Social Science Course Offerings
Click on the name of the course to go directly to its description.
| F/S = Semester Course | (+) = Honors Point | (*) = Possible Course |
| Human Geography | AP Human Geography + |
| World History | AP World History + |
| US History | AP US History + |
| American Government | AP Government and Politics + |
| Economics | AP Macroeconomics + |
| AP Microeconomics + |
| Social Science Electives | |
|---|---|
| Psychology F/S | Sociology F/S |
| AP Psychology + | Philosophy 1 F/S |
| Philosophy 2 F/S | |
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Grade Level: 9 | Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "g" requirement
Examining current global issues that impact our world today, this course takes a thematic approach to understanding the development of human systems, human understanding of the world, and human social organization. Divided into two semesters, this high school course will challenge students to develop geographic skills, including learning to interpret maps, analyze data, and compare theories. Offering interactive content that will grow students’ understanding of the development of modern civilization and human systems—from the agricultural revolution to the technological revolution—this course encourages students to analyze economic trends as well as compare global markets and urban environments.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Identify various types of maps used in cartographic communication.
- Interpret information using data sources such as population pyramids, graphs and charts.
- Analyze the complex relationship between people and the environment.
- Evaluate current issues that impact societies on a local and/or global scale.
- Characterize the nature of globalization and its effect around the world.
Prerequisite: None
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Grade Level: 9 | Term: Yearlong | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "g" requirement
This college level course will acquaint 9th grade students with the expectations of the AP track in Social Science. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to analyze human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Students will be expected to complete extensive reading assignments and independent study, in addition to the regular classroom work. Special attention will be given to the writing process and the formulation of arguments through the use of supporting details obtained from content presented through the program of study. Students will need to anticipate the challenge of a rigorous curriculum.
In this college level course, students will study major topics of human geography, including: basic concepts of geography; population and migration; cultural patterns and processes; political organization of space; agriculture and rural land use; industrialization and development; and cities and urban land use.
This course qualifies for the honors level extra grade point credit.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Use and interpretation of maps and spatial data sets.
- Interpret and analyze the implications of associations among phenomena in places.
- Identify and interpret at different scales the relationships among patterns and processes.
- Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process.
- Characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills applied to writing through free response questions.
Prerequisite: Must meet two of the following: earn an A in 8th Grade English and Social Science classes; teacher appraisal; A in 8th grade end of course assessment for Social Science.
WORLD HISTORY
Grade Level: 10 | Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "a" requirement
The tenth grade College Prep World History course is designed to reinforce and broaden the student’s depth of knowledge of world history from the birth of democratic ideas in Greece and Rome up through the contemporary world. Course content extends from the rise of democracy and how the effects of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation change the democratic ideals through time. Revolutionary ideas will be explored through the era of the Enlightenment period where students will analyze how the impact of this era shaped the English Revolution, Glorious Revolution, American Revolution, French Revolution, and Industrial Revolution. Further, students will explore the rise of nations, post-revolutions, and examine their impacts on the world through the rise of imperialism, which leads to worldwide tensions causing World War I, World War II, and ultimately the Cold War. The course of study will close as students bridge connections from past learning to the contemporary world by exploring current day issues in relation to the past as they gain a global perspective of the cause and effects of world history.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Analyze and synthesize opinions on complex historical ideas through a variety of historical evidence: primary sources, secondary sources, media, art, literature, and music.
- Cite historical evidence to support claims through writing, discussion, debate, and presentations.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and apply those skills through a variety of products: written works, presentations, music, art, and discussions.
- Integrate technology to display their knowledge of the content while collaborating with peers.
- Differentiate various historical perspectives and hypothesize their own account of the topic while supporting their claims with specific textual evidence.
