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SOCIAL STUDIES
ICA requirement: 4 years
CSU/UC requirement: 2 years
Ancient
World History 104000
Two Semesters 9 UC/CSU
Ancient History is a year-long course that examines the basic building
blocks of selected ancient civilizations from Asia, the Middle East, Mesoamerica,
Europe and Africa. It explores how representative civilizations organized
their societies, earned and distributed their wealth, developed their
belief systems, and contributed unique discoveries in the arts and sciences.
While focusing on what made each of these civilizations unique, this course
also recognizes the common threads that weave all of humanity together.
Additionally, this course examines how the ideas of the past are still
influencing the world of today. Students will also master the fundamentals
of political and physical geography.
Modern World History 101000
Two Semesters 10 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Credit in Ancient World History
The Modern World History curriculum, which investigates more recent manifestations of themes explored in Ancient World History, centers on the study of European, Middle Eastern, Asian, Sub-Saharan African and Latin American civilizations from the late eighteenth century onwards. The course guides students through an in-depth thematic examination of geography, politics, economy, culture and society to identify both confluence and divergence in recent global experience. Throughout, students are expected to read reflectively, learn cooperatively, think critically and write analytically.
Modern World History Honors 101500
Two Semesters 10 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Students wishing to take this course will be required to complete and submit
a social studies portfolio prior to registration.
Student must have earned a grade of B or better in Ancient History.
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Ancient World History teacher
This course covers in greater depth material surveyed in the Modern World History course. Supplementary study of relevant literature, music, art and other primary and secondary sources augments student understanding of various civilizations studied. Particular emphasis is placed on developing students’ critical thinking, discussion and writing skills.
United States History 102000
Two Semesters 11 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Credit in Modern World History or Modern World History Honors
The United States History course presents various themes, concepts and perspectives that run throughout the country's history in a non-linear fashion with particular emphasis on social justice and civic responsibility. Students will not only learn about the history of America through a variety of teaching strategies and practices but also come to appreciate how they can become productive, informed citizens of the United States.
United States History Advanced Placement (AP) 102500
Two Semesters 11 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Students enrolled in Modern World History Honors must be earning a cumulative grade of B or higher at the time of registration and complete a successful interview with the AP United States History instructor; students enrolled in Modern World History must be earning a cumulative grade of B+ or higher at the time of registration and complete a successful interview with the AP United States History instructor
Designed as an equivalent to a college-level survey course, the AP United States History curriculum challenges students not only to investigate critically and comprehensively the major developments in American history but also to develop the analytical skills necessary to deal with those developments authoritatively. Students will learn to assess historical materials, weigh competing scholarly interpretations of those materials, and offer independent conclusions informed by concrete evidence to prepare for the College Board’s AP United States History Exam -- for which each student who enrolls in this course must sit -- in early May.
United States Government and Economics 103001
Two Semesters 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Credit in United States History or AP United States History
In this course, students will explore the institutional, intellectual and philosophical foundations of U.S. government, as well as those individuals who played an integral role in establishing the republic. Students will also look at the structure of our government at the national, state and local levels -- and investigate via current events work exactly how those levels work together under the federal system. Moreover, students will discuss what they understand "citizenship" to mean and identify what a citizen's rights and responsibilities ought to be in post-9/11 America. Finally, students will explore the basic principles and concepts of macroeconomics.
Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics 103500
Two Semesters 12 UC/CSU
Prerequisite: Students enrolled in AP United States History must secure the approval of that course's instructor; students enrolled in United States History must be earning a cumulative grade of B+ or higher at the time of registration and complete a successful interview with the AP United States Government and Politics instructor
The AP United States Government and Politics course will challenge students to develop an analytical perspective on the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute government and politics in the United States. Topics for study include, but are not limited to, the constitutional underpinnings of United States government, institutions of national government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties and interest groups, mass media, public policy and civil rights. Students will also examine the basic concepts of micro- and macro-economics. Coursework is geared towards preparing students for the College Board's AP United States Government and Politics Exam -- for which each student enrolled in this class must sit -- in May.
Psychology 702002
Fall Semester 10, 11, 12 UC/CSU
(Note: This course has been approved as a “g.” elective
on the UC/CSU a. – g. course list.)
Psychology is a one-semester course focusing on the study of human behavior.
Behavior includes physical characteristics, cognitive activity, and emotional
states, as well as social and environmental factors during the complete
life cycle. Emphasis is on the emotional and physical well-being of the
person as a whole. The student will discuss stress reduction, motivation
and emotion, memory and thought and personality theories.
