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Social Science

 

Teachers

Classes Taught

Courtney Barnett

World History and Drama

Michael Buchanan

AP U.S. Government, US Government, Economics

Patrick Cleary

AP U.S. History, AP Psychology, Psychology, U.S. History

Buster Husa

A.P. European History, U.S. History

Antonia Lawson

Geography/Ethnic Studies, Health/Driver’s Ed, World History

Anthony Peters

Geography/Ethnic Studies, Health/Driver’s Ed, World History

 

The Social Science Department offers a Graduation Path and Advanced Placement sequence of instruction. 

Social Science 9
Students in grade 9 take two semester courses: Geography/Ethnic Studies and Health/Driver’s Ed. In these courses students explore how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of Earth. Students will develop the tools and thinking processes of geographers to examine patterns of human population, migration, land use, and the corresponding social dynamics. Students will also develop the tools and analytical skills to understand the Health system and common health issues. Lastly, students will complete a Driver’s Education course and have the potential to earn a pink slip that is a requirement for their Driver’s Permit.  

Social Science 10
Students in grade 10 may enroll in World History in which they study the major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late eighteenth century through the present. For students seeking a more rigorous course they may enroll in AP European History. At the conclusion of the AP course students may sit for the exam and potentially earn college credit.   

Social Science 11
Students in grade 11 study the development of U.S. democratic ideals and the major turning points in American history in the 20th century. Students may also enroll in the AP US History course and at the conclusion of the AP course students may sit for the exam and potentially earn college credit.   

Social Science 12
​​​​​​​Students in grade 12 pursue a deeper understanding of U.S. national, state and local government and they study the basic principles of economics. The courses are semester long. Students may also enroll in the AP US Government and Politics course and at the conclusion of the AP course students may sit for the exam and potentially earn college credit.

Students may enroll in two Social Science electives: Psychology and AP Psychology. Students who elect to take psychology will develop a broad understanding of the Scientific Principles of psychology and the 5 pillars of Psychology as outlined by the American Psychological Association national standards for high school psychology. Students may also enroll in the AP  
Psychology course and at the conclusion of the AP course students may sit for the exam and potentially earn college credit.   

All classes meet the California History-Social Science Content Standards for California Public Schools for Grades 9-12. All AP classes align with College Board’s Course and Exam Descriptions. 

 

Social Science Course at OHS

Grade

Diploma/Graduation

College Prep/AP Track

9

Geography/Ethnic Studies & Health/Driver’s Ed

Geography/Ethnic Studies & Health/Driver’s Ed

10

World History

AP European History

11

U.S. History

AP U.S. History

12

Government & Economics

AP Government and Politics & Economics

Social Science Elective Courses at OHS

10/11/12

Psychology

Psychology

11/12

  

AP Psychology 

AP courses are rigorous in nature, weighted towards GPA, and may test for college credit. A student who completes the AP sequence of instruction and passes the AP European History Exam, AP United States History Exam, and earns an A in AP U.S. Government and Politics will earn an honor cord for graduation.