World History is the study of the history of the modern world, beginning with the period of 1300 to present. Students will begin by learning about the emergence of the Modern World from 1300–1500, global affairs and interactions (1450–1815), the rise of the new governments and competition in the global community (1815–1918), the emergence of new world powers (1885–1950), and the world from World War II to present day (1933–present). Students will learn all Modern World History through the lens of inquiry in order to study the world that trade created, which led to the influence of interactions of various changes to culture, governments, ideas, innovation, people, religion, and revolution with an intent to create a citizen who has a global perspective.
World History is an in-depth study of our global community's past, emphasizing the people and events that changed past societies, and how these changes affect our modern society. The course covers a broad range of time periods and topics starting with the emergence of the modern, globally connected world around the year 1300 and moving forward into the present day. Students will have an opportunity to explore global history against the backdrop of current events that are presently shaping our world. At the honors level, students will explore topics in greater depth and be expected to engage in more nuanced and meaningful historical study.
In US Government, students examine the history, operation, and roles of the major American political institutions. In addition to studying the three branches of the federal government, students also investigate the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in shaping the American political landscape. Emphasis is also placed on participation in the political process as a right and responsibility.
An intensive study of the US Government, students examine the history, operation, and roles of the major American political institutions. In addition to studying the three branches of the federal government, students also investigate the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media in shaping the American political landscape. Emphasis is also placed on participation in the political process as a right and responsibility.
Students learn about economics and personal finance by examining how scarcity forces choices and the consequences of those choices, utilizing skills like marginal analysis. The curriculum covers microeconomics, focusing on demand, supply, market structures, and government policies, as well as macroeconomics, which looks at broader economic trends and policies. Additionally, the study emphasizes themes such as Exchange and Markets, Indicators and Policy Making, and the Role of Incentives, equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate financial decisions and contribute as informed members of society.
Intensive study of economics and personal finance by examining how scarcity forces choices and the consequences of those choices, utilizing skills like marginal analysis. The curriculum covers microeconomics, focusing on demand, supply, market structures, and government policies, as well as macroeconomics, which looks at broader economic trends and policies. Additionally, the study emphasizes themes such as Exchange and Markets, Indicators and Policy Making, and the Role of Incentives, equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate financial decisions and contribute as informed members of society.
In this course, students will investigate the full range of American history, from the colonial period to modern times. Emphasis will be placed on developing the factual knowledge and historical reasoning necessary to analyze and interpret a number of historical sources, including primary and secondary documents. The course will also focus heavily on the Constitutional foundations and development of the American government. Students take the SC End-of-Course Exam at the end of this course.
United States History Honors offers a comprehensive exploration of American history, spanning from the colonial era to the present day. The primary objective of this course is to cultivate students' historical thinking skills by engaging in critical analysis of both primary and secondary sources. Through this process, students will develop a strong grasp of chronological reasoning and apply their knowledge to produce historically informed written work that incorporates textual evidence and various perspectives. Additionally, the course will focus on the Constitutional foundations and development of the American government, as well as the global spread of democratic ideals. All students enrolled in this course must take the SC End of Course Exam.
Prerequisite: Biology 1 and Junior or Senior
This course is designed to provide students with a general overview of the science of Psychology, which involves a scientific study of mental functions and behaviors. Ultimately, this course will provide students with a better understanding of themselves and others in everyday situations. Major areas of study include sensory systems, memory, cognition, and behavior.
This course is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. In this course students will investigate and seek to understand the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts.
Law Education is an introduction to personal and practical law. It is designed to help understand how the law works in their lives, how the law strives to promote fairness, and how it applies to individual rights.
Prerequisite: Government Honors
This is an introductory college-level course in comparative government and politics. The course uses a comparative approach to examine the political structures; policies; and political, economic, and social challenges of six selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Students cultivate their understanding of comparative government and politics through analysis of data and text-based sources as they explore topics like power and authority, legitimacy and stability, democratization, internal and external forces, and methods of political analysis. Students are required to take the AP U.S. Comparative Government and Politics exam.
Prerequisite: Human Geography Honors
This course follows the curriculum prescribed by the College Board and is designed to introduce highly motivated students to the systematic study of the pattern and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ geographic themes to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science. Students are required to take the AP Human Geography Exam.
Only taught in conjunction with AP Human Geography
World Geography is the study of the physical systems on earth and the interactions between humans and their physical environments. This course implements a regional and thematic approach, wherein students explore a specific geographic theme in the context of one of the world’s major geographic regions. Emphasis is placed on connecting the concepts studied in class to real-world, current events. At the honors level, students are expected to perform at higher levels of understanding and analysis, as the topics in the class are explored in greater depth and the assignments are of a more rigorous nature.
Prerequisite: Biology 1 Honors and Junior or Senior
This course will introduce students to the study of behavior and mental processes in human beings and other animals. Students will be exposed to the facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields of psychology. They will be expected to understand and interpret data, as well as analyze research studies in psychology. Students are required to take the AP Psychology examination.
Prerequisite: Government Honors
This course presents an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. Its goals are to help students develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system and recognize their rights and responsibilities as citizens. To achieve these objectives, the course will include both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and analysis of specific examples. It also requires students to become familiar with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute the U.S. political system. Students are required to take the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam.
Prerequisite: US History Seminar Honors
This course adheres to the curriculum set by the College Board and takes place over the course of a year. It consists of two parts: US History Seminar Honors and AP United States History. The course offers an in-depth exploration of United States History, focusing on critical analysis, historical interpretation, and extensive reading. Special attention is given to the social, economic, and political developments that have shaped the history of the United States both domestically and internationally. Document analysis and historical writing skills are also emphasized. Students are required to take both the AP US History exam in May. In addition, students are also required to take the SC End-of-Course Exam for United States History and Constitution.
This is a one-semester elective course. Students take this course the semester before taking Advanced Placement United States History. The course provides students with an in-depth analysis of United States History from the 15th century through the late 19th century. Students will develop their historical thinking skills through extensive document-based readings and focus on interpreting historical events from multiple perspectives. This course also emphasizes the development of skills needed to succeed in AP US History like historical writing, data analysis, and evidence-based arguments. By taking the AP US History Seminar, students will gain the content knowledge and analytical skills necessary to excel in AP US History and on the AP exam.