Social Studies

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is critical to foster a globalized perspective in order to successfully navigate our world.  In World History 1, we study how cultural backgrounds and belief systems impacted major 20th century events and our world policies today.  Through research-based and experiential learning, we will cultivate the knowledge and skills to create a better future for our world.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 0-2 hours CADR/NCAA

AP Human Geography - SOC157/158

Students are introduced to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students use spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. Students also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Students are exposed to analytical and expository writing styles which fit the criteria of the AP exam. In addition to earning high school credit, students may receive advanced standing or college credit by taking the AP exam administered in May and earning a qualifying score. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details. Summer review or homework required for this course. 

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 3-5 hours CADR/NCAA

Washington State History - SOC100

Washington State History meets the graduation requirement of a Washington State History credit. Students focus on geography, history, multicultural identity, economy, government, and current issues of the Pacific Northwest.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours CADR/NCAA

Model United Nations/International Politics - SOC112

Model United Nations/International Politics provides a framework for exploring international politics and government, including consolidated democracies, mixed systems and authoritarian regimes. The course emphasizes group activities, cooperation, consensus-building, collaborative work and debate, to promote respect for other perspectives. The class encourages discussion and empowers voices, via simulations addressing complexities of diplomacy and current global issues.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 0-1 hours CADR/NCAA

Military History of the United States - SOC113

Military History of the United States is an inquiry-based survey of major military involvements, exploring their causes and impacts on American and world affairs. Students investigate warfare in terms of History, Battlespace, Weapons and Technology, Tactics (Grand Tactics v. Minor Tactics), Operational Organization, Strategy (Grand Strategy v. Campaign Strategy) and Logistics. Students also investigate the major issues impacting military engagements, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, technological innovations developed due to military involvement, development of leadership skills, as well as other issues.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 0-1 hours CADR/NCAA

Psychology of Teams & Organizations - SOC116

Students will be provided the opportunity to explore motivation, team building, successful cultures, and theories of leadership through the lens of corporations and teams from around the world.  Using these teams as examples, students will be able to make personal connections to concepts and career pathways in psychology.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 0-1.5 hours

Walk With the Ancients (Ancient Western Civilizations) - SOC200

Walk With the Ancients examines the rise of ancient civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, Rome and Medieval Europe. How did the civilizations accomplish great engineering feats? How does Greek culture and politics influence society today? What are the true stories of military generals and emperors that influenced the power of the Roman Empire? Were the Middle Ages really a time of just knights and castles, or is there another story worth learning about? Students explore the political, economic, religious and rich cultural stories these societies left behind. A separate unit also focuses on major Western and Eastern religions.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 9-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 0-1 hours CADR/NCAA

World History 2 - SOC201

In this course, you will learn about important countries in the world and their amazing histories.  With a special focus on the end of colonization and the Cold War, students will continue the examination of contemporary world history that they started in World History 1 or AP Human Geography.  Topics include China's Cultural Revolution, the Israel and Palestine conflict, the Korean War, Revolutions in Central and South America, Apartheid in South Africa, the Cuban Revolution and more!

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: Credit earned in World History 1 or AP Human Geography

Homework hours per week: 0-1 hours CADR/NCAA

Introduction to Psychology 1 - SOC202

Introduction to Psychology 1 is a one-semester course where students discover the foundations of the study of behavior and mental processes. Why do people behave the way they do? How can people change their behaviors? Content covers the development, structure and function of the brain; personality development; learning theories; sensation and perception. Students explore behavior patterns and learn how people grow and develop psychologically.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 0-1 hours CADR/NCAA

Introduction to Psychology 2 - SOC203

Introduction to Psychology 2 is a one-semester course that introduces students to abnormal psychology. This course explores a diverse range of psychological disorders and mental illnesses, drugs and behavior, and mental health. Students learn basic vocabulary and sound principles of psychology, while studying the concepts of disturbance, breakdown, and therapy. Evaluation is based on completion of appropriate tests, assignments, projects, class participation and attendance.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: Credit earned in Intro to Psychology 1

Homework hours per week: 0-1 hours CADR/NCAA

AP European History - SOC550/551

The curriculum is designed to cover European History beginning with the Renaissance and ending with current events of political, economic, and social importance. Students will be exposed to short answer, document-based analytical, and long essay writing skills which not only fit the criteria of the AP exam, but also provide the necessary foundations for AP US History and  AP US Government courses. The course requires commitment beyond other elective Social Studies classes. In addition to earning high school credit, students may receive advanced standing or college credit by taking the AP exam administered in May and earning a qualifying score. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details. Summer review or homework required for this course. 

