Social Science Department Curriculum

World History, Cultures, and Geography (A/B)
Grade: 9
Credits: 10
College Prep: CSU/UC “a” History/Social Science

World History, Cultures, and Geography is a two-semester course required for all ninth grade students. The course is designed chronologically to give an overview of significant social, economic, political and religious events which have influenced society today. The contributions of major civilizations, movements, and historical persons will be emphasized. Materials are designed to instill in students an understanding of the past and its people and a realization of how each has contributed to the present. The first semester of the course will connect the knowledge and beliefs of the ancient civilizations to the Enlightenment and will continue through World War I. The second semester will cover the rest of the 20th century and end with current-day concerns. 

Honors World History, Cultures, and Geography (A/B)
Grade: 9
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: All students accepted to Presentation are welcome to take a proficiency exam from the Social Science Department if they want to be considered for Honors World History, Cultures & Geography. Upon completing the test, the department will evaluate a student’s scores and  recommend placement. 

College Prep: CSU/UC “a” History/Social Science

The content of the course is similar to the World History, Cultures, and Geography A & B course. Students will use a higher level reading and supplementary primary source readings to gain a deeper and more analytical understanding of historical events and their impact.

United States History (A/B)
Grade: 10
Credits: 10
College Prep: CSU/UC “a” History/Social Science

In the first semester this course will present a broad chronological framework beginning with early fights for Independence and nation building; the division and reconstruction of the nation; the territorial and economic growth of the nation; and the movement to reform internal affairs and imperialize others. In the second semester the course content examines the role of the U.S. as a growing international power and this effect on the global community. Efforts will be made to address current political controversies. The diversity of religious, and minority groups and their contributions both voluntary and forced to the development of the nation are a major emphasis of this course as will major social, political, economic and international events. There is scaffolded skills development culminating in projects that require analysis, synthesis and research.

AP United States History (A/B)
Grade: 10
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B- in each semester of Honors World History or B+ or better in each semester of World History. (Note: A grade of B+ for Honors World History and A- for World History is highly recommended.)
College Prep: CSU/UC “a” History/Social Science

This course will present a broad chronological study of United States history from discovery through the present day. The areas of concentration include historical, political, social, and economic history studied from a variety of perspectives in order to present a balanced view of history. This course is taught at the college level; Students should note that this is a fast-paced class that uses a college-level textbook. In addition, students will analyze, synthesize and evaluate primary and secondary historical sources in addition to memorizing, comprehending and applying facts.  All of this is in preparation for the A.P. U.S. History Exam at the end of the year.

The expectations for reading, writing and analytical skills are rigorous, and require students to have demonstrated an above-average proficiency in these skills in prior courses.  Students who do well in this course have a love of history and strong reading and study skills.  Students will also be expected to do independent study and work packets in preparation for the AP exam.

Civics
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 5
College Prep: CSU/UC “a” History/Social Science

This course is designed to acquaint students with an understanding of the fundamentals of government and their role as citizens. Topics will include public opinion and political ideologies, the role of political parties and interest groups, how democratic elections work, philosophic foundations of governments, political institutions and public policy. Current political events will be made relevant for each individual unit. Emphasis will be on the American system of democracy and citizen involvement in the political process. Active participation by the students in some aspect of the political process will be required.

AP American Government
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 5
Prerequisite: B+ in each semester of U.S. History or B- in each semester of AP U.S. History
College Prep: CSU/UC “a” History/Social Science

This course is designed for the above average Social Science student. The subject area, while similar to our Civics classes, will be elevated to the Advanced Placement level by exploring each topic in more depth and including additional topics such as the federal budget and bureaucracy. Students will read primary sources and news periodicals to examine and apply current events. Students will be expected to do independent study and work packets in preparation for the AP exam.

Economics
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 5
College Prep: CSU/UC “g” College-Preparatory Elective

Since economic activities touch every individual, it is important that each person has an understanding of the functions of our economy. The course is designed to introduce economics as a discipline and help the student realize she is a part of the economic system. This course will introduce the basic principle of economics and the fundamental operations of the American economic system of free enterprise. It will examine the relationship between government and the economy. The course will examine the constantly changing U.S. economy in the context of global economics. The course will also critically examine socio-economic issues like inequality and minimum wage. Debates and application of economic concepts will supplement text materials. The purpose of the course is to prepare students to make intelligent and informed decisions within the context of political and economic systems.

