Social Studies

Students will analyze the human experience through time to recognize the relationships of events and people and to interpret significant patterns, themes, ideas, beliefs, and turning points in world history. The first semester covers history up to the age of exploration and colonization and focuses heavily on the development of civilizations that established the foundations for the modern historical era that begins around the 16th century. The second semester covers history from the era of Absolute monarchs in Europe to the present and focuses heavily on political, economic, and social developments that have shaped the world we live in today. There will also be a large focus on geography, especially where it is a significant factor in the shaping of historical events. The content of this course requires an emphasis on reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, which will be developed throughout the semester.

This course is a one year course. The first semester covers early American history from pre-Columbian America through the 1920’s. There will be an emphasis on the period from the Industrial Revolution forward. In addition, this course will include Arizona history and basic economic concepts. The second semester covers the period from the Great Depression through current events. This is a required course for graduation (AP US History substitutes for this requirement).

The IGCSE History course looks at some of the major international issues of the twentieth century, as well as covering the history of particular regions in more depth. The emphasis is on both historical knowledge and on the skills required for historical research. Students learn about the nature of cause and effect, continuity and change, similarity and difference and find out how to use and understand historical evidence as part of their studies. IGCSE History will stimulate any student already interested in the past, providing a basis for further study, and also encouraging a lifelong interest in the subject. Meets World History graduation requirement. This course is required for students seeking Arizona’s Grand Canyon High School Diploma.

Cambridge IGCSE American History (US) offers candidates the opportunity to discover key issues, ideas, people, and events that shaped the emergence and development of the U.S.A, from the mid-18th century to the start of the 21st century. In doing so, it develops an understanding of the present as well as the past. The course enables learners to study American history through the use of original historical sources, objects, and visits to local sites. This course promotes development of lifelong skills such as research, critical analysis, and communication. Throughout this course, acquisition of historical knowledge is underpinned by an investigative approach. This course is required for students seeking Arizona’s Grand Canyon High School Diploma.

This course allows students to develop a coherent understanding of the history of the U.S.A. The curriculum content provides for historical study in breadth from a variety of perspectives. This course gives students the opportunity to: understand key issues, ideas, people, and events that shaped the emergence and development of the U.S.A.; understand connections between them and understand their significance; and be able to develop a clear grasp of chronology and periodization. Teaching and learning will focus on: continuity, development, change overtime, causation and consequence, the significance of key turning points, and individual’s connections between different topics. This course is recommended for students seeking the AICE diploma through Cambridge.