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Social Studies

  • Social Studies
*Social Studies Progression
PHS Social Studies Progression Chart
  • Progression Chart
  • Social Studies
AP U.S. History (5516)

Recommendation:  Completion of Modern World History with a grade of B+ or higher, plus teacher recommendation
Students must take an entrance assessment in the Spring

(UC approved “a”)    

AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a college course of U.S. History  A rigorous level of reading and writing is required, as well as a high level of in-class participation.  Students develop their analytical and interpretive writing skills through short, long, and document-based essays.  Students are graded according to a college level standard. 
The course covers U.S. history from 1491 to the present.   Students learn the skills historians use to study the past; analyzing primary and secondary sources, developing historical arguments, making historical comparisons, considering contextualization and causation, and focusing on continuity and change over time.  The course explores seven themes of U.S. history:  American and national identity; migration and settlement; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; the U.S. in the world; geography and the environment; and culture and society.
Summer Requirements: Approximately 4-6 hours of individual learning from a variety of sources including the class textbook, primary source analysis and video resources.

  • AP
  • Elective
  • Year-long
  • Social Studies
Civics (5532)

This class is required for all seniors

(UC approved “a”)

Civics encompasses a study of the American government system with emphasis on the structure, systems functions and powers of US government, as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizens to maintain a healthy democracy. Topics covered will include the basic legal system of the US; political affiliation, participation, and the voting process; executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, and individual rights. This course aims to prepare students for adulthood and to participate in our democracy. Class discussions, lectures, simulations, and problem solving through individual and group projects will be the dominant modes of instruction.

  • Semester
  • Social Studies
Economics (5541)

This class is required for all seniors

(UC approved “g”)    

In Economics, students learn basic microeconomic concepts such as supply, demand, price and competition, along with fundamental economic analysis centered around trade-offs and opportunity cost.  In addition, the course covers macroeconomic basics such as fiscal and monetary policies, the role of the government in the economy and the major economic indicators used to measure the well-being of the US economy.  Students take a deep dive into land use economics through a redevelopment simulation called Urban Plan.  In the last portion of the course, students explore globalization concepts such as trade, development and well-being.
 

  • Elective
  • Semester
  • Social Studies
Ethnic Studies (5504)

This course is open to 10-12th graders
Recommendation:  None 

(UC approved “g”)

In Ethnic Studies, students will discuss issues of personal and cultural identity, as well as learn the history of modern social groups in America, explicitly within California. The course will go into greater depth of the non-dominant cultural narratives comparing the history and present-day experiences of a variety of “hyphenated Americans” (e.g. African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans). Through a social justice critical lens, students will watch documentaries, read books, and discuss articles that tell the true stories of our nation’s history. Students will delve into current events that have shaped their high school experience, and prepare them for the world of tomorrow. 

  • Elective
  • Semester
  • Social Studies
Financial Literacy and Personal Finance (5560)

This course is open to 10-12th graders
Recommendation:  None 

 (UC approved “g”)

Financial Literacy and Personal Finance will use a web based interactive program to introduce and enhance the financial literacy skills of PHS/MHS students. Students will ‘learn by doing’ using interactives in an online interface created and supported by NGPF.org. There is a strong emphasis on group work and class discussions. Students will also participate in a virtual stock exchange project using marketwatch.com or a similar program.This course will cover the following topics: Behavioral Finance, Taxes, Checking, Saving, Paying for College, Types of Credit, Managing Credit, Investing, Insurance, Budgeting and Consumer Skills.

  • Elective
  • Semester
  • Social Studies
Law and Society (5556)

This course is open to 10-12th graders
Recommendation:  None

(UC approved “g”)

Law and Society unlocks the door to a class where legal theory meets real-world application. It introduces students to various areas of law, including criminal and civil laws, beyond what is covered in US History and Civics. This course focuses on the foundations of law in any society, with specific attention to the US legal system, practices and current issues impacting our society. Students will learn about the criminal and civil legal system, the principles on which these systems are based, the role of the courts, the steps of a trial, legal defenses, individual rights and legal protections, criminal justice, real-life cases and much more! Mock trials, case studies, class discussions, interactive activities, guest speakers, educational podcasts and films, and lectures are the dominant modes of instruction. Students will develop critical thinking skills, explore ethical dilemmas and apply knowledge to real-world contexts. Students will gain a strong understanding of the laws and systems that shape our society and how we can make them better to achieve justice for all! 

  • Elective
  • Semester
  • Social Studies
Modern World History (5559)

This course is required for all sophomores

(UC approved “a”)

The focus of this class is the struggles and triumphs, conflicts and controversies that have surrounded people from the Enlightenment to the present.  Students study modern developments in history, culture, and geography.  The themes of democracy, industrialization, imperialism, nationalism, totalitarianism, war, nation-building, and human rights are examined as they emerge out of Europe and affect people around the world.  In addition to content mastery, students focus on developing sophisticated critical thinking, close reading, discussion/debate, and analytical writing skills throughout the year.

  • Year-long
  • Social Studies
Psychology (5533)

This course is open to 10-12th graders
Recommendation:  None

(UC approved “g”)  

This course is designed as an introduction to the basic principles of psychology with particular focus on biology’s impact on behavior, states of consciousness, stages of development, learning/memory, intelligence, motivation, emotions, personality, clinical psychology, and social psychology.  Lecture, interactive activities, self-tests, free-writes, guided group discussions, case studies, film, readings, and projects further student understanding of themselves and those around them. As students think critically about the material, they will have many opportunities to apply concepts and theories of human behavior to their own identities and experiences, as well as to broader real-world contexts. Students report that the curriculum is immediately and directly applicable to their lives.          

  • Elective
  • Year-long
  • Social Studies
U.S. History (5510)


This course is required for all juniors unless enrolled in AP U.S. History


(UC approved “a”)        

This course quickly reviews the foundations of the US through 1900, and brings topics to present day, but primarily emphasizes 20th century American history.  Students work to build historical thinking skills and answer essential questions within each time period.  They explore contributions by diverse people to the American experience as they consider major political issues, economic challenges, social movements, and foreign affairs from the past and relate them to contemporary events. Students examine primary documents, secondary texts, and visual sources as they work to understand major class themes, cause and consequence, continuity and change, and turning points of American history.  In addition to content mastery, students focus on developing sophisticated critical thinking, close reading, discussion/debate, and analytical writing skills throughout the year.
   

  • Year-long
  • Social Studies
World Cultures and Geography (5503)

Recommendation:  This course is only offered to ninth grade students

Recommendation:  This course is only offered to 9th grade students.

(UC approved “a”)    

In this course, students will learn about the non-western world, including the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America in an active and engaging learning environment.  The content of this course will explain the historical events that have shaped these regions and their roles in world affairs. Specific topics include the global economy, foreign policy, international institutions, environmental policy, and current areas of conflict around the world.

  • Elective
  • Open to 9th Graders
  • Year-long

Faculty

Hayley Adams
Teacher, ASB Adviser
Allison Cota
Teacher, Department Chair
Hillary Freeman
Teacher
Gabrielle Kashani
Teacher
Dave Keller
Teacher
Melanie McCauley
Teacher, Yearbook Adviser
Janine Sohn
Teacher