Social Science

Course Title: World History and Geography (P)

Course Number: 5012-5013

Grade Level: 10 

Elective/Required:  Required

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites: 10th grade or administrative approval

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “A” History/Social Science

Course Description:  Students study major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the beginnings of Democracy to the present.  They trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues as they pertain to international relations.  Students study the cause and effects of international events including the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism and the two world wars.  Students also develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to their historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts.  Students consider multiple perspectives of events in order to understand international relations from a variety of viewpoints.

Course Title:  United States History & Geography (P)

Course Number: 5112-5113

Grade Level:  11 

Elective/Required:  Required

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites:  11th grade or administration approval

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “A” History/Social Science

Course Description:  The course of study includes the major turning points in American history in the 20th century. Following a review of the nation’s beginnings and the impact of the Enlightenment on U.S. democratic ideals, including the social and cultural effects, the course traces the changes in the ethnic composition of American society; the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power. An emphasis is placed on the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts, as well as, the continuing tension between the individual and the state. Students consider the major social problems of our time and trace their causes in historical events. They learn that the United States has served as a model for other nations and that the rights and freedoms we enjoy are not accidents, but the results of a defined set of political principles that are not always basic to citizens of other countries. The course visits those rights, under the U.S. Constitution, that comprise a precious inheritance dependent upon an educated citizenry for their preservation and protection.

Course Title:  Civics (P)

Course Number: 5212

Grade Level: 12

Elective/Required:  Required

Length/Credits: Semester/5 credits 

Prerequisites: 12th grade or administration approval

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “A” History/Social Science

Course Description:  Course content develops a deeper understanding of the institutions of American government. The course of study includes comparison of systems of government in the world today and analysis of changing interpretations of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the current state of the legislative, executive and judiciary branches of government. An emphasis is placed on analyzing the relationship among federal, state and local governments. These standards represent the culmination of civic literacy as students prepare to vote, participate in community activities, and assume the responsibilities of citizenship.

Course Title:  Economics (P)

Course Number: 5228, 5214 (leads into AP Government 2nd semester) 

Grade Level:  12

Elective/Required:  Required

Length/Credits: Semester/5 credits

Prerequisites:  12th grade or administration approval

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “G” Elective

Course Description:  Economics is a one-semester course designed to help students become responsible citizens and effective decision makers as they are exposed to economic issues at the personal, local, national and international levels. The course will focus on economic principles and concepts with emphasis on practical application as it relates to the consumer. The course is divided into four basic economic units: The course is divided into four basic economic units: 1. Fundamental economic concepts and comparative economic systems; 2.The principles of microeconomics; 3. The principles of macroeconomics; 4. International economic concepts.

Course Description:  The objective of the course is to increase students’ understanding and appreciation of European history while helping each student succeed on the AP European History Exam. The course is divided into two semesters: (1) the Later Middle Ages through the French Revolution, and (2) the Industrial Revolution to the present. Areas of concentration include historical, political, and economic history coupled with an intense study of cultural and intellectual institutions and their development. These areas are studied from a variety of perspectives to ensure a presentation of a balanced view of history.  The course includes college level history reading content of the Later Middle Ages through the present.   The AP curriculum demands higher-order thinking skills within a rigorous academic context.   Instruction includes analysis, synthesis and evaluation of both primary and secondary historical sources as well as comprehension, memorization and application of facts and details to provide context to the broad themes covered.   Tests will be composed of multiple choice questions and thematic essays designed to mirror the AP European History Exam.  Students will also be responsible for the Visalia Unified World History course exam at the end of each semester.  In preparation for the AP Exam students will also learn the Document Based Question (DBQ) process and will practice the DBQ numerous times throughout both semesters.

