Social Studies
3 credits required for graduation
1 credit in Modern U.S. History: 1900 to Present;
1 Credit in World History or A. P. World History;
1 elective credit.
The study of history leads to knowledge of the past, to ways of knowing that past, and to an understanding of how such knowledge has been applied. Required courses provide basic skills. Elective courses provide opportunities for honing these skills in the student’s areas of interest. Particular attention should be paid to the credits given for each class AND the prerequisites required for the classes.
Modern U.S. History: 1900 to Present : 1173/2173
1 credit
Required 9th
Modern United States History is a two-semester course. It provides the final layer to a three-year sequence of history courses that began in 8th grade. Modern U.S. presents opportunities for students to gain a firm understanding of United States social, political, and economic history in the 20th century.
World History : 1164/2164
1 credit
Required 10th
Can be substituted with AP World History 1321/2321
World History is a two-semester course. It is designed to provide students with a solid understanding of the diverse people, personalities, politics, and physical geography that combined to create the rich and diverse civilizations in the World. The period covered extends from pre-history through the emergence of Western imperialism, c.1900. The areas studied include but are not limited to: East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, North and South America.
Economics : 0182
0.5 credit
11th, 12th
Economics is a one-semester survey of the fundamental concepts and methods of analysis in the field. All citizens in a democracy should possess at least a basic understanding of inflation, unemployment, trade deficits, poverty, tax policy, the federal debt, wealth disparity, economic fluctuations, and other core economic issues and concepts. This course provides an opportunity to develop this understanding, utilizes a hands-on approach whenever possible, and includes personal, local, national, and international issues.
Economics uses math skills learned in both Algebra and Geometry.
Psychology : 0174
0.5 credit
11th, 12th
The primary objective of this course is to explore the subject matter of the field of psychology by investigating the emotional and behavioral characteristics of individuals. Students will become familiar with the vocabulary and concepts in the field and with some of the research findings upon which our knowledge of human thought and behavior is based. Psychology can offer personal benefit to students by increasing their understanding and acceptance of themselves and others.
The American Political System : 1174
0.5 credit
11th, 12th
Fall 2024, 2026
This course is offered during the fall of election years. Through this one-semester elective students will gain an inside look into the election process, campaign issues, and the role they can play as citizens of the United States. Students will gain insight into their personal political ideology through researching current issues, visiting with candidates and volunteering with a campaign of their choice. This course is designed for the student who enjoys learning about government and the responsibilities they as citizens have in participating in the political process.
You and the Law -- “The American Legal System” : 0179
0.5 credit
11th, 12th
A one-semester survey course designed to familiarize the students with the constitutional basis of the American Legal System. The course will provide an overview and study of the rights and responsibilities of a United States Citizen.
Social Problems : 0173
0.5 credit
11th, 12th
This course will deepen your understanding of social issues that impact your community, the nation and the world. The course will focus on a solution-based analysis of these problems. By raising awareness of individuals who make a difference and showing how problem-solvers begin and carry out their work, students will learn how to analyze society’s problems and to design their own action plan through service learning projects and community service. The success of this course will depend on each member’s willingness to approach the study of issues with an open mind, to participate actively in class and get involved in their community.
Sociology : 0180
0.5 credit
11th, 12th
Sociology is a one-semester course designed to help students gain an increased awareness of the social and cultural processes which influence people’s daily lives. Sociology focuses on looking at people and their ways of life as well as studying social trends, cultural changes, human development, social institutions, and collective behavior. Understanding sociology helps us to evaluate the consequences of our actions, and various other things including new technology (e.g., the internet). Geared towards both the collegebound and traditional student, you will take lecture/ discussion notes every day. Discussion is key -- bring your thoughts, ideas, and experiences to class to share. The final is a group project (no exemptions).
Current Affairs : 0177
0.5 credit
12th
Current Affairs is a one semester elective which requires students to read various newspapers, periodicals and online sources of information in order to evaluate and discuss contemporary issues. Classroom work is divided between written evaluation and discussions of United States and world affairs. This course is designed to teach the student to become a critical evaluator of the media and other news sources.
AP Psychology : 1179/2179
1 credit
11th, 12th
Advanced Placement Psychology is a two-semester course that introduces students to the systematic study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students learn the concepts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields in psychology, as well as the methods utilized by psychologists and scientists in the field. The following topics are included: the history of scientific thought, the modern scientific method, sensation, perception, cognition, consciousness, motivation, emotion, personality, human development, individual differences, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and the treatment of psychological disorders. Students taking the course should plan on taking the AP Psychology exam in the spring. Students who earn a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam generally qualify for 3 university credits. Students are not required to take the one-semester psychology course before the AP course, but may choose to do so. This course is open to juniors and seniors. All students who enroll should expect a rigorous, college-level experience.
AP U.S. History : 1175/2175
1 credit
11th, 12th
Advanced Placement United States History is a two semester elective course. The course is intended to be as challenging as a similar course at the college level. The curriculum will present a broad survey where students will develop the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. History. Students taking the course should plan on taking the AP U.S. History exam in the spring. Students who earn a 3, 4, or 5 may qualify for 3 or more university credits. There is a summer assignment!
AP World History : 1321/2321
1 credit
10th
In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.