History and Social Science

A student must earn thirty (35) credits (three and one half years) of social science, including 10 credits in Modern World History, 10 credits in U.S. History, 5 credits in American Government, 5 credits in Economics and .5 credits in Ethnic studies. (Ethnic studies to begin as a requirement for the class of 2025

History and Social Science Courses

Modern World History

(UC/CSU "A" Requirement)

10th Grade

Modern World History is a course that explores the major historical events that have shaped and continue to influence the modern world. Using a broad variety of historical documents and works of art, the course will explore modern history from the late 16^th century up through the emergence of the late 20^th century world culture. The course will emphasize the major historical themes and turning points in the modern era, as well as focus on the growing global interdependence of all peoples and cultures. Students will read broadly in historical and literary texts and consider issues from both the Western and ethnically diverse traditions.

AP World History

(UC/CSU "A" Requirement)

10th Grade

Prerequisite: Sophomore standing, student self-selection, and reading at or above grade level is recommended.

The purpose of the AP World History course is to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. This course highlights the nature of changes in global frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. It emphasizes relevant factual knowledge, leading interpretive issues, and skills in analyzing types of historical evidence. Specific themes provide further organization to the course, along with consistent attention to contacts among societies that form the core of world history as a field of study.

Note: Students are encouraged, but not required to take the Advanced Placement Exam in World History in May.

U.S. History

(UC/CSU "A" Requirement)

11th Grade

U.S. History (P) surveys 20th Century United States history and geography. Following a review of the nation’s beginnings, students will examine four major turning points in American history in the twentieth century. During the year, the following themes are emphasized: the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts; the continuing tension between minority rights and majority power; the impact of technology on American society; cultural change in the ethnic composition of American society; the movements towards equal rights for racial minorities and women; and the role of the United States as a major world power. Students will examine American culture including religion, literature, art, drama, architecture, education, and the mass media. Students will analyze historical evidence.

AP U.S. History

(UC/CSU "A" Requirement)

11th Grade

Prerequisite: Junior standing, student self-selection, and reading at or above grade level is recommended.

AP U.S. History (HP) provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to discuss critical issues in U.S. History. Students are expected to assess historical materials, determining their relevance, reliability, and importance. Evidence is weighed and interpreted with conclusions formed as a result of informed judgments. Students will read, write and discuss extensively, further developing their analytical and interpretive skills with both historical sources and literary works. Students will commit substantial time to advanced forms of writing: interpretive analysis, research paper, and persuasive essay. This course will include both in-class and out-of-class preparation for the U.S. History Advanced Placement examination.

Note: Students are encouraged, but not required to take the Advanced Placement exam in May.

American Government

(UC/CSU "A" Requirement)

12th Grade

This semester-long course analyzes the evolution, structure, and operation of various levels of the United States political and economic system. The Constitution is studied for its meaning and application in today’s world. Emphasis will be placed upon critical reading, discussion, essay examinations, theme papers, and related study habits essential to university study.

AP American Government

(UC/CSU "A" Requirement)

12th Grade

Prerequisite: Senior standing, student, and self-selection.

AP American Government (AP) is a year-long course designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States. The course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. AP Government explains the constitutional underpinnings of the American government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties and interest groups, political institutions and processes, and civil rights and civil liberties. This course actively connects concepts from the course to current events and political issues of relevance. Students must sign up for a semester of Economics separately.

Economics

(UC/CSU "G" Requirement)

12th Grade

Students will deepen their understanding of economic problems that institutions of the nation and world in which they live. They will learn how to make reasoned decisions on economic issues as citizens, workers, consumers, business owners and managers, and members of civic groups. Economic theories and practices will be studied using interactive group work, visuals, manipulatives, and other content-enriching strategies. Emphasis will be on critical reading, discussion, essay examinations, theme papers, and related study habits essential to university study.

Honors Economics

(UC/CSU "G" Requirement)

12th Grade

Honors Economics is a semester-long survey course designed to cover the major theories and concepts in both macro and microeconomics. We will connect our work in Honors Economics to our work in AP Government in order to better understand the forces that shape our society and the politics of today. We will focus on the internal and external forces that help us make our economic decisions, discuss the different cycles of our capitalist economy, and explore key economic concepts like supply and demand. We will participate in a team-based research project that will focus on the impact these forces have on our lives.

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History and Social Science