Social Science

• Credits: 10

• College Prep Course

Modern World History is a UC-approved, college-prep solid-block semester course. Students will study major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late eighteenth century through the present, including the cause and course of the two world wars. They will trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues, especially as they pertain to international relations. They will also draw inferences from the American experience that democratic ideals are often achieved at a high price, remain vulnerable, and are not practiced everywhere in the world. Students will develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to their historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts. As part of this course, students will consider multiple accounts of events in order to understand international relations from a variety of perspectives. Topics may include the following:

1. The moral and ethical principles in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, Judaism, and Christianity to the development of Western political thought.

2. The Glorious Revolution of England, the American Revolution, and the French Revolution and their enduring effects worldwide on the political expectations for self-government and individual liberty.

3. The effects of the Industrial Revolution in England, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States.

4. The patterns of global change in the era of New Imperialism in at least two of the following regions or countries: Africa, Southeast Asia, China, India, Latin America, and the Philippines.

5. The causes and effects of the First World War.

6. The rise of totalitarian governments after World War I.

7. The causes and consequences of World War II.

8. The international developments in the post–World War II world.

9. Nation-building in the contemporary world in at least two of the following regions or countries: the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and other parts of Latin America, and China.

10. The integration of countries into the world economy and the information, technological, and communications revolutions (e.g., television, satellites, computers).

• Advanced Placement

• Credits: 10 (Weighted Grade)

• College Prep Course

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 historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over 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.

• Credits: 10

• College Prep Course

The purpose of U.S. History is to provide students with a general background in American History, with an emphasis on 20th Century events and developments. This course aims to help students better understand how this nation's history has shaped American culture, society, and politics and will also teach students how to analyze historical events and apply their knowledge to better understand the present. This course covers the following topics:

1. Forging a New Nation, 1765-1900

2. Roots of a Modern Nation, 1900-1920

3. The “Roaring ‘20’s”

4. Economic Crisis and New Deal, 1929-1941

5. World War II, 1941-1945

6. The Cold War, 1945-1990

7. Equality and Social Reform 1954-1976

8. The Vietnam Era, 1960-1976

9. The New Conservatism, 1976-1990

10. Conservation through 21st Century,  1990 -  present

• Advanced Placement

• Credits: 10

• College Prep Course

Advanced Placement U.S. History is intended to provide intensive study of American History from pre-colonial to recent times. This course is intended to meet the needs of students interested in advanced study and to provide preparation for the Advanced Placement test. Critical thinking, historical interpretation, and writing skills will be emphasized. Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Read, interpret, and criticize historical works.

2. Identify assumptions which underlie various historical interpretations.

3. Analyze and discuss in writing significant themes in United States history.

• Credits: 5

• College Prep Course

The purpose of this course is to introduce the fundamentals of American Government and Politics; particularly the major institutions and processes.  Students will compare systems of government in the world today and analyze the history and changing interpretations of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the current state of the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches of government. Further, it aims to develop skills and abilities in analyzing and evaluating issues and public policies in American Politics. Students will be able to:

1. Describe the links between citizens and government. In this, they should articulate key concepts about voting, political parties, elections, and other forms of political participation.

2. Understand the structure and interactions of the presidency, congress, bureaucracy, courts.

3. To understand the historical and theoretical perspectives of the American federal government.

4. The student will understand the foundations, development, allocation of governmental powers and citizens’ rights that are guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.

• Credits: 5

• College Prep Course

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic economic concepts and terms necessary for the understanding of economics. The course focuses on economic and political issues, such as scarcity, economic systems, supply and demand, gross domestic product, unemployment, inflation,  monetary policy, and fiscal policy. Students will learn to use economic and political models and theories to analyze, predict, and develop solutions to problems. Students will draw from books, magazines, journals, and newspapers in addition to the textbook. Upon completion of the course, the student will:

1. Understand important micro and macro-economic terms and concepts essential for evaluating national/international issues.

