SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies Core Courses

WORLD GEOGRAPHY

Grade: 9 Credit: 1 Course #1402

In this course, students will examine the relationship between earth and the living things that call it home. Through exploration and analysis, students will develop a deeper understanding of the way physical environments, regional economies, cultural landscapes, political processes, and technological advancements shape experiences across the globe. At its core, this course creates a space for students to meaningfully encounter the broad concepts of geography, all the while engaging with new perspectives and their own lived experiences in an increasingly globalized society. The course takes both a thematic and regional approach to the content, using primary and secondary source analysis, individual and group projects and class discussions to support academic learning and personal growth.

WORLD GEOGRAPHY PRE-AP

Grade: 9 Credit: 1 Course #1403

BASIC WORLD GEOGRAPHY

Grade: 9 Credit: 1 Course #1401

Prerequisite: Committee Placement This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of World Geography. It includes the study of and exposure to basic geographical terms, map skills, physical and cultural geography, and the existence of a global society. It also includes the study of human impact on the environment as well as geographic influences on culture and on global economic and political systems. The class is based on each student’s individual goals and objectives.

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Grade: 10-12 Credit: 1 Course #1435

Prerequisite: WORLD GEOGRAPHY Pre-AP

Human Geography AP is an elective course focusing on the human aspects of geography. The course deals with major concerns confronting the world today, such as the study of migration and diffusion of people, population growth, elements of human culture/art, architecture and literature. Additionally, it deals with land use, including the growth of cities and mega-urban areas of the world, political and economic development and global environmental concerns. It will help students determine possible solutions to some of today’s most pressing issues. This course serves as preparation for the AP Exam given in May.

WORLD HISTORY

Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Course #1405

Prerequisite: World Geography or World Geography Pre-AP

This course provides students with an overview of the history of mankind. Students will focus on how the following will impact the course of history: patterns of growth and decline in civilizations as well as cultural, technological, economic, religious, and philosophical changes throughout the course of history, and global interdependence.

AP WORLD HISTORY

Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Course #1406

Prerequisite: World Geography or World Geography Pre-AP

This course highlights six connected themes including interaction among major societies, change, the impact of technology, social structures, cultural and intellectual developments and changes in functions and structures of society. Since this is an AP course it is intended for qualified students and can earn college credit with successful completion of the AP exam in May. The college level textbook suggested by the College Board will be used as well as supplemental readings for the purpose of analysis. Writing will be emphasized in this course.

BASIC WORLD HISTORY

Grade: 10 Credit: 1 Course #1404

Prerequisite: Committee Placement World History is a study of man’s development from prehistory to the current day. Each unit includes general characteristics of a time period, an analysis of one or two sample cultures, and a study of associated people and events.

UNITED STATES HISTORY

Grade: 11 Credit: 1 Course #1408

Prerequisite: World Geography or World Geography Pre-AP

United States History is the second part of a two-year study of U.S. history that begins in Grade 8. The content spans from the 1870s post-Reconstruction to the present. Historical content focuses on the cultural, political, economic, and social events and issues related to expansion, imperialism, industrialization, urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies, and reform movements. Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major events and analyze American society, evaluate the dynamic relationship of the federal government, and analyze efforts to expand the democratic process. Students describe the relationship between the arts and the times during which they were created as well as analyzing the impact of technology innovation of the American labor movement. Critical thinking is used to interpret the past, including points of view and historical context. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation.

AP UNITED STATES HISTORY

Grade: 11 Credit: 1 Course #1409

Prerequisite: World Geography or World Geography Pre-AP

The US History AP Program is intended for qualified students who complete studies equivalent to a college introductory course in US History. This course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in US History. The course, which spans the time between European contact and the present, is a survey of history utilizing a textbook and supplemental reading in the form of documents, essays, and books on special themes, providing substantive and thematic coverage. The balance between learning factorial knowledge and critical analysis makes for a demanding class. This course serves as preparation for the AP Exam given in May. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation.

