Social Studies

Students will explore the foundations of the U.S. Constitution, as well as take deep dives into high-interest issues related to its First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments.  Topics include speech, religion, the press, privacy, equality, and liberty.  Students are encouraged to engage in near-constant debate.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

The goals of psychology are to describe, understand, and predict individual human behavior. In this course students will be introduced to the history and application of psychology; research methods; sensation and perception; consciousness; learning and memory; human development; personality; and disorders and therapies. Students will also learn and demonstrate successful communication and group interaction skills.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Minimum 1.0 Credit Social Studies
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

Sociology will study human social relationships and group life. Students will work together to understand and theorize on social systems, and together towards the development and implementation of positive social methods.  This class will include the study of ethics, culture, societal behavior/expectations, social construction, and inequalities.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

Through the lens of popular sports, students will explore the rich tapestry of United States history and examine how sports have influenced and been influenced by the social, cultural, economic, and political forces that have shaped the nation. This course will trace major events since World War II, including: the Cold War, the civil rights movement, Korean and Vietnam Wars, and Watergate. Students will engage in critical discussions, analyze primary and secondary sources, and participate in projects that encourage them to connect historical events to contemporary issues in sports.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in HISTORY.  May be taken only once for credit.

This class will cover the origins of World War I and World War II and how the United States went from being an isolationist country to the greatest superpower in the world. Students will learn what it was to fight in these wars, the major battles, the diplomatic decisions that led to the US joining and winning these wars, the economic impacts of their involvement, and discuss controversial topics like the Treaty of Versailles, the Atom Bomb, and the Holocaust.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in HISTORY.  May be taken only once for credit.

This semester-long course examines the basic concepts of government systems with particular emphasis on the American Constitution. Students will examine the founding principles of the United States through the lens of current events. Students will study why there is government, types of governments, the U.S. Constitution, the three branches of government (legislative, executive and judicial) and the concept of separation of powers. Students will also study the function and structure of the court system, political parties, and the role of a citizen in a government.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Minimum 1.0 Credit Social Studies
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in GOVERNMENT.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course examines basic micro and macroeconomic concepts and the types of economic systems. With emphasis on the modern American economy, students will examine and analyze investments, productivity, fiscal and monetary policies, and aspects of personal finance. This class meets the district's requirements and standards for Economics.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Minimum 1.0 Credit Social Studies
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in ECONOMICS.  May be taken only once for credit.

English II is a year-long course intended to help students strengthen their writing, reading, and communication skills. Students will study the six eras in American literature. They will also explore the genres of novel, short story, nonfiction, poetry, essay, speeches, and drama. In addition, students will be expected to successfully complete a major research project; multi-paragraph, thesis-driven essays; critical analysis essays, essay tests; and first person, narrative accounts. Homework plays an essential role in the course, along with the study of vocabulary. Students learn about many developments in American history since 1877, both in the area of domestic affairs and foreign affairs.  This course will provide an integrated approach to U.S. History and English II.

• Credit: 2.0
• Level: 10
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in 1.0 ENGLISH AND 1.0 HISTORY.  May be taken only once for credit.

Students learn about many developments in American history since 1865, both in the area of domestic affairs and foreign affairs. Students examine topics such as immigration, the industrial revolution and the rise of a post-industrial economy, the cycle of expansion and recession/depression in our economy, the American tendency to swing back and forth between liberalism and conservatism, the twists and turns of US foreign policy, and the wars fought by this nation since 1865. All of these developments are explored through four different historical lenses: political, military, economic, and social. The ultimate goal is for students to gain a better understanding of the United States they live in today.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in HISTORY.  May be taken only once for credit.

