Social Studies Courses
SOCIAL STUDIES
The 7 credits of Social Studies required for graduation include, specifically, a full year of U.S. History and a semester of U.S. Government. The remaining 3 credits of Social Studies may be fulfilled by any of the classes in the Social Studies department.
The required semester of Economics is a “stand alone” graduation requirement and is not included in the 6 required credits of Social Studies.
*NCAA* = DENOTES NCAA APPROVED COURSE
IBMYP GEOGRAPHY AND WORLD HISTORY 1,2 *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 9
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
This course provides a thematic exploration of geography through the lens of key developments in world history.
Standards in geography and history are emphasized as well as an understanding of how both geography and past events relate to the 21st Century. The course naturally fits into the IB MYP philosophy which requires students to make connections between the classroom learning experience and the modern world. Additionally, MYP Geography World History will focus on skill development in communication, intercultural understanding and global engagement. Through the pursuit of engaging questions and inquiry learning, this MYP course encourages students to think creatively, critically and reflectively of themselves as learners in a complex world.
IBMYP WORLD HISTORY HONORS *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
A survey of major developments in the history of the world and the U.S. from 1450 to 1877. An appreciation of the national heritage of the United States and an understanding of how world events relate in an interdependent world will be stressed.
IB MYP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT HONORS *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Government)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
A survey of major developments in the history of the world and the U.S. from 1450 to 1877. An appreciation of the national heritage of the United States and an understanding of how world events relate in an interdependent world will be stressed.
IBMYP US HISTORY: RECONST - PRESENT 3,4 *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10
Credits per Semester: 1.0 (US History)
Prerequisite: None
This course focuses upon the period in United States history from reconstruction to the present. The program is designed to prepare students for the formal IB Program and to provide the students with their district American History requirement.
IBMYP US HISTORY: RECONST - PRESENT 3,4 H *NCAA*
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 10
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (US History)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
The United States and World History is a survey of major developments in the history of the United States and the world from 1877 to the present. United States and world geography will be emphasized, as will civics. The study of our nation’s past as part of the general study of humanity will reveal historical, political, economic, social and cultural connections and relationships among the people of the world. An appreciation of the national heritage of the United States and an understanding of how world events relate in an interdependent world will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual understanding and critical writing.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 11,12
Credits per Semester: 1.0 (US Government)
Prerequisite: None
The opportunity for most United States citizens to acquire the knowledge and dispositions essential for informed effective citizenship is during their school years. Therefore, United States Government is designed to enhance responsible and informed participation in civic life. This course will incorporate the Colorado Civics content standards, and key themes will include the purpose of government and heritage of United States government, comparative governments, the Constitution as a living document, political parties, citizenship rights and responsibilities, states and local government, and government relations to world affairs.
ECONOMICS. *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Economics)
Prerequisite: None
This course includes the basic concepts of economic theory and their application to national, state, and local issues. Topics include the basic concepts of economics, micro-economic issues, macro-economic issues, and international economic issues. Emphasis will be placed on economic literacy to prepare students for college studies.
IB GEOGRAPHY 1,2 SL
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 11,12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
The IB Diploma Programme geography course integrates physical, environmental, human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both socio-economic and scientific methodologies. Geography takes advantage of its position to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps students develop life skills and have an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints, and ideas. Students will be prepared to take the IB SL exam in Geography at the conclusion of this course.
AMERICAN WEST *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
The American West traces the history of the trans-Mississippi region from its exploration by the Spanish and the French through the 1900s. Climate, geography, natural resources, land use, and the contributions of various groups entering and living in the area will be studied.
AMERICAN POPULAR CULTURE. *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
Using music and film as mirrors of American popular culture, this course will trace the growth of music such as the blues, jazz, rock n’ roll, country, and hip-hop, as well as different genres of popular film. It will explore the appeals and sometimes the ideals behind our popular culture and how this is a reflection upon American society in general.
