Social Studies

Students will analyze the human experience through time to recognize the relationships of events and people and to interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in world history. The first semester covers history up to the age of exploration and colonization and focuses heavily on the development of civilizations that established the foundations for the modern historical era beginning around the 16th century. The second semester covers history from the era of Absolute monarchs in Europe to the present and focuses heavily on political, economic, and social developments that have shaped the world we live in today. There will also be a large focus on geography, especially where it is a significant factor in the shaping of historical events. The content of this course requires an emphasis on reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, which will be developed throughout the semester.

This course is a one year course. The first semester covers early American history from pre-Columbian America through the 1920’s. There will be an emphasis on the period from the Industrial Revolution forward. In addition, this course will include Arizona history and basic economic concepts. The second semester covers the period from the Great Depression through current events. This is a required course for graduation

The history and heritage of the government and Constitution of the United States. The roles of the three branches of federal government, and state and local governments; as well as economics. This is a required course for graduation. 1 semester only.

This course is an overview of the foundations of economics and will focus on different approaches to the study of economics: microeconomics, macroeconomics, global economics, and personal finance. Current issues and public policies will be analyzed to gain a better understanding of the complex relationships among economics, politics, and culture. 1 semester only.

This semester-long course invites students to broaden their understanding of how economic concepts apply to their everyday lives—including microeconomic and macroeconomic theory and the characteristics of mixed-market economies, the role of government in a free enterprise system and the global economy, and personal finance strategies. Throughout the course, students apply critical thinking skills while making practical economic choices. Students also master literacy skills through rigorous reading and writing activities. Students analyze data and write routinely and responsively in tasks and assignments that are based on scenarios, texts, activities, and examples. In more extensive, process-based writing lessons, students write full-length essays in informative and argumentative formats.

This course presents a cohesive and comprehensive overview of the history of the United States, surveying the major events and turning points of U.S. history as it moves from the Era of Exploration through modern times. As students examine each era of history, they will analyze primary sources and carefully research events to gain a clearer understanding of the factors that have shaped U.S. history. In early units, students will assess the foundations of U.S. democracy while examining crucial documents. In later units, students will examine the effects of territorial expansion, the Civil War, and the rise of industrialization as they assess the outcomes of economic trends and the connections between culture and government. As the course draws to a close, students will focus their studies on the causes of cultural and political change in the modern age. Throughout the course, students will learn the importance of cultural diversity while examining history from different perspectives.

This year-long course examines the major events and turning points of world history from ancient times to the present. Students investigate the development of classical civilizations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, and they explore the economic, political, and social revolutions that have transformed human history. At the end of the course, students conduct a rigorous study of modern history, allowing them to draw connections between past events and contemporary issues. The use of recurring themes, such as social history, democratic government, and the relationship between history and the arts, allows students to draw connections between the past and the present, among cultures, and among multiple perspectives. Throughout the course, students use a variety of primary and secondary sources, including legal documents, essays, historical writings, and political cartoons to evaluate the reliability of historical evidence and to draw conclusions about historical events.

This semester-long course provides students with a practical understanding of the principles and procedures of government. The course begins by establishing the origins and founding principles of American government. After a rigorous review of the Constitution and its Amendments, students investigate the development and extension of civil rights and liberties. Lessons also introduce influential Supreme Court decisions to demonstrate the impact and importance of constitutional rights. The course builds on this foundation by guiding students through the function of government today and the role of citizens in the civic process and culminates in an examination of public policy and the roles of citizens and organizations in promoting policy approaches. Throughout the course, students examine primary and secondary sources, including political cartoons, essays, and judicial opinions. Students also sharpen their writing skills in shorter tasks and assignments, and practice outlining and drafting skills by writing full informative and argumentative essays.