Course Title:  FSU 11 and FSU 12 (P) Dual Enrollment through Fresno State

Course Number: 5129-5130

Grade Level:  11

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits:  Year /10 credits (6 College Credits)

Prerequisites:  11th grade and “B” or better in World History or teacher recommendation

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “A” History/Social Science

Course Description:  a college-level course designed for students with strong ability and interest in social studies who want an in-depth history course using advanced analytical and educational skills. Students successfully completing this course will receive two semesters of college credit (6 units). Over two semesters the course covers pivotal moments and events from early American history to the present. Examines the history of the United States from creation to present , looking at the significant events from the founding of the colonies to the present, including the role of major ethnic and social groups in the formation of the American nation. G.E. Breadth D1.  In order to earn Uni-track credit, a payment and paperwork must be accurately submitted to CSU, Fresno by the appropriate deadline as determined by CSU, Fresno. Information on how to submit this paperwork and payment instructions will be provided in class and online. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all paperwork and payment is received on time. 

Course Title:  AP United States Government and Politics (P)

Course Number: 5217

Grade Level: 12

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Semester/5 credits

Prerequisites:  12th grade or administration approval

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “A” History/Social Science

Course Description:  An effectively designed AP course in U.S. Government and Politics provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality. While there is no single approach that an AP United States Government and Politics course must follow, certain topics are generally covered in college courses.

Course Title:  Success 101 

Course Number: 5446

Grade Level:  9

Elective/Required:  Elective

Length/Credits: Semester /5 credits

Prerequisites:  None

Course Description:  This course will provide students with career awareness along with driver’s education.  Part 1 of this course is designed to help students foster academic success in their high school careers and to aid in reaching life goals set by the individual student.  Students will be introduced to strategies for identifying possible career interests, researching those interests, and end the term with a digital and paper career resource portfolio.  The student’s working portfolio will travel with him/her throughout his/her high school career, in order to build upon the foundational framework started as a freshman.

In part 2 of this course, students will study driving behaviors that will lead to low-risk driving decisions. The course will be designed to develop a knowledge of the provisions of the Vehicle Code and other laws of this State relating to the operation of motor vehicles, a proper acceptance of personal responsibility in traffic, a true appreciation of the causes, seriousness and consequences of traffic crashes, and to develop the knowledge and attitudes necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles. 

Course Title: Ethnic Studies (P)

Course Number: 5029-5030

Grade Level: 9 -12

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites: "C" grade or better in prior English and History classes

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “G” Elective

Course Description:  This course is designed to educate students of race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture in American society.  Students will study the history, achievements, contributions, and struggles of diverse ethnic groups in America, specifically, but not limited to, Native-Americans, African-Americans, Latino/Mexican-Americans, Asian-Americans, Middle-Eastern, and European populations.  Students will become aware of their personal connections to history as the course spans from past to present.  This includes politics, and social reform, allowing students to identify social patterns and universal qualities present in all ethnic/cultural aspects of society, including their own.  By studying the histories of race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture, students will develop respect and empathy for individuals and groups of people locally, nationally and globally to build self-awareness and foster social engagement.

Course Title: History in Film (P)

Course Number: 5331-5332

Grade Level: 11-12

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites: "C" grade or better in prior English and History classes

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “G” Elective

Course Description:  History in Film requires students to take a less passive approach to viewing films with historical themes as they analyze the accuracy and effectiveness of those films. The overall effect on the audience’s perception of facts will be examined in films with both world and American history themes. Students will develop and practice research techniques to help them accomplish this analysis, and a rigorous writing component will provide the main method for demonstrating their conclusions.

Course Title:  AP Human Geography (P)

Course Number: 5328-5329

Grade Level: 9 -12

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites:  Demonstration of Proficient at or above in 8th grade English and previous Social Science

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “A” History/Social Science

Course Description:  The purpose of the AP course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.

Course Title: AP Psychology (P)

Course Number: 5312-5313

Grade Level: 11-12

Elective/Required: Elective

Length/Credits: Year/10 credits

Prerequisites: "B" grade or better in prior English and History classes

Meets UC/CSU A-G category: “G” Elective

Course Description:  The purpose of the Advanced Placement course in Psychology is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental process of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields of psychology.  They also learn about the methods psychologists use in the practice of their science. The aim of the course is to provide the student with a rigorous learning experience, equivalent to most college introductory psychology courses. Students completing this course will also be prepared to take the AP Psychology exam in May.