UNITED STATES HISTORY (UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS ONRAMPS DUAL-ENROLLMENT)

Grade: 11 Credit: 1 Course #1400

Prerequisite: World Geography or World Geography Pre-AP

THE UNITED STATES, 1492-1865 & THE UNITED STATES SINCE 1865 In these two sequential first-year college American history courses, students study significant themes in US history to uncover the range and depth of the American story. Using lectures, primary and secondary readings, videos, maps, and other graphics, students work both independently and collaboratively to develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the historical record. The first semester surveys from the colonial beginnings through the Civil War and the second semester considers the post-Civil War era to the end of the 20th century. Exams include essay questions that require students to craft well-written narratives and arguments that set events in historical context, engage the complexity of cause and consequence, and make connections that reveal the dynamics of change over time Students will experience a high-quality curriculum designed by the faculty at The University of Texas at Austin. Students can earn six hours of UT credit with feedback and assessment provided by UT course staff. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation. Click here for more information.

HIST 1301 UNITED STATES HISTORY 1492 - 1877 (ACC DUAL-CREDIT)

Grade: 11 Credit: 1 Course # Social Studies Elective

Does Not give credit for High School United States History

Prerequisite: World Geography or World Geography Pre-AP

A study of the history of the United States to 1877.

HIST 1302 UNITED STATES HISTORY 1877 - present (ACC DUAL-CREDIT, currently offered in the summer only)

Grade: 11 Credit: 1 High School United States History

Does award credit for High School United States History

Prerequisite: World Geography or World Geography Pre-AP

A study of the history of the United States from 1877 to present. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation.

BASIC U.S. HISTORY

Grade: 11 Credit: 1 Course #1407

Prerequisite: Committee Placement This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of U.S. history since Reconstruction. It includes the study of industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies, the Great Depression, and the Civil Rights Movement. STAAR End of Course Exam required for Graduation.

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1 Course #1434

Prerequisite: World History or AP World History

The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse/ In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the AP program in European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing. This course serves as preparation for the AP Exam given in May.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1412

Prerequisite: US History

The US Government course is designed to expose students to the foundations, traditions, values, and workings of the American political system. Students will use primary and secondary sources to study the founding ideas of government, federalism, separation of powers within government, political behavior, campaigns and elections, and state government. Current issues are important for connecting to the concepts taught and the development of the course. Students are expected to gain an understanding of how government and politics function, and their roles as citizens and active participants within the system.

BASIC U.S. GOVERNMENT

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1411

Prerequisite: Committee Placement This course surveys the American political system beginning with the events leading to the adoption of the Constitution. The major units include constitutional principles, political parties, political participation, and the three branches of government.

AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1413

Prerequisite: US History

This course is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States. The content area includes constitutional underpinnings of United States democracy, political behavior, political beliefs, interest groups, the three branches of government, civil liberties, and civil rights. The students read primary documents, prepare written reports, and give oral presentations. This course serves as preparation for the AP Exam given in May.

GOVT 2305 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT (ACC DUAL-CREDIT)

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #

Prerequisite: US History

This course is an introduction to the United States national government. The course includes a framework for understanding United States government and politics and the constitutional basis for the processes, the institutions, and the policies of United States government and politics. The government department strongly recommends that students complete ENGL 1301 or the equivalent with a grade of C or higher prior to enrolling in GOVT 2305.

GOVT 2306 TEXAS STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACC DUAL-CREDIT Online Offering Only)

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #

Prerequisite: US History

This course is an introduction to Texas state and local government. The course includes a framework for understanding Texas government and politics and the constitutional basis for the processes, the institutions, and the policies of Texas government and politics. The government department strongly recommends that students complete ENGL 1301 or the equivalent with a grade of C or higher prior to enrolling in GOVT 2306.

PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY AND ECONOMICS

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1453

Prerequisite: US History

This course emphasizes the economic way of thinking, which serves as a framework for the personal financial decision-making opportunities introduced in the course. Students will demonstrate the ability to anticipate and address financial challenges as these challenges occur over their lifetime. In addition, students are introduced to common economic and personal financial planning terms and concepts. As a result of learning objective concepts and integrating subjective information, students gain the ability to lead productive and financially self-sufficient lives.

