WORLD HISTORY since 1500 - 2710 is a required 9th grade course which directs students to think critically about the various forces that combined to shape the world today. Emphasis is on geography, civics, and economic systems within a chronological context. Critical thinking historical inquiry and analysis are important in this course as students compare and contrast civilizations over time. The course is divided into the following topics:-

 

HONORS WORLD HISTORY since 1500 - 2707 offers an accelerated alternative to regular ninth grade history. This course is year long and covers the time period of 1500 to the present. The course is writing intensive and recommended to precede 10th grade Honors American History and 11th grade A.P. History. This course allows students to think critically about the events that shaped our world today. Emphasis will be placed on geography, history and current events. Students will participate in group activities and research throughout the year. First semester will require one book for outside reading, and second semester will require a research paper. Prior approval is needed before registration from an 8th grade social studies or English teacher since this course requires above average reading and writing skills.

 

UNITED STATES HISTORY: BEGINNINGS TO 1877 - 2708 is a 10th grade course covering the historic development of American ideas and institutions from the Age of Exploration to 1900. While focusing on political and economic history, the course provides students with a basic knowledge of American culture through a chronological survey of major issues, movements, people and events in United States and Alabama history. Major topics include pre-discovery, the colonial era, creating a nation, expansion, Civil War and Reconstruction.

 

HONORS UNITED STATES HISTORY: BEGINNINGS TO 1877 - 2706 is an accelerated alternative to regular 10th and 11th grade history, covering the same material but requiring more written assignments (a minimum of 2 per semester), outside reading and historical research. Teacher recommendation is required. Students who are considering taking AP US History in the 11th grade must take Honors 10th or AP 10th.  It is recommended that students also take Honor English.

 

UNITED STATES HISTORY: 1877 - PRESENT - 2709 is a required class that continues the study of United States history begun in the 10th grade. The 11th grade component focuses on twentieth century America with a concentration on Alabama. Knowledge and understanding gained during previous years of study provide the foundation for the critical analysis required in this course. The course is divided into the following topics:-

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN HISTORY - (10th - 2005) (11th - 2001)  is an above grade level survey study equivalent to the demands of an introductory college course in United States history. 10th grade will cover from early history through reconstruction and 11th grade will cover up through current time. The students will evaluate historical materials to weigh the evidence and interpretation presented by historical research. The students will analyze the political, social, economic, literary, and cultural history of the United States. Students will participate in discussion, write essays, and answer document based questions (a minimum of two writing assignments each six weeks). Outside reading will be assigned and a research report required. These courses require the ability to comprehend college level material, to synthesize new information, and be a self-motivated learner. It is expected that students signing up for the 10th grade AP will continue with 11th grade AP. These courses are offered to qualifying students as a dual credit with Austin high and Calhoun Community College - 3 semester hours per year. College credit may also be earned through the AP exam in May of the 11th grade. Summer reading is required. Prerequisite: AP 11th requires students to have passed the social studies portion of the AHSGE, have taken Honors or AP10 US History and be enrolled in Honors or AP English. Teacher recommendation required.

See an example of a six weeks AP 11th US History project here

 

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - 2180 is a one semester required class that gives seniors a detailed understanding of the function and practical workings of government at all levels in the nation. While a great deal of factual information is necessary in this course, students should also acquire an appreciation and understanding of what it means to be a citizen. The students will focus on 4 different topics for this course:-

Social participation provides an opportunity to practice democratic ideals and citizenship.

 

ECONOMICS - 2160 (12) is a required one semester survey course for 12th graders covering macro and micro economics. It introduces economic theory and provides students with a broad knowledge of modern day world economic systems, in particular the American capitalist system. Economics includes the use and interpretation of charts, graphs, tables and other statistical information. Students apply their understanding of basic economic concepts and skills to analyze current issues and problems.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT MACROECONOMICS - 2003 (teacher approval required) is a one semester macro economics’ course. The focus of study is the U.S. capitalist system. The content will help students develop critical thinking skills through the understanding, application and analysis of fundamental economic concepts. Students will weigh the merits of different economic theories and understand the divergent policies that ensue. This course will illustrate the derivation of major statistical measures and how to use models, such as graphs, to predict the outcome of domestic and foreign policy decisions College credit may e earned through the A.P. exam. Students signing up for AP Economics will be required to take AP Government also for their 12th grade social studies credit.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS - 2002 (Teacher approval required) is an accelerated government course designed to give students critical perspectives on government and politics in the United States. This course involves both the studies of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality. The students will focus on 5 different topics for this course:-

Students will be required to provide a outside reading book. Students signing up for AP Government will be required to take AP Economics.

 

PSYCHOLOGY (2220) and SOCIOLOGY (2460)  (11-12) - are social studies' electives for 11th-12th.  Psychology acquaints students with psychological theories, principles, and practices associated with 5 major sub fields of this field of study: methods, biopsychological, developmental, cognitive and sociocultural. The study of psychology requires a flexible, investigative classroom environment that allows for experimentation and participatory activities. Students are encouraged to use critical thinking skills employed by psychologists in the practice of their science. Sociology is the study of human society, social inequality, social institutions, and social change. The topics included in this course require students to possess a general knowledge of the world in which they live and an understanding of how individuals interact in various kinds of groups. Students are challenged to activity research and discuss the influence of genetics, demographics, religion and personal behaviors upon society.

 

CONTEMPORARY WORLD AFFAIRS (2155- 9th & 10th) (2150- 11th & 12th) -  is an elective course for 9th-12th graders designed to acquaint students with current events of state, national, and international interest. Students acquire  skills for collecting information, using primary sources, analyzing editorials, forming options and reflecting upon the patterns of history and the implication of current events for the U.S., Alabama, and the individual. This course may be taken for one semester or for the entire year.

 

WORLD GEOGRAPHY-PHYSICAL (2714)  AND WORLD GEOGRAPHY-HUMAN (2715) (10-12) are electives that may be taken for one semester or the entire year. Both courses develop essential geographic skills that lead students to observe, understand and appreciate that various relationships that exist among people, places, and environments around the world. This is recommended in the 10th grade for students planning to pursue the IB Diploma.

 

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY - (0145) provides students with an opportunity to learn about the history of the world from an African-American point of view. The units covered will include but are not limited to: the beginning of civilization in East Africa, slavery in West Africa, life on an American Plantation, the American Civil War, Reconstruction, segregation in America, the Civil Rights Movement, and meritocracy society.

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