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Courses Offered at El Rancho HS

History and Social Studies
Code Title Department Description
SS402


Economics History and Social Studies Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Required course
12th grade only
This course is an introductory study of the American Economic System. Students learn about the market system, business organization, banking, fiscal policy, and international trade. Part of the course focuses on consumer topics. These include informed decision-making, credit practices, insurance contracts, and income tax preparation.
SS482


Ethnic Studies Foundations History and Social Studies Ethnic Studies Foundations will emphasize essential ethnic studies concepts, such as race, class, identity, gender, and sexuality. Students will first gain an understanding of “ethnic studies” by studying the history of ethnic studies as well as a brief history of historically marginalized groups in the United States. Within each unit, students will sharpen their critical thinking skills as they analyze different literature, media, and art pieces that connect to the core ethnic studies concepts and to their identity. This one semester course will culminate with a presentation that answers the class’ essential questions: “How does ethnic studies apply to me today? How will ethnic studies shape my educational path?”.



History HL 1 & 2 (IB) History and Social Studies Part of the IB International Baccalaureate program
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SS460


Human Geography, Advanced Placement History and Social Studies AP Human Geography (AP HuG) introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students learn to employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications.



Intro to Business History and Social Studies An introductory study of American business providing a multidisciplinary examination of how culture, society, economic systems, legal, international, political, financial institutions, and human behavior interact to affect a business organization’s policy and practices within the U.S. and a global society. Demonstrates how these influences impact the primary areas of business including organizational structure and design; leadership, human resource management, organized labor practices; marketing; organizational communication; technology; entrepreneurship; legal, accounting, financial practices; the stock and securities market; and therefore affect a business’ ability to achieve its organizational goals. By the end of the course, students will understand basic business practices that will prepare them to become a better employee, a more informed consumer, and possibly, a successful business owner
SS430


Intro to World History History and Social Studies Required for 9th grade
9th grade elective (semester) is designed as a prep for the 10th grade World History course covering: basic map concepts & location of nations, world religions, world governments, & DBQs writing.
SS442


Introduction to the Law History and Social Studies (semester course) 11th & 12th grade only
Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
(10th grade students require prior approval from their counselor AND the teacher of the course to take this class.)
This course is designed to acquaint students with the practical aspects of civil and criminal law. Areas of study include the state and federal court systems, types of crimes, juvenile law, and highlights of business law. Students learn court procedure through simulations and mock trials. The class is recommended for students interested in the workings of the American Legal System.
SS443


Mexican American Heritage History and Social Studies (semester course) 11th & 12th grade only
Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
(10th grade students require prior approval from their counselor AND the teacher of the course to take this class.)
This course covers the history and the culture of the Chicano. Students learn about the many contributions made by Mexican Americans. The course studies the origin of Mexican American culture and examines the role of the Chicano in contemporary society.
SS444


Psychology History and Social Studies (semester course)
10- 12th grade only
Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
(10th grade students require prior approval from their counselor AND the teacher of the course to take this class.)
Prerequisite: A “C” average. (10th grade students require prior approval from their counselor AND the teacher of the course to take this class.) An introductory course which includes the study of learning theory, human behavior, and personality development.
SS407


Psychology, Advanced Placement History and Social Studies 11th-12th grade only
The purpose of the AP course in Psychology is to introduce the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration of the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
SS445


Sociology History and Social Studies (semester course)
11th & 12th grade only
Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
(10th grade students require prior approval from their counselor AND the teacher of the course to take this class.)
Through the application of the scientific method, students investigate group behavior, structure, and interaction in order to address social issues surrounding gender, education, religion, health, and the family. This semester long course requires the analysis of current events, the application of sociological terminology and theory, and the proposal and consequential communication of solutions to problems we face on a daily basis. As a result, this course is favorably discussion based. In the process, students learn about the career opportunities associated with a degree in the social sciences.
SS403


Student Government History and Social Studies Prerequisite: Election by ASB.
This course is made up of the elected student body officers. Elective credit.
SS401


U.S. Government & Politics History and Social Studies semester course
Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Required course 12th grade only
This course is designed to give students an understanding of our local, state, and federal government. The course deals with the need for government, the functions and responsibilities of both citizens and governments, and an evaluation of our present system. Basic skills of reading, writing, interpretation, discussion, and research will also be emphasized.
SS400


U.S. Government & Politics, Advanced Placement History and Social Studies Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Prerequisites: US History and good writing skills.
12th grade only
This course covers the nuts and bolts of the American political system, including its structure and operations, and the behavior of the electorate and politicians. Students will gain an analytic perspective, enabling them to critically evaluate political information, hypotheses, concepts, opinions, and processes.
SS411


U.S. History History and Social Studies Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Required course: 11th grade only
A course for all 11th grade students. It is a study of the development of our country and its people. Students study the political, social, and economic trends of the American past. Basic skills of reading, writing, Interpretation, discussion, and research will also be emphasized.
SS412


U.S. History Advanced Placement History and Social Studies Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Prerequisite: “C” or better in World History teacher recommendation. 11th grade only
Our nation’s Founding Fathers believed that the way to keep America democratic and free was to educate its citizens. Although this course is geared towards the AP US History Exam, its real purpose is to 1) spark an interest in our nation’s history, 2) provide students with a firm understanding of our nation’s history and make students informed and active citizens and 3) make history relevant by analyzing current day issues through a historical lens. AP United States History (APUSH) is an in-depth look into our nation’s history. By analyzing primary sources, debating historical decisions, and creating historically sound essays students will be fully emerged in the processes used by our leading historians.
SS410


U.S. History Honors History and Social Studies Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Prerequisites: min “B+” in World History college prep, minimum of C in AP European History
11th grade only
This is a survey class in American History, covering everything from Colonial Era to Modern America. In addition to the The Americans textbook, a variety of sources will be used to aquaint students with physical, economic, political and social growth of our nation. These sources will include primary documents, Internet resources, videos, and class lectures among other things.
SS421


World History History and Social Studies Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
Required: 10th grade only
This course traces the development of human society from the Eighteenth Century to the present. Worldwide in scope, the course investigates the historical roots of modern civilizations, stressing geography, critical thinking and the basic skills of reading, writing, discussion, and research.
SS461


World History, Advanced Placement History and Social Studies Fulfills "a - g" requirement.
AP World History studies the political, economic, religious, social, intellectual, and geographic influence and interactions of major world regions from the Paleolithic era and the development of civilization, to the formation of nation states and their impact on global events. The time period studied is 3500 BCE to present day. This course has a heavy focus on historical writing and analysis and is designed to guide students to success on the AP World History Test that will be taken in May.