Civics

Grade: 10th

Description: In Civics, students explore the goal of a “more perfect union” and the role of the individual in the decisions of that union as they learn about the foundations, structure, and functions of the US government, politics and the role of the citizen, economic concepts, and financial literacy. Students will use sources regularly to learn content; make connections among people, events, and ideas across time and place; and express informed opinions using evidence from sources and outside knowledge. Gifted, Great Scholars Academy, and/or Magnet sections may be available for eligible students.

Government & Politics: United States (AP)

Grade: 10th

Description: AP United States Government and Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning, assess causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments. Note: Students who take this class are required to take the AP Exam.

Prerequisites: C or above average in Social Studies courses; AP Coordinator Approval. 

US History

Grade: 11th

Description: In U.S. History, students explore the evolution of the American identity and its role in the global community as they learn about the industrialization, consolidation, and corporatization of the United States; foreign policy from imperialism to intervention in World War I; economic prosperity and decline between the world wars; the reassertion of American exceptionalism following World War II and during the Cold War; and the shifting role of the United States in the increasingly intertwined modern global community. Students will use sources to learn content; make connections among people, events, and ideas across time and place; and express informed opinions using evidence from sources. Gifted, Great Scholars Academy, and/or Magnet sections may be available for eligible students. Note: Students enrolled in this course will participate in the U.S. History LEAP 2025 Test.

US History (AP): Extra Quality Point Awarded for C or Above

Description: AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. history course. In AP U.S. History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. Note: Students who take this class are required to take the AP Exam. Students enrolled in this course will participate in the US History LEAP 2025 Test.

Prerequisites: C or above average in Social Studies courses; AP Coordinator Approval. 

Psychology (AP): Extra Quality Point Awarded for C or Above.

Grade: 10th, 11th, & 12th

Description: 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, treatment of abnormal behavior, 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. Note: Students who take this class are required to take the AP Exam.

Prerequisite: C or above average in Social Studies courses; AP Coordinator Approval. 

World History

Grade: 12th

Description: In World History, students develop a deep understanding of the major historical events around the world from the Renaissance through present day. By analyzing significant historical periods, students explain how society, the environment, the political and economic landscape, and historical events influence perspectives, values, traditions, and ideas. Units of study include: Renaissance and Reformation, Ages of Discovery and Monarchs of Europe; Political and Industrial Age Revolutions; Nationalism, Imperialism, and World War I; Between the Wars and WWII; and Changes, Challenges, and Advances (1945-Present). Gifted, Great Scholars Academy, and/or Magnet sections may be available for eligible students.

Hist 101 West. Civilization I & Hist 102 West. Civilization II Dual Enrollment

Grade: 12th

Description: History 1001: Western Civilization I provides a survey of Western Civilization from its origins to approximately 1500 CE. Students will learn about the social, cultural, religious, and political history of the period. The primary goal of the course is to introduce the student to study of History as a discipline while investigating the history of Near Eastern, Greek, Roman and Medieval civilizations. History 1003: Western Civilization II is a survey of Western Civilization from 1500 CE to the present with an emphasis on the impact of ideas and actions on Europeans and others in the world. Students will learn about religion, intellectual developments, social changes, high and popular culture, and a series of political shifts during the period. Note: Students will earn both university and high school credit at the same time for each course.

Prerequisites: University Admissions Standards, Minimum Standardized Test Scores; 2.5 GPA or above; Teacher Recommendation; Parental Consent; and Dual Enrollment Coordinator Approval

European History – Adv. Placement

Grade: 12th

Description: AP European History is an introductory college-level European history course. Students will study European history through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like interaction of Europe and the world; economic and commercial developments; cultural and intellectual developments; states and other institutions of power; social organization and development; national and European identity; and technological and scientific innovation. Note: Students who take this class are required to take the AP Exam.

Prerequisites: C or above average in Social Studies courses; AP Coordinator Approval.