Social Studies
A participatory democracy requires educated citizens who can make informed decisions. Social studies helps students develop the thinking skills necessary to participate in the democratic process.
As our world becomes more interdependent and our society more culturally diverse, social studies courses provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the past necessary for coping with the present, as well as planning for the future. The courses help explain students’ relationships to other people and to social and political institutions.
Global Perspectives
Grades: 9 - 12
Credit: 0.5
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Elective
Description: Global Perspectives is an entry level social studies course focused on seeing the world from a global perspective. With an emphasis on learning about a variety of cultures in all regions of the world, as well as building students’ geography and critical thinking skills, this course promotes “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes” while also understanding the evolution of civilizations. Global Perspectives addresses both the historical and the present day, delving into contemporary world problems from multiple points of view.
AP Human Geography
Grades: 9 - 12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Elective
Description: This is a yearlong course that focuses on the distribution, processes, and effects of human populations on the planet. Units of study include population, migration, culture, language, religion, ethnicity, political geography, economic development, industry, agriculture and urban geography. For this course, emphasis will be on geographical models to compare the topics and issues that are found in both the United States and abroad. The internet will be used extensively to explore topics. Course curricular requirements (CRs) are embedded throughout this syllabus. These requirements are the core elements and form the basis of the curriculum design and sequencing of course materials. Topics include, but are not limited to: the Nature of and Perspectives on Geography, Population Cultural Patterns and Processes, Political Organization of Space, Agricultural and Rural Land Use, Industrialization and economic Development, Cities and Urban Land Use.
World History
Grades: 10
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Contemporary World History
Description: An exploration of the development of World Civilization from the beginning of human society to the modern world. Emphasis will be placed on how past events, individuals, and ideas have shaped the present world. Also examined will be the transmission, interaction, and diffusion of culture, as well as the geography that has affected human relations and development. This course requires students to commit time outside of class to complete various assignments.
AP World History
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Contemporary World History
Description: The Advanced Placement course is a college level exploration of world history utilizing a thematic approach. Period of study dates from 1000 AD/CE to the present, although there is a foundations unit that pre-dates this time frame. The course will focus on analytical skills, not global memorization. The students will be encouraged to think historically, to be able to engage in comparative analysis, to see changes over time, and to express themselves clearly through their writing. No more than 30% of the content will focus on European Culture. Students are expected to take the College Board AP Exam in May. Analysis of current events is a key component of this course.
U.S. History
Grades: 11
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - U.S. History
Description: U.S. History focuses on the founding ideals of the United States and their relationship to American life through the 20th century and beyond, starting with industrialization in the late 1800s and continuing through to contemporary times. Political, economic, and social ideals are examined in everyday American life and through U.S interaction with the rest of the world in times of war and peace.
AP U.S. History
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - U.S. History
Description: This course is designed for the highly motivated student and provides the opportunity for the development of skills and concepts used in the study of history. The scope of the course includes an in-depth study of United States history from the colonial period to the present. This course is challenging and is taught at the college level. Many readings are “primary source” materials and college-level texts, and as such require advanced reading skills. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination, which can gain them college credit at numerous universities. It is strongly recommended that students who take the class will also take the AP Exam in May.
Civics
Grades: 12
Credit: 0.5
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Civics
Description: This course explores the relationship that citizens have with their government. It is designed to help students acquire the capacity to discriminate, evaluate, select and respond to useful and relevant data from the political environment that constantly surrounds them. Emphasis will be placed on the study of American democracy, its relationship to the citizen, and individual responsibilities within the political system.
AP US Government
Grades: 12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Civics
Description: This course is designed for the highly motivated student and provides the opportunity for the development of skills and concepts used in the study of political science. The scope of the course includes an intensive study of government, with the emphasis placed on the democratic process, political elections, civil liberties, and the functions of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. This course is challenging and is taught at the college level. The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination. It is strongly recommended that students who take the class will also take the AP Exam in May. This course will take the place of the required Civics class. Interested students should check out the course brochure.
Washington State History
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 0.5
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - WA State History
Description: This course fulfills the state requirement for sixty hours of state history for transfer students. The political, social, geographic and economic factors that contributed to the development of Washington will be analyzed, evaluated and discussed. Oral reports, discussions, and moderate readings are required for this class.
AP Art History
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Elective
Description: AP Art History is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college course that explores major forms of artistic expression, including architecture, sculpture, painting and other media from across a variety of cultures. By investigating works of art characterized by diverse artistic traditions from prehistory to the present, the course fosters understanding of the history of art from a global perspective. A major emphasis will be placed on the critical analysis of major works of art instead of rushing to opinion or judgment.
Not NCAA Approved
AP Macro/Micro Economics
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: CTE and Social Studies - Elective (dual requirement)
Description: AP Economics is a rigorous year long course designed to prepare students for both the AP Macroeconomics and AP Microeconomics test(s) administered in May of each year. The study of Macroeconomics is designed 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. Interested students should check out the course brochure.
AP Psychology
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 1.0
Indicators of Success: A “B” or better grade in previous year’s Social Studies course and recommendation from that teacher
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Elective
Description: Understand the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, while considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field. You will explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, you will employ psychological research methods– including ethical considerations–as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. Enrich your learning and leadership through participation in HOSA, the student leadership organization of future health professionals.
Contemporary World Issues
Grades: 11-12
Credit: 0.5
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Elective
Description: This course is designed to give students an understanding of important world issues and current events. The class will focus on several major problem areas during the semester, examine them from a variety of perspectives and consider the impact on the students' own lives. Additionally, the class will examine current events and discuss how current events are rooted in past events. Activities and assignments will include readings, writing assignments, class discussions, documentaries, and research assignments.
Military History
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 0.5
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Elective
Description: This course is meant to be an introduction to military history from the dawn of war to the present day. The course will engage students in the study of how war affects individuals, groups and society as a whole. In addition it will study the strategy, tactics and technology of war through the ages. The course will also provide an opportunity for students to study why societies resort to war as an option for achieving their political, economic, or social goals.
Psychology
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 0.5
Graduation requirement: Social Studies - Elective
Description: There are so many careers and life situations where greater insight into emotions, roles, and interpersonal relationships is useful. Participating in this course will give you the foundation of understanding major psychological concepts and the thinking of prominent figures in the science of psychology. Causes and treatments of mental health issues such as neuroses, psychoses, and personality disorders are presented. You will participate in career-connected learning through at least one community service project. Enrich your learning and leadership through participation in HOSA, the student leadership organization of future health professionals.
Child Psychology
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 0.5
Graduation requirement: CTE and Social Studies Elective (dual requirement)
Description: This course is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and insight that will help them successfully interact with children. Students will study key milestones of early childhood development, from prenatal care through the preschool years including children with atypical development. Different theories of child psychology will be studied including work by Piaget, Erickson and Montessori. The coursework includes current events, world studies of children, and how various environmental factors affect development. This course will involve research, written papers and summaries, and oral and digital presentations. Students interested in education, child psychology, medical professions, or social work should consider this course.