2. Understand the factors that influence economic growth and development.

3. Analyze and evaluate how economics influences political choices for national and international events.

4. Understand how a nation's fiscal, monetary, and trade policies are influenced by a global economy. 

• Credits: 10

• College Prep Course

This course presents American Government subject matter that is representative of what a university freshman would typically experience in the Political Science discipline. This course will help students to develop their own political ideas and the skills necessary to participate in a democratic society. This course will also prepare students for the advanced placement exam in American Government and Politics. In addition, this course meets state requirements for Economics. The following topics will be examined through various analytical perspectives, left, center, and right:

1. Democratic theory and how that theory applies to the current and past political environments.

2. The political process.

3. Linkage Institutions such as elections, political parties, special interest groups, and the media.

4. The major policy-making institutions of the national government.

5. Public policy-making.

6. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

Students will also study economic theory and political economy. This study will focus on essential economic concepts while emphasizing the impact that economics and government have on each other. More specifically, students will see important connections between market events, our legal framework, and our political system. Activities that may be included in the course include:

1. Individual research and writing.

2. Collaborative research and writing.

3. Oral presentation in groups and as individuals.

4. Regular in-class discussions.

5. Group debates on various topics.

• Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation 

• Credits: 10

Directed World History is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the essential standards of World History. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team. 

• Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation 

• Credits: 10

Directed U.S. History is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the essential standards of U.S. History. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team.

• Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation 

• Credits: 5

Directed American Government is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the essential standards of Political Science. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team.

• Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation 

• Credits: 5

Directed Economics is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the essential standards of Economics. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team.

• Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation 

• Credits: 10

Practical History is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the elements of history: economics, politics, sociology, culture, and religion. Students will make connections between past and present, prompting real-world associations, and expanding their social and academic experiences. Through their study of history, students will work on their spatial and chronological thinking, points of view, historical research, and historical interpretation. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team.

• Recommended Placement: IEP Team Recommendation 

• Credits: 10

Practical History is a special education class, consisting of specialized academic instruction, focused on the elements of history: economics, politics, sociology, culture, and religion. Students will make connections between past and present, prompting real-world associations, and expanding their social and academic experiences. Through their study of history, students will work on their spatial and chronological thinking, points of view, historical research, and historical interpretation. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team recommendation, and the curricular focus is based on the student’s individual needs (accommodations, modifications, and identified goals) agreed to by the IEP team.

• Prerequisite: Recommendation from the IEP Team (Enrollment is limited to students who qualify for Special Education Support Services) 

• Credits: 10

• One Year, Non-College Prep

This course is designed to promote awareness of the history and geography of the United States.  Students will have the opportunity to learn ab out significant historical events in the founding of the nation, the building of good relationships in the community, state, and world, and the ways technology has improved life.  Emphasis is placed on students' awareness of how historical events impact their daily lives.

• Prerequisite: Recommendation from the IEP Team (Enrollment is limited to students who qualify for Special Education Support Services) 

• Credits: 10

• One Year, Non-College Prep

Functional World History is a special education class consisting of specialized academic instruction around historical events and/or periods and any effect that the event or period has on life today. Students will be exposed to key physical landforms and human constructions of the past. Students will have the opportunity to make connections and recognize examples of conflict situations and strategies to resolve disagreements. Students will explore issues of modern times and the implications that these may have in the world they live in today and for future generations. 

Content in this area is designed to assist students in the required knowledge for post-secondary living or community participation as a contributing member of society. The application of this course will function to provide students with real-world vocational skills.

• Recommended Placement: Junior or senior standing

• Credits: 5

• College Prep Course

• UC/CSU Approved

Financial Literacy is rooted in Dave Ramsey’s Foundations in Personal Finance curriculum, which meets national standards developed and written by the JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.  Students are taught simple saving habits that can lead them to be financially independent and live debt free. The curriculum helps to enable students to confidently discuss money issues and plan for their own financial future, with the ultimate goal of retiring as a millionaire, regardless of career choice.  Parents, this is the class that you would say: "I wish they had when I was in school!" In addition to the financial aspects of the course other topics that are covered include:

1. Goal Setting

2. Buying a reliable used car for cash.

3. Career Exploration

4. Resumes, Cover Letters, Professional Dress

5. Marital Responsibilities and Family Planning (financially speaking)

Main Units:

1. Saving and Investing

   • Basic reasons to save money; compound interest; diversification; benefits of long and short-term investing using tax-favored plans

2. Credit and Debt

   • Debunk the myths associated with debt and how to avoid it.  Show how debt is marketed to young people.  Consumer awareness; credit bureaus; collection practices.

