Social Studies

Prerequisite: District Recommendation

This course explores the physical and cultural characteristics of the Earth, examining how geography shapes both human activity and natural systems. It covers key topics such as regional geography, physical earth dynamics, population trends, cultural patterns, economic and urban systems, political structures, and environmental issues. Students will analyze these subjects in relation to contemporary and historical events, gaining a deeper understanding of the connections between geography and global developments.

Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in English 1 Honors

This course explores the physical and cultural characteristics of the Earth, examining how geography shapes both human activity and natural systems. It covers key topics such as regional geography, physical earth dynamics, population trends, cultural patterns, economic and urban systems, political structures, and environmental issues. Students will analyze these subjects in relation to contemporary and historical events, gaining a deeper understanding of the connections between geography and global developments.   Additionally, students enrolled in this class will be introduced to the writing skills for Advanced Placement Social Studies courses.

Prerequisite(s): Teacher recommendation or concurrent enrollment in English 1 Honors

*Designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Examination through which they may earn college credit.*

This course introduces students to the systematic study of the patterns and processes that shape human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth's surface. It covers topics such as population, migration, cultural landscapes, political organization, agriculture, urbanization, and economic development. Students will explore how geography influences human behavior and societal structures by analyzing contemporary and historical examples, while developing critical thinking and spatial analysis skills to prepare for the AP Human Geography exam.

Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in English 2

This course explores how people, ideas, and technology have shaped diverse societies throughout history. Students will study various cultures, civilizations, and nations from the Middle Ages through the Modern Era, following a chronological progression. Emphasis will be placed on key aspects such as geography, social structures, governments, religions, innovations, major figures, and significant events, offering a comprehensive understanding of their contributions and evolution over time.

Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in English 2 Honors

This course explores how people, ideas, and technology have shaped diverse societies throughout history. Students will study various cultures, civilizations, and nations from the Middle Ages through the Modern Era, following a chronological progression. Emphasis will be placed on key aspects such as geography, social structures, governments, religions, innovations, major figures, and significant events, offering a comprehensive understanding of their contributions and evolution over time. Critical writing, historical analysis and research will be included.

Prerequisite(s): 3rd year high school student

*Students will take an EOC (end-of-course) exam, which will count 20% of their final grade.*

This course offers a comprehensive study of United States history from the pre-Columbian era to the present. Students will explore key topics such as colonization, immigration, territorial expansion, major conflicts, civil and human rights, and the nation’s political, economic, social, and cultural evolution. By engaging with primary and secondary sources, students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills, with an overarching focus on fostering informed and responsible citizenship.

Prerequisite(s): 3rd year high school student with teacher recommendation and Honors Social Studies experience

*Students will take an EOC (end-of-course) exam, which will count 20% of their final grade.*

This Honors course provides an in-depth study of United States history from the pre-Columbian era to the present, offering a more rigorous exploration of key events and themes. Students will delve into topics such as colonization, immigration, territorial expansion, major conflicts, civil and human rights, and the nation’s political, economic, social, and cultural development. Through the analysis of primary and secondary sources, students will refine their critical thinking and analytical skills at an advanced level, with a strong emphasis on developing a deeper understanding of historical complexities and promoting engaged citizenship. It is strongly recommended that students be enrolled in English 3 Honors concurrently.

Prerequisite: World History Honors, AP European History or teacher recommendation

*Students will take an EOC at the end of the course, which will count 20% of their final grade.*

*Designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Examination through which they may earn college credit.*

This AP course provides an intensive study of United States history from the pre-Columbian era to the present, offering a college-level exploration of key events, themes, and developments. Students will examine major topics such as colonization, revolution, territorial expansion, wars, civil and human rights movements, and the political, economic, social, and cultural evolution of the nation. Through the analysis of primary and secondary sources, students will develop advanced critical thinking and historical analysis skills, preparing them for the AP U.S. History exam and fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of American history. It is strongly recommended that students be enrolled in English 3 Honors or AP English concurrently.

