CP/HONORS WORLD HISTORY

Fall 370127H    Spring 370128H

Grade Level: 10

Length: 2 semesters

Credits: 10

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: None

The purpose of this course is to examine major turning points in the shaping of the modern world, from the late eighteenth century to the present. The course begins with an introduction to current world issues and then continues with a focus on the expansion of the West spurred on by the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, and Colonization, World War I, World War II, and Nationalism among modern nation-states. The course examines the roles, contributions, and relationships of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and race in societies.

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

Fall 370301   Spring 370302

Grade Level: 10

Length: 2 semesters

Credits: 10

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: All AP courses offered through the PCHS Social Studies Dept. require completion of an application. Applications are posted on Schoology by the AP teachers in February.

The major purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth study of European history from 1450 to the present. The course is organized around three major themes in European history: (1) Political and Diplomatic History, (2) Intellectual and Cultural History, and (3) Social and Economic History. The course helps students develop an awareness of the nature of history, its interpretations, and its interdisciplinary nature. The course includes essay tests, note taking, and research papers and deals with primary and secondary materials. The course also stresses development of other social science skills and offers an opportunity for students to use college-level instructional materials. This course requires students to complete a summer assignment. If a student passes the CEEB Advanced Placement Exam, this course may be accepted by colleges for course credit.

AP WORLD HISTORY

Fall 370133    Spring  370134

Grade Level: 10

Length: 2 semesters

Credits: 10

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: All AP courses offered through the PCHS Social Studies Dept. require completion of an application. Applications are posted on Schoology by the AP teachers in February.

The purpose of this course is to help you develop a greater understanding of global historical processes and contrasts viewed against the interaction of different types of human societies. The course highlights the changes in the international framework, their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. The course emphasizes relevant factual evidence, and appropriate analytical skills. Focused primarily on the past 1,400 years of global experience, the course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage prior to 600 CE. Rather than focusing on continents or states, students will study cultural regions or civilizations. Periodization (how one structures the past eras) forms the organizing principal for dealing with change and continuity. Themes (such as technology, trade, migration, social, and gender structure) provide further organization to the course, along with constant attention to contacts among societies that form the core of world history as a field of study. AP World History “is an invitation to discover the mystery and the miracle of human experience on our planet.” This course requires students to complete a summer assignment. 

CP/H US HISTORY

Fall 370129H     Spring 370130H

Grade Level: 11

Length: 2 semesters

Credits: 10

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: None

This grade-eleven course surveys the major turning points in American history in the twentieth century. The course begins with a selective review emphasizing two major themes-the nation’s beginnings and the industrial transformation of the new nation. Addressed throughout the course is the application of constitutional principles to contemporary issues. Topics covered are the expanding role of the federal government and the federal courts; the continuing tensions between the individual and the state and between minority rights and majority power; the emergence of a modern corporate economy; the impact of technology on American society; culture change in the ethnic composition of American society; the movements toward equal rights for diverse groups; and the role of the United States as a major world power. The course investigates the diversity of American culture, including religion, literature, art, drama, architecture, education, and the mass media. Additionally, the course examines the roles, contributions, and relationships of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and race in American society.

AP US HISTORY

Fall 370111    Spring  370112

Grade Level: 11

Length: 2 semesters

Credits: 10

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: None

The major purpose of this course is to provide an intensive study of the political, economic, social, intellectual, diplomatic, and cultural development of the United States. The course emphasizes a variety of themes and approaches to United States history and encourages an awareness of the nature of history in its broadest definition and a sense of the alternatives to any given explanation. The course develops the ability to read advanced-level historical work analytically and evaluate historical evidence and interpretations in arriving at conclusions. Students develop college-level social science skills through essay examinations, note taking from both printed materials and lectures, and the preparation of research papers. The course provides for extensive use of historical materials, both primary and secondary. This course requires students to complete a summer assignment. 

AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES

FALL  370208   SPRING  370209

Grade Level: 11

Length: 2 semesters

Credits: 10

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: None

AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with authentic and varied sources. The course focuses on four thematic units that move across the instructional year chronologically, providing students opportunities to examine key topics that extend from the medieval kingdoms of West Africa 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. This new course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African diaspora. 

CP/HONORS PRINCIPLES OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

370603H

Grade Level: 12

Length: 1 semester

Credits: 5

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: None

The major purpose of this course is to analyze our system of government and the historical background, fundamental concepts and principals that underlie American democracy. The course covers the development of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Federalism. It also includes a study of political parties, voting and voting behavior, and elections at the national, state, and local levels. The course will analyze the influence of special interest groups and the role of the media in shaping public opinion. The course also covers the role and the responsibilities of the three branches of the government at the national, state, and local levels. This course will summarize landmark court decisions in terms of civil rights and civil liberties and will also study complex contemporary issues that confront national, state, and local governments such as immigration, race, gender, sexuality, and disabilities. This course should be viewed as the culmination of the civics literacy strand of the California History-Social Science Framework.

