Social Studies

World Map

Human Geography 1,2 AP - Grade 9

* Non-weighted course

Prerequisites: Strong interest in history, determination to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement examination, above average achievement in previous high school humanities courses, desire to do college level work, and counselor recommendation. It is strongly recommended that ninth grade students interested in taking AP European History, AP World History, or AP U.S. History in grades 10 and 11 enroll in this course.

Modern World History and Geography 1,2 - Grade 10

* This course is required of all students at grade 10 except for those enrolled in a designated advanced alternative.

In this course students examine the following strands: history, geography, economics, culture, and ethics. The course emphasizes national identity, constitutional heritage, and citizenship. It exercises varied study, visual, map/globe, and critical-thinking skills. World history from the late 1700s to the present is explored. The curriculum is designed to increase students' capacity to think analytically and critically.

World History 1,2 AP - Grade 10

Prerequisites: Successful completion of a grade 9 history-social studies course (e.g., Modern World History and Geography 1,2 (P) or Global Political and Economic Decisions 1,2 (P) and/or counselor and teacher recommendation. Strong interest in history, determination to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement examination, above average achievement in previous high school humanities courses, desire to do college level work, and counselor recommendation. Course requires independent reading and note taking of college textbook, so ability to read and write at grade level is highly recommended.

In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making time. The course provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.

European History 1,2 AP - Grade 10

Prerequisites: Grade of "A" or "B" in English classes. Successful completion of a grade 9 history-social studies course (e.g., Modern World history and Geography 1,2 (P) or Global Political and Economic Decisions 1,2 (P) and/or counselor and teacher recommendation.

This course provides challenging instruction to students in grades 10-12. The course is organized to help students develop understanding of cultural, economic, political, and social developments that shaped European history, as well as an awareness of the consequences of the European contacts with other regions of the world. Emphasis is placed on European history from 1450 to the present. Development and practice of the historical analysis and interpretation and an ability to express historical understanding in writing play a major part in course instruction.

The course follows the standard syllabus of Advanced Placement European History as specified by the College Board; it prepares students to satisfactorily complete the Advanced Placement Examination in European History and thus the opportunity to earn college credit.

United States History and Geography 1,2 - Grade 11

*This course is required for all grade 11 students except those taking a designated alternative.

In the course students examine major turning points in American history in the twentieth century. The course begins with a review of U.S. history with an emphasis on the nation's beginnings and the industrial transformation of the new nation. Students then study the Progressive Era, American participation in World War I and World War II, the Great Depression, and national issues in the post-World War II era. They will also examine elements of culture, including religion, literature, drama, art, music, education, and the role of media.

This course emphasizes the relevance of history to students' daily lives and helps them understand how the ideas and events of the past shape the institutions and debates of contemporary America.

United States History 1,2 AP - Grade 11

Prerequisites: Strong interest in history, determination to prepare for and take the Advanced Placement examination, above average achievement in previous high school humanities courses, desire to do college level work, and counselor recommendation.

The course provides challenging instruction for grade 11 students. It helps students develop critical judgments by encouraging them to read and analyze carefully chosen selections from both secondary and primary sources that explore the ideals, traditions, and institutions of the United States as well as the unity and diversity among American people. Emphasis is given to interpretations of major historical themes and evidence.

The course follows the standard syllabus of Advanced Placement United States History as specified by the College Board; it prepares students to achieve satisfactory results on the Advanced Placement Examination in United States History and thus to earn college credit.

Identity/Agency in U.S. History 1-2 - Grade 11

In this course, students will examine U.S. history from the nation's beginnings to the 21st Century from the perspectives of groups that have been marginalized due to ethnicity, race, class, gender, and sexual identity.

Students will analyze primary and secondary sources to develop arguments and use historical thinking skills, including contextualization, comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time, the evaluate instances of oppression and progress towards equality. They will study the influence of legal, political, philosophical, and technological forces on issues of equity and access, as well as the contributions of individuals to the fight for social and racial justice. Through their investigation of U.S. history, students will explore the American identity and learn to appreciate and respect the similarities and differences that characterize the people of this nation. They will also understand that individuals can make a difference, and can become agents of changes by challenging prejudice, exclusion, and injustice in society.

Government 1* - Grade 12

In Government 1 students apply knowledge gained in previous years of study to pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American government. This course focuses on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, the courts and governmental processes, the legislative and executive branches of government, state and local government, and comparative government.

Government 1 is the culmination of the civic literacy strand that prepares students to vote, to reflect on the responsibilities of citizenship, and to participate in democratic activities and processes.

*One semester each. Taken together to fill year requirement for graduation.

Principles of Economics 1* - Grade 12

This one-semester course deepens students' understanding of the economic problems and institutions of the nation and the world. Students learn to make reasoned decisions on economic issues through the study of fundamental economic concepts, comparative economic systems, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. Principles of Economics also includes the district-approved financial literacy curriculum, which helps students learn the connection between career and income as well as how to file taxes, budget money, and manage bank accounts, credit cards, and credit scores.

*One semester each. Taken together to fill year requirement for graduation.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 101 - Grade 12
*MESA College Course
This course is an introduction to the field of Political Science. Emphasis is placed on the concepts and methodologies used in the study of political institutions, political participation, public opinion, and the international political system. Topics also include a survey of political theory and the history of American political ideology and culture. This course is intended for students majoring in political science and those interested in the field of political science.

POLITICAL SCIENCE 102 - Grade 12
*MESA College Course
This comprehensive survey course provides an in-depth study of the American political system. National and California systems of government are studied from the perspective of constitutional frameworks and political institutions, processes, issues, and policies. Other topics include political participation; political parties and interest groups; social movements and minorities; civil liberties; and the role of political ideology, culture, and the mass media in shaping public opinion and policymaking. This course is intended for transfer students, political science majors, or students interested in the American political system.

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