Three units of social studies are required for a SC High School Diploma. One unit must be in U.S. History: one unit must be American Government and Economics. The other unit may be any elective from the area of social studies.
Human Geography
Credit: 1 History Elective
Students cultivate their understanding of the topic through data and geographic analyses as they explore topics like patterns and spatial organization, human impacts and interactions with their environment, and spatial processes and societal changes.
AP Human Geography
Credits:1 History Elective / AP Exam
In this college level course, students cultivate their understanding of human geography through data and geographic analyses as they explore topics like patterns and spatial organization, human impacts and interactions with their environment, and spatial processes and societal changes. Students will take the AP exam.
U.S. History
Credit: 1 History unit / EOC
This course covers the chronological development of the American people and government, including the Civil War, the country's technological and urban transformation, and American foreign policy. This is a required course to graduate and culminates with the EOC exam.
AP U.S. History
Credit:1 History unit / AP Exam & EOC
In this college-level course covers the cultural, economic, political, and social developments of the United States from 1491 to the present. Students analyze historical sources, write essays, and evaluate primary and secondary sources. Students will take the AP US History Exam as well as the AP exam and EOC exam.
Modern & World History
Credit: 1 History Elective
Students will explore how the emergence of the modern world was a result of exploration, the development of international trade networks, and regional economic, political, and social systems. These new ideas and understandings of the world led to innovation and change.
Modern & World History Honors
Credit:1 History Elective
Students will explore how the emergence of the modern world was a result of exploration, the development of international trade networks, and regional economic, political, and social systems. These new ideas and understandings of the world led to innovation and change. Students will be engaged in seminars and will be required to compare, analyze, and synthesize historical information. This course is recommended to be taken by those that are self-motivated with strong reading and writing skills.
U.S. Government
Credit: (.5) credit
Honors or College Prep
Prerequisite: U.S. History or AP U.S. History
Grades 11-12
Government is a rigorous course designed for high school seniors. This nine-week course will deal with the U.S. National Government. Students will primarily examine the operation of major American institutions such as the Presidency, the National courts, and Congress. Civil rights, civil liberties and civic responsibilities will also be discussed. This course is scheduled in partnership with Economics.
Economics with Personal Finance
Credit: (.5) credit
Honors or College Prep
Prerequisite: U.S. History or AP U.S. History
Grades 11-12
This nine-week course will deal with Economics and Personal Finance. The goal is to increase students’ financial literacy and to study the structure of the American economic system. The focus is on economic principles, with an emphasis on the efficient allocation of resources through the market forces of demand and supply. With regard to financial literacy, students are also given instruction in banking and financial institutions, credit card and credit management, and stock and bond markets. This course is scheduled in partnership with US Government.
Current Events
Credit:1 History Elective
In this course students will cover a variety of topics, including local, national, and international news, and how those events affect students' lives. The course may also help students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to analyze and communicate their ideas. In this course students may use a variety of news sources, including newspapers, online media, cartoons, and newscasts Students will also learn how to effectively communicate their ideas and opinions orally and in writing, and connection to daily life and dive into how current events affect their daily lives and what they can learn from them.
Law Education
Credit: 1 History Elective
An introduction to personal and practical law. It is designed to help students understand how the law works in their lives, how the law strives to promote fairness, and how it applies to individual rights.
Psychology
Grade level: 10 - 12
Credit: 1 Social Studies elective credit
Prerequisite: None
A comprehensive examination of major areas of psychological study, including the brain and nervous system, learning theory, Freud, human development, sleep and dreams. Designed to help students better understand themselves and others in everyday situations.
Sociology
Grade level: 10 - 12
Credit: 1 Social Studies elective credit
Prerequisite: None
Examines the social, political, religious, economic and educational institutions that affect people's relationships.
IB History HL I & II
Credit: 1 History Elective each / IB Exam
Studies in depth selected 20th century world history topics. Emphasis will be placed upon the development and implications of wars, the rise and rule of single party states, and East-West relations after 1945. Students will read extensively. Research, essay writing, and intensive Socratic dialogue will be employed. Students will sit for the IB exam their Senior year.
Theory of Knowledge Honors
Credit: 1 History Elective
Requires critical reflection on the knowledge and experience of students both inside and outside the classroom. Traditional subject areas are evaluated, compared, and integrated. Students will acquire critical awareness of what they know through analyzing concepts and arguments and the bases of value judgements. This is a required course for full IB Diploma Candidates
IB Psychology
Credit: 1 Honor Credit & 1 IB Credit / AP & IB Exam
The IB Diploma Program psychology course is the systematic study of behavior and mental processes. Students undertaking the course can expect to develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied. This will allow them to have a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human behavior. This course is broken into two parts: AP Psychology Seminar in the Fall, and IB Psychology in the Spring. Students will sit for the IB and AP exam in the Spring.