatial relationships, systematic physical and human processes, and the interaction between people and their environment to make intelligent decisions as citizens. 

Next Course: 2420 World History or 2421 Pre-AP World History*

* Must meet the High School Pre-AP/AP Course Eligibility Requirements.

Description:  Pre-AP World History is designed for mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as well as an extension beyond this mastery.  The Pre-AP student will be expected to use primary source materials extensively.  Additionally, emphasis will be given to the study of prehistoric times and the modern era.  Research, critical thinking, and writing skills will be developed through creative projects and activities. 

Next Course: 2430 U. S. History or 2432 HIST 1301/1302 (Dual Credit)** or 2479 AP United States History*

* Must meet the High School Pre-AP/AP Course Eligibility Requirements.

** Must meet the Dual Credit Course Requirements.

Description: The content of this required course in United States History includes significant events, issues, and problems after the period of Reconstruction, emphasizing present-day issues which have their roots in the past.  This course builds upon knowledge and concepts, acquired in the first course (8th grade). The course includes historical concepts, citizenship principles, and skills necessary for the study of US History. 

Next Course: 2440 U. S. Government or 2490 GOVT 2305 Federal Government** (Dual Credit) or 2442 AP U.S. Government and Politics*

* Must meet the High School Pre-AP/AP Course Eligibility Requirements.

** Must meet the Dual Credit Course Requirements.

Description: The AP US History course is a college-level course that explores US History from the Colonial Era through the present.  Cultural diversity, the role of the minorities, and the impact of women on the development of American history will be a major focus.  In addition to the independent reading of the survey text, this course requires analytical reading and analysis of primary source documents, scholarly works, and historical research.  Students will be required to synthesize the information in both document-based essays and standard essay formats.  Students who enroll in AP US History will have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement examination at the conclusion of the course and earn college credit for their work.  The student may take this course for the required US History credit.

Next Course: 2440 U. S. Government or 2490 GOVT 2305 Federal Government** (Dual Credit) or 2442 AP U.S. Government and Politics*

* Must meet the High School Pre-AP/AP Course Eligibility Requirements.

** Must meet the Dual Credit Course Requirements.

Description: United States Government will assist students in acquiring knowledge of the structure, function, and development of our system of government.  The course will analyze the political institutions, processes, and civil values inherent in our political system and provide students the opportunity to develop and apply the participatory skills needed to carry out civic responsibilities and exercise their rights as citizens.  It will also provide students the opportunity to analyze and compare political institutions, processes, and civic values of the United States with those of other political systems as well as opportunities to develop appropriate democratic values and support for the American free enterprise system.

Description: TThe Advanced Placement course in American Government is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States.  This course involves both the studies of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies.  It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality.  The student will have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement examination at the conclusion of the course.  This course may be used to fulfill the US Government requirement for graduation.  This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement exam.

* Must meet the High School Pre-AP/AP Course Eligibility Requirements.

Description:  This course is designed to alert, inform, and educate students in concepts of personal finance and money management.  Students will begin to develop the skills and strategies that promote personal and financial responsibility related to financial planning, savings, investment, and charitable giving in the global economy.  This course will start students on a path toward being in control of their financial futures.  Five broad topics will be the foundation of the course: college and career planning including instruction on completing the application for federal student aid, money management, savings and investing, income and spending.

Description: General  Psychology is a survey of the major psychological topics, theories, and approaches to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.

** Must meet the Dual Credit Course Requirements.