Required Courses
Elective Courses
Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite Recommendation: None
This course traces the history of our nation from Reconstruction to the 1930s. Students will study the struggles facing America during the Reconstruction Era through the 1930s and the Great Depression. Emphasis will be on development of reading, writing, thinking, and geography skills.
Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite Recommendation: None
This course is designed for academic students and will cover the period from the Post-Civil War Era of Reconstruction up to the 1930s in American History. Students will study the struggles facing America during the Reconstruction Era through the Great Depression along that focus on the initial conflicts and cooperation with outside countries. Examining political elections and changes in political views will lead students to understand the progression of American politics, economy, and society.
Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Weight: 0.1 - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 9
Prerequisite Recommendation: Approval of 8th grade Social Studies instructor 93% average in 8th grade Social Studies Summer pre-reading required (teacher will provide specific details)
Honors American History is a study of the Post-Civil War Era of Reconstruction and the historical, political, economic, and cultural events that shaped the nation's history to the beginning of the Cold War. Multicultural themes are incorporated into the course and include the contributions of people of various ethnic, racial, religious, and cultural groups. Students will engage in an in-depth analysis of the historical events requiring the use of critical thinking skills, active participation in projects and discussions, and the demonstration of advanced writing techniques. Cooperative learning, basic historical research, debating skills, historical media programs, and concept mapping techniques will be used. This course is designed for the active learner who wants to do high quality, challenging work in preparation for college. Students will be required to do outside reading and essay writing.
Credit: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 10
Prerequisite Recommendation: None
This is a course designed to help students understand the world around them and gain valuable insight into the modes and manners of the United States’ global neighbors. The course content starts with World War II and covers up to the present day, exploring various Western and non-Western regions and continents including the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The course provides geographical, historical, political, economic, and social perspectives of each region and gives students an opportunity to appreciate, respect and understand the cultural differences of the people of these regions and their relationships to the United States in the contemporary world. Throughout the course, students will understand how historical events have led to current global issues.
Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 10
Prerequisite Recommendation: None
Contemporary Global History is a course designed to help students understand the world around them and gain valuable insight into the modes and manners of the United States’ global neighbors. The course content focuses starts with World War II and covers up to the present day, exploring various Western and non-Western regions and continents including the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The course provides geographical, historical, political, economic, and social perspectives of each region and gives students an opportunity to appreciate, respect and understand the cultural differences of the people of these regions and their relationships to the United States in the contemporary world. Throughout the course, students will understand how historical events have led to current global issues.
Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Weight: 0.15 - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 10 (11, 12)*
Prerequisite Recommendation: Approval of 9th grade Social Studies instructor 85% in 9th Grade Honors or 93% in 9th Grade Academic History Summer pre-reading required (teacher will provide specific details)
This honors program in U.S. History is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary for a thorough understanding of our nation's history. This comprehensive course is specifically created for the active learner who wants to do high quality, challenging work in preparation for college. Students will engage in an in-depth analysis of the historical events requiring the use of critical thinking skills, active participation in projects and discussions, and the demonstration of advance reading and writing techniques. Cooperative learning, basic historical research, debating skills, historical media programs, and concept mapping techniques will be used. Students will be required to do outside reading and to conduct research for independent projects. At the conclusion of this course, students are strongly encouraged to take the AP US History Exam. The content of the course and the focus of instruction will be geared toward College Board and Advanced Placement curriculum expectations. *11th and 12th grade students may take this course as an elective with approval from the course instructor. For students taking this course EPASD will pay the cost of the corresponding exam.
Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Weight: 0.15 - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 11,12
Prerequisite Recommendation: Approval of 10th grade Social Studies instructor 85% in 10th Grade AP or 93% in 10th Grade Academic History Summer pre-reading required (teacher will provide specific details)
This course traces the chronological history of Europe from the Renaissance through the modern era. Its purpose is to challenge students to develop an in-depth understanding of the intellectual, cultural, political, diplomatic, social and economic themes that define western civilization. The curriculum, which includes historical reading, research and writing, will develop students’ critical thinking skills as they analyze the history of Europe and the role it played in the development of the modern world. Successful completion of this course will ensure that students can identify and analyze key events and trends of European History as well as develop critical and creative thinking skills. At the conclusion of this course, students are strongly encouraged to take an AP European History Exam. The content of the course and the focus of instruction will be geared toward College Board and Advanced Placement curriculum expectations. *12th grade students may take this course as an elective with approval from the course instructor. For students taking this course EPASD will pay the cost of the corresponding exam.
Credit NCAA: 0.5 (Semester) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 11
Prerequisite Recommendation: None
Global Political Systems provides students with an introduction to comparative government through an examination of broader political principles at the international level. The distribution of government decision-making and creation of government systems are also explored to ensure an opportunity to understand and assess the effectiveness of these processes. The different types of autocratic and democratic systems of government are examined, along with the effects of these systems upon citizens. The course concludes with students analyzing and evaluating political and economic change throughout world affairs.
Credit NCAA: 0.5 (Semester) - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 12
Prerequisite Recommendation: None
This course focuses on the foundations of the American political system. The curriculum includes the powers of the United States Constitution, the influence of federalism, the three branches of government, the responsibilities of enlightened citizens, and the establishment of civil rights and liberties. The organization and powers of local and state governments will also be examined with practical applications. Emphasis will be placed on development of reading, writing, and thinking skills. NOTE: A virtual, asynchronous option is available for this course. If interested, please see a school counselor.
Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Weight: 0.15 - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 11*, 12
Prerequisite Recommendation: Approval of 11th grade Social Studies instructor 85% in 11th Grade AP or 93% in 11th Grade Academic History Summer pre-reading required (teacher will provide specific details)
This course is designed to provide a challenging, in-depth examination of the American political system. It 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 become acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. Furthermore, they will be able to identify and evaluate principles of American government including democratic influences on the present political system, foundations of the U.S. Constitution, political ideologies, elections, branches of government, public policy, along with civil rights and liberties. At the conclusion of this course, students are strongly encouraged to take the AP US Government and Politics Exam. The content of the course and the focus of instruction will be geared toward College Board and Advanced Placement curriculum expectations. *11th grade students may take this course as an elective with approval from the course instructor. For students taking this course EPASD will pay the cost of the corresponding exam.
Credit: 0.5 (Semester) - Elective: AC - Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite Recommendation: None
This course is designed to give students a general introduction to the subject of philosophy through an examination of key historical figures and pertinent philosophical topics. After introducing students to a working definition of philosophy, the works of famous philosophers will be studied. Additionally, religions from around the world have shaped the political, social, and cultural aspects of societies. This course introduces students to the major religions that have played a role in human history, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, and Taoism. Students trace the major developments in these religions and explore their relationships with social institutions and culture. The course also looks at some of the similarities and differences among the major religions and examines the connections and influences they have.
Credit NCAA: 0.5 (Semester) - Elective: AC - Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite Recommendation: None
America's Legal System provides an introduction to law and the legal system in America. The curriculum will cover lawmaking, advocacy, the court system, criminal law, juvenile justice and civil wrongs. Students will engage in case studies, mock trials, and role-plays, enabling them to actively participate in legal research and analysis. The course reflects changes in law and legal procedure overtime, including the expansion of individual rights and liberties. A field trip to observe court proceedings will be an integral part of the student's experience.
Credit NCAA: 0.5 (Semester) - Elective: AC - Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite Recommendation: None
Sociology is the scientific study of social structure. This course will introduce students to the study of sociology. The students will learn about the history and methods used in the field before learning about how society teaches us how to act; or socialization. Students will then learn about similarities and differences of cultures around the world and various forms of social structures. Next, students study deviance; what determines whether a behavior is normal or abnormal. Finally, students will study inequality in society, looking at gender, race, ethnic and age-related inequalities. This is the first part of a course that is meant to give students a foundation of knowledge that they can use in the second part of the class or in an introductory college level class. Students who are interested in such fields as education, criminal justice, law and politics, social work, marketing or any other social science related field should consider taking this elective. Students who take this course are encouraged to further their studies by taking Sociology II.
Credit NCAA: 0.5 (Semester) - Elective: AC - Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite Recommendation: Sociology I Academic
Students will continue their study of the field of sociology, delving deeper into more advanced sociological topics. First students will study social institutions. Social institutions are groups of people who come together for a common purpose. Students will study various social institutions during the first half of this course. Some institutions of study include family, religion, education, political systems and sports. During the second half of the course students will study social change. Students will look at how population changes lead to changes in society. They will also consider changes brought about by advances in technology, social movements, the environment, revolution and war, and rumors, legends, fads and fashions. Any student who has taken Sociology I and is considering such fields as education, criminal justice, law and politics, social work, marketing or any other social science related field are encouraged to take this elective.
Credit NCAA: 0.5 (Semester) - Elective: AC - Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite Recommendation: None
Designed to align with most entry-level college courses, a variety of topics are introduced in the first part of this two-part elective course. The course begins with an overview of the history of psychology followed by a study of the research methods used by psychologists. Other units of study include biology and behavior, in which students learn the parts of the brain and nervous system, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, and stress and health. Although it is an elective course, the material is academic and sometimes abstract. Students who are —66— going into education, business, marketing, medical, criminal justice, social work or any other line of work that deals with people should consider taking this elective. This is a prerequisite to psychology II.
Credit NCAA: 0.5 (Semester) - Elective: AC - Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite Recommendation: Psychology I Academic
Students will continue their study of the field of psychology in this course. Having a background in the field, students will delve deeper into this social science with units of study including development through the lifespan, social psychology, personality theory, motivation and emotion, cognition, psychological disorders and treatment and therapy. Although it is an elective course, the material is academic and sometimes abstract. Students who have taken psychology I and are going into education, business, marketing, medical, criminal justice, social work or any other line of work that deals with people should consider taking this elective.
Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Weight: 0.1 - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite Recommendation: 85% or Higher in 10th grade AP or Academic History Course.
Students electing to take this class will have the option for dual enrollment through the University of Pittsburgh. Students will receive two grades for the course; one for East Pennsboro and for the University of Pittsburgh. This is a college introductory class and the expectations will align to college expectations. Topics covered include Biology and behavior, Sensation and Perception, Motivation and Emotion, Learning, and Disorders and Therapy.
Credit NCAA: 1.0 (Full Year) - Weight: 0.15 - Requirement: All Pathways - Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Prerequisite Recommendation: 85% or Higher in 10th grade AP or Academic History Course.
Students who choose to take this elective will acquire the skills needed to pass the AP psychology exam and gain the knowledge equivalent to a college level introductory psychology course. Topics of discussion will include sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning cognition, motivation and emotion and developmental psychology among others. At the conclusion of this course, students are strongly encouraged to take the AP Psychology Exam. The content of the course and the focus of instruction are geared toward College Board and Advanced Placement curriculum expectations. For students taking this course EPASD will pay the cost of the corresponding College Board AP exam.