SOCIAL STUDIES
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
3.5 credits required for graduation
All high school students are required to complete World Geography, World Civilization, American Studies and a semester of American Government. Several elective courses are offered which fill the requirement for an area of distinction for a Diploma of Merit in Social Studies. Twelfth-grade students are encouraged to take as many elective classes as their schedules permit. Eleventh-grade students may take elective classes in addition to American Studies.
World Geography (584000)
Length: Year
Available For: 9th
Fee: $0.00
Geography is the study of physical and human characteristics of the Earth’s people, places, and environments. Students will develop geographic thinking skills by studying the “why of where” as they examine the interactions, interconnections, and implications of forces shaping our world today.
AP Human Geography (584200)
Length: Year
Available For: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Fee: $23.00
AP Human Geography Test Fee: $99.00
AP Human Geography is a yearlong course focusing on the effects of human populations on the planet. It’s an important foundational course to take if you've never taken an AP class before but are planning on going to college. Although the content of the course focuses on geography, students will receive support while they work toward developing college level skills in reading, writing, test taking skills and note taking. These skills are essential in future AP courses and college. This course is for motivated students who want a challenge. Because this class is the first AP class for most students who enroll, students are encouraged to also enroll in Freshmen Success for AP Students.
AP Human Geography fulfills the 9th grade Geography requirement. At the completion of this course, students may take the AP Human Geography test for college credit. Elective course for 10-12th graders.
World History (584410)
Length: Year
Available For: 10th
Fee: $0.00
This course is required for graduation. It will be a survey study of World History, beginning with early man to the present. The course will follow the progression of civilizations and analyze how their contributions still impact society today.
AP World History (584600)
Length: Year
Available For: 10th
Fee: $23.00
AP World History Test Fee: $99.00
Step into AP World History if you’re ready to uncover the epic story of humanity—empires rising and falling, revolutions reshaping societies, and ideas traveling across continents to change the world. This isn’t just dates and names—you’ll analyze real cause and effect, debate turning points in history, and question how the past still shapes the present. You’ll sharpen your writing, critical thinking, and argument skills while exploring everything from the Silk Roads to the Cold War. If you want challenge, adventure, and a class that actually makes you think—this is it.
U.S. History II (584810)
Length: Year
Available For: 11th
Fee: $0.00
This course is required for graduation. This class includes the study of selected areas from United States history focusing on the period of time since the Industrial Revolution to current events.
AP U.S. History (584970)
This course gives American Institutions Credit for SLCC Certificate of Completion with a 3 or higher on the AP test
Length: Year
Available For: 11th, 12th
Fee: $23.00
AP U.S. History Test Fee: $99.00
This is a challenging college level class – it consists of lecture, writing practice, reading and analyzing historical material, and group projects. Although it is difficult, it is rewarding. It prepares you for college, improves your writing skills, and gives you interesting things to say at parties. On top of that, by the end of the year, you can take the AP test and receive up to 10 semester hours of college credit. Take a chance, challenge yourself, and sign up for AP! This class fulfills the US History requirement for graduation.
American Government & Citizenship (585201)
Length: Semester
Available For: 12th
Fee: $0.00
This class is required for graduation. The goal of this class is to foster informed, responsible participation in the public life. Knowing how to be a good citizen is essential to the preservation and improvement of the United States democracy. Upon completion of this course the student will understand the major ideas, protections, privileges, structures, and economic systems that affect the life of a citizen in the United States political system. This course is for seniors only.
SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
AP US Government & Politics (585300)
This course gives American Institutions Credit for SLCC Certificate of Completion with a 3 or higher on the AP test
Length: Year
Available For: 11th, 12th
Fee: $23.00
AP Government Test Fee: $95.00
AP U.S. Government isn’t just about memorizing branches of government—it’s about understanding how power actually works and how ordinary people can influence it. You’ll debate the Constitution, court cases, elections, and real political issues while learning how policy is shaped behind the scenes. Plus, you’ll have the option to dive deeper into global politics and take the AP Comparative Government exam to explore how different countries run their governments. If you want a class that challenges your thinking, sharpens your voice, and connects directly to the world you live in, this is it.
American West (586021) (Offered on Even Years)
Length: Semester
Available For: 11th, 12th
Fee: $0.00
This semester elective course focuses on the migration to the American West and all the exciting things that come along with it. Join this class and experience history for yourselves - play Native American games, participate in an Old West standoff, save the Alamo, take the Oregon Trail and see if you can survive, reenact famous train robberies, make food using the same means they had back in the 1860s, and watch some great Westerns. This class can be used as credit recovery for a US History Semester.
Comparative World Cultures (586061) (Offered on Odd Years)
Length: Semester
Available For: 11th, 12th
Fee: $0.00
Psychology (585401)
Length: Semester
Available For: 10th, 11th, 12th
Fee: $0.00
Do you want to learn more about yourself and those around you? Do you enjoy engaging discussions, a welcoming classroom environment and creative projects? If so, then consider signing up for psychology! This course introduces the study of the behavior of an individual as well as application of several different psychological concepts.
Psychology CE (PSY1010) (708961)
This course gives Social Science Credit for SLCC Certificate of Completion
Length: Semester
Available For: 11th, 12th
Fee: $0.00
This is a concurrent enrollment psychology class offered through Salt Lake Community College at Cottonwood High School. Upon completion of this semester course, students earn three college credits while simultaneously earning .5 elective credit towards Cottonwood graduation. This class is a basic survey of psychology examining the historical and current foundations supporting the scientific study of mind and behavior. This class fulfills the Social Science requirement for the General Certificate of Completion.
AP Psychology (585460)
This course gives Social Science Credit for SLCC Certificate of Completion with a 3 or higher on the AP test
Length: Year
Available For: 10th, 11th, 12th
Fee: $23.00
AP Psychology Test Fee: $95.00
This is a hands-on and interesting college level class – it consists of engaging research, fun projects, some lecture and unique learning experiences that relate to concepts in psychology. Some topics in this course may include personality, psychopathology and analysis of your dreams. This is an introductory college course. While the class is rigorous, it is excellent place to start for first time AP students. On top of that, by the end of the year, you can take the AP test and receive college credit. Take a chance, challenge yourself, and sign up for AP! This class fulfills a social studies elective credit for graduation.