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: $95.00

AP Human Geography is a yearlong course that focuses on the distribution, processes, and effects of human populations on the planet. The course provides a systematic study of human geography, including the following topics outlines in the course description: Nature of and Perspectives on Geography, Population, Cultural Patterns and Processes, Political Organization of Space, Agricultural and Rural Land Use, Industrialization and Economic Development, Cities and Urban Land Use. The class fulfills the 9th grade Geography requirement. At the completion of this course, students will take the AP Human Geography test for college credit. Elective course for 10-12th graders. AP Human Geography is a great course to take if you've never taken an AP class before but are planning on going to college. 

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: $95.00

This course will make you a genuine smarty-pants. This is the perfect opportunity to jump into an advanced placement course. Not only will you learn about the history of the entire world but you will do it in a fun and engaging environment. By the end of the year you will be prepared to take the AP test and receive college credit. This class fulfills the World History requirement for graduation. 

U.S. History II (584800)

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)

Length: Year

Available For: 11th, 12th

Fee: $23.00

AP U.S. History Test Fee: $95.00

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. 

AP Government (585300)

Length: Year

Available For: 11th, 12th

Fee: $23.00

AP Government Test Fee: $95.00

Do you want to know why the government does what it does? Do you want to have a better understanding of democracy in the US and throughout the world? Do you want to potentially knock out your Social Studies requirements your Junior Year (possible for Juniors who take Core US History or AP US History)?! Take AP Government! This course is an in-depth study of the US Government and you have the option to learn about six other countries' governments. In class we discuss current events, read about, and compare modern governments, and understand how and why world governments function the way they do.  Engage in political dialogue and become a better-informed member of world society.  You get to take two AP tests at the end of the course as well if you want! This class fulfills the US Government & Citizenship requirements.

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.

AP European History (584650)

Length: Year

Available For: 11th, 12th

Fee: $23.00

AP Euro. History Test Fee: $95.00

This is an engaging, thought provoking class. Take this course, and gain understanding of the current world issues today. In this course we will take an in depth look at the progression of modern Europe, through analysis of documents, in class discussions, creative projects, and some lecturing and book reading. Not only will you enhance your thinking and writing skills, you will be introduced to topics that will make you smarter than most adults. If you love history, take this course.

Comparative World Cultures (586061)

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. Be ready for a fun “eggspiriment”, creating some personality islands and testing your skills in the cognition challenge! 

AP Psychology (585460)

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.