Social Studies
Required Courses
Students must earn 35 units in Social Studies and must pass all of the following courses:
- Comparative Cultures and Geography
- Modern World History
- U.S. History 1-2 or AP U.S. History or Afrocentric U.S. History
- U.S. Government
- Economics or AP Economics or Economics of Business
Comparative Cultures and Geography
One semester course, 5 units, grade 9
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course teaches students how geography and culture have shaped, and continue to shape, our lives. Emphasis is placed on the main themes of geography and on those factors that develop cultures: history, art, religion, music, family patterns, ethnicity, race, and technology. Mexico and South Africa are two areas of focus that are also covered in this course.
Modern World History
Full year course, 5 units each semester, grade 10
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course presents both a chronological and thematic view of modern world history. The first semester will emphasize Western Civilization and includes the following units: Foundation of Government, the French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Imperialism and World War I. The second semester will focus on World War II, case studies of the Holocaust, Russia, China, and the Middle East.
U.S. History 1-2
Full year course, 5 units each semester, grade 11
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course is a survey of the major political, economic, geographic, social, and cultural trends and events of the United States of America, with the major concentration in the twentieth century. The course begins with a review of the Colonial/America Revolution era, Westward Expansion and the Civil War. Industrialization Progressive Era, Imperialism and the 1920’s era are also covered in the first semester. The second semester begins with a study of the Great Depression and it moves on to World War II, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Era.
Afrocentric U.S. History
Full year course,5 units each semester, grade 11
Prerequisites: None
Description: This class provides a comprehensive review of the history of the United States from pre-colonial times to the present with a focus on the unique role of African Americans within that history. Students will study the accomplishments, history, and culture of African Americans within the American and global context.
This class is cored with an American Literature class that will focus on works by African American authors. All students enrolled in the history course must also be enrolled in the English class.
These courses meet the state and district requirements for U.S. History and English, The cored English and History courses are designed to broaden student knowledge and understanding of the lives, culture, and contributions of African Americans in the United States.
Advanced Placement U.S. History
Full year, 5 units each semester, grade 11
Prerequisites: Please see page 7 for application process.
Description: This course is an in-depth survey of the major political, economic, geographical, social and cultural trends and events of the United States from its colonial origins to the present. It is designed for the serious student who is prepared to undertake work at the college level, and all students are expected to take the national AP exam in U.S. History in May.
U.S. Government
One semester course, 5 units, grade 12
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course is a study of the powers and practices of the federal government, detailing the operations of Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court. Constitutional issues are also examined.
Economics
One semester course, 5 units, grade 12
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course is a study of basic economic principles and their application within the American economic system. Major topics include supply and demand, business organization and competition, international trade, money and banking, comparative economic systems, and the role of government, labor, and the consumer in our economy.
Advanced Placement Economics
Full year course, 5 units each semester, grade 12
Prerequisites: Admission by department and cumulative GPA, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This course is an in depth survey of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The focus of microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. The focus of macroeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth and international economics. All students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in both micro and Macro Economics given in May. To meet the economics graduation requirement this course requires the completion of both semesters.
Economics of Business (rop) - onsite
See Vocational Technical Department listing for course description.
Elective Courses
Advanced Placement European History
Full year, 5 units each semester, grade 11-12
Prerequisites: Please see page 9 for application process. Completion of Modern World History.
Description: This course meets the CCG requirement for 10-12th graders. This course is a survey of the major political, economic and social trends of modern Europe. It is designed for serious students who are prepared to undertake work at the college level. All students are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam given in May.
International Business
Semester course, 5 units each semester, grades 10-12
Prerequisites: None
Description: The world is now more connected than ever. This course is designed to help you succeed in this new global economy. Major topics include international trade, how culture influences business, how to get started in international business, importing and exporting, foreign exchange and international finance, and global marketing, with a strong emphasis on real life case studies and current events.
National and Global Issues
One or two semester course, 5 units each semester, grades 10-12
Description: In this course, students will have the opportunity to examine current events as well as pursue in-depth study and research on specific national and international topics. Participation in daily discussion is a key element of the course. The class also uses group-based learning to offer solutions to conflicts. The class will look at the nature of conflict, culture, and pressing problems of nationalism/regionalism/globalism into the next millennium. Students will relate global and national issues to their own lives. Topics will be determined by various elections/initiatives and ongoing problems throughout the globe.
Psychology 1-2
One or two semester course, 5 units each semester, grades 10-12
Prerequisites: None
Description: Psychology is the study of the nature of human behavior and mental processes. The first semester is a challenging introduction to the topic of psychology through units which cover methods of approaching psychology, the brain and the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, states of consciousness, and mental health. The second semester will continue with an investigation of personality theory, testing and intelligence, gender differences, motivation and emotion, social psychology and the life span.