ECONOMICS

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1416

Prerequisite: US History

This course emphasizes the free enterprise system and its benefits. Areas of concentration include the elements of the American free enterprise system, the role of government in the American economic system, the relationship of the American economic system to international economic activity, and consumer economics. The course emphasizes the practical aspects of economic knowledge necessary for a career and an understanding of contemporary economic issues.

ECON 2301 PRINCIPLES OF MACROECONOMICS (ACC DUAL-CREDIT)

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1416

Prerequisite: US History

BASIC ECONOMICS

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1415

Prerequisite: Committee Placement This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of America’s economic system. It includes the study of the fundamental concepts of free enterprise, profit motive, competition, and the role of government in individuals’ lives. Current economic topics, problems, and potential solutions will also be included.

AP MACROECONOMICS

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1417

Prerequisite: US History

Macroeconomics AP is a college-level introduction to the study of national economic systems. It includes classical and Keynesian analysis of aggregate supply and demand and other issues in the US economy such as fiscal and monetary policy, international trade, inflation, unemployment, growth, and productivity in the economy as a whole. Students use methods of economic analysis, college-level readings, data analysis, and formal research and writing projects to prepare for the AP exam in May for possible college credit.

AP MICROECONOMICS

Grade: 12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1429

Prerequisite: US History; and Algebra II or concurrent enrollment

The purpose of an AP in Microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. This course serves as preparation for the AP Exam given in May.

PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY

Grade: 10-11 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1451

The purpose Personal Financial Literacy is to develop citizens who have the knowledge and skills to make sound, informed financial decisions that will allow them to lead financially secure lifestyles and understand personal financial responsibility. The knowledge gained in this course has far-reaching effects for students personally as well as the economy as a whole. When citizens make wise financial decisions, they gain opportunities to invest in themselves, build businesses, consume goods and services in a responsible way, and secure a future without depending on outside assistance. The economy benefits from the optimal use of resources, increased consumption, and strong local businesses. State and local governments benefit with steady revenue streams and reduced future obligations as our society ages.

AP PSYCHOLOGY

Grade: 11-12 Credit: .5 Course #1420

The Psychology AP course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their practice. This course serves as preparation for the AP Exam given in May.

PSYCHOLOGY

Grades: 11-12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1419

Psychology is an elective course designed to have students consider the development of the individual and an exploration of personality. The study of psychology is based on a historical framework and relies on effective collection and analysis of data. Students study topics such as theories of human development, personality, motivation, self-esteem and learning theories.

SOCIOLOGY

Grades: 11-12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #1421

Sociology is an elective course designed to have students study dynamics and models of individual and group relationships. This will be done with film to demonstrate the topics of study. Students will study topics such as history and systems of sociology, cultural and social norms, social institutions and mass communication. All of this will be seen first-hand in films!

SOCI 1301 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (ACC DUAL-CREDIT Online Offering Only)

Grades: 11-12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #

Introduction to theoretical perspectives and research pertaining to society and to the relationship between society and the individual. Covers the basic elements of society, such as culture, social structure, social groups, social class, race, gender, social institutions, social processes, and social change.

ANTH 2351 CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (ACC DUAL-CREDIT Online Offering Only)

Grades: 11-12 Credit: .5 (one semester) Course #

This course introduces the student to a holistic study of culture. The major elements of human social behavior, material culture, and cultural diversity are studied as adaptations to social and environmental change--past and present.

SOCIAL STUDIES ALTERNATE COURSES

Students enrolled in Social Studies Alternate courses will have access to their community physically, culturally, and economically through hands-on activities, as well as exposure to current events and environmental issues which focus prerequisite skills needed to access enrolled grade-level TEKS.

LIFE SKILLS WORLD GEOGRAPHY

Grade: 9 Credit: 1