Social Science

WORLD HISTORY, CULTURE & GEOGRAPHY CP

This course is a study of modern world history, (1700s-Present), including the commerce, exploration, enlightenment, political revolutions, the industrial revolution, nationalism, imperialism through the world wars, the cold war, the quest of countries seeking independence, and changes in current global patterns.  Students will learn to analyze primary and secondary sources, source historical evidence, corroborate evidence presented, compare and contrast points of view, and write thematic and document based essays.

Grade Level:  10th         Course is UC/CSU - a approved

UNITED STATES HISTORY CP

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.

Grade Level:  11th         Course is UC/CSU-a approved

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CP

In this course, students apply knowledge gained in previous years of study to pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American Government.  In addition, they draw on their studies of World and American History and Geography and other societies to compare differences and similarities in world governmental systems.  This course is the culmination of history/social sciences classes to prepare students to solve society’s 21st century problems, to understand and to participate in the governmental process, and to be responsible global citizens.  

Grade Level: 12th       Course is UC/CSU-a approved

ECONOMICS CP

Economics is the study of how citizens and governing entities make decisions regarding how to best supply human needs with the reality of limited human resources.   There is a focus on modern day economic issues (including an in-depth study of the origins of the “Great Recession”).  The importance of personal financial awareness is covered and culminates in a personal budget project.  Supply and demand are covered as well as the organization of business corporations and the stock market.  The course also covers the difference between the U.S. and other economic systems around the world.  

Grade Level: 12th       Course is UC/CSU-g approved

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

This course is for students with an exceptional interest in history who desire a rigorous, college-level World History course. Major emphasis will be on the rise of democratic ideas in the western world and the evolution of modern western civilization through the 20th century. Goals for this course include the development of an understanding of the central themes in modern world history, an ability to analyze historical documents, and extensive essay-writing. Students prepare for and are encouraged to take the AP European History Examination in May. Students who take the exam may receive college credit for the course.   Please note that there is an assigned summer reading and writing assignment.

Grade Level: 10th                               Course is UC/CSU-a approved 

Enrollment in an AP class is determined on multiple factors including, a) level of student interest & master schedule constraints, b) student writing skills as demonstrated on course work, c) overall academic performance, prior course difficulty and student attendance, and d) departmental recommendation & application

AP UNITED STATES HISTORY

AP United States History is a chronological survey course covering the period from Colonial America to contemporary America. The AP program is designed to provide the student with the analytical skills and factual knowledge to deal critically with the problems and issues in U.S. History. The course prepares students for college courses by making demands equivalent to those made by a full year introductory college course. Students will learn to assess historical materials – their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance, and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. Students will also be prepared to take the AP U.S. History exam offered by the College Board in May.  College credit may be earned depending on score and receiving college/university.   Please note there is an assigned summer reading and writing assignment.

Grade Level:  11th       Course is UC/CSU-a approved

Enrollment in an AP class is determined on multiple factors including, a) level of student interest & master schedule constraints, b) student writing skills as demonstrated on course work, c) overall academic performance, prior course difficulty and student attendance, and d) departmental recommendation 

AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS: UNITED STATES 

This course involves general concepts of the U.S. Constitution. Emphasis is given to the relationship of the citizen to the structure and function of the American constitutional system.  It also involves familiarity with the various institutions, groups, and beliefs that constitute U.S. politics. Students are encouraged to prepare for and take the AP Government Examination in May.  

Grade Level: 12th         Course is UC/CSU-a approved

Enrollment in an AP class is determined on multiple factors including, a) level of student interest & master schedule constraints, b) student writing skills as demonstrated on course work, c) overall academic performance, prior course difficulty and student attendance, and d) departmental recommendation

ETHNIC STUDIES CP

Ethnic Studies hopes to critically examine the concepts of race and identity, systems of power and oppression, and social movements of the past and present with a focus on creating change in the world around us. In this space, we will center the stories, experiences, and knowledge of people of color. The vision for this course is to create a safe and brave space where students and teachers cultivate wellness, solidarity, and liberation through self-reflection, practicing empathy, and celebrating the experiences of ourselves and our communities. Ethnic Studies is a one semester course, paired with a semester of Sociology.  

Grade Level:  9th-12th

SOCIOLOGY CP

Sociology is the study of human behavior in group situations. Students explore the major themes in sociology: population, crime, Education, the importance of communities, social movements, social change and prospects for the future.  Through the use of discussion, research, readings, and audio-visual presentations, students become more attentive observers of people, their needs, and the dynamics of group interaction.  Sociology is a one semester course, paired with Ethnic Studies.  

Grade Level: 9th-12th         Course is UC/CSU-g approved

AP PSYCHOLOGY

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals.  Students are exposed to the facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology.  They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.  The course is recommended to students who are willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum in Psychology.  Passing the AP Psychology exam may result in college credit.  Please note there is an assigned summer reading assignment.

Grade Level: 11th-12th         Course is UC/CSU-g approved

Enrollment in an AP class is determined on multiple factors including, a) level of student interest & master schedule constraints, b) student writing skills as demonstrated on course work, c) overall academic performance, prior course difficulty and student attendance, and d) departmental recommendation