500 SOCIAL STUDIES

Students must complete 4.0 credits of social studies, including 1.0 credit of U.S. History, and 0.5 credit of General Financial Literacy.

Courses

• 511 Geography/Ancient Civilizations 

• 5111H Geog/Ancient Civ (Honors)

• 511AP AP Human Geography $

• 532 World History and Geography (Academic) 

• 532H World History and Geography Modern (Honors) 

• 5111H Geography Honors (Capstone Suggested)

• 571AP AP Art History $ 

• 522AP AP European History $ 

• 5320AP AP World History Modern $ (Capstone Core)

• 531 US History (Academic)

• 531H US History (Honors) 

• 531AP AP US History $

• 541 United States Government

• 541C United States Government (Concurrent) $

• 54223 General Financial Literacy 

• 5423C General Financial Literacy (Concurrent) $

• 520C Criminology (Concurrent) $ 

• 542C Economics (Concurrent) $

• 543AP AP Gov/Politics: US $

• 545AP AP Comparative Government and Politics $

• 581 Psychology 

• 583AP AP Psychology $ 

• 5872 Mock Trial I

• 5921 Mock Trial II

• 5930 Advanced Mock Trial

• 547C Introduction to Business (Conc) $

• 548AP AP Business with Personal Finance 

• 513 Global Markets

Course Descriptions

511 Geography/Ancient Civilizations 

Full year course

Freshmen level

Credit Type: Social Studies

This is a Full year course that teaches world geography and ancient civilizations simultaneously. The geography of a given region plays a major role in how its civilizations will develop; therefore, the geography and history are taught side by side. Beginning with pre-history and ending at the Renaissance, this course will acquaint students with the great civilizations of the ancient world and medieval world. Emphasis will be placed on improving reading and writing skills through the use of primary sources, secondary sources, and current events. 

511H Geog/Ancient Civ (Honors)

Full year course

Freshmen level

Credit Type: Social Studies

This is a Full year course that teaches world geography and ancient civilizations simultaneously as an honors level course. The geography of a given region plays a major role in how its civilizations will develop; therefore, the geography and history are taught side by side. Beginning with pre-history and ending at the Renaissance, this course will acquaint students with the great civilizations of the ancient world and medieval world. Emphasis will be placed on improving reading and writing skills through the use of primary sources, secondary sources, and current events at an honors level course.

511AP AP Human Geography $

Full year course

Freshmen level 

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval based on Pre-ACT test scores

$ AP exam fee

Students will use spatial and cultural concepts to analyze and interpret the interaction between humanity and the earth. The curriculum includes AP standards and the goals expressed by the 2012 National Geography Standards. The course strives to meet the rigorous requirements of a college-level introductory class. Students should expect nightly homework assignments designed to prepare them for the AP Human Geography Exam.

532 World History and Geography (Academic)

Full year course

Sophomore level

Credit Type: Social Studies

This course serves as an introduction to World Civilizations and Geography from 1300 to the present. The course will survey cultural, economic, political, intellectual, and social developments from a global perspective. Modern civilizations from Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas will be covered. Students will continue to develop skills analyzing historical documents, primary and secondary sources; developing and defending historical arguments; mastering historical writing; and drawing comparative connections between historical events.

532H World History and Geography Modern (Honors)

Full year course

Sophomore level

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval

This course serves as an introduction to World Civilizations and Geography from 1300 to the present. The course will survey cultural, economic, political, intellectual and social developments from a global perspective. Modern civilizations from Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas will be covered. Students will continue to develop skills analyzing historical documents, primary and secondary sources; developing and defending historical arguments; mastering historical writing; and drawing comparative connections between historical events. This year-long class serves as an introduction to modern world civilization. 

Taken as a year-long class, with 2 parts: 5111H/571AP 

5111H Geography Honors (Capstone Suggested)

Full year course

Freshmen level

Fall semester (taken with 571AP AP Art History in the spring) 

Credit Type: Social Studies

This course is designed to provide students with a college-level introduction to the global history of fine arts, with a focus on art’s personal, social and cultural meaning and on cross-cultural exchanges that have enriched the artistic tradition. The course will provide students with knowledge and understanding of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms from diverse historical and geographic contexts. Students will learn to look at art critically, identifying not only how artists employ different styles and techniques but also how art embodies and supports different religious traditions, upholds or challenges political authorities, and reflects changing views of nature and human space. The course culminates with students taking the AP Art History exam in May. Freshmen may use this full-year course to meet their semester geography requirement for graduation.

