World History P
World History is a yearlong course that examines the forces that have contributed to the rise of the Modern World. Major topics covered are the Rise of Democratic Ideals, the Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, World War I, the Rise of Nationalism, World War II, Rise of Civilizations, Slave Trade, the Holocaust, and Current World Issues. Students are challenged to think critically about past events and understand how those events have affected the present. Students develop historical research and writing skills. Students analyze a variety of different sources on each topic to understand the multiple perspectives that exist in the study of history.

European History AP
Advanced Placement European History is a college-level course focusing on global events, societies, and changes. This is a highly analytical course requiring a significant amount of reading and writing. It is an excellent preparation for Advanced Placement U.S. History.
PREREQUISITE: Grade of B or better in English 9HP or an ‘A’ in English 9P

United States History P
In U.S. History, students examine major turning points in American history in the 20th century as they reflect continuity and change from the nation’s beginning. Topics include the Progressive Era, the Jazz Age, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, hemispheric relationships in the post war era, Civil Rights, and the United States in recent times.

United States History AP
Advanced Placement United States History is a survey course of American History from the discovery of America to the present. The course prepares students to take the AP United States History exam in May. Students focus on knowledge of historical facts, ability to analyze, and development of skills in taking essay examinations. Students use a textbook as a primary source of reading in addition to two supplemental history books, and assorted readings from other historians. This course is very challenging and demanding. Writing is emphasized.
PREREQUISITE: Grade of B or better in English 10 HP or European History AP, or a grade of A in English 10P or World History P. Students not meeting the above prerequisites must see their counselor to waive into the class

U.S. Government P
American Government is an introduction to the American Political System focusing on: the Constitution and its historical framework; the organization and functions of Congress; the Presidency; the Supreme Court and the judicial system; the electoral process; civil rights; and California state and local government.

U.S. Government AP
Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics is an in-depth study of the American Political System that prepares students to take the AP U.S. Government exam in May. Topics that are covered by the course include the constitutional underpinnings of the U.S. Government, the political beliefs and behaviors of individuals, political parties, interest groups, the media, Congress, the presidency, the federal courts, the bureaucracy, public policy, civil liberties, and civil rights. Students focus on knowledge of facts pertaining to the U.S. Government and the ability to analyze the many different ways our government functions. Writing skills are also stressed heavily. Knowledge of current events is helpful, and it will be necessary for students to have a working understanding of what major event are currently shaping our country. This course is challenging and demanding.
PREREQUISITE: Grade of B or better in English 11 AP or United States History AP or A in English 11P or United States History P. Students not meeting the above prerequisites must see their counselor to waive into the class.

Economics P
Economics introduces basic economic principles and their applications. The economy of the United States and its role in international trade is stressed.
NOTE: This course fulfills the ‘G’ UC requirement and the CSU college prep elective requirement.

Psychology P
This course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use to explore the processes involved in normal and abnormal perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and actions.
NOTE: This course fulfills the ‘G’ UC requirement and CSU college prep elective requirement.

Sociology P
This one-semester course builds on the first semester of Psychology. Students will examine forces that mold culture and impact the socialization processes of infancy to old age. From there, students learn about social and global stratification with particular focus on race, ethnicity, gender, politics, and religion. Students will be evaluated using tests and research projects.
NOTE: This course fulfills the ‘G’ UC requirement and CSU college prep elective requirement.

World Issues: Human Geography P
This course introduces students to a systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Content is presented thematically rather than regionally and the approach is spatial and problem oriented. Case studies are drawn from world regions, and locally in Southern California, with an emphasis on underdoing the world in which we live today. Historical information will serve to enrich the analysis of human/environmental relationships on places, regions, cultural landscapes, and patterns of interaction; students will analyze the intersection between ethnicity, culture, nationality, gender, and sexuality as it pertains to images of otherness, generational differences, human rights, and economics. Further development of skills where students approach problems geographically, thinking critically about texts and graphic images, interpreting cultural landscapes, and applying geographic concepts such as scale, region, diffusion, interdependence, and spatial interaction will also occur. By the end of the course, students should be more geoliterate, empathetic, and engaged in contemporary global issues, and more multicultural in their viewpoints. PREREQUISITE: NONE; grades 11, 12 only.