Course Catalog - Social Studies

Social Studies

PR: Prerequisite   |   CR: Credit for Course   |   SEM: Semesters   |   LC: Local Credit

Core Courses

It is recommended that students take World Geography in 9th grade, World History in 10th, United States History in 11th, and Government/Economics in 12th grade.

World Geography Studies (9-12) #4300

World Geography Studies (9-12) M #4301

This course examines people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international levels. Students will study the influence of geography on events of the past and present; the characteristics of major landforms, climates, and ecosystems; and the political, economic, and social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions.

PR: None

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Advanced World Geography (9-12) #4320

Advanced World Geography M (9-12) #4311

This course provides an enriched world geography program with a greater emphasis on critical thinking, higher order thinking skills, and problem solving. All topics and credits given for World Geography above apply to this course. Most students will have completed eighth grade Advanced U.S. History prior to enrolling in Advanced World Geography.

PR: None

SEM: 2 CR: 1

World History Studies (9-12) #4200

World History Studies M (9-12) #4203

This course emphasizes the study of significant people, events, and issues from the Neolithic Revolution to the present. Traditional historical points of reference in world history are identified as students analyze important events and issues in civilizations of the world.

PR: None

SEM: 2 CR: 1

Advanced World History (10-12) #4230

Advanced World History M (10-12) #4231

This course follows the same pacing and structure as the on-level World History course with increased writing and rigor to more effectively prepare students for the transition to AP US History.  This course may be substituted for the standard world history credit.

PR: None

SEM: 2 CR: 1

United States History Studies Since Reconstruction (11-12) #4100

United States History Studies Since Reconstruction M (11-12) #4103M

This course is the second year of a two-year study begun in the 8th grade. It includes historical content focusing on the political, economic, and social events and issues of the period from 1877 to the present.

PR: None

SEM: 2 CR: 1

United States Government (12) #4400

United States Government M (12) #4401

This course focuses on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels. A significant focus of the course is on the U.S. Constitution and the form of government it created.

PR: None

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits (12) #4500

Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits M (12) #4501

This course focuses on the basic principles concerning production, consumption, distribution of goods and services in the United States and a comparison with those in other countries around the world. Students will examine the rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses in a free enterprise system.

PR: None

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

Social Studies Electives

Issues Involving Critical Thinking in the Social Studies (11-12) #4901

This course will teach students to develop the concepts, skills, and processes necessary to become critical thinkers through the study of relevant current political, social, economic, and cultural issues as projected through the various forms of public media. Special attention will be focused on the impact social media has on the formulation of people’s attitudes, values, and perceptions of complex issues.

PR: Core Courses

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

Psychology (9-12) #4700

Advanced Psychology (11-12) #4720

Psychology Dual (11-12) #4721

This course is designed to allow students to consider the development of the individual and the personality. The course focuses on such topics as theories of human development, personality, motivation, and learning.

PR: Core Courses SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

Sociology (11-12) #4800

This course is designed for students who desire a better understanding of themselves through a study of society. Students examine topics such as the history and systems of sociology, cultural and social norms, social institutions, and mass communication through the study of dynamics and models of individual and group relationships.

PR: Core Courses

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

Special Topics: World Area Studies Honors (11-12) #4600

This course examines the major cultural, political, economic and environmental issues facing the various regions of our world. Coursework will focus heavily on the role the United Nations and US foreign policy plays in global affairs. Research projects, in-class simulations and participation in Model United Nations are important components of the course.

PR: Core Courses

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

A Study in Comparative Religions (12) #4690

A Study in Comparative Religions is a senior social studies elective. It offers students an opportunity to compare five major world religions-Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. The course emphasizes scholarly research and historical inquiry that will assist students to become global citizens.

PR: None

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

Ethnic Studies: Mexican American Studies (11-12) #4685

In Ethnic Studies: Mexican American Studies, an elective course, students learn about the history and cultural contributions of Mexican Americans. Students explore history and culture from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course emphasizes events in the 20th and 21st centuries, but students will also engage with events prior to the 20th century.