571AP AP Art History $ (Capstone Suggested)

Full year course

Freshmen level

Spring semester (taken with 5111H Geography Honors in the fall)

Credit Type: Elective 

Prerequisite:  application process and department approval

$ Purchase of textbooks required, AP exam fee

This course is designed to provide students with a college-level introduction to the global history of fine arts, with a focus on art’s personal, social and cultural meaning and on cross-cultural exchanges that have enriched the artistic tradition. The course will provide students with knowledge and understanding of architecture, sculpture, painting, and other art forms from diverse historical and geographic contexts. Students will learn to look at art critically, identifying not only how artists employ different styles and techniques but also how art embodies and supports different religious traditions, upholds or challenges political authorities, and reflects changing views of nature and human space. The course culminates with students taking the AP Art History exam in May. Freshmen may use this full-year course to meet their semester geography requirement for graduation.

522AP AP European History $ 

Full year course

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval 

$ Purchase of textbooks required, AP exam fee

This course begins with an overview of the Middle Ages then continues with an in-depth study of events ranging from the Renaissance through the Cold War. The goal of the course is to prepare students for the national Advanced Placement examination in European History.

5320AP AP World History Modern $ (Capstone Core)

Full year course

Sophomores only

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval 

Class is limited to those students entering the AP Capstone program and are concurrently enrolled in AP Seminar.

$ AP exam fee

AP World History is a college-level year-long world history class where 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.

531 US History (Academic)

*Required course for high school graduation 

Full year course

Junior level 

Credit Type: Social Studies

This Full year course covers the period of American history from the Spanish and French colonization to the present day. The course is designed to develop and strengthen the following skills: identification and description of historical phenomena, analysis and interpretation of historical phenomena, and comparison and contrasting of historical phenomena. The subject matter of the course is drawn from the following topics: political institutions and behavior, public policy, social developments, economic developments, cultural and intellectual developments, diplomacy and international relations.

531H US History (Honors) 

Full year course

Junior level 

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval

This course covers the period of American history from Spanish and French Colonization to the present. The subject matter of the course is drawn from the following topics: political institutions and behavior, public policy, social developments, economic developments, cultural and intellectual developments, diplomacy and international relations.

531AP AP US History $

Full year course

Junior level 

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval

$ AP exam fee

This Full year course is designed to follow the Advanced Placement curriculum, culminating with students taking the AP exam at the end of the school year. This course covers the period of American history from the Spanish and French colonization to the present day. The course is designed to develop and strengthen the following skills: identification and description of historical phenomena, analysis and interpretation of historical phenomena, and comparison and contrasting of historical phenomena. The subject matter of the course is drawn from the following topics: political institutions and behavior, public policy, social developments, economic developments, cultural and intellectual developments, diplomacy and international relations.

541 United States Government

Fall semester 

Senior level

Credit Type: Social Studies

This course will focus on the development and function of the United States government. The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government will be studied in great detail. Current events and politics will be applied to the curriculum throughout the semester. In addition, students will study the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

541C United States Government (Concurrent) $

Fall semester

Senior level

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval

$ Concurrent course fee, textbooks

This course will cover the Constitution, civil liberties and civil rights, the three branches of government, and the role that political parties, interest groups and ideology play in shaping governmental roles and policies. Students will also discuss how these broader principles play out in current policy disputes. In addition to completing the textbook and non-textbook readings, students will be required to write three substantial essays and a short research paper. Concurrent through UVU.

54223 General Financial Literacy 

Semester Course, fall or spring 

Senior level

Credit Type: Social Studies

This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge (and some in-depth information) of the economics systems at work in the U.S. This class will focus primarily upon personal finance issues to demonstrate economic processes at work. Topics covered are basic laws of economics, the stock market, retirement planning, taxation, credit/credit cards, checking accounts, budgeting and saving accounts.

5423C General Financial Literacy (Concurrent) $

Semester Course, fall or spring

Senior level 

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval

$ Concurrent course fee

This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge (and some in-depth information) of the economics systems at work in the U.S. This class will focus primarily upon personal finance issues to demonstrate economic processes at work. Topics covered are basic laws of economics, the stock market, retirement planning, taxation, credit/credit cards, checking accounts, budgeting and saving accounts. Students will be required to buy their own textbook.

Concurrent through UVU.

520C Criminology (Concurrent) $ 

Semester Course, fall or spring 

Senior Level

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval

$ Concurrent course fee 

Presents the processes, institution, and administration of criminal justice in the United States. Examines the crime problem, criminal law, law enforcement, criminal prosecution, criminal defense, bail, the jury system, and sentencing among adult and juvenile offenders. Explores the correctional system; namely, probation, prisons, inmates' rights, and parole. Concurrent through UVU.

542C Economics (Concurrent) $

Semester Course

Senior level

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval

$ Concurrent course fee, textbooks 

This course covers the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics: supply and demand, pricing and production decisions, labor economics, government intervention, the business cycle, and money and banking. Although the course does not involve any math beyond Algebra I, students should be reasonably comfortable with such mathematical concepts as interpreting coordinate graphs and calculating percent change. In addition to the required college coursework, students will be introduced to the basic elements of personal finance. Concurrent through UVU.

