The Golden Valley High School Social Studies Department is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they will need to be productive and contributing citizens in today’s society. Learning about the past and its relation to the present is critical to the development of independent, analytical thinkers. The curriculum will be aligned with California State Standards and will challenge students through a variety of teaching styles. Other than recommendations by history and English teachers for 11th and 12th grade courses, prerequisites are not required for AP courses in the Social Studies department to encourage students to explore their interests and challenge their abilities.
10 th Grade – Modern Civilizations A/B (10 credits)
11 th Grade – U.S. History A/B (10 credits)
12 th Grade – Economics (5 credits)
12 th Grade – American Government (5 credits)
In addition to the graduation requirements listed above, students will also have the opportunity
to explore the following electives:
World Geography (5 credits)
Law and Order (5 credits)
Human Rights in the 20 th Century (5 credits)
Psychology (5 credits)
Advanced Placement Electives
Pre-AP Seminar (5 credits)
AP Human Geography A/B (10 credits)
AP Psychology A/B (10 credits)
AP World History A/B (10 credits)
| Career Possibilities for Students Interested in Social Studies/History: |
| Economist |
Librarian |
Public Service Worker |
| Explorer |
Newscaster |
Social Worker |
| Geographer |
Politician |
Sociologist |
| Historian |
Political Analyst |
Teacher |
| Lawyer |
|
Psychologist |
REQUIRED COURSES:
MODERN CIVILIZATIONS A/B GRADE 10
UC/CSU Approved 10 credits
Prerequisite: No prerequisites
In this course students examine major turning points in the shaping of the modern
world, from the late 18 th century to the present. Students will trace the rise of
democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world
issues. The class will examine major turning points in world history including the
Industrial Revolution, Imperialism and Colonialism, World War I, Totalitarianism, and
World War II. In addition, the course will focus on the growing interdependence of
peoples and cultures throughout the world as the modern age of information, technology
and communication is ushered in.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY A/B GRADE 10
UC/CSU Approved 10 credits
Prerequisite: Teacher/counselor recommendation
This intensive two -semester course is designed to prepare students for the AP
European History exam. Students will focus, in depth, on the history of Europe from the
Renaissance (1450) to the present. They will develop an understanding of the themes
of modern European history, an ability to analyze historical evidence, and an ability to
analyze and express historical understanding in writing. Emphasis will be placed on
written and oral presentation, especially those that are critical to success on the AP
exam. Students taking this course require the ability to read, write and think at a level
expected of college freshmen. Summer reading assignments will be required.
U.S. HISTORY A/B GRADE 11
UC/CSU Approved 10 credits
Prerequisite: No prerequisites
In this course, student study the major turning points in American history in the twentieth
century. Students will begin with a review of the nation’s beginnings and the impact of
the Enlightenment on U.S. democratic ideals. They will build upon their world history
studies in tenth grade to explore the role of the U.S. in global industrialization, including
the social and cultural effects. Students will trace the change in the ethnic composition
of American society; the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women;
and the role of the United States as a major world power. They will consider the major
social problems of our time and trace their causes in historical events with a special
emphasis on the expanding role of the federal government. Through this course,
students will understand that our rights under the U.S. Constitution are a precious
inheritance that depends on educated citizens.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY A/B GRADE 11
UC/CSU Approved 10 credits
Prerequisite: 10 th Grade English and History Teacher Recommendations
Advanced Placement U.S. History is a two-semester course preparing students for the
AP American History exam in May. Enrollment is open to highly-motivated juniors who
have performed well in 10 th grade English and History courses and who possess strong
reading and writing skills as well as a mature work ethic. Activities include extensive
reading, lectures, discussion, research papers, essays, and other activities to develop
critical thinking skills. Summer reading assignments will be required.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT GRADE 12
UC/CSU Approved 5 credits
Prerequisite: No prerequisites
In this course students apply knowledge gained in previous social studies classes to
pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American government. It focuses
on the American political system, including the Constitution, the three branches of
government and the election process. Beyond studying the United States, students will
also draw comparisons between different systems of government in the world today. As
part of their civic education, this course prepares students to vote, reflect on the
responsibilities of citizenship and to participate in community activities.
AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (FALL) GRADE 12
UC/CSU Approved 5 credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Placement U.S. History or
teacher recommendation
This course provides a systematic study of the ideas, concepts, pri nciples, traditions
and institutions of American Government. It helps develop an understanding of the
philosophical and historical roots of our contemporary political system. The Constitution
and its application to current issues in domestic and world affairs will be stressed.
Summer reading assignments will be required. Since this is a one semester
course that is offered only in the fall semester, it will be necessary for students to
do supplemental work during the spring and to attend Saturday review classes in
order to be prepared for the May AP exam.
