Program of Studies - Social Studies

World History Courses - Students must take at least one of these courses

US History Courses - Students must take at least one of these courses

American Government Courses - Students must take at least one of these courses

Students* must receive instruction in economics and financial literacy to meet graduation requirements. These courses do not count toward the three required credits of Social Studies in World History, American History, and Government.

Electives for students in grades 10-12

Mock Trial - Grades 9-12, 0.5 Credit

Leadership Lab: Grades 11, 12, 0.5 Credit

Students must complete 3 credits in Social Studies to earn a high school diploma. These must include 1 credit in World History, 1 credit in US History, and 1 credit in Government. All students must also receive instruction in economics and financial literacy during grades 9-12, which they can receive by taking Financial Literacy or Passport to LIFE I.

Below is a printable list of courses available at WCHS.

For a description of each course, please see the links below and expand the course for more information.

World History Courses - Students must take at least one of these courses

Honors World History, Grade 9, 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Course Fee $5.00

This course examines world events from 1600 to the present (World History) and will explore the impact of the democratic and industrial revolutions, the forces that led to world domination by European powers, the wars that changed empires, the ideas that led to independence movements and the effects of global interdependence. The concepts of historical thinking introduced in earlier grades continue to build with students locating and analyzing primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives to draw conclusions. Since this is an honors course, students will examine the content in more depth and develop writing and analytical skills to prepare them for advanced placement courses in grades 10 and 11.

World History, Grade 9, 1 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Course Fee $5.00

This course examines world events from 1600 to the present and will explore the impact of the democratic and industrial revolutions, the forces that led to world domination by European powers, the wars that changed empires, the ideas that led to independence movements and the effects of global interdependence. The concepts of historical thinking introduced in earlier grades continue to build with students locating and analyzing primary and secondary sources from multiple perspectives to draw conclusions.

US History Courses - Students must take at least one of these courses

Advanced Placement (AP) United States History, Grades 10-12, 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Honors World History or Teacher Recommendation

Click here to meet one of the teachers and learn more about this course.

Course Fee $17.00 + AP Test Fee

This course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with problem solving and events in United States history. The course prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students will learn to assess historic materials – using context, interpreting audience and purpose, the reliability, significance and multiple point of views – and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical documents. The course develops the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay formats. The course requires students to be able to work independently and develop essay writing skills.

Honors United States History , Grade 10, 1 Credit

Prerequisite: World History or Honors World History and teacher recommendation

Course Fee $5.00

This course examines the history of the United States from the Industrial Revolution to the present. Students will learn the connections and causes and effects of this time period and find meaning from them for today. Students will analyze both primary and secondary sources to draw conclusions. Geographic and economic concepts are integrated within the historical context. Critical thinking skills will be emphasized. Since this is an honors course, students will examine the content in more depth and develop writing skills to prepare them for advanced placement classes and college coursework.

American Government Courses - Students must take at least one of these courses

Advanced Placement (AP) Government, Grades 11-12, 1 Credit

Prerequisite: Honors World History, Honors American History, AP US History, or Teacher Recommendation

Click here to meet the teacher and learn more about the course.

Course Fee $5.00 + AP Test Fee

The AP course in United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. Students will become familiar with the Constitution, various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics. They will also become acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. The ultimate goal of the course is to prepare students to be successful on the end-of-year exam given by the College Board to obtain college credit for the course.

Government - Grade 11, 1 Credit

Prerequisite: U.S. History

Course Fee $5.00

Click here to meet a teacher and learn more about this course.

This course discusses how the American people govern themselves at national, state and local levels of government. Also included is an examination of the American political process as manifested in voting behavior, parties, and their nominating conventions, interest groups, the presidency, congress, and the judiciary.

Financial Literacy Courses

Students* must receive instruction in economics and financial literacy to meet graduation requirements. These courses do not count toward the three required credits of Social Studies in World History, American History, and Government.

Financial Literacy - Grades 9-10, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Course Fee $5.00

Financial Literacy will help students learn to analyze their personal financial decisions, evaluate the costs and benefits of their decisions, recognize their rights and responsibilities as consumers, and apply the knowledge learned in the course to financial situations encountered later in life. Students will learn how to make wise spending, saving, and credit decisions and to make effective use of income to achieve personal financial success.

Electives for students in grades 10-12

Advanced Placement (AP) Economics: Macro, Grades 11-12, 1 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Click here to meet the teacher and learn more about the course.

Course Fee $20.00 + cost of AP Test

The AP course in macroeconomics gives students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics.

Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology - Grades 11-12, 1 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Click here to meet the teacher and learn more about this course.