Prerequisite: None
AP WORLD HISTORY
Find out more about AP World History at WHS
Grade Level: 10 | Term: Yearlong | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "a" requirement
The purpose of the AP World History course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in different types of human societies. The course highlights the nature of changes in global frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. The course requires students to engage with the dynamics of continuity and change across the historical periods that are included in the course. Students will be taught to analyze the processes and causes involved in these continuities and changes. Students will focus on five overarching themes which serve throughout the course as unifying threads, helping students to put what is particular about each period or society into a larger framework. The course includes extensive reading assignments from a college level text, in-depth essay writing assignments, as well as college-level summative exams.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Think historically by defining and framing a question about the past and to address that question through the construction of an argument.
- Identify, analyze, and evaluate the relationships between multiple historical causes and effects, distinguishing between those that are long-term and proximate, and among coincidence, causation, and correlation.
- Describe, compare, and evaluate multiple historical developments within one society, one or more developments across or between different societies, and in various chronological and geographical contexts. It also involves the ability to identify, compare, and evaluate multiple perspectives on a given historical experience.
- Describe, analyze, evaluate, and create diverse interpretations of the past — as revealed through primary and secondary historical sources — through analysis of evidence, reasoning, contexts, points of view, and frames of reference.
Prerequisite: Earn a B or higher in Honors English 1, English 1, AP Human Geography or teacher recommendation.
U.S. HISTORY
Grade Level: 11 | Term: Yearlong | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "a" requirement
U.S. History is a survey course of the major themes in early American history beginning with a review of the establishment of the United States of America & the Civil War periods continuing through the Roaring Twenties. The second semester focuses on the periods of the Great Depression, World War II, and Cold War to the 21st Century. The course will place an emphasis on developing critical thinking and writing skills and students will be taught how to write a thesis and support it with historical evidence. Students will be exposed to the material in a variety of ways, including direct instruction, in order to teach the major events and concepts throughout American history that are essential for every American citizen.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Write an argumentative thesis and support claims with historical evidence.
- Analyze topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant evidence.
- Write informative and exploratory texts, to examine and convey complex ideas.
- Produce clear and coherent writing that has been developed, revised, and edited.
- Develop critical thinking skills through interpretation of documents and primary sources.
- Use technology to produce and publish writing, and to interact and collaborate with others.
- Conduct short and sustained research projects to demonstrate an understanding of the topic.
- Actively and effectively participate in class discussions.
- Complete written assessments based on course content.
Prerequisite: None
A.P. U.S. HISTORY
Find out more about AP US History at WHS
Grade Level: 11 | Term: Yearlong | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "a" requirement
The AP U.S. History course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the events, issues, individuals, and topics in U.S. history. This course prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by developing the oral and written skills equivalent to those required for full-year introductory college courses.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Learn to assess primary and secondary historical materials and evaluate, through writing and class discussion, the relevance, reliability, and thematic importance of historical scholarship.
- Develop the writing and collaborative skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively.
- Application of skills through numerous essays, group projects, in-class discussions and writing assignments, weekly quizzes and monthly unit exams.
- Development of an organized and self-driven approach to this college-level course.
- Create a reasonable and consistent schedule to complete the reading assignments of a college-level textbook.
Prerequisite: Earn an A or B in AP World History or earn an A in World History with teacher recommendation.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Grade Level: 12 | Term: Semester | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "a" requirement
The purpose of this course is to introduce the fundamentals of American Government and Politics; particularly the major institutions and processes. Students will compare systems of government in the world today and analyze the history and changing interpretations of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the current state of the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches of government. Further, it aims to develop skills and abilities in analyzing and evaluating issues and public policies in American Politics.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Describe the links between citizens and government. In this, they should articulate key concepts about voting, political parties, elections, and other forms of political participation.
- Understand the structure and interactions of the presidency, congress, bureaucracy, courts.
- To understand the historical and theoretical perspectives of the American federal government.
- The student will understand the foundations, development, allocation of governmental powers and citizens’ rights that are guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.
Prerequisite: None
AP GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Find out more about AP Government at WHS
Grade Level: 12 | Term: Semester | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "a" requirement
In American Government and Politics AP, students will develop an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States and study the general concepts used to interpret United States politics and analyze specific examples and various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute United States politics. Students study a variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. This course prepares students for the advanced placement examination in American Government and Politics.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Know important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U .S. government and Politics.
