Social Studies

Civics - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H430
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 5
CAMPUS: DLS and CHS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 12th grade

This course is designed to introduce students to American government and politics, through examination of the nature of the American political system, its historical development, and its contemporary practice. The course examines the processes and institutions through which the political system functions and the public policies that these institutions initiate and develop.

Criminal Justice - P

REGISTRATION CODE: V110
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 5
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 11th-12th grade

This course introduces students to the field of criminal justice and surveys its three component parts: law enforcement, criminal courts and corrections. Students will become familiar with the structure and organization of the criminal justice system and look at today’s controversies and challanges. Students will examine the history of crime in America, the evolution of law enforcement at the local, state and federal level, how the court system works and the role of jails/prisons. Special units focus on crime scene investigation/forensics, police use of force, the role of the jury in adjudication and current issues (police brutality, stop & frisk, active shooter, etc.). Field trips may include visits to local law inforcement agencies, the county courthouse and Santa Rita jail. Emphasis is placed on citizens’ rights and responsibilites in police encounters and the positive relations of police and community.

Economics - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H431
STATUS: U.C. & NCAA Approved
CAMPUS: DLS and CHS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 12th grade

Economics is designed to introduce students to the vocabulary, concepts, and problems of the United States economy. The course emphasizes not only a basic competence of the vocabulary, the understanding of supply and demand and international trade, but also an understanding of United States economic policies in relation to the global economy.

Geography

REGISTRATION CODE: H448
STATUS: Pending
CREDITS: 5
CAMPUS: CHS 
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 10th, 11th & 12th grade

The course is organized by world region; exploring location, environment, and culture.  This semester-long course constructs a foundation for social science curricula through the study of culture in a geographical context.

Cultural studies focus on understanding concepts that describe political, economic, religious, and social systems.  Students will also learn about present-day ways of life around the world and their historical backgrounds.  Students will compare and contrast diverse major cultures that arose in the world due to specific geographical forces, and also seek to discover the common elements found in all cultures, thereby developing a multicultural perspective.  In addition, students will engage with map work, globes, graphs, the internet, library resources, and class discussions to foster a deeper understanding of the world around them.  The course culminates in a final project in which students analyze a current event through a historical-geographic lens of one of the regions studied in class.

History of the Sixties - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H404
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 5
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of US History LEVEL: 12th grade

This course is designed to delve deeper into the turbulent history of the 1960s by focusing on the political, social and cultural changes that took place during this pivotal decade in American history. A thematic approach will be used in this course to address such issues as the Civil Rights movement, student and minority activism, the Vietnam War, popular culture, significant Supreme Court cases, popular politics and the counterculture. Primary sources will provide a basis for class discussion and an emphasis will be made on critical and analytical thinking. Students will be expected to write several personal response papers and one research paper.

AP Macroeconomics

REGISTRATION CODE: H435
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 5
CAMPUS: DLS/CHS
PREREQUISITES: (1) Completed Hon/AP Application  (2) Completion of US History with an A- or better each semester or completion of AP US History with a B- or better each semester (3) Department Approval required
LEVEL: 12th grade

AP Macroeconomics is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole.  The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination, and also promotes an understanding of economic performance measure, economic growth, and international economics.

Mock Trial 1 - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H446
STATUS: UC/CSU. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS 
PREREQUISITES:
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 10th, 11th and 12th grade

This interdisciplinary course, which is taught by a practicing trial attorney, is designed to allow students to acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop public speaking and debate skills, and have a hands-on courtroom experience.  Central to this course is the California Mock Trial Program.

The California Mock Trial Program is an academic competition between California high schools in which mock trials are held before real trial judges in actual trial courtrooms.  The mock trials are scored by practicing attorneys.

Each year, the mock trials are based on a fictional criminal case which is created by the Constitutional Rights Foundation (www.crf-usa.org).  A mock trial team is composed of a Prosecution Team (four prosecution attorneys and four prosecution witnesses), a Defense Team (four defense attorneys  and four defense witnesses, including the defendant), a court clerk, a bailiff, and alternates.

In Contra Costa County, 16 to 18 teams compete against each other.  The winning team from each California county is invited to compete in the California State Finals.  The winner of the California State Finals is invited to compete in the National High School Mock Trial Championship.

Mock Trial 2 - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H447
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS 
PREREQUISITES: Mock Trial 1
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade

This interdisciplinary course, which is taught by a practicing trial attorney, is designed to allow students to acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop public speaking and debate skills, and have a hands-on courtroom experience.  Central to this course is the California Mock Trial Program.

The California Mock Trial Program is an academic competition between California high schools in which mock trials are held before real trial judges in actual trial courtrooms.  The mock trials are scored by practicing attorneys.

Each year, the mock trials are based on a fictional criminal case which is created by the Constitutional Rights Foundation (www.crf-usa.org).  A mock trial team is composed of a Prosecution Team (four prosecution attorneys and four prosecution witnesses), a Defense Team (four defense attorneys  and four defense witnesses, including the defendant), a court clerk, a bailiff, and alternates.

In Contra Costa County, 16 to 18 teams compete against each other.  The winning team from each California county is invited to compete in the California State Finals.  The winner of the California State Finals is invited to compete in the National High School Mock Trial Championship.

Mock Trial 2 students will serve as leaders for their peers in the prosecution, defense, or witness subgroups. Mock Trial 1 is a prerequisite for this class.

