Social Science Department

World History

Grade Level   □ 9  ■ 10  □ 11  □ 12

One Year:  10 Credits

Prerequisite:  This course will be open to 9th graders with teacher/administrative approval

UC/CSU: “a”

Students in the tenth grade study the major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late 18th century through the present, including the cause and course of the two world wars.  They 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 extrapolate from the American experience that democratic ideas are often achieved at a high price, remain vulnerable and are not practiced everywhere in the world.  Students develop an understanding of current world issues. Students consider multiple accounts of events in order to understand international relations from a variety of perspectives.

US History

Grade Level  □ 9  □ 10  ■ 11 □ 12

One Year:  10 Credits

Prerequisite:  None

UC/CSU: “a”

In this course students examine major turning points in American History in the 20th Century, including: political, social and economic events important to US History. Students will be exposed to the critical political, social, intellectual, economic and cultural events and trends that have shaped the development of the United States. 

AP US History

Grade Level  □ 9  □ 10  ■ 11 □ 12

One Year:  10 Credits

Prerequisite: Instructor approval.  AP European History strongly recommended

 UC/CSU: “a”

AP US History is a year-long survey course that fulfills the US History requirement. Students will be exposed to critical political, social, intellectual, economic and cultural events and trends that have shaped the development of the United States. This class will be substantially more rigorous than standard US History, requiring more reading, writing and analytical skills. The material covered in this course represents college level material for which most colleges award AP and/or college credit.  It is expected that students will take the AP Exam and seek college credit, college placement, or both from institutions of higher learning.

US Government

Grade Level   □ 9   □ 10   □ 11   ■ 12

One Semester: 5 credits

Prerequisite:  None

UC/CSU: “a”

This course is designed to give an accurate and comprehensive account of the structure, philosophy and function of the American Government at the local, state, and federal levels. It includes an in-depth study of the legislature, executive, and judicial systems. It also examines the power and relationship among the national, state, and local governments; theories; and the current political scene.  

Economics

Grade Level   □ 9   □ 10   □ 11   ■ 12

One Semester: 5 credits

Prerequisite:  None

UC/CSU: “g”

The course deals with how the American Economy works, focusing on its structure, principles, theories, and politics. It also introduces the student to comparative economic analysis. The major emphasis of the course will center on the process by which economic forces operate in our economy. The major essentials of economic principles are studied in the context of current economic life.

AP Human Geography

Advanced Placement

Grade Level   □ 9   □10   ■ 11   ■ 12

One Year:  10 Credits

Prerequisite:  Instructor approval, AP European History and AP US History strongly recommended

UC/CSU: “a” 

AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. It is expected that students will take the AP Exam and seek college credit, college placement, or both from institutions of higher education.

Psychology

Grade Level   □ 9   □ 10   ■ 11   ■ 12

One Year: 10 credits

Prerequisite:  Teacher Recommendation

UC/CSU: “g” 

WCC: PSYCHIA

Psychology is the scientific study of thoughts and behavior. Thus, this course takes a scientific approach to understanding the human mind, including investigating the role of biology, personality, past experiences, and society in shaping the way we think and behave.  . This course includes challenging projects, laboratory simulations, guest speakers, and  college-level reading and writing. Because you will receive college level credit, you will be expected to perform at a college level by studying hard and producing exceptional quality work. This course is Dual Enrolled with PSYCH1A at Woodland Community College. Students who apply to WCC and successfully complete this course will receive college credit in addition to high school credit.