El Cajon Valley High School

Introduction to Geography Concepts
A required one-semester course designed for 9th grade students who plan to enter a four-year college upon graduation. The course emphasizes regional geography, with attention to the influence of physical features of the region on the lives of the people. Students review the geography of Anglo America and engage in in-depth study of three selected geographic regions. Students develop basic social science skills including use and interpretation of maps. Place name recognition and the ability to make practical application of geographical facts and principles to real situations are stressed. Students are expected to do extended reading beyond the textbook and to pursue in-depth studies. This course meets the University of California “g” elective requirements.

U.S. History and Geography
A two-semester course with instruction of U.S. History in the 20th century designed for the 11th grade student in the college preparatory program. Knowledge and critical thinking skills outlined in the 1A-2A level are similar to those required for this course. Students are expected to do outside reading in addition to textbook assignments and be able to pursue in-depth research. It is the intent to follow, as closely as possible, the Master Curriculum Standards. This course meets the University of California “a” social science and “g” elective requirements.

AP United Stated History 
A two-semester course in U.S. History designed to provide the capable student with the opportunity to take part in a college-level course while attending high school. The curriculum is consistent with the Advanced Placement Course Description published by the College Board. This course meets the University of California “a” social science and “g” elective requirements.

AP Government and Politics
This is an in-depth course of study involving the various institutions peculiar to the American political system and its history with an interpretation of specific governmental case studies. The focus will be on civil liberties and civil rights, policy processes, political parties and interest groups, various political beliefs and the constitutional background of our government and political being. Students must be able to successfully complete daily work, unit tests, the above case studies and investigations, and research term papers leading to the Advanced Placement test. Writing on a daily basis will be stressed in order to prepare students for not only the essay sections of the AP test but for successful completion of future social science college work. This course meets the University of California “a” social science and “g” elective requirements.

Economics
A semester course designed for the 11th or 12th grade college preparatory student in which the principles of economic analysis, economic institutions, and issues of public policy are examined. The student will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and communication skills through study. The course will include allocation of resources, distribution of income, money and banking, economics, as well as practical applications to consumer economics. The student will be expected to explore various conflicting theories of economic thought. This course meets the University of California “g” elective requirement.

World History, Culture, and Geography 
A required two-semester survey course designed to provide an introduction to world history and physical and cultural geography. This course is designed to meet the needs of the student who expects to pursue a post secondary education in a four-year college setting. This course satisfies district and state graduation requirements for two semesters of instruction in world history, culture, and geography. This course meets the University of California “a” social science and “g” elective requirements.

AP European History
A two-semester course designed to provide the capable student with the opportunity to take part in a college-level course while attending high school. The curriculum is consistent with the Advanced Placement Course Description published by the College Board. This course meets the University of California “a” social science and “g” elective requirements.

Global Studies/Geography
This two-semester, ninth-grade course is a two-period course that may or may not be team-taught. This course combines literature, geography, and culture and focuses on cultures around the world. The course curriculum meets the English and geography content standards. This course meets the University of California “a” social science and “g” elective requirements.

Global Studies/Geography H
This two-semester, ninth-grade course is also a two-period course that may or may not be team-taught. This course is designed for the academically talented and highly motivated student who wants a more in-depth study of global literature and perspectives. This course includes expanded reading requirements to enhance enrichment opportunities and language arts and social science growth. This course meets the University of California “a” social science and “g” elective requirements.