- Understand typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures).
- Analyze and interpret basic data relevant to U .S. government and politics (including data presented in charts, tables, and other formats).
- Critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and develop their connections across the curriculum.
Prerequisite: No formal prerequisites, but strongly recommend having taken some AP classes previously. Higher-level math skills are not required.
WORLD PERSPECTIVES ECONOMICS
Grade Level: 12 | Term: Semester | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "g" requirement
Economics is a course of study that provides the student an opportunity to explore micro and macroeconomic issues. This study is based on the objectives outlined in the California Principles of Economics Standards 12.1 - 12.6.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Defining and using economic terms.
- Comparing and contrasting economic systems, applying microeconomic concepts of supply and demand.
- Analyzing fiscal policy, taxation, and monetary policy.
- Business formation and investing.
- Study current economic issues.
Prerequisite: None
AP MACROECONOMICS
Find out more about AP Macroeconomics at WHS
Grade Level: 12 | Term: Semester | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) + | UC/CSU "g" requirement
In this college-level course, students will study major topics of Macroeconomics as outlined by the College Board including: basic economic concepts, measurement of economic performance, national income and price determination, fiscal and monetary policy, economic growth, and international economics. This course qualifies for the extra honors grade point credit.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Communicate understanding of macroeconomics and problem-solving economic problems in the economy through using statistics and multiple graphs.
- Apply verbal, analytical, and graphical approaches to problem-solving in tests, free-response questions, and projects.
- Develop and extend strategies for transitioning from knowledge of concepts to apply them in both real-world and hypothetical situations.
- Use appropriate technology to enhance learning and applying course content.
Prerequisite: No formal prerequisites, but strongly recommend having taken some AP classes previously. Higher-level math skills are not required.
AP Microeconomics
Find out more about AP Microeconomics at WHS
Term: Semester I Level: Advanced Placement (AP)+
In this college level course students will study major topics of Microeconomics as outlined by the College Board including, basic economic concepts, supply, demand and consumer choice, production, cost and the Perfect Competition Model, imperfect competition, factor markets, market failure and the role of the government. This course qualifies for the extra honors grade point credit.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Communicate understanding of microeconomics and problem-solving economic problems through use of statistics, models and graphs.
- Apply verbal, analytical, and graphical approaches to problem solving in tests, free response questions and projects.
- Develop and extend strategies for transitioning from knowledge of concepts to apply them in both real world and hypothetical situations.
- Use appropriate technology to enhance learning and applying course content.
Prerequisite: open to all 12th grade students
PHILOSOPHY 1
Find out more about Philosophy 1 at WHS
Grade Level: 11-12 | Term: Semester | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "g" requirement
Philosophy 1 is designed as an introduction to philosophy. Philosophy, literally meaning the love of wisdom is the study of the nature of reality, knowledge, and existence. This course will explore life’s big questions people have sought to answer such as: What is the meaning of life? Do you believe in God (why or why not)? What is real? What is truth? What is the self? What is freedom and why is it so important to us? What should we do/not do? What is beauty and how is beauty’s value determined? Using analytical thinking, students will read both primary and secondary sources, write to explanatory/informative and argument assignments, create visual media of course content and students’ conclusions, and listen to and speak with other students and instructors about the knowledge they are seeking, learning, and questioning. Although students will study other philosophers and philosophies, they will ultimately work toward understanding and articulating their own ideas and views.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Know the fields of philosophy and its major philosophers
- Know and critique inductive and deductive reasoning as well as logical fallacies
- Know and critique ideas and views that were given as responses to life’s big questions
- Write to explanatory/informational and argument assignments
- Participate in conversations with peers and instructors
- Know and articulate their own ideas and views, their own philosophy
- Use appropriate technology to enhance learning and understanding and to apply course content
Prerequisite: None
PHILOSOPHY 2
Find out more about Philosophy 2 at WHS
Grade Level: 11-12 | Term: Semester | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "g" requirement
Philosophy 2 will be offered as a semester-long elective course focusing on several moral theories that address questions related to living a morally good life (e.g., Why is morality important? Are moral principles valid only as they depend on cultural approval or are there universal truths? How should I live my life? Are there intrinsic values? Which is the best moral theory? Can we derive moral values from facts? Why should I be moral? Is there a right answer to every problem in life? What is the relationship of religion to morality?). Using analytical thinking, students will read both primary and secondary sources, write to explanatory/informative and argument assignments, create visual media of course content and students’ conclusions, and listen to and speak with other students and instructors about the knowledge they are seeking, learning, and questioning. This course will challenge students to develop their own moral theory and to work out their own solutions to problems.