Length: Year Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 5-6 hours CADR/NCAA

AP Psychology - SOC558/559

AP Psychology is equivalent to Psychology 101. Course content includes biological bases of behavior, cognition, states of consciousness, learning, intelligence, motivation, emotion, development, personality, social and abnormal psychology and its treatment. Students become better prepared to study physical therapy, medicine, nursing, education, law, mental health, police science and psychology. Evaluation is based on completion of chapters and assignments in the AP Psychology text. Additional work includes outside reading, essays, tests, quizzes, various media, and case studies. In addition to earning high school credit, students may receive advanced standing or college credit by taking the AP exam administered in May and earning a qualifying score. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details.  

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 10-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 3-5 hours CADR/NCAA

Street Law - SOC403

Street Law is a practical program that engages students in a critical examination of their legal responsibilities and rights. This elective empowers students and gives them a sense of belonging in society. Students conduct discussions, research and debate with classmates about practical legal problems, contemporary issues and the ramifications of breaking the law. By providing students with a non-adversarial view of the law, Street Law provides an understanding of the fundamental principles of authority, fairness, justice and responsibility that underlie our legal system.

Length: Semester Open to: Gr 11-12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 0-2 hours CADR/NCAA

US History - SOC350/351

US History is a required course for graduation and is aligned with the state standards for social studies at the 11th grade level. The course follows a chronological approach to the American experience through the use of primary and secondary sources. Major themes analyzed include: the influence of political, cultural, and social conditions on the U.S., economics, and American intervention in foreign affairs. Students will be evaluated in a variety of ways including: presentations, projects, tests, and daily assignments.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 11 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 1-2 hours CADR/NCAA

AP United States History - SOC552/553

AP US History is a college-level course that uses a chronological approach to prepare for the AP exam utilizing discussion, lecture and simulations. Evaluation is based on the use of historical thinking skills through exams, essays, primary/secondary source materials and projects. In addition to earning high school credit, students may receive advanced standing or college credit by taking the AP exam administered in May and earning a qualifying score. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details. Summer review or homework required for this course. 

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 11 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 3-4 hours CADR/NCAA

American Civics & Global Issues (ACGI) - SOC450/451

ACGI is a full-year senior course required for graduation. Semester I explores Civics through the Constitution & Bill of Rights, Elections & Politics, Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, Comparative Political & Economic Systems, Branches of Government and State & Local Government. Semester II focuses on Global Issues. Units include "Hot Spots", the Middle East, and the Environment. It also incorporates a Board required unit on Personal Finance. Current events are a critical component of most units. This course includes individual projects, learning groups, discussions and observations. Evaluation is based on written, verbal and hands-on activities. The Senior Transition Exit Plan (STEP) graduation requirement is mentored and monitored in this class.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 1 hour CADR/NCAA

AP United States Government & Politics- SOC554/555

This is a full year course designed as a college introductory class that will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics Test. Areas of concentration in United States Government are: Foundations of American Democracy, American Political Ideologies and Beliefs, Political Participation, Interactions Among Branches of Government (Congress, President, Courts, and Bureaucracy), Civil Liberties and Civil Rights. In addition to earning high school credit, students may receive advanced standing or college credit by taking the AP exam administered in May and earning a qualifying score. Optional review sessions might be offered outside of the school day for exam preparation. Instructor will provide details. The Senior Transition Exit Plan (STEP) graduation requirement is mentored and monitored in this class. We The People Constitutional Team is not part of this course.

Length: Year-Long Open to: Gr 12 Credit: Social Studies Prerequisites: None Homework hours per week: 5 hours CADR/NCAA

AP US Government & Politics - We The People - SOC556/557