Social Studies
Social Studies Graduation Requirements
3 Credits Social Studies required - This includes:
1.0 credit Global Studies/ World Studies or AP Human Geography
1.0 credit US History or AP US History
0.5 credit American Government or AP Government
0.5 credit Economics
Core Courses
- World Studies
- Advanced Placement Human Geography
- Economics
- U.S. History
- CMU History 131
- American Government
- AP Govt & Politics
World Studies
1.0 Social Studies Credit - Grade 9
The study of history, geography, economics, and civics is the study of humanity, of people and events that have individually and collectively shaped our nation and the world. A strong and effective social studies program helps students make sense of the world in which they live and helps them see themselves as active global citizens.
Advanced Placement Human Geography
1.0 Social Studies Credit - Grade 9-10
PREREQUISITE - FRESHMAN MUST HAVE A TEACHER RECOMMENDATION
This course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards (2012).
Economics
U.S. History
1.0 Social Studies Credit - Grade 10
US History explores in depth history, civics, geography, and economics themes in US History from Industrial Revolution to present. This course builds on skills which will include cause and effect relationships, analysis, evaluation, and the use of primary sources to prepare students for the 21st Century. The following three strands will be incorporated throughout the course: Gather and analyze historical information, including contradictory data, from a variety of primary and secondary sources, to support or reject hypotheses and/or create a historical argument. Differentiate between facts and historical interpretations, recognizing that a historian’s narrative reflects his or her judgment about the significance of particular facts. Analyze ideas critical to the understanding of American history. Topics to include but not limited to populism, progressivism, isolationism, imperialism, anti-communism, environmentalism, liberalism, fundamentalism, and conservatism.
CMU History 131
American Government
0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES CREDIT - GRADE 11 - 12
RECOMMEND TAKING AFTER COMPLETION OF US HISTORY
This course prepares students for their roles as informed, connected and engaged American citizens and Global citizens ready to participate in the American Political system. Students must understand the ramifications of political decisions at the local, state, national, and international levels as well as their interdependent nature. Students will know the basic building documents of the American Political system, their history and impact on current policies. Students will investigate the structure of the American government system, the three branches, Federalism and how these philosophies interact to form the American political milieu.
AP Govt & Politics
1.0 SOCIAL STUDIES CREDIT - GRADE 11 - 12
RECOMMEND TAKING AFTER COMPLETION OF US HISTORY
2024 is a presidential election year! Discover the intriguing world of American politics with AP American Government! Engage in lively discussions, analyze current events, and gain insight into how our government works. With APGOV, high school students can delve into this fascinating world, prepare for college-level studies, and develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well in their academic and civic pursuits.
This is an AP course: A lot of reading and writing is to be expected. We read about politics, researching, and debating major policies in American politics. Students will also simulate major government functions like the US Congress, Presidency, and the Courts. Students who are passionate about major issues in American politics should seriously consider this class. If they are interested, students have the opportunity to become politically active.
Elective Courses
- Law Related Education
- Ancient World History
- Medieval World History
- Colorado History
- Psychology
- Advanced Placement Psychology
Law Related Education
0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9 - 12
RECOMMEND TAKING AFTER COMPLETION OF US HISTORY
Law-Related Education is a class designed to provide opportunities to develop an understanding of legal rights and responsibilities. Discussion of practical, everyday criminal and civil legal problems will accompany projects created to enhance abilities to analyze, evaluate, and resolve legal disputes.
Ancient World History
0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9 - 12
The purpose of this course is to study the development of societies that contributed to modern culture. Topics of study will include the development of religious ideas, political systems, cultural values, artistic creativity, and technology. This course will cover the beginnings of man, ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, China, and the civilizations of Greece and Rome.
Medieval World History
Colorado History
0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9 - 12
This course surveys the prehistoric peoples of Colorado, native peoples, the Spanish frontier, the fur trade, mining, transportation, political development, the cattle industry, industrial and energy-related growth, resource allocation, tourism, and issues confronting Colorado's future. This course involves independent research.
Psychology
0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 10 - 12
Psychology is the study of mental processes and behavior. The course will cover such topics as sensation, perception, memory, thought, learning, human relations, personality, behavior disorders and mental health. Types of therapy, techniques of mental measurement, and statistics will also be studied. Consideration will be given to theory and research relative to the topics.
Advanced Placement Psychology
1.0 SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 10 - 12
Psychology is a vibrant, living, and ever-growing science. Although its roots are in the distant past, it flourished in the twentieth century. Psychology might be called the science of today; concerned with the current problems in the contemporary affairs of mankind. The first term of study will include the physiological basis of behavior; sensation and perception; states of consciousness; learning and memory; motivation and emotion; and stress and frustration. The second term study will look at the topics of developmental psychology; personality theory and measurement; language; thought and intelligence; abnormal behavior; psychotherapy and social psychology. The course culminates in the Advanced Placement Psychology Examination. See AP section. Students must complete both terms to earn a weighted GPA.
Elective Courses
- Law Related Education
- Ancient World History
- Medieval World History
- Colorado History
- Psychology
- AP Psychology
Law Related Education
0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9 - 12
RECOMMEND TAKING AFTER COMPLETION OF US HISTORY
Law-Related Education is a class designed to provide opportunities to develop an understanding of legal rights and responsibilities. Discussion of practical, everyday criminal and civil legal problems will accompany projects created to enhance abilities to analyze, evaluate, and resolve legal disputes.
Ancient World History
0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9 - 12
The purpose of this course is to study the development of societies that contributed to modern culture. Topics of study will include the development of religious ideas, political systems, cultural values, artistic creativity, and technology. This course will cover the beginnings of man, ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, China, and the civilizations of Greece and Rome.
Medieval World History
Colorado History
0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 9 - 12
this course surveys the prehistoric peoples of Colorado, native peoples, the Spanish frontier, the fur trade, mining, transportation, political development, the cattle industry, industrial and energy-related growth, resource allocation, tourism, and issues confronting Colorado's future. This course involves independent research.
Psychology
0.5 SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 10 - 12
Psychology is the study of mental processes and behavior. The course will cover such topics as sensation, perception, memory, thought, learning, human relations, personality, behavior disorders and mental health. Types of therapy, techniques of mental measurement, and statistics will also be studied. Consideration will be given to theory and research relative to the topics.
AP Psychology
1.0 SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVE CREDIT - GRADE 10 - 12
Psychology is a vibrant, living, and ever-growing science. Although its roots are in the distant past, it flourished in the twentieth century. Psychology might be called the science of today; concerned with the current problems in the contemporary affairs of mankind. The first term of study will include the physiological basis of behavior; sensation and perception; states of consciousness; learning and memory; motivation and emotion; and stress and frustration. The second term study will look at the topics of developmental psychology; personality theory and measurement; language; thought and intelligence; abnormal behavior; psychotherapy and social psychology. The course culminates in the Advanced Placement Psychology Examination. See AP section. Students must complete both terms to earn a weighted GPA.