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AP US History
1 Credit Prerequisites: Teacher ecommendation 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 & Government and one semester of Personal Finance and Economics.
Personal Finance and Economics Foundations( or) Personal Finance and Economics
. 5 credit Prerequisites: 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
. 5 credit Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation for Honors level
This course will explore the history of the United States chronologically, from the mid-19th century to the present, to help students understand both the development of the nation’ s history over the past 150 years, as well as its role in the world today. Students will refine the process of historical inquiry through the development of both written and verbal expression, and examine primary and secondary sources for validity, point of view, and historical context. In addition, students will be expected to build competent and appropriate connections to issues in the contemporary world. 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
. 5 credit Prerequisites: 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 credibility, engaging in civil discourse, and understanding their role in a democracy. Through discussions on voting rights, civic participation, and global issues, students will be prepared to engage thoughtfully in both American and international contexts.
Civics and Government Honors
. 5 credit Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation for Honors 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 focuses on the structure of government at
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