Social Science Department

REQUIRED COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

American Government:  Government is a study of the structure of the United States government, the role of the citizen in a democratic republic, the significance of political parties and lobby groups, and the differences between the national government and the state's and the state and local governments' powers.  Students are required to complete text reading including the Federalist Papers 10, 51, and 78 (as per the California Framework).

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AP U.S. History: This is rigorous course designed for the students with high ability and interest in the advanced study of history.  Students will work with primary documents and will write a variety of papers and essay examinations.  Course prepares students for the U.S. History Advanced Placement Exam.  Advanced Placement (AP) classes are college level classes.  Because they are college classes not high school. they are not subject to the Homework Board policy guidelines.

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Economics:  Economics is an introduction to macroeconomics and microeconomics, consumerism and comparative economic systems.  Graphing skills as well as the ability to read charts and statistical information are used to compete assignments.  Assessment of student work in Government and Economics is heavily dependent of cooperative learning skills, as many units of study require completion of group projects and service learning.

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Ethnic Studies:  In this interdisciplinary course, students will begin with an examination of identity: exploring their own culture and heritage, and questioning their place in American society and the world. Through this course, students will analyze historic and contemporary systems of oppression focusing on the experiences of historically marginalized groups, while also exploring the resistance efforts and social movements for equity as a response to the aforementioned oppression. Some of these topics include but are not limited to racism, sexism, immigration/migration, climate justice, and current political/global dynamics. The course seeks to create a safe space for students to critically analyze, discuss, reflect, and act with empathy and allyship among and between their communities.

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U.S. History: This course will examine the chronological growth and change of the United States regarding social eras, political developments, economic policies, and foreign relations.  The California Framework units include a review of US History in the 19th Century after the Civil War, The Progressive Era, World War I, Roaring 20's the Depression Years, New Deal, World War II, The Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, the 80's and post Cold-War.  Students will continue to develop research skills, data analysis, written and oral communication, and service learning related to citizenship.  Individual and cooperative group work will be assigned.

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World History:  The focus of this course is the chronological progression of events in world history.  Students will develop a global view of the relationship between today's cultures and those of the past, as well as an awareness of cultural similarities, differences, and achievements.  Contents will also include the geographical location and influence of classical civilizations, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

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ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

AP Psychology:  The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals.  Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology.  They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.  Advanced Placement (AP) classes are college level classes and not subject to the School Board Homework policy guidelines.

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AP Human Geography:  This college level course examines cultural constructs including politics, religion, language, race, agriculture, region, and place. Students will connect these concepts to real-life scenarios, identify patterns and trends across the globe, and develop an understanding of how these experiences shape our world. Students will be prepared to take the AP Human Geography test in the spring.

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AP World History: The AP World History course is designed to follow the course outline as described by the College Board.  The purpose is to provide students with a broader understanding of the process and results of greater global contacts and interactions across continents and time periods.  Students will acquire factual knowledge as well as further developing the skills of analysis and evaluation of the cultural, institutional and technological changes within and between political boarders.  Advanced Placement (AP classes are college level classes.  Because they are college not high school, they are not subject to the Homework Board policy guidelines.

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History in Film:  Students will broaden their understanding of film and video production in the early 20th century to the present. Film will be watched, studied, discussed, and created through an international, historical lens. Students will analyze history in film by studying techniques and philosophies of directors, genres, and creative movements in the US and around the world. Students will read about movies and consider significant cinematic and historical issues through class discussions and written reflections. Students will have an opportunity to create their own films each semester to demonstrate their understanding of cinematic techniques as well as to spotlight their personal connections to film.

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Women's Studies:  The class will help students see women's past and current role in the country and in the world with a deeper understanding of their significance.  Units include an overview of women's coalitions, violence against women, international women's issues, women and the media, body image, and a research project on a subject of personal choice.  Through these topics students will be empowered with the tools of political activism and self-advocacy as they question existing social and political structures.  All students will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of themselves and the world by studying inspirational examples of powerful women.

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