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SOCIAL STUDIES

GEOGRAPHY
Grade Level: 9
Length: 1 semester
UC Requirement Fulfilled: A
Prerequisite: 9th grade standing
This course is the study of the earth and its people. Covered in the course are basic cultural and physical geographic concepts with which to better understand our relationship with the earth and our interdependence with other people. Our study will focus on the five fundamental themes of geography: location, place, movement, region and interaction between people and the environment. Focus areas include Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

WORLD HISTORY
Grade Level: 10
Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: A
Prerequisite: 10th grade standing
This course is a one-year study of the modern world with a primary focus on Europe and Asia. We will investigate events that have occurred in the last two centuries to see how they have led to situations we find ourselves in today, and evaluate how knowledge of the past can guide use in making sensible decisions. In this historical context the following concepts will be stressed: geography, political systems, interdependence, change, ecology, economics, culture, and the worth of the individual.

U.S. HISTORY
Grade Level: 11
Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: A
Prerequisite: 11th grade standing
This course explores causes and events of US History from post reconstruction to the present and emphasizes political, social, economic, and cultural forces that have shaped the development of this country. Students recognize historical patterns, examine critical issues, and study the impact of key individuals as they relate to national growth and international influence.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY
Grade Level: 11
Length: 1 year
UC Requirement Fulfilled: A
Prerequisite: This class is open to juniors who have the consent of the instructor, strong reading and writing skills, and complete an application.
Fee: Approximately $72 if student takes AP test at end of year.
This course is an intensive study of U.S. History from the age of exploration to the present. Topics will include the spectrum of U.S. History with emphasis on historical perspectives as they relate to today’s world. The course is a college-level class. Performance on a three-hour examination in May will determine eligibility for college units.

U.S. GOVERNMENT
Grade Level: 12
Length: 1 semester
UC Requirement Fulfilled: A
Prerequisite: 12th grade standing
This course covers the structure and function of the American political system. Topics include the Constitution, electoral and legislative process, and current political issues.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Grade Level: 12
Length: 1 Semester
UC Requirement Fulfilled: A
Prerequisites: US History and good writing skills.
This college level course covers the nuts and bolts of the American political system, including its structure and operations, and the behavior of the electorate and politicians. Students will gain an analytic perspective, enabling them to critically evaluate political information, hypotheses, concepts, opinions, and processes.

ECONOMICS
Grade Level: 12
Length: 1 semester
UC Requirement Fulfilled: F
Prerequisite: 12th grade standing
In this course students discover what influences our economic system, how it works, and where it fits into the global economy. Themes of the course are “The American Dream,” scarcity, capitalism versus socialism, and equality of opportunity in a capitalist system.

PSYCHOLOGY
Grade Level: 11-12
Length: 1 semester
UC Requirement Fulfilled: G
Prerequisite: Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or recommendation from the instructor.
This course represents an intriguing examination of the major concepts, theories, and research findings in various fields of Psychology. Topics of discussion and investigation include Personality (theories, types, traits, and assessment), Social Psychology (relationships, body language, groups, and social issues), and states of consciousness (sleep, dreams, hypnosis, and ESP). Expect to apply all these topics to your own life. This course meets U.C. elective requirements