Social studies education helps students understand the world, develop critical thinking and analytic skills, and become thoughtful and responsible citizens. Social studies is the study of relationships among people and between people and the environment over time, and it helps students recognize the challenges and benefits of living in a diverse society. Based on appropriate investigations and reflections within social studies, students develop distinctive skills and a critical awareness of the human condition and emerging spatial patterns and the processes and events that shape them. The social studies curriculum builds the following capacities in young people: disciplinary knowledge; inquiry, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills; respect for the underlying values of a diverse democratic society; interest in public affairs and competencies of self-government. Each capacity contributes uniquely to a common understanding of responsible citizenship.
9th Grade
| Option 1 | SST115 - World History 1 (semester) and SSt116 - World History 2 (semester) |
| Option 2 | SST120 - Honors World History 1 (semester) and SST121 - Honors World History II (semester) |
10th Grade
| Option 1 | SST216 - World History III (semester) and 10th Grade Social Studies Elective (recommended for college - bound students), or a different graduation requirement elective |
| Option 2 | SST607 - Advanced Placement (AP) European History (full year) |
| Option 3 | SST611 - Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography (full year) |
11th Grade
| Option 1 | SST300 - United States History |
| Option 2 | SST600 - Advanced Placement (AP) United States History |
12th Grade
| Option 1 |
SST401 - Civics (Required) and a) Social Studies Elective or b) any other Elective Semester |
| Option 2 | SST605 - Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government & Politics (Meets Civics Requirement) |
Social Studies Electives
Semester Electives open to 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades:
- SST515 - Economics (10-12)
- SST217 - Globalization & Sustainability: How Food Makes Us Who We Are (10-12)
- SST221 - History of Sports (10-12)
- SST305 - Law and Society (10-12)
- SST090 - Northwest Studies (10-12)
- SST565 - Social and Cultural History of the 20th Century 1 - Music (10-12)
- SST570 - Social and Cultural History of the 20th Century II - Film (10-12)
Electives Open to 11th and 12th Grades Only:
- SST531 - Cognitive Psychology (11-12)
- SST530 - Social Psychology (11-12)
- SST605 - Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. Government & Politics (11-12)
- SST611 - Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography (11-12)
- SST612 - Advanced Placement (AP) Economics (11-12)
Semester Electives open to 10th Grade Only: