2025-26 TA Program of Studies | Page 35

AP US History

1 Credit

Prerequisites : School counselor and teacher recommendation for AP level

Great historians ask great questions . Why did the first American colonists resort to eating their dead ? Was Lincoln really “ The Great Emancipator ” or did the slaves actually free themselves ? Why did the Ku Klux Klan reach 4 million members in the 1920s ? Was the dropping of the atomic bomb in WWII a military necessity or geo-political calculation ? In tackling these essential questions and more , students in AP US History will follow the history of the nation from 1492 to present , confront the dominant themes of American history , and develop an understanding of why America has become the nation it is today . Students in this challenging college-level course will learn the critical reading , writing , and historical thinking skills necessary to develop an advanced understanding of US history and succeed on the AP US History exam . At the AP level , students should expect significant outside of class reading , writing , and research , similar to that of an introductory history course at the collegiate level . Students are required to take the AP US History exam .

JUNIORS

In the 11th grade , students will study the foundations of American government , learn how to be active participants in American democracy , and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be informed consumers and make important financial decisions . Students must take one semester of Civics and Government and one semester of Personal Finance and Economics .

Personal Finance and Economics Foundations ( or ) Personal Finance and Economics

0.5 Credit

Prerequisites : School counselor and teacher recommendation for Foundations level

This course equips students with essential financial skills for life . Students will learn how to create budgets , make smart consumer choices , and manage bank accounts . The course covers the basics of investing , including stocks and bonds , and how to build long-term wealth . Students will explore responsible credit use , understand credit scores , and compare loan options . They ' ll also learn about different types of insurance — health , auto , and life — and their role in protecting finances . A unit on taxes will teach students how to file income taxes and understand deductions . Key economic concepts , like supply and demand and opportunity cost , will help students understand how economies function . By the end , students will have the knowledge to make informed financial decisions , set goals , and navigate the economic challenges of adulthood .

Personal Finance and Economics Honors

0.5 Credit Prerequisites : School counselor and teacher recommendation for Honors level

This course equips students with essential financial skills for life . Students will learn how to create budgets , make smart consumer choices , and manage bank accounts . The course covers the basics of investing , including stocks and bonds , and how to build long-term wealth . Students will explore responsible credit use , understand credit scores , and compare loan options . They ' ll also learn about different types of insurance — health , auto , and life — and their role in protecting finances . A unit on taxes will teach students how to file income taxes and understand deductions . Key economic concepts , like supply and demand and opportunity cost , will help students understand how economies function . By the end , students will have the knowledge to make informed financial decisions , set goals , and navigate the economic challenges of adulthood . At the Honors level , students should expect a challenging academic experience that focuses on developing the college-level historical thinking and academic skills necessary for continued study at the Honors and Advanced Placement level , including extensive outside of class reading , writing , and research requirements .

Civics and Government Foundations ( or ) Civics and Government

0.5 Credit

Prerequisites : School counselor and teacher recommendation for Foundations level

In this course , students will explore the foundations of U . S . democracy and the evolving role of citizens in shaping government . They will gain a deep understanding of the U . S . Constitution , how it has adapted over time , and how it continues to influence the rights and responsibilities of Americans today . Students will examine key historical events , such as the American Revolution , and explore the philosophical ideas that shaped the country ' s government . The course also touches on the structure of government at local , state , and federal levels , and how these systems work together — and sometimes clash — in the everyday lives of citizens . In addition , students will develop important skills such as evaluating news and information for

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