World Geography
Prerequisites: None
9th Grade 2 semesters, 1 credit

The World Geography course is designed to help the student understand how physical environment affects the Earth. They will understand the patterns and characteristics of major landforms, climates and ecosystems of Earth and the interrelated processes that produce them. The student will also study cultural geography, learning how political, economic,
and social processes have shaped the characteristics of world regions. They will understand types and patterns of settlement and the geography behind history. They will learn about population growth, distribution, and movement. The student will also learn how people, places, and environment are interdependent.

 

Pre AP World History
Prerequisites: World Geography
10th Grade 2 semesters, 1 credit

The major emphasis in World History is on the study of significant people, events, and issues from the earliest times to the present. Traditional historical points of reference in world history are identified as students analyze important events and issues in western civilization as well as in civilizations in other parts of the world. Students evaluate the causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th Century. Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major historic events and identify the historic origins of contemporary economic systems. Students analyze the process by which democratic-republican governments evolved as well as the ideas from historic documents that influenced that process. Students trace the historical development of important legal and political concepts. Students examine the connections between major developments in science and technology and the growth of industrial economies, and they use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, and use multiple sources of evidence.  This course lays the foundation for skills necessary for continuation for AP social studies courses.

 

AP United States History
Prerequisites: World Geography, Pre AP World History or Teacher Recommendation
11th Grade 2 semesters, 1 credit

This is a survey (overview) course of American History – colonial times to approximately current day. It is designed to provide the student with a college-level academic experience, complete with collegiate materials, and to prepare them for the College Board AP U.S. History test. Successfully passing this exam with a score of three or more may allow the student to get college credit for this high school course. The course will concentrate on social, political, and intellectual history of the United States. Students will work with primary, secondary, and commentary materials. Emphasis is on synthesis of knowledge and critical thinking skills. Class discussion is very important, as are writing skills. Successful completion of Pre AP World History is strongly recommended.

 

AP U.S. Government
Prerequisites: Pre AP World History; A. P. United States History
12th Grade 1 semester, ½ credit

This course is an in-depth study of the American governmental system, the underlying beliefs of those that shaped our government, and constitutional law from the early 1800’s, along with the major functions of all three branches of the government. Students will evaluate the role of political parties, special interest groups, and the media using class discussion, debate, and analysis of current news coverage. The course will focus on themes such as globalization, democratization, political change, public policy, and citizen-state relations.  Successful completion of AP US History is strongly recommended.

 

AP European History
Prerequisites: Pre AP World History and or AP US History
10th-12th Grades 2 semesters, 1 credit

AP European History is for students to gain knowledge of the basic chronology of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present, as well as developing an understanding of some of the principle themes in modern European civilization, including intellectual, cultural, economic, political, diplomatic, and social history. Also, students will develop an ability to analyze historical evidence and express historical understanding in writing.

 

AP Art History (not scheduled in current rotation; alters with AP European History)
Prerequisites: Pre AP World History and AP US History or concurrent enrollment
11th-12th Grades 2 semesters, 1 credit

AP Art History is a chronological art survey course that focuses on traditional Western art. The objective of the course is to encourage the student to analyze works of art and to develop a vocabulary that will allow them to be able to discuss what they see in the context of the artistic period, style, and the individual artists. This course also requires the student to become familiar with Microsoft Power Point.