Social Studies

Social Studies Department Staff

American Government/Civics

An in-depth study of the American political system. This course focuses on the foundation, principles and structure of the American system of government, examines the role of political parties, social factors as they relate to the role of the citizen, and analyzes the decision-making process that are a part of the system of American political behavior. This course meets the state’s Citizenship requirement for graduation.

Honors American Government/Civics

This course is designed to promote the cognitive and affective growth of gifted and/or high-ability learners. The curriculum enriches, extends and accelerates students' learning in the area of American Government. In addition to the standards covered in the regular American Government class, the Honors American Government differs in the following ways: an in-depth study of the Constitution; concentrated lessons on the Constitutional Amendments; outside assignments/projects on the Legislative Branch, Executive branch, and Judicial branch. Local government (city and county) is covered in detail as well.

World Geography

The world geography course provides students with an analytical view of how geographic factors have and continue to influence human behavior on the earth.  Students will examine how the physical and cultural geographic factors contribute to varying levels of cooperation within the major world regions. Additionally, students will examine the importance that political, environmental, and economic factors have in a region’s development.

Advanced Placement Human Geography

Conforms to College Board topics for the AP Human Geography.  The purpose of the AP course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns & processes that have shaped human understanding, use, & alteration of Earth's surface. Students employ spatial concepts & landscape analysis to examine human social organization & its environmental consequences. They learn about the methods & tools geographers use in their science & practice.

World History

A survey course beginning with the earliest civilizations and highlighting important developments throughout the world until the early 21st century.  The course includes topics related to Early Civilizations and Classical Empires; Growth, Expansion, and the Emergence of the Modern World; Global Interaction and Conflict; and the Contemporary World.

Advanced Placement World History: Modern

Conforms to the five major themes, key concepts, and historical thinking skills as suggested by the College Board. The course is global in perspective with a particular interest in the social, political, cultural, and economic development of Asia and Africa although western civilization in Europe and the Americas are addressed. The time period covered is from 1200 to present.

United States History

Examines the history of the United States beginning with the British settlement of North America.  The course’s main focus is the development of the United States in the 20th and 21st centuries.  The course includes topics related to Colonization through the Constitution; New Republic to Reconstruction; Industrialization, Reform, and Imperialism; Establishment as a World Power; and the Modern Era.

Advanced Placement United States History

Conforms to College Board topics for the Advanced Placement United States History Examination. Covers discovery and settlement, Colonial Society, the American Revolution, Constitution and the New Republic, Age of Jefferson, Nationalism, Sectionalism, Territorial Expansion, Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrialization, Progressive Era, World War I, Depression, New Deal, World War II, and the Cold War through modern times.

Economics/Business/Free Enterprise

An in-depth study of the American economy.  This course is an introduction to the principles of economics.  The course includes topics related to Fundamental Economic Concepts, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, International Economics, and Personal Finance.

Advanced Placement Microeconomics

Conforms to College Board topics for the Advanced Placement Microeconomics Examination. This course is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers.  The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.  Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.

Sports in US Society

The Sports in United States Society course examines the vital sociological role of sport in the making of United States society and culture, and vice-versa. The course analyzes the reasons for and popularity of youth, high school, collegiate, and professional sports and the interrelationship between sports and other social institutions, such as the economy, education, media, and politics. Inequalities and deviance in society that are reflected in sports are discussed, along with social progress championed through sports. Current issues and controversies in sports that are a microcosm of society are also presented.