World History/Geography
World History and Geography is a study of the development of the modern world from 1750 to the present. The course focuses on the rise of democratic ideas with an emphasis on the following: Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, Colonialism, Nationalism, Totalitarianism, and World War I and II. The course also includes a focus on modern world crises and the historical interactions of regions of the world through a detailed study of China, Japan, India, Middle East and Latin America. Social studie studies research, analysis and writing skills are also emphasized.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 9, 10
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

US History
United States History examines the history of the United States from 1865 to the present. The course focuses on key themes and turning points in American history in the 19th and 20th centuries, including ideological origins, economic, political and social change, civil rights, and domestic and foreign policy. Also, social studies research, analysis and writing skills are emphasized.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 11
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

US Government
U.S. Government is a study of the institutions of American government. The course focuses on the executive, judicial and legislative branches of the federal government, the election process, and political parties. There is an emphasis on the concepts of constitutionalism, representative democracy, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism. (Taken with one semester of Economics)
Units: 5
Grade Level(s): 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

Economics
Economics is a study of the operations and institutions of economic systems. Areas of study include supply and demand, inflation and recession, money and credit, the banking system, labor and wages, managing the nation’s economy, and economic theory. (Taken with one semester of U.S. Government)
Units: 5
Grade Level(s): 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

 

Contemporary Issues & Public Policy
This course encourages critical thought on contemporary issues and is divided into the following areas: Life and Health Issues, Discrimination Issues, Constitutional Issues, Global Issues, Cultural Issues and Frameworks, Public Speaking and Persuasive Writing Skills, and Connections, Conflicts, and Meaningful Solutions. Each area of study includes a film that relates to the general issue. It will provide students an opportunity to identify and evaluate political, cultural, and economic issues o a local, state, national, and international level. A variety of current news media are used to help students learn how contemporary social issues affect them and an emphasis is placed on their role as constructive citizens in an interdependent world.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

Law and Society
Law and Society will involve students actively in conflict resolution through traditional legal models as well as alternative models of problem solving. Content will include the scope of traditional American law (criminal, tort, consumer, family, housing, and individual rights) as well as concepts and comparisons using international legal situations. Global law will be stressed. Problem-centered curriculum, rather than a content-centered base, will promote critical analytical thinking. Mock trials, simulations, and role-playing will be dominant modes of interaction. Socratic dialogue will engage the student actively in the classroom. Pending UC Approval.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

Psychology
This course is an introductory study of the psychological domains: research methods, biopsychological, cognitive, developmental, and social. It is research oriented in approach, introducing students to the systematic study of behavioral and mental processes.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

US History AP
AP U.S. History is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in a college-level United States history course. Students will learn to assess historical materials including their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance, as well as to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 11
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

Comparative Government AP
This course introduces students to fundamental concepts used by political scientists to study the processes and the outcomes of politics in a variety of country settings. AP Comparative Government and Politics aims to illustrate the rich diversity of political life, to show available institutional alternatives, to explain differences in processes and policy outcomes, and to communicate to students the importance of global political and economic changes. (Taken with one semester of Economics)
Units: 5
Grade Level(s): 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

Euro History AP
This course which studies European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. The goals of European History are to develop an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History, an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and an ability to express historical understanding in writing.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 10, 11, 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: World History
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes

Psychology AP
This course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration of the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
Units: 10
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Preferred Previous Course of Study: n/a
UC/CSU Approved? - Yes