ECONOMICS GRADE 12
UC/CSU Approved 5 credits
Prerequisite: No prerequisite
In this course students will deepen their understanding of the economic institutions and
problem of the nation and world in which we live. Students will learn to make reasoned
decision on economic issues as citizens, workers, consumers, business owners and
managers, and members of civic groups. They will study supply and demand,
productivity, business organizations and financial institutions. Students with any plans
for continuing their education beyond high school should be enrolled in this course or
AP Economics.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ECONOMICS (SPRING) GRADE 12
UC/CSU Approved 5 credits
Prerequisite: Successful completion of AP American Government
This course emphasizes the concepts of macro and microeconomics using the United
States as a model. Students will study the theories of important economists and
develop an understanding of how they apply to the economic environment in our nation
today. In addition, students will learn how to logically analyze and use economic graphs
and to interpret macroeconomic data. Winter Break reading assignments will be
required.
ELECTIVE COURSES
WORLD GEOGRAPHY GRADES 9-10
Prerequisite: No prerequisites 5 credits
The primary emphasis of this course will be on the development of the basic themes of
geography: place, movement, region, location, and interaction. Students will learn all
aspects of geography including the physical landscape, cultural features of major
regions of the world and the use and study of maps. A major component of the course
is place-name geography so that students develop a good sense of where major
physical and political features of the earth are located. In addition to the geographic
themes, this course will also focus on study and research skills that will be essential to
students as they move through the high school process at Golden Valley. This course
is especially recommended for freshmen to help prepare them for the three-year
sequence of Social Studies requirements.
LAW AND ORDER (FALL) GRADES 9-12
Prerequisite: No prerequisites 5 credits
In this course, students will gain a practical understanding of the law and the legal
system that has been developed under the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Topics
will include why laws are necessary, types of laws, victims of crime, the juvenile justice
system, the police, the court system, and the prison system. Students will also study
current legal issues and controversies and will be encouraged to participate as citizens
in the legal system. Student participation in discussions and role -playing are key
elements.
HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE 20 th CENTURY (SPRING) GRADES 11-12
Prerequisite: No prerequisites 5 credits
This course is organized by subject matters that cover the various aspects of human
rights in international law. Special attention is paid to the documents which govern U.S.
and international understandings of human rights and genocide, the groups which
monitor human rights violations and the historical context of human rights abuses in the
20 th century. Topics include natural rights and democracy, civil rights, human rights and
war, political repression and torture and genocide.
PSYCHOLOGY GRADES 11-12
Prerequisite: No prerequisites 5 credits
This course is a general introduction to basic psychological principles focusing on
human behavior. The topics are covered in a method that stresses student involvement
and participation in gaining an understanding about themselves and those around them.
Discussions, student reports and video presentations are emphasized. Student reports
cover topics such as dreams, autism, hypnosis, phobias, eating disorders, obsessive
compulsive disorders, etc. The course explores such topics as intelligence and
learning; emotional disorders; and human growth and development.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ELECTIVE COURSES
PRE-ADVANCED PLACEMENT SEMINAR Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Must have a 2.0 GPA and/or must be in AVID 5 credits
for 1 year with a 2.0 GPA, or Seminar Teacher Recommendation
This course is designed to prepare/enhance students’ preparation for Advanced
Placement classes at the high school level. Students taking this course will be
introduced to advanced study skills, note -taking concepts, essay and research writing
skills and assessment methods that prepare them for success in AP classes and other
challenging academic classes; such as using data to answer questions through DBQ’s
(Data Based Questions) / FRQ’s (Free-Response Questions). Any student interested in
taking AP courses is STRONGLY recommended to enroll in course. This course has
three objectives: (1) to promote access to the students that might have not otherwise
been challenged to take higher level classes, (2) to provide a foundation for success in
Advanced Placement courses and (3) to assist students that have had AP classes with
study skills to better assist them in an AP / college environment. A workbook will be
provided for this class, however, may not be written in. If you would like to purchase it,
the cost is $8.00.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT HUMAN GEOGRAPHY A/B GRADES 9-12
UC Approved - Elective Only 10 credits
Prerequisite: No prerequisites
A study of geography is vital to our understanding of how humans interact with each
other and the world around them. The primary focus of this elective class is to develop
geographic literacy and provide a college level course in geography to high school
students who are academically ready for this challenge. Understanding human
geography, how geography affects cultural development, and the role of individuals in
land and resource use enlightens students to the world around them and their place in
the global community. Summer reading assignments will be required.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY A/B GRADES 11-12
UC Approved - Elective Only 10 credits
Prerequisite: “C” or better required in Biology/Chemistry or teacher
recommendation
This year-long course parallels introductory psychology at the college/university level. It
is a systematic and scientific study of human development, behavior, learning,
motivation, and personality of human beings and other animals. Students will be
exposed to the facts, principles, and phenomena associated with psychology. Students
will also focus on the ethics a nd methods psychologists use in their science and
practice. College credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is made on
the Advanced Placement examination. Highly motivated students with the intention of
preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination are invited to enroll. Summer
reading assignments will be required.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY A/B GRADES 11-12
UC Approved - Elective Only 10 credits
Prerequisite: No prerequisites
The purpose of the AP World History course is to develop greater understanding of the
evolution of global processes and interactions with different human societies. The
course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes
and consequences as well as comparisons among major societies. AP World History
offers an approach that lets students “do history” by guiding them through the steps a
historian would take in analyzing historical events and evidence worldwide, with a
balanced global coverage including Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. Summer
reading assignments will be required.
Last Modified:October 23, 2008
