Listed below are all of the social studies classes available to high school students:

World Cultures 9 (Level 1)

This course offers a summary of the major cultural regions of the world outside of the United States. The areas of concentration are Europe (including Russia), China, Japan, Latin America, Middle East, India and Africa. Each unit of study encompasses a comparative analysis of the political, economic, geographic, historical and social institutions of respective areas.

World Cultures 9 (Level 2)

This course offers a summary of the major cultural regions of the world outside of the United States. The areas of concentration are Europe (including Russia), China, Japan, Latin America, Middle East, India and Africa. Each unit of study encompasses a comparative analysis of the political, economic, geographic, historical and social institutions of respective areas.

United States History 1 (Level 1)

This course is designed to provide a study of the political, social, economic and cultural developments of the United States from European contact through industrialization of the late 19th century. Specific attention will be directed to the colonial era, establishment of the new nation, sectional problems, national growth, disunion, reconstruction and economic growth. Focus, as often as possible, will be on viewing the history of the United States through the lives of the people who created the new nation and the new society.

United States History 1 (Level 2)

This course is designed as a survey study of the major political, social, economic and cultural developments of the United States from European contact through industrialization of the late 19th century. Specific attention will be directed to the colonial era, establishment of the new nation, sectional problems, national growth, disunion, reconstruction and economic growth. Focus, as often as possible, will be on viewing the history of the United States through the lives of the people who created the new nation and the new society.

United States History 2 (Level 1)

This course will thoroughly examine the political, economic and cultural development of the 20th century. Areas of focus will include America's role as a military and diplomatic power, the expansion of federal power with economic and social life and the rights conscious movement and their impact on legislation. Emphasis will be placed on connecting 20th century events to contemporary ones and analysis of persistent themes and trends in our history will be highlighted.

United States History 2 (Level 2)

This course will thoroughly examine the political, economic and cultural development of the 20th century. Areas of focus will include America's role as a military and diplomatic power, the Cold War, technological advances and their economic and social impact, the Civil Rights Movement and the New Deal. Emphasis will be placed on establishing a connection between 20th century events and contemporary ones.

AP United States History  (weighted 0.1)
Students must take the AP Exam and score at least a "3" to receive the 0.1 weight value

The Advanced Placement Program in United States History will provide an opportunity for juniors to pursue and receive credit for college-level course work. The course content will include topics that display United States history in a logical sequence. The colonial and revolutionary period to 1789, republicanism, nationalism and democracy (1789-1844), expansion, war and reconstruction (1845-1877), the new nation (1865-1895), foreign and domestic change (1895-1928), domestic and world crises (1929-1945) and contemporary America since 1945. (PREREQUISITES: B- in an AP course or department approval)

Government and Economics (Level 1)

The first semester of this course covers United States government focusing on the Constitution, the political process, our criminal justice system and the role of the government in determining fiscal and monetary policy. The second semester will examine the theoretical principles of economics and their practical applications. The goal is to foster and inform students/citizens with regard to fiscal and monetary policy. Both semester courses reinforce research skills using the library and Internet resources. Supplemental readings, essays, and evaluations are required in this college preparatory level course. A research paper is mandatory.

Government and Economics (Level 2)

One semester covers United States government focusing on the living Constitution, the political process, our criminal justice system and the role of the government in determining fiscal and monetary policy. Another semester will examine the theoretical principles of economics and their practical applications. The goal is to foster and inform students/citizens with regard to fiscal and monetary policy.

AP European History (weighted 0.1)
Students must take the AP Exam and score at least a "3" to receive the 0.1 weight value

This course is intended as an equivalent to a six-credit undergraduate college course -- "History of Western Civilization." All sections of the course reflect college programs in terms of subject matter and approach. Therefore, content in intellectual-cultural, political-diplomatic and social-economic history form the basis for the course. Students are expected to demonstrate a knowledge of basic chronology and of major events and trends from approximately 1450 to the present.

Analysis and interpretation of original/primary source reading material are integral parts of the course. These features make the AP course unique among the other history course offerings. Even though the stated culmination of an AP course is the taking of the National College Board AP test in May, this is by no means an absolute requirement. This challenging course is also open to any outstanding history students who may merely seek personal enrichment and/or background in preparation for college. (elective Grades 10, 11, 12) (PREREQUISITES: B- in an AP course or department approval)

AP Government and Politics (weighted 0.1)
Students must take the AP Exam and score at least a "3" to receive the 0.1 weight value

This course is a traditional college level survey elective in American Government. The major emphasis is placed on the study of American political ideology and the evolution of its democratic institutions. The student will develop a sophisticated understanding of majority rule democracy, constitutionalism and civil liberties. This course is specifically designed to meet the needs of the student who plans to take the AP exam in Government and Politics. (PREREQUISITES: B- in an AP course or department approval)

AP Psychology (weighted 0.1)
Students must take the AP Exam and score at least a "3" to receive the 0.1 weight value

This course is a traditional college-level survey elective in psychology. The major emphasis is placed on the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of the human beings and other animals. The student will develop an in-depth understanding of theories, terms and major concepts in psychology. This course is specifically designed to meet the needs of the student who plans to take the AP exam in psychology. (PREREQUISITES: B- in an AP course or department approval, Grades 11-12)

Military History

This course will examine the critical moments during the story of the United States of America in the area of warfare that have influenced the development of the nation. The class will be chronological covering all facets of military history. These aspects are the political, social, economic and cultural aspects of warfare. Not only will the course cover the guns and tactics of warfare, but the personalities and strategies that have made America the number one military power in the world. The course will include much opportunity for discussion in the area of military affairs which normally would not be facilitated in a general social studies class. All students enrolled in the course must have a final grade of a "C" in their previous social studies class. (PREREQUISITE: C in Social Studies; Grades 11-12) *Not offered in 2010-2011

Local History

This course will trace the story of the local region through the people, places, material objects and culture of Lancaster, Chester and Berks Counties. Particular emphasis will be placed on the study of Berks County and, more specifically, the Governor Mifflin School District. A thematic approach in chronological order will be the outline of the content presented. Students who are in tenth to twelfth grade and have maintained a "C" average in Social Studies are eligible for this course. Methods of instruction shall include: individual projects, internet activities, Power Point presentations, group activities and field trips to local sites. Content of the course includes geography, Native Americans, early settlement, French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, religion, early industry, local politics, education, Civil War, entertainment, folk ways, material culture, archeology, food, Berks County as a vacation site, business leaders, scandals and crime, the Great Depression, Berks County today and the future possibilities. A final family history project is required as part of this course. (PREREQUISITE: C in Social Studies; Grades 11-12) *Not offered in 2011-2012