Course Fee $4.oo + AP Test Fee

The course is designed to introduce students to the systematic 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 sub-fields within psychology. They also learn about ethics and methods psychologists use in scientific practice. Experienced high school, college and university educators of psychology serve as members of the AP Psychology Developmental Committee that select the course content. In their judgement, these materials reflect the content of a typical introductory college course in psychology. An optional exam may be taken at the conclusion of the course in an effort to obtain college credit for the year long course. Introduction to Psychology is highly encouraged prior to taking the course.

American Military History - Grades 11-12, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Click here to meet a teacher and learn more about this course.

Course Fee $5.00

American Military History is a survey of military history and the interaction between society and military institutions, technology and techniques, from 1763 to 1900. The course will study the interrelationships of warfare, technology and society in American history. The course will focus on such questions as how changing “styles” of warfare, the composition of the military establishment (militias, citizen armies, paid professionals, mercenaries), and the transformations in military technology have impacted upon state and society. Conversely, it will also investigate how political and societal changes have influenced the nature of warfare in American history.

History of Cincinnati - Grades 10-12, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Course Fee $5.00

Cincinnati is a culturally rich city filled with local history and German influence. You can see this influence in many places: Underground Railroad museum, local monuments, pork industry, local colleges and universities. Additionally, Cincinnati serves a crucial role in Mississippi River traffic. Cincinnati’s phenomenon of the East side vs West side and its strong historical ties to sports will be explored as well. Cincinnati: a place where globalization and business come together.

Mock Trial - Grades 9-12, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: Application required

Course Fee: $5.00

This course is for students interested in a legal, law enforcement, or acting profession. Students in this course will assume the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and bailiffs to prepare a case over a constitutional issue. By the end of the course, students will understand courtroom procedures, objections, etiquette, and tactics. Student teams will participate in numerous competitive trials throughout southwest Ohio against other schools using the Ohio Center for Law Related Education’s (OCLRE) case file.

Note: Participation in the Ohio Mock Trial competition is required. After school practices, which continue into the second semester, will be required. Students may repeat the Mock Trial class.

Introduction to Psychology - Grades 11-12, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Course Fee: $5.00

This course focuses on the study of human behavior. As an introduction to the field of psychology, the course includes consideration of psychological principles, terminology, major theories, careers, methods of experimentation, and practical applications. Special topics include cognitive and emotional development, motivation, emotions, principles and applications of learning, and psychological disorders. It is highly encouraged that you take this course prior to taking AP Psychology.

Law & Criminal Justice - Grades 10-12, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Click here to meet the teacher and learn more about this course.

Course Fee $5.00

Have you thought of a career in criminal justice? In today’s society there is an ongoing demand for criminal justice professionals such as lawyers, police officers, criminal investigators, paralegals, translators and court reporters. If you like to gather evidence, analyze information and debate our rights under the Constitution, then this course is for you.

Passport to LIFE - Grades 11-12, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: Financial Literacy preferred

L.I.F.E.: Learn Skills, Investigate Careers, Future ready, Experience

Course Fee: $5

This course is focused on career-based learning opportunities to help you meet your specific career goals. The goal of this course is to help you decide and prepare for your next step upon graduation to help you create a roadmap for your future!

Leader in Me: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens - Grade 9, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Course Fee $5.00

This course is designed to equip high school students with essential life skills through "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens," based on Stephen Covey’s bestselling book. Students will explore key principles for personal and academic success, including proactive behavior, goal-setting, time management, and effective communication. Through engaging activities, discussions, and practical applications, students will develop a personal roadmap to strengthen their resilience, improve relationships, and make thoughtful decisions. This course encourages self-awareness, positive habit formation, and a commitment to continuous personal growth, preparing students to lead and succeed both in high school and beyond.

Leadership Lab: Grades 11, 12, 0.5 Credit

This course is designed to equip high school students with essential leadership skills extending beyond "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens," based on Stephen Covey’s bestselling book. Students will use the principles behind "The 4 Roles of Great Leaders" and "The Speed of Trust" to become leaders of self and others. Students will practice and apply strategies to build consensus, create and empower functional teams, implement appropriate structures and processes, and manage projects to completion.

Leadership for Life: Grades 11-12, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Course Fee $5.00

Leadership for Life is a course designed to help you survive and thrive in life after high school. A wide variety of topics will be covered from basic home care, planning for the future, self sufficiency and wellness, and more. Seniors will receive first choice in enrollment, but juniors may also select this course.

Sociology - Grades 11-12, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Click here to meet a teacher and learn more about the course.

Course Fee $5.00

Sociology focuses on the individual’s role in society, the development of values and norms, and relationships of groups. The course covers such topics as culture, socialization, social institutions, and problems in modern societies. Students will be expected to gather and interpret information and to use critical thinking skills in both oral and written communication.

History of Sports in America - Grades 10-12, 0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: None

Course Fee $5.00

This course will explore the relationship between and impact of sports on American society. The role of race, economics, history, gender, global connections, health/fitness will be explored.

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