Social Studies

World Geography Studies

World Geography

Course #: 3001

Grade: 9

Prerequisite: None

World Geography is a broad based survey course designed to acquaint students with the world physically, politically, culturally and economically. It is presented by studying eight geographic regions of the world. Students will demonstrate an understanding of geographic, economic, social, and political influences on various issues and events.

Credit: 1

AP Human Geography

Course #: 3004

Grade: 9

Prerequisite: Meets Grade Level on last state assessment in Social Studies or successful completion of a district assessment (in one attempt)

This course is a rigorous college level Geography course leading to the College Board Advanced Placement Exam and 3 hours of college credit depending on the score achieved on this test. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped how people understand, use and change the Earth’s surface. This systematic style of study will be applied to cultural. geographic topics including population, migration, language, religion, ethnicity, political geography, economic development, industry, agriculture, and urban geography. This course will require much time outside of class spent in individual study and critical writing, and a willingness to go above and beyond common strategies of study. This course cannot be changed into World Geography at the semester or all core credit will be lost. Students and parents are required to attend an AP Human Geography course orientation. Students must complete the AP exam in the month of May or a final exam, which is modeled after an AP exam in rigor and length.

Credit: 1

World History Studies

World History

Course #: 3101

Grade: 10

Prerequisite: None

World History is the historical study of man from prehistoric B.C. times to present-day. This course emphasizes world civilizations focusing on various themes including continuity & change, economics & technology, geography, history, and governments, and art & literature. Throughout their study, students will evaluate various primary and secondary sources such as biographies, constitutions, novels, speeches, letters, and diaries, poetry, songs, and artwork.

Credit: 1

AP World History

Course #: 3103

Grade: 10

Prerequisite: Meets Grade Level on last state assessment in Social Studies or successful completion of a district assessment (in one attempt)

AP World History develops greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in interaction with different types of human societies. This course will have as its chronological frame the period before written history to the present with careful preparation in terms of previous developments. This era is truly global in its focus, including the empires of China and Mesoamerica; the expansion of Islam; Mongol dominance; the period of new political unity in Africa and Europe; cultural and social aspects; and long-distance trade. This course is taught using a college textbook with emphasis on analytical and critical thinking skills. This course is designed by The College Board, http://www.collegeboard.org/, and the pace is accelerated. Students must complete the AP exam in the month of May or a final exam, which is modeled after an AP exam in rigor and length.

Credit: 1

US History Studies

US History

Course #: 3201

Grade: 11

Prerequisite: None

This course emphasizes U.S. History from 1877 to the present. Historical content spotlights the political, economic, and social events & issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold War and post Cold War eras, and reform movements including civil rights. Students examine the impact of geographic, political, economic, and social factors on major events and analyze causes and effects of the various historical decades of our country’s history. In addition, students will examine the impact of constitutional issues on American government, analyze efforts to expand the democratic process, and use critical-thinking skills to explain and apply different methods that historians use to interpret the past, including points of view and historical context. United States History (03340100 US HIST)

Credit: 1

US History Dual Credit

Course #: 3202

Grade: 11

Prerequisite: College entrance criteria

This course is a survey of the political, social, economic, military, cultural, and intellectual history of the United States and satisfies college level US History courses 1301 and 1302. 1301 is taught during the first semester and examines the period from Pre-Columbian America through the United States Civil War. Topics include European and Native conflict and accommodation, European colonization, community diversity, slavery, economic growth, and the origin and development of the political and social institutions of the United States. 1302 is taught during the second semester and examines the historical events from the end of the Civil War to the present. Topics include Reconstruction, Expansion, Industrialization, Urbanization, Reform, American Global Power Status, the Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Demographic Change, Social Justice, and Civil Unrest.

Credit: 1

US Government Studies

US Govt

Course #: 3301

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: None

American Government is a survey course delving into the workings of the U.S. Government. Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, individual rights, and examine the strategic importance of political parties, interest groups, and the media on the American political system. In addition, emphasis is placed on the importance of voluntary individual participation in our democratic society and those rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

Credit: .5

US Govt Dual Credit

Course #: 3311

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: College entrance criteria

Introduction to the theory and practice of politics and government in America at the national, state, and local levels, with special attention to Texas. Topics include political theory, the United States and Texas constitutions, federalism, political participation and elections. This course also includes civil liberties and civil rights, political parties and interest groups.

Credit: .5, 3 college hours

Economic Studies

Economics

Course #: 3401

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: None

The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding and an appreciation of the principles of economics. Students will study the fundamentals of the American free enterprise system and learn how to become full participants in the American economic and political systems.

Credit: .5

Economics Dual Credit

Course #: 3411

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: College entrance criteria

History, development, and application of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory underlying the production, distribution, and exchange of goods and services including the utilization of resources, analysis of value and prices, national income analysis, fiscal policies, monetary and banking theory and policy, distribution of income, labor problems, international economics, and economic systems. Attention is given to the application of economic principles to economic problems. A survey of contemporary macroeconomic problems related to the concepts of Gross Domestic Product, Gross National Product, household consumption, business investment, the international sector, economic growth, determinants of aggregate demand and supply, market equilibrium, business cycles, price stability, full employment, the role of government, monetary and fiscal policy, and globalization.

Credit: .5, 3 college hours

Social Study Electives

AP Psychology

Course #: 3503

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: College entrance criteria

AP Psychology is a college-level course which may include sensitive topics in the field of psychology. Students will learn the introductory college-level psychology curriculum and take the AP Psychology exam in May. Parent approval is required for this course, as the course contains mature content. The course is designed by The College Board, http://www.collegeboard.org/, and the pace is accelerated. Students must complete the AP exam in the month of May or an final exam, which is modeled after an AP exam in rigor and length.

Credit: 1

Psychology

Course #: 3501

Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: None

Psychology students consider the development of the individual and the personality. The study of psychology is based on an historical framework and relies on effective collection and analysis of data. Students study topics such as theories of human development, personality, motivation, and learning.

Credit: 0.5

Sociology

Course #: 3502

Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: None

Sociology students study dynamics and models of individual and group relationships. Students study topics such as the history and systems of sociology, cultural and social norms, social institutions, and mass communication.

Credit: 0.5

Special Topics in Social Studies: Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament)

Course #: 3701

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: None

This is an elective course that studies the contents, history, literary style and structure of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and its impact on society. It will focus on how Hebrew Scripture has influenced law, history, government, literature, art, music, morals, values and culture itself. The purpose of a course under this section is to teach students knowledge of Biblical content, characters, poetry and narratives that are necessary in understanding contemporary society and culture including literature, art, music, mores, oratory and public policy.

*This course is paired with New Testament

Credit: .5

Special Topics in Social Studies: New Testament

Course #: 3702

Grade: 11-12

Prerequisite: None

This is an elective course that studies the contents, history, literary style and structure of the New Testament and its impact on society. It will focus on how the New Testament has influenced law, history, government, literature, art, music, morals, values and culture itself. The purpose of a course under this section is to teach students knowledge of Biblical content, characters, poetry and narratives that are necessary in understanding contemporary society and culture including literature, art, music, mores, oratory and public policy.

*This course is paired with Hewbrew Scripture

Credit: .5

Course Offering Availability Subject to Student Enrollment and Staffing Levels.