Taken as a year-long class, with 2 parts: 543AP/545AP

543AP AP Gov/Politics: US $

Fall Semester

Senior level

Prerequisite: department approval

Credit Type: Social Studies

$ AP exam fee, exam optional for this portion of the course 

This course is the study of federal, state and local governments designed to give a critical perspective on government and politics in the United States. We will study general concepts and analyze specific case studies that help interpret government and politics. Students will become familiar with the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that comprise the American political reality. Students enrolled in this class are required to enroll in the spring semester AP Comparative Government and Politics.

545AP AP Comparative Government and Politics $

Spring Semester (543AP AP Gov/Politics: US taken in the fall)

Senior level 

Credit Type: Social Studies

Prerequisite: department approval

$ AP exam fee

This course is a college freshman survey course that provides students conceptual knowledge of global studies by evaluating six world political systems: Great Britain, Russia, China, Mexico, Iran, and Nigeria. Students will explore the vast diversity of political structures and practices, and how these various societies fit into the global realm. Students enrolled in this class are required to enroll in the fall semester AP Gov/Politics: US.

Social Studies Electives

581 Psychology 

Semester Course

Juniors and Seniors

Credit Type: Social Studies 

This course will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the field of psychology. The course introduces students to the study of the individual. It emphasizes the manner in which the individual can apply various psychological theories and concepts to better understand self, personal motives, behavior, and relationships with other people.

583AP AP Psychology $ 

Full year course

Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

Credit Type: Social Studies 

Prerequisite: department approval

$ Purchase of textbooks required, AP exam fee

This Full year course is intended to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes and students will increase their understanding of psychology, its methods, theory, and research methods in major domains. AP Psychology is a survey course, so students will focus on bits of information from many different areas in psychology. Primarily, the course will explore the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields of psychology (consciousness, learning, personality, cognition, etc.). Summer work may be required.

Taken as a year-long class, with 2 parts: 5872/5921 

5872 Mock Trial I

Fall Semester

Freshmen only

Credit Type: Elective 

This introductory course will give students the opportunity to learn about the Judicial Branch of the United States government. Students will discover how this branch operates in order to interpret our laws. This will include topics such as the court system, the appeals process, and trials. The main focus of this course will be learning how to prepare for and participate in a criminal or civil trial. During a Mock Trial, students perform all the parts of a trial, including attorneys, witnesses, and the bailiff. This course is designed to build and develop public speaking skills in an authentic and fun environment. Students enrolled in this course are required to enroll in the spring semester 5921 Mock Trial II course.

5921 Mock Trial II

Spring Semester

Freshmen only

Credit Type: Elective 

Prerequisite: Mock Trial I or department approval 

This spring semester course is specifically designed for students to compete in the Utah Bar Association’s Mock Trial Competition. Students will prepare both sides of a trial (Plaintiff/Defense) and compete against other schools around the state. Students will also participate in accelerated training for high school speech and debate. This course will count as a prerequisite for Competitive Speech and Debate. Students enrolled in this course are required to enroll in the fall semester 5872 Mock Trial I course.

5930 Advanced Mock Trial

Spring Semester

Open to all eligible students based on department approval

Credit Type: Elective 

Mock trial is an elective class which all high school students can take to improve their knowledge of law. It will only be offered as a second semester, where students will compete in the Utah State Bar Association Mock Trial competition. Students will prepare two sides (Defense and Prosecution, also includes witnesses and bailiffs) of a trial in the beginning of class and then perform it during February and March. The minimum number of students needed is 8. Mock Trial needs a teacher to supervise the class, field trips, and to help answer any questions related to the case. The rest of  the class after the competitions would be dedicated to other law related studies.

547C Introduction to Business (Conc) $

Semester Course

Juniors and Seniors

Credit Type: Elective 

$ Concurrent Course Fee 

Overviews the business world, its structure, procedures, and vocabulary. Provides information to assist in making occupational choices. Methods include lectures, class discussions, group activities, videos, and guest speakers. Completers should have a general knowledge of business and career opportunities. Concurrent through UVU.

548AP AP Business with Personal Finance

Full year course

Juniors and Seniors

Credit Type: Social Studies 

$ AP exam fee

AP Business with Personal Finance is an introductory, college-level business and personal finance course. Students explore the business disciplines of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, and management through real-world business application, case studies, and project-based learning. In addition, students will learn and apply all the National Standards for Personal Finance Education created by the Council for Economic Education and the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. This AP Course is designed to be the equivalent of one semester college Introduction to Business, and one semester college Personal Finance.

513 Global Markets 

Semester course

Juniors and Seniors

Credit Type: Social Studies 

Global Markets is a hands-on course that explores how economies, financial markets, and businesses are connected across the world. Students examine global trade, international stock markets, foreign exchange, commodities, futures and derivative markets. The research and participation based class will study the economic forces that influence growth and stability in both developed and emerging nations. The course emphasizes real-world application, using current events, market data (Including access to Bloomberg Terminal), and case studies to help students understand how global decisions impact markets.