Social Sciences

Graduation requirement: 3-1/2 Years

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY (CULT RL GEOG P)

Grades 9	Required	1 Semester
A general survey of selected Asian, African, Middle East and Latin American cultures to include geography, history and ethnography. It will foster student appreciation of varied cultural expressions both contemporary and traditional and establish the introductory phase of the Ursuline Social Studies skills matrix. Field Trip Fee: $35.00

WORLD HISTORY (W HIST P)

Grades 10	Required	1 Year
In accord with the California State Framework this survey course explores world history from a Western perspective. With a brief period of review from prehistoric man through the Middle Ages, emphasis is given to Renaissance in Europe to the events of the present. The student will be introduced to the skill of expository essay writing. Students will demonstrate competency in research and analyzing information to find evidence to support a thesis and determine main themes. Students will demonstrate an understanding and connectivity between the ebb and flow of history. In addition students will demonstrate an ability to use and access information from the Internet. The course materials are entirely on-line. All source and assignments are given on the course website allowing for greater access and variety of assignments.

U. S. HISTORY (US HIST P)

Grades 11	Required	1 Year
In accord with the California State Framework this survey course explores American history from Reconstruction to the present. An emphasis is given to a social history of the United States. The student will use the tools of the social sciences and emonstrate competency in analysis, the use of primary and secondary sources, expository writing and the ability to work in a group.

U.S. HISTORY ADVANCED PLACEMENT (US HIST AP)

Grades 11		1 Year by Department selection
In this course a study is made of the basic components of Christian ethics necessary for making good decisions on the vital issues of our times. Students will learn about the pluralism of ethical theories, which are common in the modern world. They will understand the human person as an intelligent animal with a free will and the duty to form and follow their conscience. The various external factors, which influence the development of personal morals, will be investigated and students will criticize their own moral code in light of these. Students will have an opportunity to test their moral beliefs though an investigation of some of the moral dilemmas commonly encountered by individuals as members of family, nation, and world.

SOCIAL JUSTICE 1 (SOC JUST)

Grades 11	Required	1 Semester
PREREQUISITE: Outstanding performance in World History and English, PSAT scores, cum GPA, writing assessment and teacher recommendation. Students for this class will be selected by the Social Studies Department. Limited to 24 students. Advanced Placement American History is a more in-depth analytical approach to the main U.S. History course, but will require more extensive outside reading and research from primary historical sources. The student will do oral presentations and group work in a seminar setting. All students take the Advanced Placement Examination in American History given in May.

ECONOMICS (ECON P)

Grades 12	Required	1 Semester
Economics provides a combined approach of economic theory and application, which concentrates, on the free enterprise system. The study will consist of macro and micro economic theories, to include international markets and investments. Economic statistics, graphs, and production studies and investment strategies will supplement the theoretical application. In addition practical applications are used and encouraged to support the various components of the course work and economics trends.

U. S. GOVERNMENT (US GOVT P)

Grades 12	Required	1 Semester
The study of Government is centered around the concept of “With Freedom Comes Responsibility”. The students will acquire a clear understanding for the foundation of our government, their role in the national and state and local governments. Students will be encouraged to participate in a myriad of ways within and outside the system.

PSYCHOLOGY (PSYCH P)

Grades 11 & 12		1 Semester
This course is a general survey of the basic concepts of psychology; its theories, perspectives and terminology. It includes the study of the brain and thinking processes, learning, life span development, psychological disorders, modalities of psychotherapy, and substance abuse.