Social Studies
Mr. Andy Gavel, Dept. Chair
Mock Trial Year Course 10,11,12
THIS CLASS MEETS AT NIGHT
Mock Trial students take part in competition, which simulates a criminal court case. The competitions (2) put students in the role of attorneys and witnesses. Trials are held in actual courtrooms and increase proficiency in skills such as public speaking and critical thinking. Each competition requires an extensive amount of preparation.
*World History Year Course 10
Required for sophomores.
This class is a study of the history of western civilization from the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans until the modern Era.
*World History-Honors Year Course 10
Prerequisite: Open to selected sophomores who are approved by the department on the basis of academic achievement, and the EDS test results. In addition to providing a basic exposure to the factual narrative, this class will develop: an understanding of some of the principal themes in European history; and ability to analyze historical evidence; and an ability to express that understanding and analysis in writing.
*United States History Year Course 11
Required for juniors.
This course is a study of the United States from Early English colonialism to the present time.
*United States History A.P. Year Course 11
Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA 3.3 or better. Grade of “B” or better in World History and a writing sample.
This course is designed to prepare the student for the advanced placement exam in American History.
*Economics/*Civics A.P. Year Course 12
Prerequisite: Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better, Grade of “B” or better in U.S. History, a writing sample.
This course is designed to prepare the student for the advanced placement exam in American Government.
- *Civics/Economics Year Course 12
One semester each required for graduation.
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- Civics One semester course 12
- Designed to study the origins, development, and functions of the government. (Students
accepted into the A.P. American Government and politics courses are not to enroll in this course.)
Economics One semester course 12
- Designed to increase the student’s understanding of different classifications of economic organization, the
market system and its function of production, distribution, and consumption, the general business cycle, the role of
government, labor, business, banking and credit in the economy.
*California History Semester Course 11,12
This one semester elective is intended to round out the Social Studies curriculum. This class is also designed to address
geography as an important skill that will be integrated into the lessons. Students will explore the rich history of their home
state. Some of the topics to be examined are: the geographical foundations of California, Native American society,
Spanish colonization, American conquest and California today.
*Current Events Semester Course 11,12
This course has been designed with a global perspective view, looking at the world with an objective attitude and
seeking those concepts common to all people. The course will provide basic background information, key questions and give arguments on all sides of current issues. By the nature of the class, topical discussion is encouraged.
*Psychology Semester Course 11,12 One semester elective.
This class is a one-semester course designed to study the origins and development of basic psychological theory.
Emphasis is on the terms and ideas that relate most closely to everyday life experiences. Learning theory, early development and theories of personality are examples of areas covered. General and small group discussions are encouraged.
*Sociology Semester Course 11,12 One semester elective.
This course is a general introduction to the study of human beings and their interaction with each other and their environment culture, the major social institutions, and the structure of society and its effects on the individual. Special topics include the following: cultural norms, social justice, crime, poverty, minorities, political and economic structure, and deviant behavior.
+Youth and the Law Semester Course 11, 12
Open to Juniors and Seniors as an elective
This course will enable students to examine the application of statutes affecting youth in conflict with the law. Students will review legislation and court cases that effect their lives. They will utilize case scenarios regarding racial profiling, search and seizure and the right to keep and bear arms. Guest speakers will be used to enrich the students understanding of the court system and law enforcement.
*UC Approved