AP Macroeconomics
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 5
Prerequisite: B unweighted Social Science GPA or C+ in each semester of APUSH, AP Gov or AP Psych
College Prep: CSU/UC “g” College-Preparatory Elective

AP Macroeconomics provides students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. This course places particular emphasis on measuring economic indicators like the GDP, unemployment, and inflation, and creating and developing policy practices that respond to the current state of those indicators using macroeconomic theories. AP Macroeconomics involves case studies, mathematical and graphical analysis of macroeconomic theories, and real-life application of macroeconomic concepts. Students will also be expected to do independent study and work packets in preparation for the AP exam.

Ethnic Studies
Grade:  11-12 
Credits: 5
Beginning with the class of 2026, all students are required to take Ethnic Studies prior to graduation.
College Prep: CSU/UC “g” College-Preparatory Elective

Ethnic Studies is a one semester course that explores the interdisciplinary study of race and ethnicity, focusing on studying major underrepresented racial groups in the United States, namely: African American, Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islanders. This course also addresses the concept of intersectionality, which recognizes that people have different overlapping identities. Further, students will critically grapple with the various power structures that continue to have social, emotional, cultural, economic, and political impacts. This course provides space to discuss and celebrate often-overlooked contributions to many areas of government, politics, the arts, medicine, economics, etc., made by people of color.  This course is uniquely designed to provide students with crucial interpersonal communication strategies, cultural competency, and equity driven skills, all of which is integral to effective and responsive civic engagement and collegiality. Throughout this course, there will be examples of how collective social action can lead to a more equitable and just society in positive ways.

Global Women’s Issues
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 5
College Prep: CSU/UC “g” College-Preparatory Elective

This semester length course is designed to explore the impact of political, economic, religious, and social institutions on the role of women around the world. Students will study the experiences of women from different countries through a variety of themes. The study of these women’s issues will begin with a historical overview of the experience of its women. This will be followed by an in-depth look at the current gender inequity issues faced by the women in that culture. This course is taught on rotation with Modern History.

Psychology
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 5
College Prep: CSU/UC “g” College-Preparatory Elective

This one-semester survey course is structured to introduce the principles of psychology to the high school student. It is designed to help students understand the depth of human behavior and apply this knowledge to their own lives. The course consists of a sequence of units designed to achieve these goals through ongoing, project-based unit assessments that emphasize research, analysis and practical application. Areas of study include: human development, memory and learning theory, health psychology, social psychology, and major psychological disorders.

AP Psychology
Grade: 11, 12
Credits: 10
Prerequisite: B unweighted Social Science GPA or C+ in each semester of APUSH, AP Gov or AP Macro
College Prep: CSU/UC “g” College-Preparatory Elective

AP Psychology is a yearlong course. It is structured to introduce the principles of psychology to the high school student. It is designed to help students understand the depth of human behavior, learn to conduct research and begin to explain human interaction.

This course will consist of a sequence of units designed to achieve the above stated goals. Areas of study will include: Social Psychology; Motivation, Emotion and Health Psychology; Neuroscience; LifeSpan Development Psychology; Learning, Memory and Intelligence theory; Research methodologies and statistical skills necessary for ethical research; Sensation and Perception; Personality theories; and Psychopathology and the Treatments of mental illness.

The expectation will be that a student can read supportive information through articles, studies and research. She will also be required to do a semester research project and in the second semester, develop and conduct her own unique research.  Students will be prepared to take the AP Psychology Exam at the end of the course. 

Sociology of Media
​​Grade: 11-12
Credits: 5
College Prep: CSU/UC “g” College-Preparatory Elective

This is a one semester course.  When we study sociology, we are studying ourselves. Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. This course specifically surveys the interaction between society and popular media, including the rise in popularity of social networking, texting, the internet, TV, print, and radio. Sociology and the Media examines how these media industries are organized, regulated by competition and technology, and play significant political and cultural roles in contemporary society. We address the consumers of mass media products and inspect how they utilize and are affected by media content and how content is driven by consumers.