COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL

PROPOSED COURSE OFFERINGS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Course descriptions are listed by department

Department: Social Studies

World History
SSD201

Graduation Credit: Social Studies   

2 Trimesters

Prerequisites - None

Open to Grades

10

REQUIRED SOPHOMORE CLASS
This survey course on modern history begins with the Renaissance and advances through modern times. In addition to the historical content of the course, students will learn important skills relating to success in the social studies, including research and writing, higher level thinking skills, and historical interpretation. In addition, students will use technology daily as they continue to develop general academic and 21st Century skills, which they can apply throughout their coursework at CHS.

World History - Honors
SSD211

Graduation Credit: Social Studies   

2 Trimesters

Prerequisites - Teacher recommendation

Open to Grades

10

NOTE: Can replace World History as required sophomore class.
This honors course offers students who desire greater depth, challenge, and rigor to explore themes and world events from the Renaissance to modern times. Students will also learn important skills relating to success in social studies, including research and writing, higher level thinking skills, and historical interpretation using historical documents. Students will use technology daily as they continue to develop general academic and 21st Century skills, which they can apply throughout their coursework at CHS. Students completing this course will be well-prepared to take future advanced offerings in the social studies that challenge their academic abilities.

US History
SSD301

Graduation Credit: Social Studies   

2 Trimesters

Prerequisites - None

Open to Grades

11

REQUIRED JUNIOR CLASS
US History is the study of American History from the Civil War to 1980. The course will focus on the causes and effects of important events in the history of the United States, with an emphasis on political, economic, social, military, and cultural events.

AP US History
SSD311

Graduation Credit: Social Studies   

3 Trimesters

Prerequisites - B or better in World History       

Open to Grades

11

NOTE: This class fulfills the US History requirement.  Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP exam in May at a cost of approximately $95. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. Possible college credit can be earned with exam passage.
The Advanced Placement US History class is an intensive college level course designed not only to fulfill Washington's US History requirement, but also to prepare students for the College Board Advanced Placement test. The course requires responsibility, self-motivation, dedication and a strong commitment to complete the work requirements of the course. Most of the work consists of careful, detailed analytical reading of college texts and primary sources. Additional assignments include writing detailed essays on historical topics.

Civics
SSD421

Graduation Credit: Social Studies   

1 Trimester

Prerequisites - None

Open to Grades

12

REQUIRED SENIOR CLASS
This course deals with civics, national, state and local governments; historical and philosophical foundations for today's governmental systems and the student’s role within that system. Most material deals with the federal level of the government, with a unit of study devoted to state and local government. Current issues in American government and society are also a focus of the course.

Current World Problems
SSD431

Graduation Credit: Social Studies   

1 Trimester

Prerequisites - None

Open to Grades

12

REQUIRED SENIOR CLASS
Current World Problems deals with current and ongoing events around the world, with an emphasis on the political, economic, geographic, historical, and environmental factors that influence people around the world.  In addition to assignments about current events, each student is expected to research, write about, and deliver a speech about an important topic that can be considered a controversial issue or a current world problem.

Leadership
SSD101

Graduation Credit: Elective

1 Trimester

Prerequisites - None; instructor approval may be required.

Open to Grades

9

10

11

12

NOTE: Recommended for ASB, club, or class officers.
Leadership is an elective course at CHS, where students design and manage day-to-day projects to improve the lives of their classmates while honing their understanding of their own leadership talents and skills. Open to all students with an interest in stepping forward to offer ideas, service, and support to others, the class works hand-in-hand with the Associated Student Body (ASB) to help carry out major events throughout the school. Students may repeat this course, and Elected ASB Officers are strongly encouraged to fit the course in their schedules for multiple terms.