The following Social Studies Courses will fulfill a 1 graduation credit (unless otherwise specified) each towards the needed social studies credits in order to graduate. 

United States History  - 2 semesters - 1 .0 credit  

This class is designed to insure that students have a thorough understanding of the basic concepts of American History from 1877 to the present.  Major units include Industrialization, The Populist and Progressive Movements, both World Wars, The Cold War, and modern day issues. 

Evaluation is based on unit test scores, a neatly kept notebook, chapter quizzes, and the occasional class assignment.

Honors United States History  - 2 semesters - 1 .0 credit 

Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation

This class is designed to provide a more in depth look at American History from 1877 to the present.  Major units include Industrialization, The Populist and Progressive Movements, both World Wars, The Cold War, and modern day issues.

Evaluation is based on unit test scores, a neatly kept notebook,  chapter quizzes, and the occasional class assignment.  

World History  - 2 semesters - 1 .0 credit 

This is a modern world history class, starting with the First Global Age of Exploration.  It includes discussion of the Absolute Monarchs of Europe and key Revolutions of the world (American, French, Europe, Latin America, and Russia).  A significant amount of time will also be spent on the Industrial Revolution and the changes it brought about.  The two World Wars will be looked at, more from a world perspective.  This course finishes with a look at specific regions of the world, following WWII. 

Evaluation is based on unit test scores, a neatly kept notebook, chapter quizzes, and class assignments.

Honors World History  - 2 semesters - 1 .0 credit 

Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation

This is a more in depth look at modern world history, starting with the First Global Age of Exploration.  It includes discussion of the Absolute Monarchs of Europe and key Revolutions of the world (American, French, Europe, Latin America, and Russia).  A significant amount of time will also be spent on the Industrial Revolution and the changes it brought about.  The two World Wars will be looked at, more from a world perspective.  This course finishes with a look at specific regions of the world, following WWII. 

Evaluation is based on unit test scores, a neatly kept notebook, chapter quizzes and various class assignments.  There will be additional writing assignments.

American Government  - 2 semesters - 1 .0 credit 

Prerequisite:  U.S. History and World History

Government is a class designed to insure that students have a thorough understanding of the basic concepts of American Government.  An emphasis will be placed on the three branches of government; the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial.  Another point of emphasis will be our basic rights found in the Constitution.  There will also be a contrast between our economic system and the other major world economies. 

Evaluation is based on test scores, compositions, notebooks, class participation, and homework.

Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government & Politics - 2 semesters - 1 .0 credit  

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation. 

This course is designed for high achieving students who plan to further their studies in college.  The curriculum is based on that set forth by the College Board.  This course is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to successfully complete the Advanced Placement Exam given in the second week of May to earn college credit. 

Evaluation is based on test scores, compositions, notebooks, and homework.

Psychology (AP) - 2 semesters - 1.0 credit

The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. 

Evaluation is based on class work, tests, quizzes and project assignments.

Note:  All students must have three credits of Social Studies to graduate.  They must include U.S. History, World History and Government.  Psychology does not count toward these three Social Studies credits.

Electives:

Contemporary Issues - 1 semester - .5 credit

Contemporary Issues is a course that  introduces students to various issues facing the world today. Students will explore global economic systems, human rights, world health, environmental issues, and the role of the United States and the United Nations in a changing world. This class is designed to eliminate much of the confusion surrounding these issues and allow students to form their own opinions on matters that affect their world. Students will evaluate the issues and propose solutions from a variety of perspectives.  

Evaluation is based on in class assignments.