Skills and Assessments: Students will be able to:
- Know ethical theories and its major philosophers
- Use logic to explain and critique ethical theories
- Write to explanatory/informational and argument assignments
- Participate in conversations with peers both orally and in writing
- Know and articulate their own ideas and views, their own philosophy
- Use appropriate technology to enhance learning and understanding and to apply course content
Prerequisite: Completion of Philosophy 1.
PSYCHOLOGY
Find out more about Psychology at WHS
Grade Level: 11-12 | Term: Semester | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "g" requirement
This college prep elective course is designed as an introduction to the world of psychology, and it satisfies the UC/CSU “g” requirement for one semester. Psychology is the science of the mind and the mental processes that control our behavior. Students will learn about numerous psychological topics such as: the beginnings of psychology, biology and the brain, human development, states of consciousness, personality, abnormal psychology (psychological disorders), and social psychology. These concepts will be explored through various methods, such as projects (both group and individual), hands-on activities, videos, and self-reflection assignments.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to...
- Identify major contributors to the field of Psychology.
- Compare and contrast perspectives and theories within Psychology.
- Read and analyze a variety of texts to enhance their understanding of Psychology.
- Apply major psychological theories to their own lives as well as those around them.
- Utilize and develop writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills
Prerequisite: None
SOCIOLOGY
Grade Level: 11-12 | Term: Semester | Level: College Preparatory (CP) | UC/CSU "g" requirement
The Sociology course is a study of social interactions concerning human inter and intra group relationships. The course provides functional practice to students with an emphasis on the development of skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, analysis, and reasoned decision-making. The course will focus on defining and tracing the historical development of sociology, identifying the scientific method used by sociologists in the sociological experiment, the process of socialization, defining culture and its elements as well as analyzing deviant cultural behavior and current social problems. In addition to direct instruction students will participate in inside and outside experiments and observations, debates, group and individual projects. Finally, building upon the skills in this course will provide leverage and value in other academic areas while providing enduring skills for life beyond high school. In short, sociology is the analysis of how people and groups interact in a society. This course can satisfy a “g” requirement admission to a UC/CSU school.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Identify the origins of the field of sociology.
- Identify and understand major contributors and theories.
- Explain basic methods of sociological research.
- Understand and apply the major sociological perspectives of analysis to the surrounding world.
- Compare and contrast theories of social structure, cohesion and dysfunction.
- Understand social norms and compare differences and similarities across cultures.
- Apply micro and macro level social analysis.
- Develop and apply critical thinking, reading, and writing skills with a deeper understanding of society.
Prerequisite: None
AP PSYCHOLOGY
Grade Level: 11-12 | Term: Yearlong | Level: Advanced Placement (AP) | UC/CSU "g" requirement
Find out more about AP Psychology at WHS
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. The aim of the course is to provide the student with a learning experience equivalent to that obtained in most college introductory psychology courses. Units of study as outlined by the College Board include: psychology’s history and approaches, research methods, biological bases of behavior, states of consciousness, sensation and perception, learning, cognition and memory, testing and individual differences, developmental psychology, motivation and emotion, personality, abnormal behavior, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology.
Skills and Assessment: Students will be able to…
- Understand and apply concepts in psychology, to their own lives and to the world around them
- Develop writing skills necessary for free response questions and apply their knowledge to new situations
- Interpret research and data pertaining to psychological studies
Prerequisite: None