Social Science

PATHS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCE

The Social Science Department introduces students to a number of academic disciplines, which focus on the study of human behavior and historical experiences. An exploration of political, historical, economic, and sociological perspectives will help students acquire skills that can be used to develop a better understanding of the world.

Science Department Staff

Brian Davis

Amanda Williams

Darius Araujo

Jim Gardenhire

Mark Adamski

Meredith Hanft

Oscar Ramirez

📚Social Studies Course Information

Global Perspectives 10

1 SS Credit Grade 10

Course Overview:
Who are we as individuals, communities, a nation, a globe--and what is the impact we have on one another socially, economically, environmentally, and politically? These questions will be explored in this required senior-level course that serves as the capstone to students’ social studies experience at Gresham High School. In the context of studying a range of global 20th century topics, students will participate in discussions and activities, read and evaluate a range of perspectives, and write both analytically and reflectively, including a state-required Analysis work sample.

General Comments: This course is required for all 10th graders unless enrolled in A.P. Human Geography.

US History

1 SS Credit Grade 11

Course Overview:
This course will allow students to examine the events that have shaped our past and continue to impact our society. The course will investigate American history from the Progressive Era (early 1900s) to the present day, completing the district

survey of American history. Historical and contemporary issues will be analyzed throughout the course. Students will be expected to complete a required Social Science Analysis work sample during the year.

General Comments: This course is required for all 11th Graders unless enrolled in A.P. U.S. History or Ethnic Studies.

Government

0.5 SS Credit Grade 12

Course Overview:
In this class students will gain an understanding of the principles and ideas upon which the government of the United States is founded. Students will see how our government is organized and operates. Citizen rights and responsibilities will be clarified and students will determine ways in which they can participate in government decision-making. Students will be expected to complete a Social Science Analysis work sample during this semester. This course meets the 0.5 Civics requirement for graduation.

General Comments: This course is required for all 12th graders unless enrolled in A.P. Government & Politics.

Economics

0.5 SS Credit Grade 12

Course Overview:
This class focuses on the major concepts of American capitalism and the dynamics of how modern economic systems work. Students will study how the global marketplace has evolved over the past 20 years and how the “flattened” world has contributed to innovations and challenges to the U.S. economy. An additional objective is to help students relate economics to their daily life. Students will be expected to complete a Social Science Analysis work sample during this semester.

General Comments: This course is required for all 12th graders unless enrolled in A.P. Government & Politics.

Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies 1/2
1 SS Credit Grades 11, 12

Course Overview:
Ethnic Studies is a course that operates from the consideration that race and racism have been, and continue to be, profoundly powerful social and cultural forces in American society. This course focuses on the history, experiences, and current events impacting the lives of African Americans, Asian Americans, Chicanas/os and Latinas/os, Native Americans, and other racialized peoples in the US.

General Comments: This course can replace U.S. History as the required social studies course in 11th grade.

Global Perspectives 12

AP Courses Offerings

AP US History

1 SS Credit Grade 11

Course Overview:
In AP U.S. History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections;

and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change. The course also provides eight themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures.

General Comments: This course can replace U.S. History as the required social studies course in 11th grade.

AP Psychology

1 ELECTIVE Credit Grades 11, 12

Course Overview:

The AP Psychology (Dual Credit) course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, states of consciousness, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.

Special Requirements: This is a college-level Dual Credit course. Students must be prepared to complete all assignment and examination requirements to potentially earn college credit. All enrolled students must take the AP exam in May.

AP Human Geography

1 SS Credit Grade 10

Course Overview:
This course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socio economic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. The curriculum reflects the goals of the National Geography Standards (2012).

General Comments: This course can replace Global Perspectives as the required social studies course in 10th grade.

AP US Government & Politics

1 SS Credit Grade 12

Course Overview:
AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals

to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project. This course meets the 0.5 Civics requirement for graduation.

General Comments: This course can replace Government and Econ as the required social studies course in 12th grade.