Contemporary World Studies CP/AS (9)
Contemporary World Studies is a one-semester course that integrates geography, culture, and the historical development of four global regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The course explores the role of imperialism, diplomacy, and increasing economic interconnectedness, while considering the impact of current issues to the four regions. The Advanced Standing Contemporary World Studies course requires a more in-depth study and includes extensive reading, writing, and homework assignments. Students taking advanced standing should possess higher than average academic ability and time management skills.
Modern World History 1-2 CP/AS (10)
Modern World History is a two-semester course. The first semester introduces the student to European history beginning with the development of democratic institutions, the age of revolutions, industrialization, and imperialism. The second semester explores the causes and consequences of two World Wars, totalitarianism, and international developments in the post WWII world. The Advanced Standing Modern World History course requires extensive reading and writing assignments. The course also prepares students for the AP history courses and exams by working with primary documents and writing Document-Based Question essays each semester. Students taking advanced standing should be highly-motivated and possess strong academic study skills.
United States history 1-2 CP (11)
U.S. History is a two-semester course. The goal of this course is to provide students with a rich, balanced, and thought-provoking treatment of the American past. The first semester reviews the early settlement of America through the Civil War and covers the period of Reconstruction, Industrialization, the Progressive Era, the rise of America as a world power, and the nation’s involvement in the First World War. The second semester focuses on the 1920’s, the Great Depression, U.S. involvement in WWII and its consequences, including the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the 60’s counterculture. The course ends with contemporary history and the challenges posed by the early 21st century.
Advanced Placement United States History (Graduation Requirement Alternative)
This course is for academically talented and highly motivated students with developed academic skills. This course will include the study of original documents and alternative interpretations of American history in the attempt to prepare the student for the Advance Placement examination. Topics covered in this course are from the colonial era to the present.
American Government CP (12)
This is a one-semester course which covers the origins and structure of American government at national, state, and local levels. The course focuses on the Constitution, the Bill of rights, the three branches of government, the rights and responsibilities of a citizen, and the relationship between federal and local government. Students will discuss current political issues as they prepare to vote, participate in community activities, and to assume the responsibilities of citizenship.
Advanced Placement American Government (Graduation Requirement Alternative)
This one-semester course is an alternative graduation requirement to the regular American Government course with the requirement of the Advanced Placement exam to be taken in the spring. Coursework is challenging and covers the Constitution and the political institutions that makeup the framework of American government. Students are expected to possess the necessary academic skills to master a considerable amount of material in preparation for the AP exam.
Economics CP
This is a one-semester course to study the principles of economics and the current problems of the economy. Some topics include: production and consumption, supply and demand, fiscal and monetary policies, and international trade. The course also explores the changing role of government in the economic system.
Advanced Placement Economics
(Graduation Requirement Alternative)
This one-semester course is an alternative to the college prep economics course meeting the graduation requirement. An Advanced Placement exam is taken in the late spring with emphasis on macroeconomic concepts; the open market structure of business, and government regulatory policies. Students are expected to possess the necessary academic skills to master a considerable amount of material necessary for a successful result on the Advanced Placement examination.
SEMESTER ELECTIVES
International Relations 1-2 (11,12)
International Relations is a year-long course. The fall semester covers the events and conditions found in each of the populated continents, while the spring semester focuses on issues impacting the world’s populations and nations. Assignments focus on content and research skills, and oral presentation development. Students are expected to be active participants in seminar and class discussion situations.
Law and Society (10,11,12)
Law and Society is a one-semester UC-approved elective. It is designed to give students a practical understanding of the law and the structure, function, and actual operation of the American Legal system. Students will study the foundation of law, with a focus on the Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of students and citizens. Law and Society is based on participation and debate. Students will use critical thinking skills of inquiry and logic to form opinions and learn to support them with persuasive arguments. Students will learn how a case goes through the court system and as an introduction to law, will learn the basic duties of attorneys and judges.
Psychology (11,12)
This one semester course provides students with an introductory knowledge of behavioral science of psychology including: the basic element of human needs and motivation, theories of human behavior and behavior modification, therapies for patterns of coping with stress, and strategies to support positive lifestyles.
