SOCIAL SCIENCE

A-G: All P and AP Social Science courses qualify for UC/CSU credit in area ‘a’.  Philosophy HP qualifies for credit in area ‘g’.

Ethnic Studies P  (9) UC/CSU A-G Area A

Ethnic Studies is a semester-long course where students will learn to critically analyze history and social constructs, and celebrate the different voices in our Nation and community. This course will raise awareness of marginalized groups, and learn from voices not included in traditional history / school narratives. There will be an emphasis on creating space for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, or citizenship, and to learn different perspectives. All freshmen are enrolled in Ethnic Studies and Health. 

Bilingual World History

This course begins by providing students with foundational knowledge about the influence of geography on major developments in ancient history. Students then investigate the dramatic effects of the global interconnectedness that was created during the Age of Exploration. In preparation for the study of modern world history, the class analyzes various systems of government and obtains background knowledge about major world religions and the European Enlightenment. Students study modern political revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, imperialism, communism, nationalism, and the world wars of the 20th century.   The course includes extensive language supports that allow students with limited English proficiency to access the content in English. Many course materials are presented in Spanish, allowing for a more detailed and analytically rigorous study of history. There is a heavy emphasis on immediately relevant and relatable topics that create the opportunity for students to present their own opinions and perspectives.

World History P  (10) UC/CSU A-G Area A

World History examines the major turning points in shaping the modern world from approximately the 1500’s to the present. The course proceeds in a generally chronological fashion with an emphasis on the Western World. History units include the Origins of Democracy, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, the Industrial age, the Age of Imperialism, the World Wars and the Holocaust, the Cold War and finally, students will examine issues, problems, and opportunities in world societies of today and tomorrow.

World History P SDAIE UC/CSU A-G Area A

This course begins by providing students with foundational knowledge about the influence of geography on major developments in ancient history. Students then investigate the dramatic effects of the global interconnectedness that was created during the Age of Exploration. In preparation for the study of modern world history, the class analyzes various systems of government and obtains background knowledge about major world religions and the European Enlightenment. Students study modern political revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, imperialism, communism, nationalism, and the world wars of the 20th century.   The course includes extensive language supports that allow students with limited English proficiency to access the content. There is a heavy emphasis on immediately relevant and relatable topics that create the opportunity for students to present their own opinions and perspectives.

United States History P  (11)         UC/CSU A-G Area A

The major objectives of the course are: to develop a knowledge and appreciation of United States history and heritage and the need for individual responsibility in our continually evolving democratic society; to promote an understanding of the role of the United States in an increasingly interdependent world; and to develop a knowledge and understanding of the factors that have influenced our historical development and the formulation of past and present national policies. This course includes a review of the American Revolution and Civil War and Reconstruction followed by a more in-depth study of Industrialization, Immigration, Progressivism, America's rise to global dominance, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression and New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, Civil Rights Era, post-Cold War and contemporary American events including 9/11.

AP US History  (11) UC/CSU A-G Area A

This course begins with Pre-Columbian Native Americans and continues to present-day United States and will provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that offered in most college introductory courses. Additionally, this course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement examination in U.S. History. The course will emphasize analytic and interpretive skills in working with both primary and secondary resources. Students will be expected to do extensive reading and writing outside of class. Students will take the Advanced Placement exam in early May.

United States Government P  (12) UC/CSU A-G Area A

This one semester course (paired with Economics) provides an introduction to Political Science tailored to the maturity and interest level of high school seniors. Using the U.S. Constitution as the basic structure, it explores the American political system, making comparisons with other systems. The course traces the origins and development of the American political system, exploring such specific subtopics as the Congress, the Presidency, Political Parties, Elections and Voting Behavior, Federalism, the Courts and the role of the Bill of Rights. The current political scene and political materials are used to illustrate and enliven the course and to interest the students in becoming effective, participating citizens. 

AP Government and Politics  (12) UC/CSU A-G Area A

 This semester course will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. Beginning with foundational writings of philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, the course will examine nine foundational documents and 15 historical U.S. Supreme Court cases which focus on the socialization of political thought in America, individual and collective political behavior, the three branches of government, and civil liberties and civil rights unique to America.  Students will develop skills which assist them in analyzing data and argumentative essay writing, debate, and how to become civically-active citizens.  Extensive reading outside the classroom is required.

Economics P  (12) UC/CSU A-G Area G

Economics is a rigorous survey of the subject tailored to the intellectual maturity and interest level of high school seniors. This is a problem-based learning course and encompasses 1) basic economic ideas such as scarcity, opportunity cost and cost-benefit analysis; 2) the subfield of Microeconomics, including, supply and demand and price setting; 3) the subfield of Macroeconomics, such as the business cycle and monetary and fiscal policy; and, 4) International trade, including such topics as the growing global economy, trade barriers, and the role of multinational corporations. Current economic issues and personal financial knowledge are emphasized.  

Street Law P  (11-12)       UC/CSU A-G Area G

Street Law is a highly interactive course that emphasizes real world practical law, especially what is most relevant for and interesting to teenagers. This course will focus on the following major topics of the law: violent crime; property crime; the trial process; law relating to gangs, drugs, and alcohol; the juvenile justice system and the rights of minors and our constitutional rights in general; family law; civil law; consumer law and contracts; and law-related careers. Students will constantly examine the underlying concept of justice in the American legal system. This course is highly interactive, requires a high level of participation, and will have trials and numerous debates. This course emphasizes skill development while learning the content material, with a focus on critical and analytical thinking, communication and presentation skills, advocacy, argumentation, and debate skills, and problem solving. 

Philosophy HP   (11-12)       UC/CSU A-G Area G

Prerequisites: A or B in English P/AP, A or B in previous history course, or a C in either course with a conversation with the teacher first. 

Honors Philosophy aims to develop an understanding of philosophy as an interdisciplinary and interactive activity, rather than just a school subjects. It is, fundamentally, a course in critical thinking, asking questions, and identifying potential responses. Students will read a range of philosophical texts from the ancient period to the present day, identify and evaluate theories, and construct arguments and positions of their own. Honors Philosophy intends to support the development of mindful conversation, respect, active listening, collaboration, self-correcting thinking, and critical thinking. 

The course emphasizes reading, thinking, discussing, and writing as the key (but not only) ways to develop deep understanding of philosophical issues. Although the course content changes to meet the needs of the students and to include current events, it typically revolves around fundamental questions of ethics (how we should live our lives), social and political philosophy (how we should live together), epistemology and mind (how do we know things), and free will. While welcome, students do not need to (nor are they expected to) have any familiarity with these topics; it is the course’s duty to make these concepts understandable to students. 

This course is designed for students who are interested in discussing different opinions, values, and philosophical ideas with their classmates, reading and thinking about complex and important topics that impact our lives today, and developing their own critical thinking and writing skills. 

For more information (including any updates since this information was posted) please check our Course Catalog