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Damonte Ranch | Academics | Social Studies

Social Studies

These classes will provide students with a comprehensive survey of world history that will help in understanding the events of today. Each course covers all Washoe County School District and Nevada State Academic Standards. Each will focus on the geography, economy, social structure, government, religion, and arts of each civilization and nation studied. Attention is also given to current events, as world history in the making. Upon completion of this course, students will have an increased understanding of their cultural heritage and will also be aware of important developments in other cultures. Much emphasis is placed on challenging students to strive for excellence. Superior students may opt to take honors world history if they meet the pre-requisites.

World History 1-2 Course #: 4041. 4042 Grade: 10 Semester: ½ credit This class will provide a comprehensive survey of world history from early river civilizations to the European Renaissance with a focus on emerging empires and early civilizations. This course will examine how groups gained, maintained and expanded power while highlighting the political achievements that led to the foundations of modern governments. The second semester will focus on Renaissance through modern times with a focus on social and political conflict. This course will examine how groups and individuals fought for social change and countries fought for political gain as the world moved toward modern times.

WORLD HISTORY HONORS Course #: 4047, 4048 Grade: 10 Year: 1 Honors credit Prerequisite: Writing sample, 2 teacher recommendations The purpose of this course is to offer exceptional students the opportunity to expand their study beyond that of the standard world history course. This course explores the development of cultures/civilizations from the beginning of man to modern times. and is designed for the highly motivated sophomore; students are expected to perform at an honors level on all work as they participate in research assignments, group projects and presentations, community service, field study, and public speaking. Success in this course requires strong writing skills, superior reading comprehension, and high-level analytical skills. Much emphasis is placed on challenging students to strive for excellence. There is also a strong research component that utilizes all methods of research. A required reading and writing assignment for the summer is due on the first day of class.

AMERICAN HISTORY: 20TH CENTURY AND BEYOND Course #: 4107, 4108 Grade: 11 Year: 1 credit Fee: $2.00 for current event magazine This course offers a comprehensive survey of American cultural, social and political development with a focus on modern history from the turn of the 20th century to the present. A variety of teaching methods will be used to insure student progress in obtaining a basic knowledge of our country's history.

UNITED STATES HISTORY / ADVANCED PLACEMENT Course #: 4121, 4122 Grade: 11 Honors: yes Year: 1 credit Fee: $83.00 AP Exam Fee Prerequisite: Writing sample, 2 teacher recommendations, and teacher approval Advanced Placement American History is a one-year course for the superior student, which investigates the economic, political, social, and cultural developments of America's past. The purpose of this course is to offer exceptional students the opportunity to expand their studies beyond that which is required from the standard American History course and prepare for the AP Exam in the spring. The student will be required to read and analyze a variety of materials. A variety of instructional techniques are utilized in this course including lectures, class discussions, media presentation, and textbook assignments. This course will stress analytical concepts as tools for problem solving. In order to achieve the goals required in this course, a student must be highly motivated and have superior reading and writing skills. The AP Exam will cost approximately $82.00 and all students registering for this class will be highly encouraged to take it.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Course #: 4207, 4208 Grade: 12 Year: 1 credit Fee: $2.00 for current event magazine This course covers the full range of government in regards to its purpose, function, and structure at municipal, county, state, and national levels. There will be an in-depth examination of three major branches of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial as part of the democratic process and its development in society today. The role played by the individual citizen in the American political and economic system is examined in regard to voting responsibilities, the American political system, the basic concepts of the free enterprise system and its relationship of the consumer and government to the business cycle. Community service is a required part of American Government.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT / ADVANCED PLACEMENT Course #: 4221 and 4222 Grade: 12 Honors: Yes Year: 1 credit Fee: $80 Advanced Placement Test Prerequisite: Writing sample, 2 teacher recommendations, AP teacher approval, GPA This college level course is designed for the motivated student with exceptional reading and writing skills. This course enables the student to expand his/her own study of the American Governmental system. A variety of instructional techniques are utilized including: lectures, class discussions, media presentations, simulation activities, computer software, outside reading, and textbook assignments. The use of inquiry skills is stressed, enabling students to use analytical concepts as tools for problem solving. This course, if successfully completed, qualifies for honors credit. This exam will cost approximately $80.00 and all students registering for this class will be highly encouraged to take it.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT “ WE THE PEOPLE” Course # 4227 and 4228 Grade: 12 Honors: Yes Semester: ½ Credit Prerequisite: Writing sample, 2 teacher recommendations, with teacher approval, GPA The ‘We The People’ instructional program provides students with a course of instruction on the basic principles of constitutional democracy. The program is designed to foster civic responsibility through the development of an understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and the fundamental principle and values they embody. The program also helps the student gain an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizens in our constitutional democracy. The ‘We The People’ curriculum examines the following topics at the advanced high school/college level: political philosophy, history and experience, writing the Constitution, establishing the government, protection of basic rights, and responsibilities of citizenship. Students in this course will be competing in simulated congressional hearings o the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and will be giving oral presentations before a panel of three judges from the community. Students will be required to do research work in the school library and at UNR. Students will also be required to give unit presentations before other classes, community organizations, and community professionals. This class will be limited to 25-30 students and must have permission of the instructor to enroll. Any student taking this course will be encouraged to take the AP American Government exam at the end of the year at a cost of $80.00.

 

Social Studies (Electives)

These elective courses will allow students to delve into current issues that affect them and the society in which they live through an open forum. Students will make use of multiple media sources to follow and analyze current events relating to a specific topic (see below). These classes will also encourage critical reading, comparison of sources, debate and discussion, as well as a strong research component that utilizes appropriate methods of research. As each of these courses is issue oriented, student interest will influence the direction of instruction. Some community based projects and outings may also accompany instruction.

LAW AND SOCIETY Course #: 4350 Grade: 9-12 Semester: ½ Credit Law Studies courses examine the history and philosophy of law as part of U.S. society and include the study of the major substantive areas of both criminal and civil law such as constitutional rights, torts, contracts, property, criminal law, family law and equity. Students will also explore the workings of criminal and civil trials. An emphasis will be on citizen responsibilities in maintaining a democratic legal system.

Senior Seminar Course #: 4401 Grade: 9-12 Year: 1 credit Prerequisite: Available to seniors who are on track to graduate This one-year course is designed to provide students with financial literacy by highlighting several types of investment strategies and basic money management skills. This course will assist students in the discovery of career opportunities and interests while encouraging them to pursue some aspect of continuing and post-secondary education. Another goal of this course will be to get students involved in school and community improvement strategies. Another key element of this course will be to use a variety of outside experts as guest speakers in the class. Every student will be required to complete a senior project aligned with the goals of the course.