Mock Trial 3 

REGISTRATION CODE: H449
STATUS: Pending
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS 
PREREQUISITES: Mock Trial 1 & 2
LEVEL: 11th and 12th grade

Mock Trial 3 is a class for students who want to further develop their understanding of the legal system and court procedures, their examination of law in everyday life, and skills in public speaking and critical thinking necessary for conducting a Mock Trial. Students will study, prepare, and perform as trial advocates in criminal and appellate cases. In doing so, students will build on their previous study in courtroom debate to develop their own trial strategies which includes: developing witness characters, learning the intricacies of direct and cross-examination, performing opening statements and closing arguments, and exploring constitutional issues. Learners will subsequently deploy their strategies in the county Mock Trial competition and assume leadership roles on their team. Through this course, students will continue to improve their argumentative writing skills, as well as improve their skill and confidence in public speaking. Students will further deepen their understanding and appreciation for our judicial system and serve as ambassadors for the school in regional and statewide Mock Trial competitions as possible.

This course will familiarize high school students with basic concepts of law, the American justice system and teach them effective trial advocacy techniques. All students will learn about persuasive oral presentation, critical thinking, legal analysis and public speaking as they actively participate in trial and appellate court case studies, mock trials and moot courts.

This Mock Trial 3 course is a natural progression class for those students who have taken (pre-reqs) Mock Trial 1 and 2.  This course will be taught concurrently with Mock Trial 2.  

Psychology - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H422
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 5
CAMPUS: DLS & CHS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 11th and12th grade

This introductory course acquaints students with the discipline of Psychology by emphasizing the various theoretical approaches that underlie explanations of behavior and thought processes. Subject matter includes the history of Psychology as a science, the biology of behavior, an examination of dreams and consciousness, human development, personality analysis and social psychology.

AP Psychology - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H822
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS & CHS
PREREQUISITES: (1) Completed Hon/AP Application (2) B- in Hon/AP Social Studies courses and/or an A- in regular Social Studies courses (3) B- in Hon/AP English courses and/or an A- in regular English courses (3) Department Approval required
LEVEL:11th & 12th grade

The Advanced Placement course in Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals within a context. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major sub fields within Psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Students and parents should be aware of the additional workload that accompanies this class. At the end of the course, students are expected to sit for the Advanced Placement Examination.

AP U.S. Government and Politics - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H831
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS & CHS

PREREQUISITES:
(1) Completed Hon/AP Application
(2) Completion of US History with an A- or better each semester or completion of AP US History with a B- or better each semester
(3) Department and Academic Advisor approval required
LEVEL: 12th grade

 Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project.  Students and parents should be aware of the additional workload that accompanies this course.   Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination at the conclusion of the course.

AP United States History

REGISTRATION CODE: H701DLS or H701CHS
STATUS: UC/CSU. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS and CHS 
PREREQUISITES:
(1) Completed Hon/AP Application
(2) B- in Hon World History courses and/or an A- in regular World History/Social Studies courses
(3) B- in (9th and 10th) Hon English courses or an A- in (9th and 10th) regular English courses
(4) Department and Academic Advisor approval required
LEVEL: 11th grade

The course is a general survey of United States History. According to the College Board: The Advanced Placement Program in United States History is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States History. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. The materials, the pace of the course, and the teaching methodologies are designed to resemble as closely as possible a freshman history course offered at the college level. Students and parents should be aware of the additional work load that accompanies this class. At the end of the course, students will be expected to sit for the Advanced Placement Examination.

Note:  DLS and CHS use different textbooks.  Course content is the same.

World History - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H202
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10 CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 9th grade

The course begins with an overview of unresolved problems in the modern world to help students formulate questions about the effects of the past on the present. The course proceeds with an introduction to civilization and explores the major themes which contributed to political and cultural development. It includes the expansion of the West and the growing interdependence of people and cultures throughout the world. Several new methodologies are introduced in this course based on a more global approach to history.

World History (H)

REGISTRATION CODE: H203
STATUS: UC/CSU. & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS
PREREQUISITES: Teacher recommendation and entrance examination scores. LEVEL: 9th grade

The course begins with an overview of unresolved problems in the modern world to help students formulate questions about the effects of the past on the present. The course proceeds with an introduction to civilization and explores the major themes which contributed to political and cultural development. It includes the expansion of the West and the growing interdependence of people and cultures throughout the world. This course emphasizes critical thinking through reading, research and essay writing.

US History: Civil War to Present - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H301CHS
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: CHS
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 11th grade

This survey course in U.S. History is presented in chronological order with an emphasis on historical themes. Varying methods of presenting historical material include lectures, discussions, films, reading, homework, and tests. Group activities such as debates, oral presentations, projects, and simulations allow students to work with important ideas in U.S. History. Skills such as critical thinking, discussion, essay writing, and collaborative activities are emphasized, including a culminating year-long research project.

United States History - P

REGISTRATION CODE: H301DLS
STATUS: UC/CSU & NCAA Approved
CREDITS: 10
CAMPUS: DLS 
PREREQUISITES: None
LEVEL: 11th grade

United States History provides a one-year survey of American history from the colonial era to the present day, with an emphasis on the twentieth century.  Using the textbook and primary documents, students learn about the various political, social, and economic developments that have shaped and continue to shape the United States.  Reading, writing, and critical thinking skills are emphasized as integral ways of understanding how the past relates to the present.  

A major research paper is required in the spring semester.