Social Studies

Mar 11

World Geography (Pre-AP)

Prerequisite: none
Grade level: 9
1 credit (2 semesters)
Geography is the study of how people change the land and how the land affects people. During the first quarter students will learn the basic concepts needed to understand the countries and regions of the world. Next will be a study of North America and the U.S. The rest of the year will deal with other regions of the world; for example: Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, Europe, etc. We will examine the world regions using the five themes of geography analysis: location, place, human/environment interaction, movement and region.

Prerequisite: none
Grade level: 10
1 credit (2 semesters)
World History is a year-long required survey course that explores the key events and global historical developments since the ancient world that have shaped the world we live in today. The scope of Modern World History provides the latitude to range widely across all aspects of human experience: economics, science, religion, philosophy, politics & law, military conflict, literature & the arts. The course will illuminate connections between our lives and those of our ancestors around the world. Students will uncover patterns of behavior, identify historical trends and themes, explore historical movements and concepts. Students will refine their ability to read for comprehension and critical analysis; summarize, categorize, compare, and evaluate information; write clearly and convincingly; express facts and opinions orally; and use technology appropriately to present information.

Prerequisite: none
Grade level: 11
1 credit (2 semesters)
This course provides a one-year survey of American history from the Colonial Period and the American Revolution to the present day, with an emphasis on the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Using the textbook and primary documents and current events, students learn about the various political, social, religious, and economic developments that have shaped and continue to shape the United States to this day. Writing and critical thinking are emphasized as integral ways of understanding how the past relates to the present and future.

Prerequisite: 85 or higher during both semesters of World History and minimum 3.5 GPA
Grade level: 11
1 credit (2 semesters)
AP U.S. History is an introductory college-level U.S. history course. Students cultivate their understanding of U.S. history from c. 1491 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures.

Prerequisite: none
Grade level: 12
0.5 credit (1 semester)
This course is viewed as a source of civic literacy. We survey the principles, philosophies, practices and institutions that comprise the United States system of government and law. Students are expected to apply knowledge gained in previous social studies courses to pursue deeper understanding of American government. Contemporary issues will frame conversations about the Constitution, the courts, legislative and executive branches, federalism, and a review of major political philosophies around the world. Emphasis is also given to the dynamics of political decision-making and the degree to which citizens participate in political processes and our civil liberties.

Prerequisite: 85 or higher during both semesters of US History
Grade level: 12
0.5 credit (1 semester)
An examination of the United States political system, including its intellectual foundations and the design of the Constitution. Includes study of the major institutional factors, the impact of interest groups and the media, and the processes of policy-making. May be taken in fulfillment of statutory requirements for a baccalaureate degree.

Prerequisite: none
Grade level: 12
0.5 credit (1 semester)
This course provides a one-semester study of Economics in which students learn the fundamental concepts of micro-, macro-, and international economics and apply them in intellectually and engaging ways. Students will gain a general understanding of economics and economic philosophy that will enable them to assess and evaluate the U.S. economy and their personal finance more successfully. Essay writing, critical thinking, active reading and note taking will be emphasized as important means for fully participating in the class.

Prerequisite: 85 or higher during both semesters of US History
Grade level: 12
0.5 credit (1 semester)
AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination; it also develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.

Home of the Cardinals