Grade level: 9

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: 1) Notetaking- the ability to take notes from a variety of sources 2) Organization- keeping materials in one folder/binder/notebook 3) Listening- lectures, explanations of last night’s homework and directions are the key to success!

Course Description: This course seeks to study the last fifty years of world history from the Non-Western perspective. The purpose of the course will be to study the contemporary issues facing the world today that derive their origin in these regions. It will also serve as an introduction to Non-Western world geography and cultures. While current events in Non-Western regions will often drive in-class discussions, the point of the course is to determine the causes of these current events looking back over the last fifty years. Along with a geographic introduction, the course will study the cultural and religious foundations of Non-Western

regions. This course is designed as a part of a comprehensive Social Science program and specifically complements most core academic requirements specifically: College Preparatory World History. There are three main areas covered in this course: Africa, Middle East and Latin America as well as several sub-units like Genocide and the Cold War.

Major Projects/Assignments: as determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: Approximate homework assigned daily: 20-120 minutes. It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: a

Grade level: 9

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: 1) Reading- must read at the 9th grade level or above 2) Writing- the ability to write a logical paper supported by fact, understanding of a thesis statement 3) Notetaking- the ability to take adequate notes from a variety of sources 4) Exams- the ability to perform on multiple choice exams and write concise factual short answers/explanations 5) Critical Thinking- the ability to see the “big picture” and apply knowledge gleaned from past units in the semester to current areas of study.

Course Description: This course seeks to study the last fifty years of world history from the Non-Western perspective. The purpose of the course will be to study the contemporary issues facing the world today that derive their origin in these regions. It will also serve as an introduction to Non-Western world geography and cultures. While current events in Non-Western regions will often drive in-class discussions, the point of the course is to determine the causes of these current events looking back over the last fifty years. Along with a geographic introduction, the course will study the cultural and religious foundations of Non-Western regions. This course is designed as a part of a comprehensive Social Science program and specifically complements most core academic requirements specifically Honors World History. This course extends the study of World History with a more in-depth exploration of history that includes area studies in Africa, Middle East, China, India and a sub-unit on Genocide. Students critically analyze common elements in the country that led to Genocide and compare how the world handles each of them. Students specifically research and study Cambodia, Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Darfur.

Major Projects/Assignments: as determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: 40-120 minutes It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: a

Grade level: 10

Suggested Prerequisite: Contemporary World Studies

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: 1 Students should have passed Contemporary World Studies, and should be reading and writing at grade level.

Course Description: Our curriculums follow a framework set forth in the California State Standards; thus the main emphasis of this class will be on Modern World History (the Enlightenment and Beyond), with a review of earlier periods. Students in the class will develop an appreciation for the fundamental issues and themes that flow through Modern World history. It is expected that they master a broad body of historical knowledge. Additionally, they will use historical data to support a well-articulated argument or opinion.. As in all history classes at BHS, they will interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, etc. Finally, they will master the art of textbook reading/notetaking and analysis. Through all of this they will improve writing, research, and critical reading skills. Students will be prepared to take the California Standards Test in Modern World History in the spring.

Major Projects/Assignments: Students will participate in a variety of major assignments throughout the year, such as but not limited to the following: one 5 page research paper per semester, three analytical essays per semester, several debates, class discussions and other assignments which vary according to teacher preference.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30-60 minutes. It is important to note that this serves as an

estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework

completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the

student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: a

Grade level: 10

Recommended Prerequisite: CWSAS with a grade of A or B or CWS with a grade of A or B Suggested

Course Preparation/Critical Skills: 1) Reading- above grade level. 2) Writing- the ability to develop a logical and fact-based short essay. 3) Notetaking- the ability to take adequate notes from a variety of sources 4) Test taking- the ability to perform on a variety of assessments including objective tests as well as written assessments.

Course Description: Modern World History Honors fulfills both state and district requirements for hig school graduation. Students study major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late eighteenth century through the Cold War. They trace the rise of democratic ideas beginning with Ancient Greece and Rome understand how these have led to development of modern democracies. Students develop an understanding of world issues and relate them to their historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts. Students compare the present with the past, evaluate the consequences of past events and decisions and determine the lessons learned. Students will be prepared to take the California Standards Test in Modern World History in the spring. As a preparation for Advanced Placement US History, students will learn the fundamentals of writing a Document Based Essay and an emphasis will be placed on primary document analysis. Readings from college level-textbooks and critical, analytical essay writing form key components of the course.

Major Projects/Assignments: as determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: 60-120 minutes It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: a

 

 

Grade level: 10

Prerequisite: Contemporary World Studies

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students should have a minimum grade of C of English ELD 1-2 and a minimum grade of C in Reading ELD 1-2. They also should have passed Contemporary World Studies, and should be enrolled in intermediate level ELD classes at BHS. Transitional ELD students should consider taking CP Modern World History as they seek to broaden their contact with BHS students and staff.

Course Description: The curriculum follows a framework set forth in the California State Standards; thus the main emphasis of this class will be on Modern World History (the Enlightenment and Beyond), with review of earlier periods. Students in the class will develop an appreciation for the fundamental issues and themes that flow through Modern World history. It is expected that they master a broad body of historical knowledge. Additionally, they will use historical data to support a well-articulated argument or opinion.. As in all history classes at BHS, they will interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, etc. Finally, they will master the art of textbook reading/note-taking and analysis. Through all of this they will improve writing, research, and critical reading skills. Teachers of this class employ of a variety of methods that adhere to the principles of Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English. This includes the use of visual aides and a variety of activities to ensure that a student’s level of English does not impede the learning process. Students will be prepared to take the California Standards Test in Modern World History in the spring.

Major Projects/Assignments: as determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30-60 minutes It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: a

Grade level: 11

Recommended Prerequisite: Modern World History

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: 1) familiarity with the routine of daily homework assignments 2) ability to work independently on an assignment 3) organizational skills 4) note- taking skills

Course Description: United States History College Preparatory fulfills both state and district requirements for high school graduation. The course examines the nation’s history focusing on the Twentieth Century. Instruction is centered on analyzing events in the nation’s past to understand their impact on current events. Students are asked to analyze cultural, political, economic, and technological influences that have shaped American history. Building from the foundations established in Contemporary World Studies, and Modern World History, students will reexamine key events studied in those courses from an American perspective. Students will continue to develop their skills in writing persuasive essays and analyzing primary source documents leading to their ability to write a document based essay. Cause and effect analysis and the ability to make data supported generalizations are focal points of the critical thinking skills to be mastered. Test taking and note taking skills are focal points of this course. Geographic literacy is also a major component as students will be expected to identify locations and assess their significance in United States History. Nightly reading is an essential requirement for all students. Students will be prepared to take the California Standards Test in United States History in the spring and also may elect to take the SAT II for this subject area in June.

Major Projects/Assignments: as determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30-60 minutes It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: a

Grade level: 11

Recommended Prerequisite: Completion of Modern World History Honors with a grade of B or above.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Reading and writing skills above the 12th grade level, as this is a college level course that involves extensive reading, analysis and writing.

Course Description: Advanced Placement United States History covers the entire spectrum of our nation’s history, from the Age of Exploration to the present. Given the broad range and profound depth of study, success in this course necessitates strong reading and writing skills commingled with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study. This course is designed to prepare students for the AP exam in US history. Our course at BHS has been audited and approved by the College Board. Please refer to its site for more details about the course: www.collegeboard.com.

Course Objectives: Students in this course will...

• develop a meaningful understanding of the history of the United States in all its multifaceted

forms, particularly social, political, diplomatic, economic and cultural aspects and transformations.

• develop an appreciation for the fundamental issues and themes that flow through our history.

• master a broad body of historical knowledge.

• use historical data to support a well-articulated argument or opinion.

• interpret and apply data from original documents, including cartoons, graphs, letters, etc..

• improve writing, research, and critical reading skills.

• work effectively with others to produce products and solve problems.

• prepare for, and successfully pass, the Advanced Placement Exam in May.

Major Projects/Assignments: Regular essay writing, debates, and extensive outside reading. The type of assignments varies with each instructor.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 90-120 minutes. It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: a

 

 

Grade level: 11

Recommended Prerequisite: Contemporary World Studies

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Minimum grade of C of English ELD 1-2 and a minimum grade of C in Reading ELD 1-2. . They also should have passed Contemporary World Studies, and should be enrolled in intermediate level ELD classes at BHS. Transitional ELD students should consider taking CP Modern World History as they seek to broaden their contact with BHS students and staff. Specific skills include: 1) familiarity with the routine of daily homework assignments 2) ability to work independently on an assignment.

Course Description: United States History Sheltered fulfills both state and district requirements for high school graduation. The course examines the nation’s history focusing on the Twentieth Century but with sufficient background in earlier periods to allow students to comprehend the scope and sequence of major events leading to the Twentieth Century. Instruction is centered on analyzing events in the nation’s past to understand their impact on current events. Students are asked to analyze cultural, political, economic, and technological influences that have shaped American history. Building from the foundations established in Contemporary World Studies, and/or Modern World History, students will reexamine key events studied in those courses from an American perspective. Students will refine reading skills in a historical context and expand both their academic and social studies vocabulary. Cause and effect analysis and the ability to make data supported generalizations are focal points of the critical thinking skills to be mastered. Consistency and organizational skills are a focal points of this course. Geographic literacy is also a major component as students will be expected to identify locations and understand their significance in United States History. Nightly reading is an essential requirement for all students. Students will be prepared to take the California Standards Test in United States History in the spring.

Major Projects/Assignments: as determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30-60 minutes It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: a

Grade level: 12

Recommended Prerequisites: Contemporary World Studies, World History, U.S. History

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: 1) familiarity with the routine of daily homework assignments 2) ability to work independently on an assignment 3) organizational skills 4) note taking skills This course is college preparatory; some advanced reading is required.

Course Description: American Government introduces students to the requirements and demands of democratic citizenship. This course will develop informed, responsible participation in American political life by competent citizens committed to the fundamental values and principles of American constitutional democracy. Students analyze the nature and function of political relationships: citizen-to-citizen, citizen to local community, citizen to state, and citizen to the nation. It provides the students with the foundation essential to understanding the dynamics of American politics. The course will also strive to engender a sense of political efficacy and activism on issues of personal interest. In short, American Government will act as one of the two “finishing courses” of the Social Sciences, preparing students to take their rightful place as full, active, and responsible members of American society while simultaneously developing an appreciation of the past as it relates to the present and preparing them for the possibilities of their future. This course is aligned with California Content Standards for American Government. There are six units ofstudy:

• The Foundations of American Government

• Political Behavior

• The Legislative Branch

• The Executive Branch

• The Judicial Branch

• Civil Liberties, Rights and Responsibilities

Major Projects/Assignments: Semester long projects include a Roundtable Research Project and group research paper on a piece of federal legislation. This is in addition to several minor individual projects that are assigned throughout the semester.

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30-60 minutes It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: a

Grade level: 12

Recommended Prerequisite: Contemporary World Studies, World History, U.S. History

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students enrolling in this course should have successfully completed AP U.S. History in 11th grade and Honors World History in 10th grade with a grade of “C” or better. Students entering from CP should have an A US History College preparatory. It is also recommended that students who wish to take this course have a solid foundation of writing and research skills, be able to handle college level reading material, and be prepared to work independently as well as in a group environment.

Course Description: In this semester long course students apply knowledge gained in previous years of study to pursue a deeper understanding of the institutions of American Government. Throughout the course we examine and try to evaluate our institutions of government, the public policies made by these institutions, and the influences of the electorate on policy-making. Ultimately this course is designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Examination in United States Government and Politics.

Major Projects/Assignments: Semester long projects include a Roundtable Research Project and group research paper on a piece of federal legislation. This is in addition to several minor individual projects that are assigned throughout the semester.

Approximate homework assigned daily: Minimum of 30-45 minutes daily. It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: a

Grade level: 12

Recommended Prerequisites: Contemporary World Studies, World History, U.S. History

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: 1) the ability to organize and complete assigned reading and homework 2) the ability to work independently and collaboratively 3) listening and notetaking skills.

Course Description: Economics is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of both microeconomic and macroeconomic principals. It is a rigorous course intended to provide the student with the vocabulary of economics, the skills necessary to understand and analyze the current economic issues and an appreciation of the economic system that has evolved in the U.S. and in the world today. Students will be introduced to the concepts of supply and demand and the larger economic system, as well as the general workings of the free market economy including: Measurement of Economic Performance, National Income and Price Determination, Financial Markets, Inflation, Unemployment and Stabilization Policies, Economic Growth and Productivity, International Trade and Finance, Consumer Behavior, the nature of the firm in the four market models (Perfect Competition, Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly, and Monopoly) and the role of government in promoting efficiency and equity in the economy.

Major Projects/Assignments: As determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: : 30-45 minutes It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: g

Grade level: 12

Recommended Prerequisites: AP U.S. History, Honors English 5-6 and concurrent enrollment in either

AP Calculus, Finite Math, or Trigonometry.

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: The department strongly recommends:

• Careful attention paid to the rest of the student’s academic load. This course has a considerable amount of work associated with it.

• There are mathematic principles employed in this course. Students should have a comfortable familiarity with the creation and interpretation of line-slope graphs and the use of logical arguments.

• Students will complete readings from college-level textbooks and will complete written work commensurate with university-level classes.

• Students should have previously experience in Advanced Placement courses and reading and writing abilities, which exceed grade level (12th grade reading level recommended).

• The ability to grasp complex and abstract ideas and theories

• A strong, independent, and responsible work-ethic

• Students should give strong consideration to taking AP Microeconomics in the semester following this course.

Course Description: Students taking this course can expect to engage in an educational environment that is equivalent to a first-year university level survey course. AP Economics actually consists of two components: Macroeconomics and Microeconomics and are considered courses that emphasize the general principals of each field. The College Board offers two separate exams for each discipline, and grades are reported as two separate grades in this respect. The student can choose to take one exam or the other, or both. When studying Macroeconomics, students apply the concepts of supply and demand to the larger economic system, as well as the general workings of the free market economy including: Measurement of Economic Performance, National Income and Price Determination, Financial Markets, Inflation, Unemployment and Stabilization Policies, Economic Growth and Productivity, International Trade and Finance The AP Economics course follows the standards prescribed by the College Board in the AP Course Description which can be found online at

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com:80/apc/public/repository/52270_apeconlocked5_3_4316.pdf

Major Projects/Assignments: As determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: : 45-90 minutes It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Social Science

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: g

Grade level: 12

Recommended Prerequisites: AP Macroeconomics

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: The department strongly recommends:

• Careful attention paid to the rest of the student’s academic load. This course has a considerable amount of work associated with it.

• There are mathematic principles employed in this course. Students should have a comfortable familiarity with the creation and interpretation of line-slope graphs and the use of logical arguments.

• Students will complete readings from college-level textbooks and will complete written work commensurate with university-level classes.

• Students should have previously experience in Advanced Placement courses and reading and writing abilities, which exceed grade level (12th grade reading level recommended).

• The ability to grasp complex and abstract ideas and theories

• A strong, independent, and responsible work-ethic

Course Description: Students taking this course can expect to engage in an educational environment that is equivalent to a first-year university level survey course. AP Economics actually consists of two components: Macroeconomics and Microeconomics and are considered courses that emphasize the general principals of each field. The College Board offers two separate exams for each discipline, and grades are reported as two separate grades in this respect. The student can choose to take one exam or the other, or both. When studying Microeconomics, students study the nature of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. The course includes the study of Consumer Behavior, the nature of the firm in the four market models (Perfect Competition, Monopolistic Competition, Oligopoly, and Monopoly) and the role of government in promoting efficiency and equity in the economy. The AP Economics course follows the standards prescribed by the College Board in the AP Course Description which can be found online at

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com:80/apc/public/repository/52270_apeconlocked5_3_4316.pdf

Major Projects/Assignments: As determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: : 45-90 minutes It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Elective

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: g

Grade level: 10-12

Recommended Prerequisite: Reading and writing ability that are at grade level (minimum 10th grade level recommended).

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students should be organized and capable of doing nightly homework. Note taking at home as well as in class is essential to mastering the course material. Students should be willing and able to participate in class discussions and presentations. A respectful attitude toward the opinions of others as well as the subject matter presented is expected.

Course Description: The goal of Psychology is to increase student awareness and understanding of human motivation and behavior. Students will gain a basic understanding of: psychology’s rich and diverse history, the research methods associated of scientific investigation, the biological and physiological bases of behavior, the principles of human learning and memory, the major theories of human motivation and emotion, and the ways in which psychological theories and research apply to everyday life. There is an emphasis on self-awareness and personal growth. The course will reinforce the critical thinking, problemsolving and writing skills taught in all social science courses.

Major Projects/Assignments: as determined by the instructor

Approximate homework assigned daily: 30-60 minutes It is important to note that this serves as an estimate of the nightly average homework load. It is not intended to be a concrete value and homework completion time will depend upon the nature of the assignment and the abilities and work habits of the student.

Graduation Requirement: Elective

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: g

Grade level: 9-12

Prerequisites: Application and teacher recommendations

Suggested Course Preparation/Critical Skills: Students who wish to take either Leadership need to apply in the spring semester before they enroll and receive the recommendation of at least 5 teachers. Students must have a 2.0 GPA to apply and to remain in the class, and should have a strong desire to serve their school and community through the various activities that we sponsor. Students who wish to hold an Associated Student Body (ASB) office must take the advanced Leadership class during 4th period.

Course Description: This semester elective course allows students to take an active leadership role in their school and community by participating in the planning, administrating, and evaluation of all student activities on campus. Leadership students will learn how the school administration and classified staff support student learning at BHS, and they will work closely with a variety of school and community leaders and organizations throughout the semester. Beginning leadership students will work as part of a squad and on committees which will oversee semester-long projects that will directly impact and support all students at BHS. Advanced leadership students will each have a specific job title and will be responsible for developing their own job description and determining which tasks, events and projects they will focus on during the course of the semester.

Major Projects/Assignments: Weekly progress reviews and Leadership binder checks every 6 weeks. Semester projects vary depending on class and position assigned.

Approximate homework assigned daily: Minimal homework is assigned daily. A weekly progress review is collected at the beginning of each week. Leadership binders are reviewed every 6 weeks.

Graduation Requirement: Elective

UC/CSU a-g Requirement: g