Prerequisite: U.S. History CP

This course provides an in-depth analysis of the major components and functions of the United States government, offering a comprehensive understanding of how the system operates. Students will explore the structure, principles, and workings of government institutions while developing a greater appreciation for the nation's political framework. The course also includes an introduction to comparative government and an examination of South Carolina's state government, broadening students' perspectives on governance at both the national and local levels.

Prerequisite: U.S. History Honors and/or teacher recommendation

This course is a study of the formal and informal structures of government, the basic rights afforded to American citizens, the ways in which the American people engage in politics, and how individuals, groups, and institutions interact in order to create and implement public policy. The goal of the course is to provide students with the necessary tools to develop an analytical perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the American system of government and politics. In turn, it is hoped that participation in this course will encourage students to increase their civic awareness and involvement and lay the foundation for a lifetime of active citizenship.

Prerequisite: AP U.S. History or Honors U.S. History or U.S. History CP with teacher recommendation

*Designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Examination through which they may earn college credit.*

This AP course offers a rigorous examination of the United States government and political system, focusing on its foundational principles, structures, and functions. Students will analyze key topics such as the Constitution, federalism, civil liberties and rights, political institutions, public policy, and the role of citizens in a democratic society. Through critical analysis of primary and secondary sources, as well as case studies, students will enhance their understanding of the complexities of governance while preparing for the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam. The course also includes a comparative perspective on governmental systems, providing a broader context for understanding American politics.

Prerequisite: US History CP

The primary emphasis will be on basic economic concepts and micro and macro economic theory, and consumer economics. Through class simulations, independent research, and statistical analysis of data, students will gain the knowledge/skills to enable them to make reasoned, objective judgments/decisions about contemporary issues.

Prerequisite: U.S. History Honors

This course is recommended for exceptionally talented college-bound students who have demonstrated a previous record of excellence in Social Studies and English. The primary emphasis will be on basic economic concepts and micro and macro economic theory, and consumer economics. Through class simulations, independent research, and statistical analysis of data, students will gain the knowledge/skills to enable them to make reasoned, objective judgments/decisions about contemporary issues.

This course examines the dynamics of human interaction within various social groups, focusing on how individuals collaborate and coexist. Students will explore key social institutions, including family, religion, education, and government, while also addressing contemporary societal issues such as urban challenges, delinquency, crime, and the experiences of racial and ethnic minorities. Through this comprehensive study, students will gain insights into the complexities of social structures and their impact on individuals and communities.

This course explores the intricacies of human differences, interpersonal relationships, and the principles of personal and social adjustment. By studying psychology, students will enhance their self-awareness and gain valuable insights into the behaviors and motivations of others. This comprehensive approach to human understanding combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, equipping students with essential skills for navigating everyday life and fostering healthy relationships.

Recommendation: Have experience in any Social Studies or English AP Course

*Designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Examination through which they may earn college credit.*

This AP Psychology course delves into the complexities of human behavior, exploring the intricacies of individual differences, interpersonal relationships, and the principles of personal and social adjustment. Students will enhance their self-awareness and develop valuable insights into the motivations and behaviors of others through rigorous study of psychological theories and concepts. The course combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, equipping students with essential skills for navigating everyday life and fostering healthy relationships, while preparing them for the AP Psychology exam.

This course is designed for students to explore various aspects of today’s society as it relates to the criminal justice process. The course focuses on procedures, corrections, family law, juvenile law and consumer law and will provide an overview of individual legal rights and responsibilities. It will require parallel reading, a mock trial, and oral reports.

Recommendation: Concurrent enrollment in English 1

This course offers a comprehensive analysis of African American history, emphasizing the cultural, political, and economic contributions of this historically underrepresented community. Students will explore the experiences of African Americans to illuminate significant historical periods in the United States, examining the impact of their contributions on the nation’s development. Through critical discussions and in-depth research, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and richness of African American history and its relevance to contemporary society.