CONSTITUTIONAL AND CRIMINAL LAW *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to explore the constitutional foundations and structure of the federal and state legal systems. Key concepts include the first ten amendments and individual rights, law enforcement, judicial systems, civil and criminal law, and balancing rights with responsibilities.
STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL AMERICA *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
From the beginning, America was both multiracial and multicultural. This course is designed as an opportunity for every student to see themselves in the historical narrative of America. Students will investigate, interpret, and analyze historical evidence to gain a better understanding of a nation peopled by the world. Students will be challenged to recover the missing chapters of American history; the stories of separate and shared experiences of multiple minority groups. This course is an opportunity for academic growth and a deeper and more diverse education to equip students with the knowledge and skills to be productive members of a country where everyone will be minorities.
PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 9-12
Credit Per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies or Postsecondary Workforce Readiness)
Prerequisite: Recommend completion of Economics
This course develops understanding and skills in money management, budgeting, financial goal attainment, use of credit, insurance, investments, and consumer rights and responsibilities. It shows students how to become financially responsible, conscientious members of society. This is a Project based learning class.
SOCIOLOGY *NCAA*
Course Length: 1 Semester
Grade Level: 10-12
Credits per Semester:1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
Sociology is the study of group behavior, society, and the social order. This course includes an examination of the differences in societal behavior, social class systems, minority groups, poverty, prejudices, and current social movements.
IB PSYCHOLOGY 1,2 STANDARD LEVEL. *NCAA*
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: None
The IB Standard Level psychology course aims to develop an awareness of how research findings can be applied to better understand human behavior and how ethical practices are upheld in psychological inquiry. Students learn to understand the biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behavior and explore alternative explanations of behavior. They also understand and use diverse methods of psychological inquiry.
IB PSYCHOLOGY 5,6,7,8 HIGHER LEVEL *NCAA*
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 4 Semesters
Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
This course includes an in-depth study of individual human behavior and mental processes. In two years of study, students will examine the historical development of psychology, the different theoretical approaches to understanding behavior, the effects of perception of human behavior, effects of biological influences on behavior, and methods of scientific psychological inquiry. Students will also explore one optional topic.
IB 20th CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 5,6 STANDARD LEVEL *NCAA*
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
Twentieth Century World History is a study of selected World History topics chosen to prepare the student for the Standard Level Examination in history at the end of one year of study. Emphasis is placed on the causes, practices and effects of war; the rise and rule of single party states; and the establishment and work of international organizations.
Additional topics include economic developments and social change in the twentieth century. Students are required to demonstrate critical writing skills, the ability to work with historical documents and knowledge of historiography for the examination.
IB 20TH CENTURY WORLD HISTORY 5,6 HIGHER LEVEL. *NCAA*
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 11
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Social Studies)
Prerequisite: Recommendation
Twentieth Century World History is a study of selected World History topics chosen to prepare the student for the Higher Level Examination in history at the end of two years of study. Students are expected to continue the course of study with IB History of the Americas in the senior year. Emphasis is placed on the causes, practices and effects of war; the rise and rule of single party states; and East/West relations after 1945. Additional topics include economic developments and social change in the twentieth century. Students are required to demonstrate critical writing skills, the ability to work with historical documents and knowledge of historiography.
IB HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS 7,8 HIGHER LEVEL. *NCAA*
IB assessments (internal and external) are a requirement for this course.
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade Level: 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (US History or Social Studies)
Prerequisite: IB 20th Century World HL
History of the Americas is a study of selected history topics chosen to prepare the student for the Higher Level Examination in history. The course is a continuation of the program begun in the junior year with Twentieth Century World History. Students will study United States history, Canadian history, and Latin American history since 1865. Emphasis is placed on economic problems and solutions, political developments, social trends, and foreign relations. Students are required to demonstrate critical writing skills, the ability to work with historical documents and knowledge of historiography for the examination.