Junior High Social Studies Courses

• 6th Grade: 6th Geography - 1 year
  • In this class, students will study the geography and history of world regions with significant emphasis on culture. Students will study the regional, physical, and cultural characteristics of places and how those have changed over time. Learning will be centered around the 5 Themes of Geography: Location, Place, Region, Movement, and Human-Environment Interactions.
• 7th Grade: 7th Global Studies - 1 year
  • Prepare to look at a variety of aspects pertaining to the world and how it functions. Topics include: Trade, Governments, Personal Finance, Current Issues, and everything in-between.
• 8th Grade: 8th Social Studies - 1 year
  • In this class, we will explore American history from the very beginning, even before the first Europeans arrived on shore in 1492, all the way to the Reconstruction period after the Civil War. In 8th grade, students focus on the history of the United States including the American founding and establishment of democratic principles. Students will analyze the powers and civic responsibilities of citizens and examine the origins, functions, and structure of the U.S. government. As a result, students will gain an understanding of historical events in early American history, democratic principles, individual rights, and government institutions.

• Required History Courses

  • US History - 1 year - 2 credits - 9th, 10th

    • This course examines the history of the United States from the Reconstruction era through the present time. It typically includes historical review of political, military, scientific, and social developments.

  • World History - 1 year - 2 credits - 10th, 11th
    • This course provides students with an overview of the history of human society from early civilization to the contemporary period, examining political, economic, social, religious, military, scientific, and cultural developments.
  • American Government - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 12th
    • This course provides an overview of the structure and functions of the U.S. governments and political institutions and examines constitutional principles, the concepts of rights and responsibilities, the role of political parties and interest groups, and the importance of civic participation in the democratic process.
• History Course Electives-Students will need to complete AT LEAST one of these courses and, keep in mind, they are on a rotational schedule.
  • American History: Pop Culture - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 10th -12th
    
    • This course will examine the impact of Pop Culture in the United Sates that helps make up our unique American culture. Students will analyze and predict how society affects pop culture and the way that pop culture impacts society. Each unit will include a brief overview of the significant historical developments of the time period. We will examine the popular culture developments that coincided with the historical events. Mass media, music, literature, film, radio, tv, sports, fashion and advertising will be some of the focus areas for study. This class will give an opportunity for students to investigate a variety of different pop culture influences that have become part of the American identity.
  • American West - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 9th-12th
    • Manifest Destiny!!!! But really, we look at how American's have perceived the West and the many outcomes of why, who, and when we traveled to each section of the west. We will look extensively at who was there before Americans.
  • Asian Civilization - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 9th-12th
    • This course will examine the history of Asia from 1500 until the present day. There will be a focus on cross-cultural contacts within Asia and with the West. Students will gain a factual understanding of Asia's role in the international community, including the cultural, political, intellectual, and economic factors that have influenced this region's history. They will also learn to critically evaluate historical materials relevant to the study of Asia.
  • Holocaust - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 10th-12th
    • This class will examine the Holocaust from the start of the Nazi regime to how we perceive the Holocaust and other genocides today. Be prepared to be horrified, cry, and even laugh at times as we learn how the victims persevered through one of the most gruesome events in history.
  • Modern U.S. History - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 9th-12th
    • In this class, we will examine the United States from the years after WWII to modern-day. We will have a major focus on the role the Cold War played in shaping modern U.S. policies and culture.
  • Sociology - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 9th-12th
    • This class will examine the systemic understanding of social interaction, social organization, social institutions, and social change. Students will examine topics including: Culture, Social Structure, Social Norms, Deviance, Socialization, Social Development, Inequalities, Social Status, and Social Stratification.
  • Sports History - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 9th-12th
    • In this class, we will examine the role sports have played throughout history. Some topics include: Sports and Civil Rights, Sports and the Cold War, and An Athlete's Voice.
  • U.S. Issues - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 9th-12th
    • Explore the contemporary issues in the U.S. including the death penalty, issues in sports, gun control, technology, and others that students would like to explore themselves.
  • U.S. Military History - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 9th-12th
    • This class will examine wars in American History from the inception of the United States all the way through Vietnam. We will look at why and how wars were fought as well as the outcomes and legacies of each war.
  • World Cultures - 1 Sem - 1 credit - 9th-12th
    • This class will explore different cultures throughout time, how cultures impact who we are, and will also examine our culture in relation to others.