World Geography and Culture

This required semester-long 9th grade course constructs a foundation for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade social science curricula through the study of culture in a geographical context. Physical geography is organized in terms of location, place, environment, movement, and region. Cultural studies focus on understanding concepts that describe political, economic, belief, and social systems along with learning about present day ways of life around the world and their historical backgrounds. In addition, students will incorporate map work, globes, graphs, the internet, library resources and class discussions.

Meets UC and CSU “a” requirement

World History I II

This 10^th grade course presents a narrative of world history from the roots of democracy through the present.  The course traces the development of civilizations throughout the world.  Themes include political change, economic development, the growth of science and technology, the effect of contact between cultures, and creativity in the arts.  Skill emphasis will include reading, analysis, speaking, note-taking, writing and research.

Meets UC and CSU “a” requirement.   

SDAIE U.S. History Grades 9-12.

This class is designed to cover the same curriculum as other U.S. History classes, but it utilizes techniques specially designed to help English Language Learners. This course will rotate every other year with SDAIE World History 2/3.

The time periods covered in the first semester is pre-colonial era to the turn of the Century.  We will examine the major historical events in that period, i.e. the forming of the colonies, Revolutionary War, the writing of the Constitution, the Civil War, Immigration, etc. We will follow the 11^th grade standards and benchmarks of the state of California as the basis of the key events and themes studies.  A goal of this class is to see how one period of time has influenced and shaped succeeding eras.  The time period covered in the second semester is 1900 to the present day.  We will examine the major historical events in that period, i.e. the two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, and Watergate. A goal of this class is to see how one period of time has influenced and shaped succeeding eras.  The junior year requires all students to complete a research paper on the 20^th century, which will be conducted in the second semester.

Meets UC and CSU “a” requirement.

 
American Government

This course meets UC CSU "a" or "g" requirement.

Seniors will examine the major principles of the American political system. Particular attention will be paid to the political decision making process employed by Federal, State and local government. Students will also analyze the major institutions of the American political system, such as the Constitution, Presidency, Congress, Supreme Court, political parties, voting, elections, civil liberties and the media. Special emphasis will be placed on helping the student understand his/her role within the American political system.

This course meets UC CSU "a" or "g" requirement.

 Economics

This Senior course examines the principles of the American economic system. It includes a study of comparative economic systems, economic policy-making and decision-making, and of economic issues on a personal, national and international level. This course includes principles of micro and macroeconomics.

Meets UC and CSU “g” elective requirement.

 Psychology

This Senior course focuses on personal growth and provides students a basic introduction to the field of psychology. Students learn to apply basic psychology concepts to themselves so they have a better understanding of who they are and how they can relate better to those around them.

U.C. Certified ‘g’ Requirement and C.S.U. Certified

 History of World War 2

Grades 11-12. Semester class. This elective course will be an intensive study of the major events, leaders, and themes of the most significant war in modern history. Topics will include: the role of the new military technology, social effects on civilians, and the impact of the war on the post-war Europe and Asia, and the development of the Cold War. This course will allow students a chance to develop analytical skills by examining primary documents from the era and through the completion of a research project based on those primary documents. An emphasis will be on interpretation of key events from various international perspectives. In addition to understanding why events happened during the war, students will have to understand the root causes and effects of the war. Oral discussion/participation will also be a key component to this class. Prerequisite: Completion of World History 2 or 3 with a grade of B or better Meets UC and CSU “g” elective requirement