Elective Courses

Course Code: SOC2019

.5 credit 

10th - 12th Graders 

People of African descent have been a part of the American narrative for centuries.  Their story is one of tragedy and triumph, hope and despair, joy and pain, and sometimes hatred but most often love.  African-Americans have consistently struggled in the face of systemic barriers in an effort to force America to realize its ideals of freedom and democracy, particularly since these ideals have been so intimately tied to their own status as citizens in this country.  This course will consider the complexities of what it has meant and what it continues to mean to be a person of African descent in the United States from pre colonial times to the present.

Course Code: SOC2101 A/B

1 credit 

10th - 12th Graders

NEW COURSE! In this yearlong course, students will examine the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters and varied sources through an interdisciplinary approach. Students will explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. Given the interdisciplinary character of African-American studies, students in the course will develop skills across multiple fields, with an emphasis on developing historical, literary, visual, and data analysis skills. The course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of African and the African diaspora. 

Course Code: SOC2143

.5 credit 

10th - 12th Graders

In this one-semester class, students will study modern American history through the medium of film. This will be done through viewing, writing, and discussing both historical and contemporary pieces on topics related to the political, social, economic, and racial history of the United States. Besides examining these historical events, students will examine the legacy of racism, poverty, corruption, patriotism, civics, and ideology on contemporary American culture. In addition to each film's historical and cultural importance, the course will also concentrate on film appreciation and the study of cinematography.

Course Code: SOC2094

.5 credit
10th - 12th Graders

The goal of this course is to introduce students to the histories, social issues, cultures, and politics of people who identify under the umbrella term Asian/Pacific Islander/Desi/American. “Asian American” is a term that was coined to build political power and solidarity among various ethnic groups (there is no single “Asian culture”). With this lens, students will engage with topics such as identity, racism, immigration, activism, and current events. By the end of the course, students will have developed an understanding of the rich diversity within what is broadly labeled as the “Asian” community in the United States. While we only get 1 semester together, Asian American Studies can be studied for years as a college major! Your ideas and contributions will help guide our learning and make this a meaningful experience for everyone in the course.

Course Code: SOC2067

.5 credit

10th - 12th Graders

This course surveys the basic elements and historical developments of world religions. After establishing a common definition of the purpose of religion and ways to study religion, students study Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam through guest speakers, student projects and class discussions. The class also serves as a forum for students to discuss and explore the role that religion may play in their own lives. Other religions are studied as time and interest permit. The course is structured in such a way that interested students of any level can be successful.

Course Code: PGS2002 A/B

1 credit 

10th - 12th Graders

In this course, students will engage in a deeper investigation of current legal issues. Many of the topics covered are student-driven. During the first semester, students will explore issues of democracy, justice and the social contract. Other topics that are covered include Environmental Law, Criminal Law, Immigration, Gender Issues and Women's Rights. 

*Topics may change based on current events.
 

Course Code: SOC2038/SOC2039

.5 credit or 1 credit 

10th - 12th Graders

The goal of this class is to further students’ knowledge of contemporary political, social, and economic events of China, Korea, and Japan. The histories of these countries are studied as a means to understand why these countries act the way they do today, and to predict what the future will hold for this extremely important region of the world. This is not a lecture based class--students research, present, discuss, debate, write, and role play the major issues facing East Asia. Semester A focuses on developments in China, including Taiwan, Tibet, and Hong Kong. Semester B is all about Korea and Japan. Register for one semester or both!

Course Code: SOC2052

.5 credit 

10th - 12th Graders 

This introductory course emphasizes choices and decisions people and nations make about the use of resources. Students study basic economic concepts-both national and international monetary and fiscal policies and the application of economic principles to everyday life. Detailed discussion is devoted to the roles played by banks, credit, principal, rent, wages, and consumer buying.

Course Code: SOC2037 A/B

1 credit 

11th - 12th Graders 

In this course, students will survey European history from the 15th century to the present through the investigation of significant events, individuals, developments, and processes. The course also focuses on themes, including the interaction of Europe and the world, economic and commercial development, cultural and intellectual development, states and other institutions of power, social organization and development, national and European identity and technological and scientific innovations. Students will use a college-level text, conduct research and prepare for the A.P. European History examination. 

Course Code: SOC2072 A/B

.5 credit or 1 credit 

10th - 12th Graders

Students will focus on intercultural and international topics to learn about the diversity, complexity and interdependence of the world community. By analyzing political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of current and previous world problems, students will examine the interconnected world as it is, and think about what can be done to change it.

