2011-12 High School Course Offerings - Durham Public Schools

Civics and Economics
Honors Civics and Economics
Prerequisite: World History
This course teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to
become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent
world. It contains units on early United States History while also
covering American government and economics with a focus on
essential U.S. founding documents. Students will gain a practical
understanding of legal, political, and economic systems that affect
their lives as consumers and citizens. The course also serves as a
foundation for United States History to maintain continuity and
build a historical perspective.
United States History
Honors United States History
Prerequisites: World History and Civics and Economics
This course is the continuation of Civics and Economics. It centers
on economic and political developments, social and cultural
trends, domestic and foreign policies, and important personalities
and events that have shaped the United States.This course begins
with the administration of George Washington and continues to
the present. Student learning goes beyond memorization of isolated
facts to higher order thinking using primary sources to support
historical assessments.
SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
African-American Studies
Prerequisite: Civics and Economics
This course is designed to emphasize the significant contributions
made by African Americans to the economic, political, social, and
cultural development of the United States. Through this course,
students discover how African-Americans have always been an
integral part of the American experience. African-American history
is taught within the broader context of United States history.
International Relations
Prerequisite: U.S. History
Students examine political systems, 20th and 21st century nationalism,
human rights, the global economy, population issues, terrorism,
and other international topics of interest. Emphasis is on discussion
of current events as they are unfolding with examination
of historical roots.
Minority Studies
Prerequisite: Completion of World History
This course explores the history and culture of minorities in the
United States through an interdisciplinary study in the humanities,
arts, and sciences. By creating an open learning environment, students
will be able to appreciate the history and culture of minorities
in America and dismiss negative myths and stereotypes about
people of minority ancestry. Students will gain an understanding
of the economic, psychological, and social situations of minorities
in America past and present.
Introduction to Western Philosophy
Prerequisite: Classification as a junior or senior
This course is an introduction to the ideas and thinkers that have
shaped the development of Western intellectual history. Students
trace the ideas of key philosophers and analyze both primary and
secondary sources in a curriculum that emphasizes research,
reflection, discussion, and debate.
Advanced Placement United States History
Prerequisites: World History and Civics and Economics
This course meets state standards for US History as well as the
College Board’s standards for AP US History. It emphasizes using
analytical skills and factual knowledge to think critically about the
issues and events central to US history. Students will read a variety
of historical documents and interpretations of U.S. history,
write essay responses to document based questions, and prepare
to take the AP Exam.
Advanced Placement European History
Prerequisite: United States History
This course is equivalent to college level European History from
1450 to the present. It is a reading and writing intensive course
that examines the cultural, economic, political, and social developments
that played a fundamental role in shaping the world. The
course lays the foundation for understanding the development of
contemporary institutions, the role of conflict and continuity in
present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current
forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse.
Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics
Prerequisite: Civics and Economics
This course provides an analytical perspective on government
and politics in the United States. It involves both general concepts
used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific
case studies. Familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs,
and ideas that constitute U.S. political reality is required. Topics
include public policy, civil rights and civil liberties, as well as political
beliefs and behaviors.
Advanced Placement World History
Prerequisite: None
The purpose of the AP World History course is to develop
greater understanding of the evolution of global processes, in
interaction with different types of human societies. Students will
read a variety of historical documents and interpretations of
World History, write essay responses to document based questions,
and prepare to take the AP Exam.
Advanced Placement Human Geography
Prerequisite: None
This course emphasizes the importance of geography as a field
of inquiry. It shows how the discipline has evolved into the study
of diverse peoples and areas organized around a set of concepts.
Geographic concepts emphasized throughout the course are
location, space, scale, pattern, regionalization, and place. Students
learn how to use and make maps. They also learn to apply
DPS High School Course Guide 17