Social Studies

Human Geography: 2700

Grade 9

This course is based on a thematic approach that examines human world systems, patterns and processes that have shaped our world. The course is designed to help students develop a spatial perspective of the Earth and its people. Students will be challenged to think critically by examining maps, graphs and charts. This course will also have an emphasis on technology use and organization that will assist you in being successful in high school.

Topics and potential activities include:

• Patterns and Processes related to Population, Migration, Culture, Globalization, Land-Use (Agriculture/Cities/Nature), Political Patterns and Processes, Industrial and Economic Development, Mapping (ArcGIS). 

• Activities - ArcGIS, Socratic Discussions, Simulations, Issue Analysis, Current Events

Economics: 2707 

Grade 9

This course begins with a study of how scarce resources are utilized to satisfy the economic wants of society. A major focus of the course is placed on the role of supply and demand in determining prices. An investigation of personal finance includes how consumers can make educated decisions regarding investing and the use of credit. Macroeconomic concepts covered deal with measuring economic performance and analyzing policy decisions that affect the national economy. This course also recognizes the global nature of economics; students will examine the impact of international trade and international finance on national economies. 

Potential activities include:  Simulations, Online Activities, Discussions, Projects, and Tests. 

AP Human Geography I & II: 2840/2841

Grade 9

AP Human Geography is a college level course designed to introduce students to the study of patterns and processes that shape human understanding, use, and interaction with the Earth. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences.

Topics include:

• Thinking Geographically

• Population and Migration

• Culture

• Political Patterns and Processes

• Agriculture and Rural Land-Use

• Cities and Urban Land-Use

• Industrial and Economic Development

US History I & II: 2702/2703

Grade 10

During semester one students will examine topics such as colonization of North America, the American Revolution, foundations of the U.S. government, growth and development of the nation, the Civil War, Reconstruction, industrial development, U.S. imperialism, and the Progressive Era. During semester two students will examine topics like the Great Depression, and the role of the U.S. in World War II, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the era since the 1980s. 

Potential activities include:

• Document analysis

• Simulations

• Discussions

• Projects

AP US History I & II:2800/2801

Grade 10 

AP US History is a collegiate survey course of US History covering history from Native American cultures prior to European arrival in 1492 to present times.  This course provides instruction for study methods and essay writing strategies to provide collegiate study skill preparation.  Students enrolling in this class should be prepared for one to two chapters of independent textbook reading per week.  Students will be supported with review videos and practice exams to help them prepare for assessments.  

Potential activities include:

• Writing strategies and activities

• Historical simulations and games

• Document analysis

• Discussions

World History I & II: 2704/2705

Grade 11

World History I and II study the major civilizations, dramatic changes, and influential ideas in World History. Students will examine world history as an interconnected whole, comparing and contrasting civilizations, analyzing how the world has changed over time as well as how history has impacted the present. Critical thinking and analysis of primary and secondary sources are emphasized.

Potential activities include:

• Document analysis

• Simulations

• Discussions

• Projects

AP World History I & II: 2744/2745

Grade 11 (Seniors who have already taken World History and wish to take the class for more detailed study or as an attempt to obtain college credit may take the course as an elective.)

AP World History is a collegiate survey course of World History beginning in the year 1200 CE with the Postclassical era and covering the early modern, revolutionary, industrial and modern eras to present times.  Students enrolling in this class should be strong readers who are prepared for approximately one chapter per week of independent textbook reading.  Class activities will be collaborative and will focus on discussion, analysis and writing.

The course also includes:

• Writing strategies and activities

• Historical simulations and games

• Review strategies

U.S. Government: 2706

Grade 12

U.S. Government is a one-semester course focused on the foundations of the U.S. government and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. The course also includes a study of the the principles that guide the functioning of the U.S. government. In its study of American political behavior, the course encourages students to think reflectively about political issues so that they can meaningfully participate in the American political system. 

Potential activities include:  Simulations, Online Activities, Discussions, Projects, and Content-related Games

Ethnic Studies I & II: 2712/ 2713

Grades 9-12

Ethnic Studies is a year-long course focusing on themes of social justice, social responsibility, and social change throughout the history of the United States. The course spans from past to present, allowing students to identify social patterns among demographic groups living in the United States, discussing culture, politics, and economics. Ethnic Studies primarily focuses on the experiences of Indigenous, African, Latinx, and Asian American people.

Potential activities include:

• Reading and writing strategies

• Document analysis

• Discussions

• Projects

AP Psychology: 2802/2803

Grades 11-12

Advanced Placement Psychology is a full year, collegiate level course that introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavioral and mental processes of human beings. Students will be exposed to the theories, concepts, and research findings associated with each of the major fields of psychology. Students will also learn about the scientific methods psychologists use to explore these course concepts. The course will prepare students to take the required AP Exam in May.

First semester topics include:

• Research Methods

• Biological Bases of Behavior

• The Brain 

• Sensation

• Cognition

Second semester topics include: 

• Development & Learning

• Social Psychology

• Personality

• Motivation & Emotion

• Mental and Physical Health 

AP African American Studies 2805/2806

Grades 10-12

Description:  AP African American Studies reaches into a variety of fields—literature, the arts and humanities, political science, geography, and science—to explore the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans. Students will identify major literary and artistic traditions, describe the impact the Atlantic Slave Trade diaspora and inequality, and explain contributions of African Americans in the United States.  

“A solid understanding of how African Americans have shaped America, its history, laws, institutions, culture and arts, and even the current practice of American democracy, sharpens all knowledge about our nation.” 

—Dr. Nikki Taylor, Chair of the Howard University History Department

AP Microeconomics: 2847

Grades 11-12

AP Microeconomics is the study of economics that applies to individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, regarding the allocation of scarce resources within our economic system. This fast paced, math oriented, college level course prepares students for the AP Microeconomics exam through a blend of activities, assignments, note taking, lectures, practice problems and study strategies. Students analyze concepts such as supply and demand, market structures, production, and the role of government. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, graph analysis, and applying economic models to real-world scenarios. By mastering these concepts, students will gain insights into how economic forces shape daily life and global markets. 

                 AP Macroeconomics 2848

Grades 11-12

AP Macroeconomics is the class that helps you finally understand the economy that feels like it controls everything around you—from prices at the grocery store to the news about interest rates and unemployment. In this course, students explore how entire economic systems function by studying national income, inflation, economic growth, fiscal and monetary policy, banking, international trade, and the role of government in stabilizing the economy. Through real-world case studies, data analysis, and model-based reasoning, students learn to interpret economic indicators, evaluate policy decisions, and make sense of global economic issues shaping everyday life. The course is designed to build strong analytical, quantitative, and critical-thinking skills while preparing students thoroughly for the AP Macroeconomics Exam through practice FRQs, multiple-choice assessments, and exploration of key concepts and models.