Course Code: SOC2035

.5 credit 

10th - 12th Graders

This class will use an interdisciplinary approach to study the creation and global development of hip hop culture. It will engage students via multimedia analysis, critical reading, thinking and discussion in an effort to enhance learner’s deeper understanding of the social, political and economic conditions that catapulted hip-hop into a global cultural phenomena.  The course will examine the multicultural influences of its founding pioneers to its evolution as a social justice, entrepreneurial and philanthropic force. In the spirit of hip-hop, learner’s voices will be central to the critical pedagogical framework as they create their own knowledge and tell their own stories within the larger social context of the society that helped formulate their identities. 

Course Code: SOC2026/SOC2027

.5 credit or 1 credit 

10th - 12th Graders 

This course introduces international laws on human rights, the extent to which the world's governments uphold those rights, and how individuals work to defend those rights.  International Human Rights  1 includes a focus on controversies such as protecting freedom of expression at a time of rising hate speech and fighting terrorism without violating human rights. International Human Rights  2 includes a focus on human rights in the U.S. and how societies recover from periods of massive human rights abuses. 

Course Code: PGS2000 A/B

1 credit 

9th - 12th Graders

In this course, students examine the origins of law, the role values play in developing laws and the impact these laws have on society. In the first semester, students will study the Criminal Justice System, Juvenile Justice System and engage in a Mock Trial. In the second semester, students will focus on Civil Law, Contracts, Personal Injury Law, and Consumer Law. 

Course Code: SOC2104

.5 credit

10th - 12th Graders

New Course! Jewish Peoplehood Throughout History is a course designed to introduce students to the origins of the Jewish people and their historical experience throughout the world. The class aims to help students understand Judaism from multiple points of entry including race, ethnicity, culture, and religion to introduce students to global history through a Jewish lens. In learning about global history through a Jewish lens students will also interact with other eras and peoples such as Greek and Roman history, Persian and Babylonian history, Ethiopian history, Central Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, and the United States. 

Course Code: SOC2028

.5 credit 

10th - 12th Graders

This course provides an overview of the cultural background and historical development of the nations of Latin America, their role in the world today, and their future. Problems of population distribution, cultural and economic influences and ownership, and political and social change are studied. The course will paint an accurate picture of Latin America for what it truly is; one of the most diverse places on earth, and the unique product of many other older cultures fusing together for centuries. In examining this cultural fusion, students will look at specific issues of race, class, and gender. This course will also attempt to identify the role of colonialism and its contemporary manifestations on the political economy of Latin America. 

Course Code: PGS2001 A/B

1 credit

10th - 12th Graders 

Students build on the first-year introductory course, with a specific focus on the intersection of two of the nation's most important institutions -- public schools and the Constitution. The constitutional rights of students in public schools have generated controversy throughout history. From racial segregation to unauthorized immigration, from antiwar protests to compulsory flag salutes, from student privacy rights to corporal punishment -- these are just a few of the historic legal controversies waged over education that students will explore in the course. 

Course Code: SOC2087

.5 credit 

10th - 12th Graders

This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration in LGBTQ+ identity, history and culture. Students can expect to focus on identity and how identity is constructed in different places and times, the historical impact of LGBTQ+ individuals and the community in the United States, as well as artistic and cultural contributions. Students will focus on both current and historical events throughout the course. This course is designed to help affirm and normalize LGBTQ+ identities and enable students to develop an understanding and respect for the LGBTQ+ community. 

If you have specific questions about the course, please reach out to Mx. Contreras. 

Course Code: SOC2064

.5 credit 

11th - 12th Graders

Students will be introduced to the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination. It also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. The course prepares students for the A.P. Macroeconomics examination.

Course Code: SOC2065

.5 credit 

11th - 12th Graders

Students will examine the theory of consumer behavior, the theory of the firm, and the behavior of profit-maximizing firms under various market structures. Students will cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy. Students will evaluate the efficiency of the outcomes with respect to price, output, consumer surplus, and producer surplus.

Course Code: SOC2041

.5 credit 

10th - 12th Graders 

Students will study what is going on in the Middle East, and analyze how this region impacts America and the rest of the world. The class focus on some of the background history that has shaped the Middle East as well as studying the geography of the Middle East and what nations and cultures are included. Students can expect to understand the news and current events, around issues of military involvement, armed conflict, the economy, oil, religious conflict, foreign policy initiatives in the area, and cultural changes and shifts that have occurred.

