a. American Government:  During the 9th grade, students receive a fundamental survival course in how our democracy functions, incorporating local, state, and national history, a knowledge of the structure and function of the American system of government, the roles and responsibilities of citizen participation in the political process, and the relationship of the individual to the law and legal system.  A second part of the course focuses on the World Geography, examining the major regions of the world, the five themes of geography, and an introduction to map making and reading.

b. U.S. History:  During the 10th grade, students take a survey course in U.S. History from the cultures of pre-European Native Americans to the present time.  The course examines and emphasizes the political, cultural, and social history of the United States, analyzing the various historical themes which were fundamental to the development of the country into a world power.

c. World History:  During the 11th grade, students broaden their historical knowledge by examining the development of world cultures, religions, and civilizations.  Beginning with ancient civilizations, the student traces the eventual emergence of modern nation-states through trade/communications, intellectual development, scientific and technological development, and conflict.

d. Economics:  During senior year, this required course offers students the opportunity to (a) develop a basic understanding of micro- and macro-economic concepts as they describe the American Free Enterprise System (b) practice the consumer and critical thinking skills necessary to becoming a successful, economically intelligent adult and (c) assess the role of the federal government in the American economy.

Electives 
The Social Studies Department offers a variety of electives, which allow students to broaden their knowledge base in a number of areas.

a. Current Issues:  Analyzes current political, economic, and social issues-their historical background, development, and impact on modern society.  This course integrates and reinforces social studies skills from other core social studies courses.

b. Local Studies (Current Issues II):  Analyzes current issues, influences related to these issues, and how decisions are made concerning these issues. This course adds to the knowledge gained in Current Issues and requires additional research.

c. World Geography: Investigates regions of the world and how these regions influence the historical, economical, political, and cultural development in an interdependent world. This course emphasizes geographic concepts, physical phenomena, and relationship of people to their environment as well as environmental issues.

d. Psychology (Juniors and Seniors only):  Examines the fundamentals of human behavior and those mental and emotional processes involved in human behavior.

e. Advanced Placement U.S. History:  AP U.S. History is a college level course which provides high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit by preparing for and passing the AP U.S. History examination in May. It offers an accelerated, in-depth study of U.S. History, and provides students opportunities to develop advanced writing and critical thinking skills.

Social Studies Activities:  In addition to the core and elective courses offered above, the Social Studies Department sponsors numerous activities which allow students to utilize and further develop their knowledge and skills.  The department hosts a Social Studies Fair annually, and takes and active role in the school district's Model UN program.  Numerous essay, speaking, and historical paper contests are offered throughout the year as well.

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