JH Social Studies Courses
Social Studies
The junior high school social studies curriculum incorporates three primary instructional goals: acquiring knowledge, developing attitudes and values, and developing skills and processes. Essential knowledge and skills in social studies at the junior high school grade levels continue to build upon the foundation established during the elementary school learning experiences. Eight content strands are integrated for instructional purposes and include history, geography, government, citizenship, economics, culture, science, technology, society, and social studies skills. The content, as appropriate for the course, enables students to understand the importance of patriotism, to understand the function of our free enterprise society, and to appreciate the fundamental democratic values of our state and nation. Throughout their study of social studies, students use problem-solving and decision-making skills to answer questions as well as use a variety of primary and secondary source materials.
For each course, regular and Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) course offerings are available for students, and both course options fully address the state-mandated essential knowledge and skills. Pre-AP courses are designed to provide academic challenge and extensive enrichment at each grade level in preparation for students’ enrollment in College Board Advanced Placement, Dual Credit, and OnRamps courses in high school. Pre-AP courses emphasize cognitive concepts and processes using higher level skills, independent studies, and analytical and communication skills that are consistent with the structure of the social science disciplines.
Social Studies 6 (FMMS and LHMS only)
Grade: 6 Credit: 0 - full year
RISD: 2166 PEIMS: 2870000
Prerequisite: None
Students study people, places, and societies of the contemporary world. Societies for study are from the following regions of the world: Europe, Russia and the Eurasian republics, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Southwest Asia-North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. Students describe the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events in those societies and identify the locations and geographic characteristics of various societies. Students identify different ways of organizing economic and governmental systems. The concepts of limited and unlimited government are introduced, and students describe the nature of citizenship in various societies. Students compare institutions common to all societies such as government, education, and religious institutions. Students explain how the level of technology affects the development of the various societies and identify different points of view about events. The concept of frame of reference is introduced as an influence on an individual's point of view.
Social Studies 6 - Advanced (FMMS and LHMS only)
Grade: 6 Credit: 0 - full year
RISD: 2167 PEIMS: 2870000
Prerequisite: None
Grade 6 students study people, places, and societies of the contemporary world. Societies for study are from the following regions of the world: Europe, Russia and the Eurasian republics, North America, Latin America, Southwest Asia-North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East & Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. Students describe the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events in those societies and identify the locations and geographic characteristics of various societies. Students identify different ways of organizing economic and governmental systems. The concepts of limited and unlimited government are introduced, and students describe the nature of citizenship in various societies. Students compare institutions common to all societies, such as government, education, and religious institutions. Students explain how the level of technology affects the development of various societies and identify different points of view about events. The concept of frame of reference is introduced as an influence on an individual's point of view. Students identify the geographic characteristics of regions/societies and describe the related economic and government systems. Student-selected literature puts a human face on events and issues. The students will be introduced to the artistic elements of the Humanities to explain and compare past and present cultures.
Social Studies 6 GT - Advanced (FMMS and LHMS only)
Grade: 6 Credit: 0 - full year
RISD: 2167G PEIMS: 2870000
Prerequisite: None
This course is for students who have qualified for GT Social Studies. Grade 6, students study people, places, and societies of the contemporary world. Societies for study are from the following regions of the world: Europe, Russia and the Eurasian republics, North America, Latin America, Southwest Asia-North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East & Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. Students describe the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events in those societies and identify the locations and geographic characteristics of various societies. Students identify different ways of organizing economic and governmental systems. The concepts of limited and unlimited government are introduced, and students describe the nature of citizenship in various societies. Students compare institutions common to all societies, such as government, education, and religious institutions. Students explain how the level of technology affects the development of various societies and identify different points of view about events. The concept of frame of reference is introduced as an influence on an individual's point of view. Students discuss the interaction of geographic characteristics, including economic and government systems of regions/societies. Student-selected literature puts a human face on events and issues. The students will be introduced to the artistic elements of the Humanities to explain and compare past and present cultures. Students will experience innovative instruction that encourages advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills, creative interpretation and expression, and advanced oral, written, and presentation skills. Students engage in self-directed study and research to foster depth and complexity in their understanding.
Social Studies 7
Grade: 7 Credit: 0
RISD: 2001 PEIMS: 03343000
2064 ESL 03343000
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
Grade 7 students study the history of Texas, the full scope of Texas history, including the cultures of Native Americans living in Texas prior to European exploration, the eras of mission-building, colonization, revolution, republic, and statehood, focusing on key individuals, events, and issues and their impact. Students identify regions of Texas and the distribution of population within and among the regions; the structure and functions of municipal, county, and state governments; the influence of the U.S. Constitution on the Texas Constitution; and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Students identify the different racial and ethnic groups that settled in Texas to build a republic and then a state; students analyze the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the development of Texas.
Social Studies 7 - Advanced
Grade: 7 Credit: 0
RISD: 2101 PEIMS: 03343000
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
UIL Exempt Course
Grade 7 students study the history of Texas, the full scope of Texas history, including the cultures of Native Americans living in Texas prior to European exploration, the eras of mission-building, colonization, revolution, republic, and statehood, focusing on key individuals, events, and issues and their impact. Students identify regions of Texas and the distribution of population within and among the regions; the structure and functions of municipal, county, and state governments; the influence of the U.S. Constitution on the Texas Constitution; and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Students identify the different racial and ethnic groups that settled in Texas to build a republic and then a state; students analyze the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the development of Texas. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college readiness courses and college success.
Social Studies 7 GT - Advanced
Grade: 7 Credit: 0
RISD: 2101G PEIMS: 03343000
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
UIL Exempt Course
This class explores the connections between Texas history, art, music and literature, students will experience innovative instruction that encourages advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills, creative interpretation and expression, and advanced oral, written and presentation skills. Students will be given opportunities for self-directed study and research. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college readiness courses and college success.
Social Studies 8
Grade: 8 Credit: 0
RISD: 2002 PEIMS: 03343100
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
Grade 8 students study the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the challenges of the early Republic, westward expansion, sectionalism, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Throughout the course, students focus on the impact of geography on settlement patterns, the development of the political and economic systems, the rights and responsibilities of its citizens, and the scientific and technological innovations that created the uniqueness of the United States.
Social Studies 8 - Advanced
Grade: 8 Credit: 0
RISD: 2102 PEIMS: 03343100
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
UIL Exempt Course
Grade 8 students study the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the challenges of the early Republic, westward expansion, sectionalism, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Throughout the course, students focus on the impact of geography on settlement patterns, the development of the political and economic systems, the rights and responsibilities of its citizens, and the scientific and technological innovations that created the uniqueness of the United States. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college readiness courses and college success.
Social Studies 8 GT - Advanced
Grade: 8 Credit: 0
RISD: 2102G PEIMS: 03343100
Prerequisite: None
Endorsement: None
UIL Exempt Course
This class explores the connections of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the challenges of the early Republic, westward expansion, sectionalism, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Throughout the course, students focus on the impact of geography on settlement patterns, the development of the political and economic systems, the rights and responsibilities of its citizens, and the scientific and technological innovations that created the uniqueness of the United States. Through innovative instruction, students will draw on prior knowledge to increase in critical thinking and problem solving skills, and will develop advanced oral, written and visual presentation skills. Advanced courses focus intently on preparing students for a successful transition to college readiness courses and college success.