Social Studies
Social Studies Department
Social Studies
Three units in social studies are required for a South Carolina High School Diploma: one unit in U.S. History, 1/2 unit in American Government, 1/2 unit in Economics, and one elective unit. Many colleges require World History.
Students who are striving to achieve the Academic Honors Medal upon graduation must take four units of social studies. The following is the recommended sequencing of social studies courses for students:
Social Studies Sequencing
|
Pathways |
Freshmen |
Sophomores |
Juniors |
Seniors |
|
College Prep |
World Geography |
World History |
US History |
Government/Economics |
|
Honors |
Honors World Geography |
Honors World History |
Honors US History |
Government/Economics |
|
Advanced Placement |
AP Human Geography |
AP European History |
AP US History |
Government/Economics |
Full Course Guide Descriptions:
All secondary students are required to earn three credits in social studies in order to receive a S.C. High School Diploma. Three units in social studies are required for a South Carolina High School Diploma: one unit in U.S. History, 1/2 unit in American Government, 1/2 unit in Economics, and one other social studies credit. Students select from college prep, honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit courses. Honors, AP and dual credit courses are recommended for college-bound students who have demonstrated a previous record of successful performance in social studies. Refer to the Course Requirements for S.C. Public Four-Year Colleges and Universities.
Social Studies Course Offerings
AP Human Geography 337971AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grades 9 – 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: Enrolled in Honors English 2 (LEHS), Honors Seminar in AP Human Geography (CHS, NCHS)
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Advanced Placement Human Geography is a rigorous course designed to prepare students for the required Advanced Placement examination, administered through the College Board in May. Success on this exam may qualify the student for college credit. AP Human Geography will introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They will also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Students who choose to accept the challenge of this course should have a commitment to improving their skills through extensive reading, writing and independent study. Prior enrollment in an Honors Social Studies course is recommended.
Honors Seminar in AP Human Geography 339971HW
Grade 9 - 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors World History (CHS), English 1 (8th Grade Year) and Enrolled in Honors Biology or Honors Geometry (NCHS)
(CHS, NCHS)
AP Human Geography Seminar is an elective course in which students study basic geographic skills with a focus on human populations and processes. Specifically, they would focus on items such as culture, demography, and politics, along with more general geographic items like map making skills.
Honors Human Geography 330761HW
Grades 9 – 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(LEHS)
This course will include in-depth research into the geographical, geological, cultural, and political aspects of peoples around the world. Students will learn how physical geography (landforms, climates, and vegetation) affects human geography (population, settlement, and infrastructure). In addition, students will acquire more detailed and complex skills they can utilize in other disciplines. Students will complete various projects that include the elements of research, exploration, and evaluation.
Human Geography 330762CW
Grades 9 – 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course will include research in geographical, geological, cultural, and current events. Students will learn about the kinds of landforms and climates that form our physical environment, how they influence the way we live. Included will be man's influence on the environment with emphasis on existing and potential solutions to environmental problems. Students will also study current events and the relationships between nations.
U.S. History and Constitution 332062CW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course explores the growth of the United States from the settlement of America to the present. It will help students realize that history is a series of interrelated events and help students develop an understanding of the cause and effect relationships. Students will also learn to identify recurring historical concepts such as conflict, change, peace, nationalism, and migration. A state-mandated End-of-Course exam counts as 20% of a student’s final grade.
Honors U.S. History 332061HW
Grades 11-12
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(LEHS)
This course explores the growth of the United States, from settlement to the present, and is recommended for talented college-bound students. Students should choose Honors U.S. History only after demonstrating a previous record of excellence in previous Social Studies courses. This course is designed to give students a critical perspective of American history. It will help students recognize that history is a series of interrelated events and narrative themes. Students will learn to identify recurring historical concepts such as conflict, change, peace, and the various socio-economic systems and the impetus for each, nationalism, and migration. A state-mandated End-of-Course exam counts as 20% of the student's final grade.
U.S. Government 333062CH
Grades 11 – 12, 10-12 (CHS)
½ unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course examines the structure and function of the American government and the American political system. Students will study U.S. Constitution principles underlying federalism, the legislative process, the role of political parties, and citizen participation. This course focuses on how political institutions relate to citizens and shows ways citizens can become involved.
AP U.S. Government 337371AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors U.S. History (LEHS), AP Human Geography (NCHS)
(LEHS, NCHS)
This course is recommended for exceptionally talented college-bound students who have demonstrated a previous record of excellence in social studies courses and who are interested in government and politics. It is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States. The student will be required to take the AP exam.
