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WORLD HISTORY – ONE-YEAR COURSE #16622 Open to Grade
10
Prerequisite: None
Description: In this course, students examine major turning points in the
shaping of the modern world, from the late eighteenth century to the present.
The course will begin with an examination of cur-rent world issues and will then
proceed to connect with students’ past learning by studying the rise of
democratic ideas. Other major topics will include: the Industrial Revolution,
the rise of Imperialism and Colonialism, World War I, Totalitarianism in the
20th Century, the Second World War, and Nationalism in the contemporary world.
Geography will be incorporated throughout the course using the five geographic
themes - location, place, interaction, movement, and regions.
U.S. HISTORY - ONE-YEAR COURSE #16619 Open to Grade
11
Prerequisite: None
Description: In this course, students examine major turning points in
American history in the twentieth century following a review of the nation’s
past history. During the year certain themes are emphasized: the expanding role
of the federal government and federal courts, the continuing tension between the
federal courts, the continuing tension between the individual and the state and
between minority rights and majority power, the emergence of a modern corporate
economy, the impact of technology on American society and culture, change in the
ethnic composition of American society, and the United States as a major world
power. These topics are examined as they fall into three broad categories 1) “Knowledge
and Cultural Understanding”, incorporating learning from history and other
humanities, geography, and the social sciences; 2) “Democratic Understanding
and Civic Values”, incorporating understanding of our national identity,
constitutional heritage, civic values, rights, and responsibilities; 3) “Skills,
Attainment, and Social Participation”, including critical thinking skills and
participation skills essential for effective citizenship.
AP U.S. HISTORY - ONE-YEAR COURSE #16625 Open to Grade
11
Prerequisite: Instructor’s Approval
Description: This is an in-depth survey course in American History,
covering this country from the pre-colonization period to the 1980’s. The
course will help the students understand the many factors that affected our
country’s growth, such as our territorial expansion, the development of our
government, our relations with other countries, our economic development, our
social problems, and how individual men and women played important roles in
establishing the United States of today. Through primary source readings,
lectures, re-search papers, and written composition, the student will be tying
the past to the present, and developing an appreciation of the people that
built, and are still building America today. Since this is an Advance Placement
course, it will prepare the students for the Advanced Placement U.S. History
Examination given every May by the National Testing Service for the College
Board. Students who receive passing grades on this examination may be awarded
college credits for the course, depending on the policies of the college of
their choice. Preparing for the test requires time outside of the regular class
period to adequately review material. These review sessions are not a course
requirement, just as taking the test is not a requirement, but students are
strongly advised to take advantage of these options in order to get the most out
of the class.
CIVICS - ONE SEMESTER COURSE #16623 Open to Grade
12
Prerequisite: None
Description: This course is the study of the origin, structure, and
operation of American political institutions with emphasis on the Constitution,
the three branches of government and civic responsibility.
ECONOMICS - ONE SEMESTER COURSE #16624 Open to Grade
12
Prerequisite: None
Description: The major emphasis of this course is upon studying the basic
principles of economics to help pupils understand the ”demand” economic
system within which they live, and to learn to analyze, objectively, the wide
range of problems that confront their society. The course briefly contrasts
other systems, such as “command” economics, with the United States economic
system. The course also identifies the growing problem caused by unlimited
demands on limited natural resources and by socioeconomic desires for a balanced
ecology on the one hand and an increased standard of living on the other.
Appreciation is developed for the fact that sound economic growth results only
from increased productivity, and for the necessary role of investment capital as
the seed for future growth in either a “command” or a “demand” market
system. The course enables pupils to gain better understanding of how and why
the United States economic system works, how they fit into the economy and
influence it by their decisions, and how they can help it to serve them better.
The methodology of the professional economist and economics is studied in its
historical context. The course also includes extensive reading, and writ-ten and
oral composition.
CIVICS AP/HONORS ECONOMICS - ONE SEMESTER FOR EACH
SUBJECT #16628/16629 Open to Grade 12
Prerequisite: Consent of AP teacher or recommendation of U.S. History
teacher
Description: Advanced Placement course in American Government and
Politics designed to give students a critical perspective on government and
politics in the United States. This course involves both the study of general
concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case
studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups,
beliefs, and ideas that makeup the American political reality.
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY - ONE-YEAR COURSE #16643 Open to
Grade 12
Prerequisite: Approval from current history teacher, a “B” or better
in World History, and a “B” or better in English 11.
Description: Advanced Placement European History places attention upon
understandings equivalent to those gained in a college-level introductory
course. The emphasis is on the general narrative of European history from
approximately 1450 to 1990, that is, from the High Renaissance to the present.
The course includes an examination of the political and diplomatic, intellectual
and cultural, and social and economic history of Europe. In addition to
providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the AP course
in European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal
themes in modern European history, (b) an ability to analyze historical
evidence, and (c) an ability to express that understanding and analysis in
writing.
SENIOR SEMINAR - ONE-YEAR COURSE #07270 Open to Grade
12
Prerequisite: Must be a 4th-year student.
Description: The AVUHSD Board of Trustees adopted this class as a
requirement for graduation, beginning with the class of 2002, on September 6,
2001. Students enrolled in the Senior Seminar class will brainstorm topics for
their senior project, do research for their senior project paper, develop their
senior project, and develop a presentation and practice delivering it. Students
will also complete a “take away” portfolio with the evidence of their Senior
Project process, as well as components of the AV Bridge from School to Careers.
Students will learn valuable skills that will enhance their career
opportunities, including interviewing techniques, how to put together a resume,
researching skills, and presentation skills. Students will practice effective
oral and written communication techniques and write a variety of documents,
including letters, reflective essays, task analyses, a research paper, a career
research report, an updated resume, and a career plan.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT/LEADERSHIP - ONE-YEAR COURSE #14600
Open to Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Students must have a 2.0 GPA, good citizenship and ASB
advisor approval.
Description: Combines classroom instruction with leadership practice in a
laboratory of practical school situations. Provides student leaders with the
opportunity to study the concept of democratic government, the meaning and
techniques of leadership, parliamentary procedures and group processes, the
principles of human behavior, the objective of education, and the problems of
school administration. Students will be required to hold an elected or appointed
position on the Board of Control.
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