Course Code: SOC2100

.5 credit 

10th - 12th Graders 

In this course, students will learn about the cultures, geography, and history of Muslims around the world. The course will highlight the global spread of Muslims and their experiences in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. The course will address misconceptions and misunderstandings about Muslims. It also will address the discrimination many Muslims face around the world as well as how they use agency and resistance to counter it. 

Course Code: SOC2086

.5 credit 

10th - 12th Graders 

This is an honors-level course that focuses on the study of nonviolent force as practiced by selected current and past peacemakers. Students will be challenged to question commonly held assumptions about violence, war, and peace. They will read, discuss, and take responsibility for class presentations and community service projects related to topics such as racism and poverty institutional violence, war, international diplomacy, and violence against women, children, and animals.

Course Code: SOC2102

.5 credit 

9th - 12th Graders 

In this course, students will be introduced to methods of analyzing personal financial decisions, evaluating the costs and benefits of these decisions, recognizing rights and responsibilities as consumers, and applying this knowledge to real-life situations. The course presents students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions regarding real-world financial issues. Students will learn to apply decision-making skills to evaluate career choices and set personal goals. The course content is designed to help students make wise spending, saving, investing, and credit decisions, and to make effective use of income to achieve personal and financial success.

Course Code: SOC2063

.5 credit 

10th - 12th Graders 

In this course, students can expect to investigate how to approach any issue by standing back and examining the BIG PICTURE. Students will explore how great philosophers of the past and present have approached many of life's major questions, as well as how the discipline of philosophy, and individual thoughts and opinions can contribute to the discussions and actions that affect many of the complicated events and questions that exist today. 

Course Code: SOC2088

.5 credit

11th - 12th Graders 

Students will use various media sources to examine the psychological causes of current domestic and international group conflicts. This course is an interdisciplinary field that applies concepts from social psychology and cognitive science to understand issues encountered through the political process. This course will focus on issues that are caused by, or result in, conflict among groups of people. Assignments will include opportunities for students to apply concepts from the course to explain the causes of, and possible solutions to, various domestic and international issues. 

Course Code: SOC2053/SOC2054

.5 credit or 1 credit

10th - 12th graders

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of psychology. While learning how to apply psychological principles to daily life, and learning how to design and conduct basic psychological research, students will investigate modes of learning, memory, thinking, perception, motivation, emotion, and human development. The course includes an analysis of behavior, psychological research, and trends of modern psychology. The second semester of the course continues with more in-depth studies of major concepts, such as personality theory, mental disorder and abnormal behavior, psychological assessment, and social psychology. 

Course Code: SOC2069 A/B

1 credit

10th - 12th Graders

This yearlong course is designed for students interested in a college-level course. Students will cover concepts that will prepare them for the Advanced Placement (AP) exam. First semester topics include trends and schools of modern psychology, characteristics and methods of psychological research, learning, perception, motivation, and the life cycle. Second semester topics include personality theories, mental disorder and abnormal behavior, psychotherapeutic approaches to treatment of medical disorders, psychological assessment, and emerging professional specialties in the field of psychology.

Course Code: SOC2029

.5 credit

11th - 12th Graders

This course is a survey of Russia before, during, and since the Bolshevik Revolution. Topics covered include the origins of the Russian people, the formative years of the Russian nation, the growth of the Russian autocracy and its failure to accommodate change, the 1917 revolutions, the consolidation of power in the Soviet Union, the role of the Soviet Union in and after World War II, and Russia in the post-cold-war era.

Course Code: SOC2055/SOC2056

.5 credit or 1 credit

10th - 12th Graders

Sociology is a social science guided by the basic understanding that our lives are affected by more than just our individual characteristics but also by our place in the larger social world. In this introductory course we will examine the complexities of society and how its structure affects our individual lives. We will examine various components of society like culture, race, gender, groups, social class, education, religion, family etc. and explore how they interact to construct what we know to be our reality and ultimately ourselves.  We will learn how to think critically about the world we live in, ask intelligent questions about the lives we live and ultimately develop our sociological imagination to grasp history and our personal stories and the relationship between the two within society. 

Course Code: SOC2051 A/B

.5 credit or 1 credit 

10th - 12th Graders

Women’s Studies explores the position of women and the role of gender in society. It is a discussion and project-based course focused on social justice and real world topics like diverse representation in politics and popular culture, equal pay, and reproductive rights. Students can take one or both semesters. Semester 1 is focused on gender stereotypes and socialization, intersectional feminism, and women in popular culture, politics, and the workplace. Semester 2 includes an examination of the history of the patriarchy, women’s health, international women’s issues, and exceptional women.