In this course students will examine the world's regions and explore the many facets of geography. Students will study topics in world economy, geography, history, culture, and global interactions. By studying current domestic and world issues, students will better understand the numerous dimensions of a multicultural and interconnected world. It is required that students take World Geography and World History consecutively.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course is designed for students to be able to critically analyze and connect societies across historical time periods. This course will focus on analyzing 3 significant time periods: Early Modern (1450-1750), Modern (1750-1914) and Contemporary (1914 - Present). Within these time periods, topics will include but not limited to: The Columbian Exchange, causes and consequences of exploration and colonialism, land-based empires and societies, societal revolutions, industrial revolutions, lasting effects of Imperialism, global conflicts and wars and the impacts of globalization. Throughout all content, students will use critical thinking and research skills to create an in-depth understanding of political, economic and social developments while considering local, regional, national and global perspectives. It is required that students take World Geography and World History consecutively.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 9
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in HISTORY.  May be taken only once for credit.

AP Human Geography is a college prep course that provides students with an academic experience equivalent to a college level freshman course in human geography. The course introduces 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.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 9
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): GLOBAL IMPACT

AP Macroeconomics is a course designed to provide students with an academic experience in a college level course. The purpose of an AP course in macroeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Particular emphasis is placed upon the study of national income and price-level determination, economic performance measures, stabilization policies, the financial sector, economic growth, and international economics.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in ECONOMICS.  May be taken only once for credit.

Fulfills Additional Elective Requirement for the Following Pathway(s): BUSINESS; ENTREPRENEURSHIP; MARKETING; ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL CHANGE; POLITICAL SCIENCE; SOCIAL SCIENCES

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. 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.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course provides students with an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It involves the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. This is a college level course with potential for college credit, thus extensive college level reading and writing is required. Students will take the Advanced Placement Test at the end of the year.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in 0.5 GOVERNMENT 0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and issues in US History. The course exposes students to a college level academic experience in the major cultural, social, political, economic, and historical issues found in US History from 1492 to present. Students successfully mastering the course material may earn college credit on the AP US History exam, which is administered annually. Because this AP course is a college level elective, students will be asked to purchase their materials in accordance with Douglas County Board of Education policy.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in HISTORY.  May be taken only once for credit.

This class focuses primarily on the past thousand years of the global experience. Students analyze interaction among major societies, change and continuity across the world, the
impact of technology and demography, social and gender structures, cultural and intellectual developments and changes in states. This class will involve a much heavier outside reading and homework load than previous social studies classes so that students will be prepared to take the AP World History exam in May. There may be summer reading for Fall classes.

• Credit: 1.0
• Level: 10-12
• Prerequisite: Teacher Approval
• Fees: $99 AP Exam; Textbook/Workbook

Meets Requirements in HISTORY.  May be taken only once for credit.

Students in this class will attain a basic familiarity with the events and individuals significant in the development of Colorado. Topics will include topography, mountain men, Native Americans, the gold rush, the creation of Colorado Territory, the Civil War in Colorado Territory, law and order, state government, Indian Wars, mining and mining camps, the struggle for statehood, frontier humor and entertainment, wagons to railroads, the founding of Denver and Littleton, ski industry, natural wonders and water rights as well as other current issues.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: U.S. History since 1865
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.

This History course will provide an overview of Medieval societies and cultures beginning with the Fall of the Roman Empire and moving through the 14th century. Topics will include the birth, rise and spread of Christian and Islamic religions, interactions between East Asian civilizations and Europe, the feudal system and manorialism, the influence of trade networks across Eurasia, conflicts within and among religions, the impacts and influence of the European Renaissance and Reformation, and the art, literature and culture throughout the Middle Ages. By focusing on research methods and critical thinking skills, students will gain understanding of the complexity of the Middle Ages and the foundation of modern Western societies.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in HISTORY.  May be taken only once for credit.

This course will introduce students to some of the “classics” of western philosophy. We will read and discuss some of the most influential thinkers in the history of western philosophy. The readings will span more than two thousand years of western thought in which students will see how important philosophical ideas have changed over time. Perhaps the most important thing to be gained from this class is not an acquaintance with various facts and theories from the history of philosophy, but the development of reasoning skills. The study of philosophy develops one's ability to think carefully and critically. The objective of this course is to enable students to be reflective about the beliefs that they or their society have developed.

• Credit: 0.5
• Level: 11-12
• Prerequisite: None
• Fees: None

Meets Requirements in SOCIAL STUDIES.  May be taken only once for credit.