CP/HONORS ECONOMICS

370905H

Grade Level: 12

Length: 1 semester

Credits: 5

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: None

The major purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive study of the basic institutions, concepts, principles, and practices of economics. Instruction covers basic economic concepts that underlie the United States market system and its operations. Instructional units apply these concepts at both the micro and macro levels; promote informed voter and consumer decision making; provide information about major economic theories and prominent economists; and emphasize how economics influences the lives of ordinary citizens. In addition the course investigates the complex political and economics issues confronting national, state, and local governments. The course also includes an analysis of the American free enterprise system through a study of comparative economics. Included is instruction on the international dimensions of economics and the “global” economy. Throughout this course, students will analyze statistical data and other measurement concepts and methods, thus adding to their mastery of economic thought and method.

AP US GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

FALL 370605     SPRING 370606

Grade Level: 12

Length: 1 semester paired with Honors Economics spring semester

Credits: 5 (5 additional credits for Government)

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: None

This course provides an intensive study of how the various elements of government and politics in the United States work together to produce public policy within the framework of fundamental economic concepts. It examines the critical relationship among the various institutions, government, groups, and ideas that make up the political scene. This course helps the student become familiar with the various ideas and theories used to analyze and predict political behavior and the terminology useful in describing politics. The activities include essays, tests, note taking, debates, research projects, and analysis of primary and secondary sources. It also emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of factual information as it pertains to US government. This course gives students an opportunity to interact with college-level material. This course requires students to complete a summer assignment. If a student passes the CEEB Advanced Placement Exam, this course may be accepted by colleges for course credit.

AP MACROECONOMICS

370908

Grade Level: 12

Length: 1 semester paired with Honors Prin Am Demo (Government) spring semester

Credits: 5 (5 additional credits for Government)

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: None

AP Macroeconomics is a college-level investigation of national and global economic patterns and indicators. Although many foundation principles of microeconomics, such as supply and demand, are used in macroeconomics, they are used in a broader manner to apply to the markets and production of entire countries, rather than individual consumers or businesses. Other topics of note explored during this course include: the business cycle, inflation and deflation, types of unemployment, government fiscal versus monetary policy, the effect of interest rates, international trade and finance, and currency exchange rates, and more. This is an Advanced Placement course, so students will be highly encouraged to take the AP exam in May in an attempt to receive college credit for the course. Macroeconomics is a common required course for business, political science, public policy and international relations students at the undergraduate university level.

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

FALL  370205   SPRING  370206

Grade Level: 11-12 and a new section for Incoming 9th graders

Length: 2 semesters

Credits: 10

A-G Requirements: A

Prerequisites: None

Human Geography is like a virtual field trip around the world. During this trip, we will examine how where people live shapes how they think and act. In so many ways, each of us is a product of our environment, and in this course we try to understand how others’ environments lead them to think and act differently from us. Students will learn to analyze the key issues that shape our world today, such as culture, political and ethnic conflict, population movement, & urban issues, world religions and the origins and diffusion of languages. Students also study urban development, industrialization, and city planning. This course provides students with a rigorous learning opportunity equivalent to that obtained in a college-level introductory Human

Geography course. The design and intent of this course are to develop students’ critical reading, analytical thinking, reasoning, and writing skills through the analysis and systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s environment. The core of the course focuses on the following concepts: use and consideration of maps and spatial data; interpretation and understanding the implications of associations among phenomena in places; definition of regions and evaluation and analyzing of the regionalization process; and analyzing and characterizing the changing interconnections among places.

AP PSYCHOLOGY

FALL  370513   SPRING  370514

Grade Level: 12

Length: 2 semesters

Credits: 10

A-G Requirements: G

Prerequisites: None

The AP Psychology course introduces you to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students will explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students will employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as you use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. 

INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY

370403

Grade Level: 10-12

Length: 1 semester

Credit: 5.0

A-G Requirements: G

Prerequisites: None

Welcome to the Introduction to Psychology course! This semester, we will embark on a fascinating journey to explore the human mind and behavior. Psychology is not just a scientific study; it's a window into the complexities of human nature, emotions, thought processes, and social interactions. 

Some areas of study include: 

The Foundations of Psychology, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, Learning and Memory, Emotion and Motivation, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Mental Health and Abnormal Psychology, and Research Methods. 

ETHNIC STUDIES

FALL  370508  SPRING  370509

Grade Level: 9-12

Length: 1 semester

Credits: 5

A-G Requirements: G

Prerequisites: None

Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary academic course that examines the social, historical, political, and cultural experiences of racial and ethnic groups in the United States. This course provides students with an understanding of how race, ethnicity, and identity have shaped the American experience, emphasizing the perspectives of historically marginalized communities, including but not limited to African American, Latino/a, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native American, and Indigenous peoples.

Through an exploration of historical events, contemporary issues, and cultural expressions, students will analyze the roles that race, class, gender, and sexuality play in shaping social inequalities. The course encourages critical thinking about power dynamics, systemic racism, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice.

Key topics include colonization and resistance, immigration and migration, the Civil Rights Movement, labor and economic contributions of various ethnic groups, cultural heritage, identity formation, and media representation. By examining historical and contemporary case studies, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of multicultural societies and the importance of cultural awareness and inclusivity in promoting equity.