PR: None

Sem: 2 CR: 1

Ethnic Studies: African American Studies (11-12) #4686

Ethnic Studies: African American Studies, an elective course, introduces students to the exploration of the rich and diverse history and culture of African Americans. The goal of this course is to broaden the knowledge and understanding of students interested in learning about history, citizenship, culture, economics, science, technology, geography, and the political experiences of African Americans.

PR: None

Sem 2 CR:1

Social Studies Research Methods (9-12) #4940, #4941 (M)

This Research course aims to engage students in scholarly research where students are encouraged to investigate real-world topics of interest. Students will explore six essential skills and their development—critical thinking and reasoning, critical reading, inquiry and research, argumentation, communicating publicly, and collaboration.

PR: None

Sem: 1 CR:0.5

Economics with an Emphasis On PFL (9-12). #4508

This course will examine the basic fundamentals of Economics with a focus on personal finances such as: savings, checking accounts, loans, debt/credit, and financial responsibilities and liabilities.

PR: None

Sem: 1 CR: 0.5

Special Topics: US History Through Film (9-12) #4820 (1st Time Taken)

Special Topics: US History Through Film (9-12) #4823 (2nd Time Taken)

Special Topics: US History Through Film (9-12) #4826 (3rd Time Taken)

Special Topics: US History Through Film (9-12) #4829 (4th Time Taken)

This course examines the history of the United States by analyzing  films made regarding historical time periods.  Students will conduct historical research to analyze cultural, political, and social issues that influenced the films presented.

P.R: Concurrent Enrollment in World History

Sem: 1. CR: 0.5

Special Topics: World War Two Studies (9-12) #4821 (1st Time Taken)

Special Topics: World War Two Studies (9-12) #4824 (2nd Time Taken)

Special Topics: World War Two Studies (9-12) #4827 (3rd Time Taken)

Special Topics: World War Two Studies (9-12) #4830 (4th Time Taken)

This course will analyze the political and economic causes of the Second World War from a global perspective. Students will explore military campaigns, leaders, and the domestic impacts at home.

P.R. Concurrent Enrollment in World History

Sem: 1. CR: 0.5

Special Topics: Model UN (9-12) #4822- Honors (CLARK ONLY) (1st Time Taken)

Special Topics: Model UN (9-12) #4825 (2nd Time Taken)

Special Topics: Model UN (9-12) #4828 (3rdTime Taken)

Special Topics: Model UN (9-12) #4831 (4th Time Taken)

This course will require students to take on the role of an ambassador while debating topics centered on a nation’s political, cultural, geographic, and economic issues and concerns.  Student participation in Model UN competitions is strongly encouraged. 

P.R. World Geography and World History

Sem: 1  CR: 0.5

Economics Advanced Studies (2) #4514 (JAY AND STEVENS ONLY)

This course will have students explore a deeper understanding of Macroeconomics principles and theories and their application to economic questions and scenarios.

PR: None

Sem:  1.  CR: 0.5

Advanced Placement Elective Courses

AP European History (11-12) #4625

This course 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 AP European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing. Students may earn college credit through the College Board AP Examination which is offered in May of each year. The fee for the exam is the responsibility of the student.

PR: Core Courses

SEM: 2 CR: 1

AP Human Geography incorporating World Geography Studies TEKS (9-10) #4316

AP Human Geography incorporating World Geography Studies TEKS M (9-10) #4317

AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. Students may earn college credit through the College Board AP Examination which is offered in May of each year. The fee for the AP exam is the responsibility of the student. This course may be used as a substitute for World Geography Studies.

PR: None

SEM: 2 CR: 1

AP Human Geography (11-12) #4315

AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. Students may earn college credit through the College Board AP Examination which is offered in May of each year. The fee for the AP exam is the responsibility of the student. This course may NOT be used as a substitute for World Geography Studies

PR: None

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

AP Macroeconomics (11-12) #4504

AP Macroeconomics M (11-12) #4505

AP Macroeconomics Dual (11-12) #4506

AP Macroeconomics Dual M (11-12) #4507

This course provides a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. This course may be used to meet the Economics requirement for graduation.

PR: None

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

AP Microeconomics (11-12) #4550

AP Microeconomics Dual #4552

AP Microeconomics Dual M # 4551

This course provides a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. This course may be used to meet the Economics requirement for graduation.

