Social Studies

One credit of World History, one credit of U.S. History, one credit of American Government and 1/2 credit of Economics are required for graduation.

AP Human Geography (will count as a World History credit)

AP Human Geography is the equivalent of a one-semester introductory college course in human geography or cultural geography. Emphasis is placed on improving student geo literacy and engagement in contemporary global issues. Students will examine phenomena such as population growth, globalization, food production, urbanization and environmental issues, using case studies from all over the world. Real-world issues will be explored through spatial analysis, landscape analysis, and critical thinking. College credit is earned based on AP exam performance.

Grade(s): 10-12

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Additional Requirements: Additional summer homework. Students should maintain at least a C average to remain in any AP class.

AP US History

This is a college preparatory history class for highly motivated students. The content surveys American history from the colonial era to the present, emphasizing political, economic, and cultural transitions. Students are expected to critically analyze historical documents and information, arrive at informed conclusions, and communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively. These requirements are in addition to those in the regular US History course. This course will prepare students for the AP test, which they will be expected to take.

Grade(s): 11

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

Requirements: Additional homework. Summer work. Students should maintain at least a C average to remain in any AP class.

US History

Students will study the story of the United States in this survey class, which starts with colonial America and ends with modern times. Special emphasis will be placed on the individuals and groups that have shaped our society, culture, and government.

Grade(s): 11

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

World History

This course will include a history of the world’s great civilizations, their geographic settings, political development, social life, and economic conditions. Special focus will be placed on the key people, events, places, and documents that contributed to the formation of the modern world. Students will study the relationship of the present to the past.

Grade(s): 9

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

World History Honors

This course is designed to teach students about major cultural, social, religious, and political issues around the world. As an Honors course, it will go deeper into the concepts addressed and will explore interrelated topics. Students will develop research, writing, and reasoning skills while gaining greater insight into world cultures and religions.`

Grade(s): 9

1 Credit(s)

2 Semester(s)

American Government

The goal of this course is to develop the requisite knowledge and skills for informed, responsible and active participation in public life; to ensure that each student understands the content, sources and history of the founding documents of the United States, with particular emphasis on the Constitution and how the government functions at the local, state, national and international levels. This class is aligned with Arizona State Standards and the Common Core Standards.

Grade: 12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

AP American Government

This course is designed to offer students a challenging, comprehensive, and analytical course in American Government and Politics comparable to a university introductory class. It begins with a brief study of the framework of American political values and traditions. Most of the focus is given to the essential components of the institutions and processes through which the political system operates and the public policy that is adopted and implemented. Upon completion of this course, students will take the National Advanced Placement Exam in May, which gives them an opportunity to receive college credit. The course is conducted using a variety of methods: lecture/discussion, simulations, cooperative learning activities and independent research. All students are responsible for reading the assignments before coming to class so that they may participate. The readings are intended to serve as the point of departure for class discussions. Therefore, it is imperative for students to complete the assigned reading before a topic is taken up in class. Students are also expected to become familiar with News Journals through the reading of newspapers, news magazines, and news-oriented broadcasts.

Grade: 12

1 Credit

2 Semesters

Requirements: Additional homework. Summer work. Students should maintain at least a C average to remain in any AP class.