A. History/Social Science (3 courses required)
Two units (equivalent to two years) of history/social science required, including: one year of world history, cultures and historical geography and one year of U.S. history; or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT/CIVICS [549AmGov]
In American Government, students will analyze what it means to be an active and engaged citizen in a democratic society and the importance of a participatory citizenry in the American government, today. Students will come away with an understanding of the institutions of the U.S. government, the benefits and consequences of these structures, an appreciation for the legislative process, and a deeper understanding of the historical background in which the U.S. government was formed and has changed over the years.
The purpose of this semester-long course is to provide students with an understanding of what the government does, why the U.S. government was created the way it was, and why this is all important for them and their lives. As a part of this class, students will examine who exercises power in this country, both formally and informally, and the historical reasons for this. The course draws upon the concepts and understandings learned in US History, World History, and World Cultures & Geography. Moreover, the curriculum complements topics covered in Economics.
U.S. HISTORY [549USHIST]
This course will follow the major trends and events in the history of the United States that helped to develop it into the country that exists today. The idea of “Freedom,” has always played an important role in the development of the United States and its ideals. For this reason, through these major trends and events the course will analyze the idea of freedom as it applied to different people and different ideas. In analyzing these topics, students will be given the opportunity to study the cultural, political, social, and economic aspects of American history, and how within these areas different ethnic, social, and gender groups experienced freedom.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY [549WrldGeo]
This course will examine the geographic make-up of our planet, the Earth’s active processes, and how the Earth’s physical features influences human behavior. Students will study how different societies gain and use resources and how access to valuable resources can lead to conflict and tension. This course will include an introduction to geography, physical geography, human geography, and explore how these topics play out in specific regions in our world. Students will examine the impact geography has on history, cultures, economics and politics with the goal of improving student geographic literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills - all of which better prepare students for the challenges of an increasingly interconnected global community. The World Geography course also places an emphasis on conducting research and analyzing primary and secondary sources and is designed to prepare students for higher level social science courses. [Click Here for the Complete Syllabus]
WORLD HISTORY [549WrldHis]
Students in World History will examine the major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late 18th century through the present, including the cause and the course of the two world wars. Students will also trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues, especially as they pertain to international relations. Through exploring the cause and effect of these events students will gain greater historical literacy and a better understanding of the world we live in today. [Click Here for the Complete Syllabus]
In American Government, students will analyze what it means to be an active and engaged citizen in a democratic society and the importance of a participatory citizenry in the American government, today. Students will come away with an understanding of the institutions of the U.S. government, the benefits and consequences of these structures, an appreciation for the legislative process, and a deeper understanding of the historical background in which the U.S. government was formed and has changed over the years.
The purpose of this semester-long course is to provide students with an understanding of what the government does, why the U.S. government was created the way it was, and why this is all important for them and their lives. As a part of this class, students will examine who exercises power in this country, both formally and informally, and the historical reasons for this. The course draws upon the concepts and understandings learned in US History, World History, and World Cultures & Geography. Moreover, the curriculum complements topics covered in Economics.
U.S. HISTORY [549USHIST]
This course will follow the major trends and events in the history of the United States that helped to develop it into the country that exists today. The idea of “Freedom,” has always played an important role in the development of the United States and its ideals. For this reason, through these major trends and events the course will analyze the idea of freedom as it applied to different people and different ideas. In analyzing these topics, students will be given the opportunity to study the cultural, political, social, and economic aspects of American history, and how within these areas different ethnic, social, and gender groups experienced freedom.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY [549WrldGeo]
This course will examine the geographic make-up of our planet, the Earth’s active processes, and how the Earth’s physical features influences human behavior. Students will study how different societies gain and use resources and how access to valuable resources can lead to conflict and tension. This course will include an introduction to geography, physical geography, human geography, and explore how these topics play out in specific regions in our world. Students will examine the impact geography has on history, cultures, economics and politics with the goal of improving student geographic literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills - all of which better prepare students for the challenges of an increasingly interconnected global community. The World Geography course also places an emphasis on conducting research and analyzing primary and secondary sources and is designed to prepare students for higher level social science courses. [Click Here for the Complete Syllabus]
WORLD HISTORY [549WrldHis]
Students in World History will examine the major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late 18th century through the present, including the cause and the course of the two world wars. Students will also trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues, especially as they pertain to international relations. Through exploring the cause and effect of these events students will gain greater historical literacy and a better understanding of the world we live in today. [Click Here for the Complete Syllabus]