Department Courses
The objective of the history–social science curriculum is to set forth, in an organized way, the knowledge and understanding that our students need to function intelligently now and in the future. The Social Science disciplines (history, geography, economics, political science, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and the humanities) span the major dimensions of human experiences, locally and globally. Students will learn the cultural, economic, geographic, historical, political, psychological and social dimensions of our society, along with other cultures and countries. Without the knowledge that these disciplines convey, our students will be buffeted by changes that are beyond their comprehension. But with a firm grounding in history and the related disciplines, students will better understand human behavior and the social dimensions of the world, acquiring skills useful in law, government, diplomacy and many other careers.
World History
Offered for 10th Grade
This course examines the major turning points in the shaping of the Modern World from the late 18th century to the present. Topics include: the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, WWI, WWII, the Holocaust and the post WWII world. The study of current world issues, their origins, and the growing interdependence of people and cultures throughout the world are a primary focus. All students will take a final each semester in World History
European History Advanced Placement
Offered for 10th Grade
(Fulfills World History Graduation requirement)
&
12th Grade (Elective)
It is strongly recommended that students should have earned an "A" or "B" in their Freshmen English class in order to enroll in European History AP. Seniors intending to enroll in European History A.P. should have earned an "A" or "B" in Junior level History and English in order to take this class.
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. This course will examine the period of European history from 1450 to the Present. The course will focus on the social, political, religious, intellectual, technological and economic developments throughout this period of history. For this reason, students need to understand periodization in European history and to relate it to the following themes: Intellectual and Cultural History, Political and Diplomatic History, and Social and Economic History. Within these themes, there are several sub-themes that will be interwoven throughout the semesters. Students will use the textbook, as well as a variety of primary sources, to become more familiar with these themes. Class members will also achieve proficiency in the subject matter and earn college credit as measured by the AP European History Exam.
Western Civilization II (History 4B)
Historical study of the major elements of the western experience for the Eighteenth century to the present. Includes major political and social developments that have revolutionized the modern mode of human existence. This course is a dual enrollment course in conjunction with Woodland Community College. Students who complete this course will receive credit for their World History high school graduation requirement and community college credits. History 4B does not have a specific course prerequisite, but it is highly recommended that students be above average in reading and writing ability.
Race and Social Justice in U.S. History
Offered for 11th Grade
(Fulfills US History and Ethnic Studies Requirement)
This course will introduce students to contemporary U.S. History. The focus is on the development of the U.S. from the Reconstruction Era to the present and traces the country’s development as an industrial world power. Topics include: the Progressive Period, WWI, the Cold War and Vietnam, the Protest Years, the Civil Rights Movement and the Reagan Years to the Present. Oral and written presentations based on primary source materials and student research combine for writing across the curriculum and are an integral part of the course. All students will take a final each semester in 20th Century US History
U.S. History (AB) Advanced Placement
Offered for 11th Grade
(Fulfills US History and Ethnic Studies Requirement)
It strongly recommended that students should have earned an "A" or "B" in their World History and/or European History A.P. course as well an "A" or "B" in 10th grade English. This course covers the history of America from the colonial era to the present. Ambitious and capable high school students who avail themselves of this opportunity will accomplish college level work prior to their admission into an institution of higher learning. Students will sharpen higher order reasoning and expository reading and writing skills in order to prepare for success in higher education. Class members will also achieve proficiency in the subject matter and earn college credit as measured by the AP U.S. History Examination.
American Government
Offered for 12th Grade
(Fulfills U.S. Government graduation requirement)
Completion of one year of 20th century U.S. History or Senior students only.
This course is designed to give an accurate and comprehensive account of both the structure and philosophy of each level of government: local, state, and national. Students will study the U.S. Constitution, significant Supreme court cases, and other significant national and state trends. Through writing, presentations, discussions and other assessments, students will be prepared to be active citizens. All students will take a final in American government.
American Government A.P.
Offered for 12th Grade
(Fulfills U.S. Government and Economics graduation requirement)
Recommendation of the U.S. History teacher,
This semester course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam in government and covers the Economics Requirement for graduation. Only college level materials are used for credits earned by studying the national government and the courts, civil rights and civil liberties, state and local governments and the foundations of the American system.
Economics
Offered for 12th Grade
(Fulfills Economics graduation requirement)
Completion of one year of 20th century U.S. History or Senior students only.
This course is designed to focus on the growth, development and progress of the American economy. The major emphasis of the course will center on the process by which economic forces operate in our economy. The major essentials of economic principles are studied in a context of the facts of current economic life. All students will take a final in Economics.
Psychology
Elective- offered for all classes
This is a one semester course, which introduces students to the study of psychology. This course includes an overview of major psychological approaches, theories, and concepts and is designed to help students gain a better understanding of themselves and of other people. All students will take a semester final.
Advanced Psychology
Elective- offered for all classes
Prerequisite: Must have passed Psychology with a C or better or have instructor approval.
Course Description: This course will include an introductory unit on experimental design, reliability, and statistical inference. Students will further their studies of personality development and theory with an introduction to intrapersonal and social relationships, including peer groups. Students will look at areas such as altered states of consciousness. Finally students will study some of the concepts and problems with regard to abnormal behavior, with an emphasis on the most prevalent social problems of today.
Sociology
Elective- offered for all classes
This is a one semester course, which introduces students to the subject of sociology. This course is designed to introduce students to the tools and responsibilities of a sociologist and encourage students to use these skills to investigate and explain real problems through data collection and analysis. The students in this course will also seek to understand interactions among individuals, groups, and institutions. All students will take a semester final.
World Geography and Cultures
Elective- offered for all classes
This is a year long class, which offers a curriculum that enables students to explore how geographic features, human relationships, political and social structures, economics, science and technology, and the arts have developed and influenced life in countries around the world. Along the way, students are given rigorous instruction on how to read maps, charts, graphs, and how to create them. The course also emphasizes the perspectives of minority groups while allowing students from all backgrounds to better understand and appreciate how race, culture and ethnicity, and identity contribute to their experiences.
Chicano Studies
Elective- offered for all classes
(Fulfills Ethnic Studies Requirement)
This class is an introductory course, designed for students from grades 10th through 12th. As an elective course under the social sciences/history category, students will examine and appreciate the history and contributions of the Mexican American in the United States. The class will be enriched with works of literature, poetry, storytelling, art, song and cinema. In the process of reading and analyzing scholarly interpretations and firsthand accounts of the Natives perspective we will be asking several questions. They include (but are in no way limited to) the following: How have Native Americans contributed to our society? What historical events led to the Chicano Movement? Are the contributions of Mexicans acknowledged or ignored? What are the achievements of Latinos?