Uses National Geographical themes of place (physical and cultural characteristics) location (relative and absolute), regions, human-environment interaction, movement (goals, ideas, and people). Analyze the United States as a globally interdependent melting pot of the world. Outside sources are used to compare different regions, climate, economics, government, and cultural landscapes.

Investigates the factors influencing the political, cultural, economic and social development of civilizations. Analyzes the development of change beginning with ancient civilizations, the emergence of nations through trade/communications, intellectual development, scientific/technological development, emergence of nation’s states, nations in conflict and the emerging interdependence of nations in the twentieth century. Integrates outside sources to identify current trends.

Investigates the United States, its people, institutions, and heritage. Covers discovery and settlement, colonial society, the American Revolution, Constitution and the New Republic, Age of Jefferson, Nationalism, Sectionalism, Territorial Expansion, Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrialization, Progressive Era, World War I, Depression, New Deal, World War II, The Cold War, through Modern Times.

An in-depth study of the American political system. This course focuses on the foundation, principles, and structure of the American system of government. Examines the role of political parties, social factors as they relate to the role of the citizen, and analyzes the decision-making process that is a part of the system of American political behavior. Covers federalism, separation of powers, influences on the formulation and adoption of the Constitution, political beliefs, political parties and elections, interest groups, institutions and policy processes and civil liberties and civil rights.

Conforms to College Board topics for Advanced Placement American Government. Covers the Presidency, Congress, Judicial branches of government as well as the federal bureaucracy. Covers the fundamental principles of the Constitution and amendments as they have been interpreted over time, (federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, civil rights and liberties). Analyzes the changes in political beliefs and parties, over time the role of the media, and changes in the formation of policy.

Analyzes the foundations and functions of the American legal system.  Examines types of laws, the individual's relationship to the law and major court decisions.  Integrates and reinforces social studies skills.