Social Studies

Instructed Areas

Grade 9

Advanced United States History I
United States History I
In U.S. History I, students examine the historical and intellectual origins of the United States during the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras. Students study the basic framework of American Democracy and the basic concepts of American government, as well as America’s westward expansion, the establishment of political parties, economic and social change, sectional conflict, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Industrial Revolution in America.

Grade 10

AP History
The AP U.S. Curriculum has been constructed to merge the coverage of a wide variety of topics (such as Industrialization, to the Great Depression, to World Wars, to the Cold War, and so on) with a thematic approach that ties the topics together and shows the connections between them. Students will have the opportunity to analyze many primary and secondary sources, meaning that access to a wide range of materials will be provided, including a comprehensive textbook and several supplementary resources. Students will also be expected to produce reflective written assessments and participate in engaging and active class discussions and exercises.
 
The goal of the AP US. History course is to provide students with the equivalent of an introductory college level survey history course. Students will develop the critical analytical skills needed to interpret and understand the topics and issues present in U.S. History. By practicing these skills, students should be able to analyze the material presented and arrive at conclusions based on informed judgments and evidence-based conclusions. This course also prepares students for the AP U.S. History Exam, which is administered to students at the end of the school year.
 
United States History II
In U.S. History II, students study the goals and accomplishments of the Progressive movement and the New Deal. Students also learn about various factors that led to America’s entry into World War I and World War II as well as the consequences of World War II for American life. Finally, students study the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the recent events and trends that have shaped modern-day America.

Grade 11

Civics and Government
This course provides a framework for understanding the purposes, principles, and practices of American Government. Students are expected to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens and how to exercise these rights and responsibilities in local, state, and national government. Students will also identify and define ideas at the core of government and politics in the United States. Students will analyze the interactions between the United States and other nations and evaluate the role of the United States in world affairs
 
Humanities
This integrated study of the humanities will provide an introductory understanding of the conditions which stimulate human inquiry, promote creativity, and produce valuable pieces of work in the fields of the arts and sciences. Students will learn about the relationship of the humanities to cultural values, objects, and historical events central to the advancement of civilization. Further, they will learn to understand, interpret, and experience the humanities in ways that are meaningful, enjoyable, and relevant to everyday life.

Grade 12

Economics
This Economics course will provide students with skills and knowledge that will allow them to participate and experience economic principles and activities as a consumer, producer, saver, investor, employee, employer, and entrepreneur. Topics covered will include financial planning, budgeting, banking, credit, housing, saving, investing, taxes, insurance, retirement, and entrepreneurship. This course will prepare students to build solid financial security for themselves now and in the future.
 

World History
The World History course focuses on building students understanding of world civilizations, including topics such as the development and diffusion of religions and systems of beliefs, philosophies of government, absolute power, political revolutions, and the growth of nation-states, the Enlightenment and Revolution, industry and imperialism, nationalism and World War I, World War II, the Cold War Years, and Post Cold War years. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the connections between historical periods, and students will be asked to think critically about guiding questions. In addition, students will be required to develop focused questions and conduct inquiries, organize information and data from multiple primary and secondary sources, analyze sources, distinguish opinion from fact, evaluate credibility, accuracy, and relevance of sources, and explain their ideas using valid reasoning and logic.