World History

This course examines the major turning points in the shaping of the Modern World from the late 18th century to the present. Topics include: the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, WWI, WWII, the Holocaust and the post WWII world.   The study of current world issues, their origins, and the growing interdependence of people and cultures throughout the world are a primary focus. All students will take a final each semester in World History

                                                                                World History Advanced

This class is for students who have a real interest in history and seek a more challenging curriculum. Students will do in-depth study of the major topics covered in the World History course. Oral and written presentations based on primary source materials, literature and student research combine for writing across the curriculum and are an integral part of the course. Students will develop the writing and research skills needed to prepare themselves for 20th Century US History A.P.  All students will take a final each semester in World History Advanced.

                                                             European History Advanced Placement

Sophomores intending to enroll in European History A.P. are required to complete an AP application, which is available in the counseling office.  Students must have earned an "A" or "B" in Freshmen English class and have scored a proficient or higher on their most recent CST test in English. Seniors intending to enroll in European History A.P. are also required to complete an AP application and must have earned an "A" or "B" in Junior level History and English in order to take this class. 

The objective of the course is to increase students’ understanding and appreciation of European history while helping each student succeed on the AP European History Exam. This course will examine the period of European history from 1350-2007. The course will focus on the social, political, religious, intellectual, technological and economic developments throughout this period of history. For this reason, students need to understand periodization in European history and to relate it to the following themes: Intellectual and Cultural History, Political and Diplomatic History, and Social and Economic History. Within these themes, there are several sub-themes that will be interwoven throughout the semesters. Students will use the textbook, as well as a variety of primary sources, to become more familiar with these themes. Class members will also achieve proficiency in the subject matter and earn college credit as measured by the AP European History Exam.

                                                           20th Century U.S. History

This course will introduce students to contemporary U.S. History. The focus is on the development of the U.S. from the Reconstruction Era to the present and traces the country’s development as an industrial world power. Topics include: the Progressive Period, WWI, the Cold War and Vietnam, the Protest Years, the Civil Rights Movement and the Reagan Years to the Present. Oral and written presentations based on primary source materials and student research combine for writing across the curriculum and are an integral part of the course. All students will take a final each semester in 20th Century US History.

U.S. History (A&B) Advanced Placement

Juniors intending to enroll in AP U.S. History are required to complete an AP application, which is available in the counseling office.  Students must have earned an "A" or "B" in Sophomore level History and English in order to take this class. In addition, applicants must receive recommendations from their teachers of the aforementioned subjects.
This course covers the history of America from the colonial era to the present. Ambitious and capable high school students who avail themselves of this opportunity will accomplish college level work prior to their admission into an institution of higher learning. Students will sharpen higher order reasoning and expository reading and writing skills in order to prepare for success in higher education. Class members will also achieve proficiency in the subject matter and earn college credit as measured by the AP U.S. History Examination. All students enrolled in AP U.S. History are required to take the AP U.S. History Examination in May.

American Government

Completion of  one year of 20th century U.S. History or Senior students only.
This course is designed to give an accurate and comprehensive account of both the structure and philosophy of each level of government: local, state, and national. Students will study the U.S. Constitution, significant Supreme court cases, and other significant national and state trends. Through writing, presentations, discussions and other assessments, students will be prepared to be active citizens. All students will take a final in American government

American Government A.P.

Recommendation of the U.S. History teacher, application and interview. Honors/AP application required.
This year long course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Exam in government. Only college level materials are used for credits earned by studying the national government and the courts, civil rights and civil liberties, state and local governments and the foundations of the American system. All students enrolled in this course will take the AP American Government test. This course also fulfills the economics requirement for graduation.

Economics

                                        Completion of  one year of 20th century U.S. History or Senior students only.
This course is designed to focus on the growth, development and progress of the American economy. 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 a context of the facts of current economic life. All students will take a final in Economics

Psychology

This is a one semester course, which introduces students to the study of psychology. This course includes an overview of major psychological approaches, theories, and concepts and is designed to help students gain a better understanding of themselves and of other people. All students will take a semester final.

Psychology Advanced

Must have passed Psychology with a C or better or have instructor approval.

This course will include an introductory unit on experimental design, reliability, and statistical inference. Students will further their studies of personality development and theory with an introduction to intrapersonal and social relationships, including peer groups. Students will look at areas such as altered states of consciousness. Finally students will study some of the concepts and problems with regard to abnormal behavior, with an emphasis on the most prevalent social problems of today. 

Sociology

This is a one semester course, which introduces students to the subject of sociology. This course is designed to introduce students to the tools and responsibilities of a sociologist and encourage students to use these skills to investigate and explain real problems through data collection and analysis. The students in this course will also seek to understand interactions among individuals, groups, and institutions. All students will take a semester final.

Chicano Studies

This class is an introductory  elective course under the social sciences/history category, Students will examine and appreciate the colorful history and contributions of  Mexican, Latino and other indigenous American groups in the United States. This class will be enriched with works of literature, poetry, storytelling, art, song and cinema. (This course does not fulfill the World or US History requirement for graduation)