Social Studies

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 9-12
• Required course for graduation

This course provides students with knowledge of our global history beginning in 1500 to the present; focusing on the eras of the Renaissance, Exploration, Absolutism, Enlightenment, Revolution, Industrial Revolution, Democracy, WWI, Nationalism, WWII, Cold War, and Globalization. Emphasis is placed on geographic influences on history and connections will be made with relevant Tennessee and U.S. History connections. Students will analyze and interpret primary source documents and the course will emphasize development of history writing skills.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 9-12
• This course satisfies the World History & Geography credit for graduation

The AP Human Geography course is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography. The 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).

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• This course satisfies the World History & Geography credit for graduation

AP World History is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college or university World history course. In AP World History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in historical periods from approximately 1200 c.e. to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides nine unit themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: The Global Tapestry, Networks of Exchange, Land Based Empires, Transoceanic Interconnections, Revolutions, Consequences of Industrializations, Global Conflict, Cold War and Decolonization and Globalization.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: YES
• Grade 10-12
• Required course for graduation

The U.S. History course is designed to explore the major historical events from the Industrial Revolution to Present. Students will be expected to use historical analysis to determine how social, cultural, economic, and political events shaped our nation’s history to present day. During the semester course students will explore the major historical themes of the Industrial Revolution, Populism and Progressivism, Imperialism through World War I, 1920’s and Great Depression, World War II, Cold War, Civil Rights movements, 1960’s- 1970’s political and social movements and the 1980’s to the Obama administration. The course is a state required course for graduation and has a required End of Course exam.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• This course satisfies the U.S. History credit for graduation.

AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. history course. In AP U.S. History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; migration and settlement; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in the world; geography and the environment; and culture and society.

• Half Semester
• 1/2 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• Required for graduation. Available to take online (grades 10-12).

Students will examine the allocation of scarce resources and the economic reasoning used by government agencies and by people as consumers, producers, savers, investors, workers, and voters. Key elements of the course include the study of scarcity, supply and demand, market structures, the role of government, national income determination, money and the role of financial institutions, economic stabilization, and trade. Students will examine the key economic philosophies and economists who have influenced the economies around the world in the past and present. Informational text and primary sources will play an instrumental part of the study of economics where it is appropriate.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• This course satisfies the Economics credit for graduation; emphasis is on preparation for the AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics exams

AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers and to an economic system as a whole. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination; it also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.

• Half Semester
• 1/2 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• Required course for graduation; must take Civics test to graduate. Available to take online (grades 10-12).

Students will study the purposes, principles, and practices of American government as established by the Constitution. Students are expected to understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens and how to exercise these rights and responsibilities in local, state, and national government. Students will learn the structure and processes of the government of the state of Tennessee and various local governments. The reading of primary source documents is a key feature of United States Government and Civics standards.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• This course satisfies the Government credit for graduation; must take Civics test to graduate

AP United States Government and Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning assess causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 9-12
• This course satisfies the World History & Geography credit for graduation

The AP Human Geography course is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography. The 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).

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• This course satisfies the World History & Geography credit for graduation

AP World History is designed to be the equivalent of an introductory college or university World history course. In AP World History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in historical periods from approximately 1200 c.e. to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides nine unit themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: The Global Tapestry, Networks of Exchange, Land Based Empires, Transoceanic Interconnections, Revolutions, Consequences of Industrializations, Global Conflict, Cold War and Decolonization and Globalization.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• This course satisfies the World History & Geography credit for graduation

AP European History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university European history course. In AP European History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in four historical periods from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: interaction of Europe and the world; poverty and prosperity; objective knowledge and subjective visions; states and other institutions of power; individual and society; and national and European identity.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• This course satisfies the U.S. History credit for graduation.

AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. history course. In AP U.S. History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical comparisons; and utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; migration and settlement; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in the world; geography and the environment; and culture and society.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• This course satisfies the Government credit for graduation; must take Civics test to graduate

AP United States Government and Politics introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning assess causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12
• This course satisfies the Economics credit for graduation; emphasis is on preparation for the AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics exams

AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers and to an economic system as a whole. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination; it also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EPSO
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12

The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12

Students will examine the life and contributions of African Americans from the early 1600’s through modern America and explore the influence of geography on slavery and the growth of slavery on the American continent. Students will consider urban and rural African American communities and institutions in the North and South leading up to and during the Civil War. Students will investigate the rise and effects of Jim Crow and trace the impact of African American migration through the early twentieth century. Students will explore the impact
of the Harlem Renaissance and the conditions and contributions of African Americans during the Great Depression and World War II. Students will examine the successes and failures of the Civil Rights Movement and consider the contemporary issues confronting African Americans.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 9-12

Students will examine the major periods of Ancient History from prehistoric times to 1500 AD/CE. Major emphasis will be given to the Neolithic Revolution, the development of river valley civilizations, the rise of Greece and Rome, and the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12

This course is recommended to students who have a genuine interest in Appalachian Studies. Topics include early Native Americans, Explorers, and Settlers of East Tennessee, and will include chapters on Perfect 36, State and National leaders and heroes such as York, Hull, and Senator Baker. This writing intensive course will be designed to develop critical thinking skills by using various independent research methods.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12

Students will use inquiry skills to examine the issues that impact the contemporary world. Included in the course will be analysis of the historical, cultural, economic, and geographic factors that have raised certain issues to levels of concern in our nation and around the globe. Students will engage in research and problem solving in order to better understand and assess significant current issues.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade: 9-12

This course will provide an overview of the cultural and artistic history of Italy from its origins up until the end of the Renaissance. Students will explore the development of the art, architecture, culture, and history of Italy. Students will develop an understanding of Italy’s role in the development of Western Civilization and an ability to analyze and understand works of art and their historical context. This course will focus on an analysis of texts, art, and architecture to inform students in a more engaged manner and enable them to discuss the historical evolution and cultural impact of Italy across the millennia.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade: 10-12
• Available online only

Students will examine the processes and systems affecting human thought and behavior. Some of the topics covered include the structure and function of the nervous system in humans, the processes of sensation and perception, life span development, and memory, abnormal behavior, psychological disorders and their treatment, etc. Students will examine social and cultural diversity as well as diversity among individuals. Throughout the course, students will examine connections between content areas within psychology and relate psychological knowledge to everyday life while exploring the variety of careers available to those who study psychology.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12

Students will explore the ways sociologists view society, and also how they study the social world. In addition, students will examine culture, socialization, deviance and the structure and impact of institutions and organizations. Also, students will study selected social problems and how change impacts individuals and societies.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade: 9-12

Psychology is a scientific study of human behavior. In the Sports Psychology course, we will focus primarily on how we can influence our behavior in a performance setting. We will not only study what happens during athletic performance, but we will discover and practice ways to implement strategies to improve individual performances! Topics of study may include growth/success, motivation, confidence, relaxation/visualization, positive self-talk, goal setting, mental toughness, focus, society and sport.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 11-12

This writing and reading intensive course will delve into the history of the Jewish people, the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, the growing persecution during the 1930s, and the perpetration of the Holocaust. Students will wrestle with the roots of the Holocaust in ideology, culture, and prejudice. In addition, time will be spent focusing on other mass genocides that have occurred during the 20th century.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12
• This course DOES NOT meet the graduation requirement for U.S. History credit; permission slip required

U.S. History through Film is designed to be an elective class to enhance the state mandated U.S. History course usually taken in the 11th grade year. Students are encouraged to take the class to explore how recorded historical events are portrayed in film. Students will be expected to write at length on a weekly basis analyzing the historical accuracy of the films. All films are directly correlated to the Tennessee U.S. History standards covering the major historical eras in U.S. History. A parent-signed “Rated-R Film” permission slip is required for this class.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade 10-12

This course will examine the impact of war on American society from colonial times to the Cold War. The class will focus on political, social, cultural, and military themes. Special emphasis is placed on the American Civil War and World War II. Connections will be made with Tennessee history and US History standards.

• One Semester
• 1 credit
• EOC: NO
• Grade: 10-12

The main focus of this course will be women and their societal advancement through American History. Discussion of the status of women in a more global perspective will occur. Women in US History examines the experiences and contributions of diverse groups of women in American society. This course will provide knowledge about the social role of women and their involvement in areas such as health, history, and political activism.