3.0 credits of Social Studies are required for graduation:
Modern World History, US History and Civics/Current World Problems.
Students begin the Social Studies sequence in 10th grade,
with the option of taking a Social Studies elective in 9th grade.
AP Human Geography (ELE151/152)
9th grade elective
Year Long Course
Fee: $98 for AP Exam (subject to change)
More AP Human Geography Information Here
AP Human Geography introduces 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. Students also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. This course culminates with an AP exam in May and will prepare students for future AP success in both English and Social Studies.
Modern World History (HIS201/202)
This class will begin with a brief review of the European Renaissance and the Protestant Reformation, but will focus on Modern World History from the Age of Exploration through the Cold War.
AP World History: Modern (HIS203/204)
Fee: $98 for AP Exam (subject to change)
AP Modern World History is designed for curious social studies students interested in refining and developing the academic skills that will help them succeed in the future. During the course, students will consider the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c. 1200 CE to the present. Along the way, students will analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence while focusing on composing essays that advance specific historical arguments. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be ready, but not required, to take the AP Modern World exam and may receive college credit.
United States History (HIS301/302)
This course will begin with a review of the American Revolution, the formation of the Constitution and the new nation, and the causes of the Civil War, but the focus will be the social, political and economic history of the United States from 1870 to the present.
AP United States History (HIS303/304)
Fee: $98 for AP Exam (subject to change)
Advanced Placement United States History course focuses on developing students’ understanding of American history from approximately 1491 to the present. The course has students investigate the content of U.S. history for significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods, and develop and use the same thinking skills and methods (analyzing primary and secondary sources, making historical comparisons, chronological reasoning, and argumentation) employed by historians when they study the past. The course also provides seven themes (American and national identity; migration and settlement; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in the world; geography and the environment; and culture and society) that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places. AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory university history course. Finally, students will be strongly encouraged, but not required, to take the AP U.S. History exam in the Spring. Students who pass the AP exam may qualify for college credit.
Civics (HIS401)
Semester Long Course
This debate and discussion-driven semester-long civics course will focus on the following: federal, state, and local government organization and procedures; rights and responsibilities of citizens addressed in the Washington State and United States Constitutions; Current issues addressed at each level of government; and electoral issues, including elections, ballot measures, initiatives, and referenda.
Current World Problems (HIS402)
Semester Long Course
Current World Problems is a debate/discussion-centered class that will explore interesting topics from around the world including economics, war, human rights, globalization, the environment, and civic action and responsibility
AP United States Government (HIS403/404) *Meets Civics/CWP requirements*
Year Long Course
Fee: $98 for AP Exam (subject to change)
This fast paced Advanced Placement course will offer the student the opportunity to delve into the daily workings of the United States Government. We will delve into the actions of the President, the Congress, the Courts, the Media and the American people as they occur. The student will study political institutions including: lobbies, parties, elections and popular participation. In addition, the class will offer a section on the Economic Way of Thinking, giving a particular lens with which to analyze our political climate. Be prepared to challenge your assumptions and support your opinions in regular debates and classroom discussions. This class will require college level reading and writing, and will help develop critical thinking skills. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be ready to take the national AP Government exam in May. Students who pass the exam may qualify for college credit.