Civics 333562CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(LEHS)
The course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about the meaning of citizenship. It will include the rights of U.S. citizens and the many duties and responsibilities that must be fulfilled. Contributing to the common good will be emphasized.
Economics and Personal Finance 330800CH
Grades 11 – 12, 10-12 (CHS)
½ unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course is designed to give students an understanding of economic concepts and principles, types of businesses, money and banking, other economic systems, and consumer awareness.
AP Macroeconomics 337400AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grades 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: AP U.S. Government, AP U.S. History, or teacher recommendation
(NCHS)
AP Macroeconomics is a college-level course that introduces students to the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination. It also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.
Honors World History 336061HW
Grades 10 – 12, 9 (CHS)
1 unit
Prerequisite: corequisite of Honors English II (CHS)
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course is a demanding study of world history, requiring students to understand, analyze, and interpret the connections between major historical events/eras, such as the beginnings of human society, early civilizations, the rise of pastoral peoples, classical traditions, world faiths, and extensive empires, expanding zones of change and encounter, intensified hemispheric interactions, global expansion and encounter, the age of revolutions, and the twentieth century. Students will be expected to read extensively, think critically, perform research, exploration, and evaluation.
World History 336062CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS)
This course covers the history of mankind from prehistoric times to the modern period with emphasis on the world as a whole rather than the nations in isolation. Students will become aware of the continuity of history and the cultural contributions made by various civilizations. Writing skills are utilized and analysis of primary source documents is an important part of the course.
African-American Studies 339903CW
Grades 11-12
1 unit
Co-requisite: U.S. History
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Throughout U.S. History, African-Americans have faced great adversity in the form of enslavement and institutional racism. They fought for their freedom and worked to right a broken system, but their struggles continue today. This course studies the treatment of enslaved Africans as they were brought to America, the prejudices African-Americans have experienced, and their important role in the social, political, and economic development of the United States.
Honors Seminar in AP U.S. History 339961HW
Grades 11 – (CHS, NCHS)
1 credit
Recommendation: Honors English 4, ENG 101 or AP English Language
(CHS, NCHS)
This course is offered to prepare students for AP US History class. This intensive course of study covers United States history from Exploration to modern-day America. This course is for students of exceptional ability and high achievement. It will entail a rigorous program of reading, research, and writing. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework, and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography. This is an elective credit.
AP U.S. History 337271AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: corequisite of Honors Seminar in AP U.S. History (CHS, NCHS), Honors World History or AP European History (LEHS)
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course consists of an in-depth study of the history of the United States. This intensive course of study covers United States history from Exploration to modern day America. This course is for students of exceptional ability and high achievement. It will entail a rigorous program of reading, research, and writing. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework, and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography. A state mandated End-of-Course exam counts as 20% of the student’s final grade. The student will be required to take the AP exam.
AP European History 337671AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: AP Human Geography or Honors World Geography
(LEHS)
This course consists of an in-depth study of the history of modern Europe. The student will be required to take the AP exam.
DE Teacher Cadet Program 373500EW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Application
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course utilizes a curriculum, which focuses on the learner, the school, the teacher and teaching, and schools of the future. It is part of a statewide program, which allows students to explore education as a career option. After classroom instruction on education related issues, students get to work with a master teacher and gain some actual teaching experience. Students applying for the program will have to go through a selection process. This course is designed for college prep students with at least a B average. It will be offered at each school site based on sufficient interest and staffing. Students signing up for the course will be notified about the selection process.
High School 101 379992CW
Grade 9
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS)
This course prepares freshmen to become successful students and productive citizens. Students will embark on a comprehensive study of the leadership skills necessary both in and out of the classroom. The course will not only emphasize academic skills (such as time management, note-taking, media/cyber literacy, technology use, and reading literacy), but it will also emphasize life skills (such as fiscal responsibility, media/cyber literacy, technology use, and reading literacy). In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore career options. Through book studies, service learning projects and guest speakers, this course will help students lay the foundations for success over the next four years and beyond.
Mentor Tutoring 379962CW
Grade: 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Students must have a 3.0 GPA, valid SC driver’s license, dependable transportation, and final approval from administration prior to enrolling in the course.
(CHS, NCHS)
This course will enable students to become a role model to students (elementary or middle school). Students will learn to help the child with self-esteem and conflict management while also assisting the student with academics. Students may NOT request a school or teacher. Mentors will be placed based on schools’ requests.