3. Financial Responsibility and Money Management

   • Budgeting 101—creating and living on a written budget; bargain shopping; exploring how men and women view money differently.

4. Insurance/Risk Management and Income/Careers

   • Career choices; taxes (personal and governmental); examine the many types of insurance and their purpose; real estate—buying, selling, and renting process; financing and costs associated with home ownership and renting.

• Recommended Placement: Sophomore, junior or senior standing

• Credits: 5

• College Prep Course

College Prep Intro to Psychology is an alternating one-semester course providing a foundational overview of the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes, while also exploring research methods and major psychological theories. This course aims to give students a broad understanding of how the mind works and influences our actions in everyday life. Intro to Psych is designed to encourage students to apply this knowledge to enhance their own lives and will lay the foundation for a more rigorous learning environment like AP Psychology, a college major in psychology, or just for generating interest and understanding of yourself and others! This course covers key topics like: 

1. Social Interaction and Influence

2. Personality

3. Development

4. Abnormal Psychology

5. Real-World Applications

• Advanced Placement

• Recommended Placement: Junior or senior standing

• Credits: 10

• College Prep Course

Psychology encompasses nine College Board-aligned units of study designed to introduce students to the systemic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and animals.  Through inquiry-based investigations, students will explore concepts like sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, abnormal behavior, and much more.  Students can expect weekly reading and writing assignments from the text, and/or supplemental readings.  Assignments will consist of analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating these texts.  Classwork will consist of lectures, discussions, and debates. Some of the topics covered: 

1. Scientific Foundations of Psychology

2. Biological Bases of Behavior

3. Sensation and Perception

4. Learning

5. Cognitive Psychology

6. Developmental Psychology

7. Motivation, Emotion, and Personality

8. Clinical Psychology

9. Social Psychology

• Prerequisite: Recommendation from the IEP Team (Enrollment is limited to students who qualify for Special Education Support Services) 

• Credits: 10

• One Year, Non-College Prep

This course is designed to promote awareness of the roles and responsibilities of citizens and the major concepts of economics with emphasis on practical, personal application. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the structure and functions of federal, state, and local governments and how decisions made at these levels affect the rights of individuals.  Students will have the opportunity to learn about economic and personal finance decision-making, the relationship between individual choices, and the direct influence of these choices on career, future earning potential, and independent living. Emphasis is placed on students’ required knowledge for postsecondary living or community participation as a contributing member of society.

• Advanced Placement

• Recommended Placement: Junior or senior standing

• Credits: 5

• College Prep Course

AP Macroeconomics is a rigorous course designed to engage students in the most important concepts of Macroeconomics, similar to what a university freshman would experience in the Economics discipline.  The purpose of this AP course in macroeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole.  The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics.

• Recommended Placement: Junior or senior standing

• Credits: 5

• College Prep Course

Ethnic Studies is designed to explore the histories, cultures, struggles, and contributions of historically marginalized groups in the United States. Rooted in the four foundational disciplines—African American Studies, Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x Studies, Native American Studies, and Asian American and Pacific Islander Studies—Ethnic Studies provides students with a deeper understanding of the experiences of these communities, which are often underrepresented in traditional U.S. history courses. By incorporating these diverse perspectives, the Ethnic Studies course aims to enhance students' critical thinking, cultural competence, and understanding of social justice issues. The key elements of this Ethnic Studies course include:

1. An exploration of diverse ethnic and cultural perspectives

2. Critical examination of historical and contemporary issues related to race and ethnicity

3. Development of skills in critical thinking, empathy, and social justice

4. Integration of state and local policies and community needs