Social Studies

SOCIAL STUDIES Course Catalog

7 semesters/ 35 credits required

Unless otherwise noted, all academic courses in this department meet both CSU and UC entrance requirements.

Social studies courses develop student intellectual capacity and ethical decision-making, while fostering a sense of social responsibility. Students are offered a wide variety of courses that promote critical thinking and skill development necessary to create lifelong learners. Students consider ethical ramifications of historical and contemporary issues in order to develop a thoughtful problem-solving framework. Through an interdisciplinary approach and experiential learning, students become independent lifelong learners and global citizens who are empowered changemakers in their local and global community.

College Prep Courses

Honors & Advanced Placement Courses

12th Grade Elective Courses

#SS1000S ETHNIC STUDIES I - A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
5 credits - Grade 9
Prerequisite: None       

In this ethnic studies course, students will develop the skills to critically examine global histories through the lens of race, gender and class. They will use these lenses to identify and analyze locations of power and where injustice and oppression exist.  Students will analyze case studies to explore indigenous cultures and histories of the world; social, political, cultural and economic factors that shape race as an identity; how movement and migration impacts individuals and communities. Students will critically analyze the global issues and begin to imagine and reshape systems with the intent of finding joy, solidarity, collective hope and healing. 

This course aims to develop a student's geographical and historical thinking skills used to identify/understand the factors of power and identity, which are integral to ethnic studies. This course serves as a foundation for other high school social studies courses, where these lenses, critical analysis and skill development will be further honed and utilized in a variety of historical contexts (e.g. Modern World Studies*, U.S. History, U.S. History AP, U.S. Government and Economics).

This course is an adaptation of the previous Global Studies course.

#SS2000  WORLD HISTORY
10 credits - Grade 10     
Prerequisite: None

This one-year required course will explore the themes of modern world history with emphasis on the period from the 1200s to the present day incorporating themes from the Facing History program and curriculum. Using case studies from different regions of the world, students will study the impact of science, religion, culture, revolution, nationalism and democracy on the human condition throughout history. Cross-curricular connections will be made throughout the year through assessments and discussions with religious studies and English courses. During the second semester an in-depth study of events leading to and following World War II as well as the Holocaust will be conducted. Historical events are connected to the present day condition of the world. Diverse instructional methods are used in class including discussions, lectures, group activities, simulations and individual reading. Student assessment will be varied but can include tests, group and individual projects, quizzes and homework. As a result, students will develop writing, critical thinking, reading comprehension, study and note-taking skills.

#SS2000AP  WORLD HISTORY AP
10 credits - Grade 10
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in previous course or teacher recommendation

This course focuses on a greater understanding of the global processes with different human societies primarily from 1200 CE to present day. The first six weeks of the course address regions and the significance of ancient historical empires. Because it requires a combination of text reading, primary and secondary source analysis, AP writing and analytical skills work, this course is advanced. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and discusses their causes and consequences. In addition, comparisons among major societies are discussed. The long-term objective is for students to demonstrate a clear understanding of how the big picture of world history helps in understanding the complexities of today’s world. College credit may be awarded for passing the exam in May. Summer reading is required.

#SS3000  U.S. HISTORY
10 credits - Grade 11
Prerequisite: None 

In this class, students study how the United States strives for liberty, equity and democracy using a thematic approach. In each unit, a community or theme is selected that relates to the theme previously listed, and students consider and connect how each community has contributed to the American story. Students also analyze the major social and political movements which continue to shape the country and evaluate past events with regard to ethical and moral criteria and their impact on life in the United States today. The class challenges students to critically examine the country’s history and its influence on contemporary society nationally and internationally.

#SS3000AP U.S. HISTORY AP
10 credits - Grade 11 
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in previous course or teacher recommendation

The U.S. History AP course focuses on the development of historical thinking skills; chronological reasoning, comparing and contextualizing, crafting historical arguments, using historical evidence, and interpreting and synthesizing historical narratives. Students will engage in argumentative discussions to formulate clear lines of reasoning and to gain an understanding of content learning objectives centered around eight essential themes. This is a college-level survey course that analyzes U.S. history from pre-European contact (1450) through the present day. The course requires summer prework based on analysis of primary sources and textbook skills. Throughout the course, students will incorporate current events in their discussions and become analytical thinkers to arrive at conclusions based on informed judgment.

#SS4000S U.S. GOVERNMENT
5 credits - Grade 12 
Prerequisite: None   

This one semester course examines the development of the U.S. system of government and how the process works today. Students examine the foundational documents and principles of our government. A study of the three branches of the federal government incorporates current events to illustrate how each institution works and interacts. Students explore the political process to evaluate how community members can participate more fully through individual action, interest groups and political parties. Moreover, students trace the evolution of civil rights and liberties and how they are protected and challenged today. Students engage in debate, writing assignments, group work and independent research.

#SS4000SAP U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS AP
5 credits - Grade 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in previous course or teacher recommendation

The U.S. Government and Politics AP course is designed to teach U.S. constitutional government based on principles of philosophy, political beliefs and behavior, political parties and interest groups, national institutions and policy processes, and law. Emphasis is given to the relationship of the citizen to the structure and function of the American constitutional system. This course is designed to enable students to develop a critical perspective of government and politics in the United States. This course is a highly structured, very demanding college-level course. Students are required not only to read thoroughly the college-level text, but also to augment this material through research and reading of supplemental articles and then critically apply the findings to the political nature of current governmental policies and analyze the ramifications of these policies.

12th Grade Elective Courses
All 12th grade students must take one social studies elective course in addition to the required government course.

#SS4100S ECONOMICS
5 credits - Grade 12 
Prerequisite: None  

The is a one-semester course designed to give students a broad overview of basic economic principles, theories and practices. Students evaluate the role of government, business, labor and the consumer in a market economy. Special emphasis will be given to economic interdependence, the emergence of the global economy and its effects. In addition, “life economic skills” like resume writing, do’s and don’ts of job interviewing, creating a personal budget, how to shop for insurance and credit are addressed.

#SS4300S ETHNIC STUDIES II - A U.S. Perspective
5 credits - Grade 12

UC Approved
Prerequisite: None

This is a one semester interdisciplinary elective that explores the historical and contemporary experiences and voices of marginalized communities in the United States.  Students explore the political, social, economic and cultural forces that lead to the construction of identity and systems of oppression.  The class will explore frameworks and practices for liberation, social justice movements and models of advocacy. Students will be empowered with a raised critical consciousness and social awareness and skills to become agents of change in their communities.

#SS4200AP PSYCHOLOGY AP
10 credits - Grade 12
Prerequisite: Grade of B or better in previous course or teacher recommendation

Psychology AP is a yearlong course that introduces students to the systematic, scientific study of mental processes as well as the behavior of humans and animals. Students are exposed to the science of psychology, as well as the role of the brain and nervous system in regards to the emotions, cognitions and behavior of an organism. In addition, the course l includes the study of sleep, learning, memory, intelligence, motivation and emotion. Students also study developmental psychology, personality theories, anxiety and mood disorders and their treatment. The course also includes the study of ethics and methods psychologists use within their science and practice.