World Geography
In this course, students look at people, places, and environments at the local, regional, national and international levels through a geographical perspective.
Concepts covered include:
- Influence of geography on events past and present, with emphasis on contemporary issues
- Processes that shape patterns in the physical environment, including characteristics of major landforms, ecosystems, and climates
- Distribution and movement of world populations and relationships between people, places, and environments
- Analysis of how location affects economic activities in various economic systems
- Impact of humans and technology on the physical environment
World History
In this course, students examine the significant people, events, and issues from the earliest times to the present.
Concepts covered include:
- Analysis of important issues and events in civilizations around the world based on historical points of reference
- Causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and major political revolutions since the 17th century
- The impact of geographic factors on major historic events and the origins of contemporary economic systems
- History and impact of major religious and philosophical traditions
- Analysis of connections between major developments in science and technology, and the growth of industrial economies
United States History Since 1877
In this course, students examine the people, places, and events that formed and continue to influence our country. Students take an end of course STAAR exam in U.S. History.
Concepts covered include:
- How the founding documents of the U.S. government provide a framework for our heritage
- Political, economic and social events related to major wars, domestic and foreign policies and reform movements including civil rights
- Relationship of the three branches of the federal government, and efforts to expand the democratic process
- How popular culture and arts influence their eras and vice versa
- Examine the impact of technological innovations on American life
United States Government
Students examine the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded. They look at the structure, functions, and powers of government at the local, state and nationals levels.
Concepts covered include:
- Forms of government and major political ideas in history
- The Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created
- Comparison of the U.S. system of government with other political systems
- Impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media on American politics
- Importance of voluntary participation in a constitutional republic
- Analysis of guaranteed Constitutional rights
Economics
With Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and its Benefits
Students examine the basic principles of production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services in the United States as compared to other countries.
Concepts covered include:
- Analysis of the interaction of supply, demand, and price
- Economic growth, international trade, key economic measurements, and basic monetary and fiscal policy
- Roles of the Federal Reserve System, government, and business in the free enterprise system
- Comparison of the different types of business ownership and market structures
- Introduction to personal financial literacy