Social Studies
Course Descriptions
World History
World History is designed to be a historical study of societies, nations, economies, events, and cultures of the many regions of the world, providing historical background for each area and details inclusive of change over time, historical impact, religion, diplomacy, culture practices and beliefs, and economic, political, and social institutions. The course is intended to examine the historical development of the world and global issues and patterns since 1200. The course also explores underlying themes of: power and authority; change and continuity; human-environment interaction; globalization; cultural diffusion; and individual and group identity.
Honors World History
Prerequisite - score of level IV or higher on 8th grade Social Studies EOG and teacher recommendation
Honors World History is designed to be a historical study of societies, nations, economies, events, and cultures of the many regions of the world, providing historical background for each area and details inclusive of change over time, historical impact, religion, diplomacy, culture practices and beliefs, and economic, political, and social institutions. The course is intended to examine the historical development of the world and global issues and patterns since 1200. The course also explores underlying themes of: power and authority; change and continuity; human-environment interaction; globalization; cultural diffusion; and individual and group identity.
American History
This course will explore the overarching themes, trends, and concepts of our nation’s history, including the development and evolution of the American system of government, the patterns and impact of migration and immigration, cultural development through the arts and technological innovations, relationships with foreign nations, and the role of both the individual and diverse groups in building the American story. Students in this course will be asked to investigate major turning points in American History to develop an understanding of multiple causation, to determine patterns of change and continuity, and to be able to compare multiple perspectives of the past. Rooted in Inquiry-based skills, students will trace American development while learning to craft compelling questions, synthesize and evaluate evidence, develop claims, communicate ideas, and take informed action. Students will continue to build upon previous studies of American History, the fundamental concepts in civics and government, economics, behavioral science (culture), and geography taught in grades kindergarten through eight as they examine American history. As well-rounded, productive citizens, students will leave the American History course with both the knowledge and the skills to engage with the modern world by recognizing contemporary patterns and connections.
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Honors American History
Prerequisite - "B" or higher in Honors World History or “A” in World History and teacher recommendation
Honors American History is distinguished by difference in the quality and depth of the work expected. The materials are taught with greater complexity, novelty, and acceleration. This course will explore the overarching themes, trends, and concepts of our nation’s history, including the development and evolution of the American system of government, the patterns and impact of migration and immigration, cultural development through the arts and technological innovations, relationships with foreign nations, and the role of both the individual and diverse groups in building the American story. Students in this course will be asked to investigate major turning points in American History to develop an understanding of multiple causation, to determine patterns of change and continuity, and to be able to compare multiple perspectives of the past. Rooted in Inquiry-based skills, students will trace American development while learning to craft compelling questions, synthesize and evaluate evidence, develop claims, communicate ideas, and take informed action. Students will continue to build upon previous studies of American History, the fundamental concepts in civics and government, economics, behavioral science (culture), and geography taught in grades kindergarten through eight as they examine American history. As well-rounded, productive citizens, students will leave the American History course with both the knowledge and the skills to engage with the modern world by recognizing contemporary patterns and connections.
Founding Principles of US & NC Civic Literacy
This course provides students the opportunity for a deeper study of the governmental and political systems of the N.C. and the U.S. and will build upon the application of the Founding Principles. This course will allow students to examine the ways in which power and responsibility are both shared and limited by the U.S. Constitution and how the judicial, legal, and political systems of North Carolina and the United States embody the founding principles of government. Students in this course will analyze and evaluate the extent to which the American system of government guarantees, protects, and upholds the rights of citizens. Through the integration of inquiry-based learning, students will also investigate how the American system of government has evolved over time while learning how to analyze topics, issues, and claims in order to communicate ideas and take action to effect change and inform others.
Honors Founding Principles of the United States & NC: Civic Literacy
Prerequisite - "B" or higher in Honors American HIstory or “A” in American History and teacher recommendation
Honors Founding Principles of the United States and North Carolina: Civic Literacy is distinguished by differences in the quality and depth of work expected. Students cover the material in greater complexity, novelty and acceleration. Students express and defend their ideas, orally and in writing, while attaining the distance necessary to value multiple viewpoints. This course provides students the opportunity for a deeper study of the governmental and political systems of the N.C. and the U.S. and will build upon the application of the Founding Principles. This course will allow students to examine the ways in which power and responsibility are both shared and limited by the U.S. Constitution and how the judicial, legal, and political systems of North Carolina and the United States embody the founding principles of government. Students in this course will analyze and evaluate the extent to which the American system of government guarantees, protects, and upholds the rights of citizens. Through the integration of inquiry-based learning, students will also investigate how the American system of government has evolved over time while learning how to analyze topics, issues, and claims in order to communicate ideas and take action to effect change and inform others.
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AP US History
Year-long course
Prerequisite - B or higher in Honors World History and teacher recommendation
This course will cover periods of American History from the Colonial era to present day. A heavy emphasis will be placed on reading the text provided for this course in addition to outside reading and research. Students will interpret primary sources, present material, write essays, and complete analytical and research papers. AP US History may be substituted for American History to meet graduation requirements, but will only count for one social studies credit and one elective credit.
Economics & Personal Finance
Economics and Personal Finance supports the development of students who understand economic decisions, use money wisely, understand education and career choices, and understand how to be financially responsible citizens. Students should be provided with the agency, tools, and knowledge necessary to live in and contribute to a financially sound society. The Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) course is intended to be a study of economics, personal finance, income and education, money management, critical consumerism, and financial planning.
Honors Economics & Personal Finance
Honors Economics & Personal Finance is distinguished by difference in the quality and depth of the work expected. The materials are taught with greater complexity, novelty, and acceleration. Economics and Personal Finance supports the development of students who understand economic decisions, use money wisely, understand education and career choices, and understand how to be financially responsible citizens. Students should be provided with the agency, tools, and knowledge necessary to live in and contribute to a financially sound society. The Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) course is intended to be a study of economics, personal finance, income and education, money management, critical consumerism, and financial planning.
College Social Studies
Course descriptions for college courses can be found in the college catalog.