PR: None

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

AP Psychology (11-12) #4730

This course includes the history of psychology and studies in research methods and statistical analysis, human growth and development, learning and memory, intellectual abilities and testing, motivation and emotion, and psychological disturbances and therapies. Students may earn college credit through the College Board AP Examination which is offered in May of each year. The fee for the AP exam is the responsibility of the student.

PR: Core Courses

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

AP United States Government and Politics incorporating United States Government TEKS (11-12) #4450

AP United States Government and Politics incorporating United States Government TEKS M (11-12) #4451

AP United States Government and Politics incorporating United States Government TEKS Dual (11-12) #4456

This course will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It includes the study of the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute U.S. politics as well as the general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics, and the analysis of specific examples. This course may be taken in place of the regular Government course. Students may earn college credit through the College Board AP Examination which is offered in May of each year. The fee for the AP exam is the responsibility of the student. This course may be used to meet the Government requirement for graduation.

PR: None

SEM: 1 CR: 1/2

AP United States History incorporating United States History Studies TEKS (11-12) #4150

AP United States History incorporating United States History Studies TEKS Dual (11-12) #4155

AP United States History incorporating United States History Studies TEKS M (11-12) #4158

This advanced course in American history explores ideas, concepts, interpretation, and movements in American history from the early settlement of the Americas to the present. Broad themes of the course include the creation and evolution of political institutions, the role of America in the world, the development of the American economy, and the way in which the American people have lived. This course may be taken in place of the United States History. Students may earn college credit through the College Board AP Examination which is offered in May of each year. The fee for the AP exam is the responsibility of the student. This course may be used to meet the United States History Studies requirement for graduation.

PR: None

SEM: 2 CR: 1

AP World History incorporating World History Studies TEKS (10-12) #4250

AP World History incorporating World History Studies TEKS M (10-12) #4253

The purpose of this course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and con-tact in interaction with different types of human societies. Focused primarily on the past thousand years of the global experience, the course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage. Specific themes provide further organization to the course. This course may be taken in place of the regular World History course. Students may earn college credit through the College Board AP Examination, which is offered in May of each year. The fee for the AP exam is the responsibility of the student. This course may be used as a substitute for World History Studies.

PR: None

SEM: 2 CR: 1

*+AP Capstone Social Studies- Seminar (10-11) #4910 (Warren H.S. Only)

Developed at the request of College Board Higher Education membership, the AP Capstone program is built on the foundation of two new AP courses – AP Seminar and AP Research – and is designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study provided through other AP courses. In AP Seminar, students investigate real -world issues from multiple perspectives, gathering and analyzing information from various sources in order to develop valid evidence-based arguments. In AP Capstone Year 2, these students will enroll in AP Research. Students earn the AP Capstone diploma by both completing course-work (AP Seminar and AP Research) and AP exams (scoring three or higher on these two AP exams, as well as on four additional AP exams of their choosing). The Capstone™ signifies their outstanding academic achievement of college-level academic and research skills.

PR: Advanced experience

SEM:2 CR:1

*+AP Capstone Social Studies- Research (11) #4912 (Warren H.S. only)

AP Research was developed by the College Board Higher Education membership to follow the Capstone Year 1 Seminar course in which students investigated real world science topics from multiple perspectives. In this course, students will cultivate the skills and discipline necessary to conduct independent research in order to produce and defend their own scholarly work. Students earn the AP Capstone diploma by completing coursework for both AP Seminar and AP Research and scoring three or higher on both AP Capstone exams, as well as on four additional AP exams of their choosing. The Capstone diploma signifies their outstanding academic achievement of college-level academic and research skills.

PR: AP Capstone Seminar

SEM: 2 Social Studies CR: 1

OnRamps

Elective Course

OnRamps United States History (11-12) #4170

This yearlong U.S History course combines the University at Austin designed college experience in a high school classroom setting. Students engage with high-quality content and build digital literacy skills and have the opportunity to earn three hours of college credit from the University of Texas at Austin. This course may be used to meet the United States History Studies requirement for graduation.

PR: None

SEM: 2 CR: 1