Social Studies
All secondary students are required to earn three credits in social studies in order to receive a S.C. High School Diploma. Three units in social studies are required for a South Carolina High School Diploma: one unit in U.S. History, 1/2 unit in American Government, 1/2 unit in Economics, and one other social studies credit. Students select from college prep, honors, Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit courses. Honors, AP and dual credit courses are recommended for college-bound students who have demonstrated a previous record of successful performance in social studies. Refer to the Course Requirements for S.C. Public Four-Year Colleges and Universities.
Social Studies Course Offerings
AP Human Geography 337971AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grades 9 – 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: Enrolled in Honors English 2 (LEHS), Honors Seminar in AP Human Geography (CHS, NCHS)
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Advanced Placement Human Geography is a rigorous course designed to prepare students for the required Advanced Placement examination, administered through the College Board in May. Success on this exam may qualify the student for college credit. AP Human Geography will introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They will also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Students who choose to accept the challenge of this course should have a commitment to improving their skills through extensive reading, writing and independent study. Prior enrollment in an Honors Social Studies course is recommended.
Honors Seminar in AP Human Geography 336901HW
Grade 9 - 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors World History (CHS), English 1 (8th Grade Year) and Enrolled in Honors Biology or Honors Geometry (NCHS)
(CHS, NCHS)
AP Human Geography Seminar is an elective course in which students study basic geographic skills with a focus on human populations and processes. Specifically, they would focus on items such as culture, demography, and politics, along with more general geographic items like map-making skills.
Honors Human Geography 330700HW
Grades 9 – 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(LEHS)
This course will include in-depth research into the geographical, geological, cultural, and political aspects of people around the world. Students will learn how physical geography (landforms, climates, and vegetation) affects human geography (population, settlement, and infrastructure). In addition, students will acquire more detailed and complex skills they can utilize in other disciplines. Students will complete various projects that include the elements of research, exploration, and evaluation.
Human Geography 330700CW
Grades 9 – 10
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course will include research into geographical, geological, cultural, and current events. Students will learn about the kinds of landforms and climates that form our physical environment, and how they influence the way we live. Included will be man's influence on the environment with emphasis on existing and potential solutions to environmental problems. Students will also study current events and the relationships between nations.
U.S. History and Constitution 332062CW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course explores the growth of the United States from the settlement of America to the present. It will help students realize that history is a series of interrelated events and help students develop an understanding of the cause and effect relationships. Students will also learn to identify recurring historical concepts such as conflict, change, peace, nationalism, and migration. A state-mandated End-of-Course exam counts as 20% of a student’s final grade.
Honors U.S. History 332061HW
Grades 11-12
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course explores the growth of the United States, from settlement to the present, and is recommended for talented college-bound students. Students should choose Honors U.S. History only after demonstrating a previous record of excellence in previous Social Studies courses. This course is designed to give students a critical perspective on American history. It will help students recognize that history is a series of interrelated events and narrative themes. Students will learn to identify recurring historical concepts such as conflict, change, peace, and the various socio-economic systems and the impetus for each, nationalism, and migration. A state-mandated End-of-Course exam counts as 20% of the student's final grade.
U.S. Government 333062CH
Grades 11 – 12
½ unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course is a deeper examination of the structure and function of the American government and the American political system. Students will study U.S. Constitution principles underlying federalism, the legislative process, the role of political parties, and citizen participation. This course focuses on how political institutions relate to citizens and shows ways citizens can become involved.
Honors U.S. Government 333000HH
Grades 11 – 12
½ unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course examines the structure and function of the American government and the American political system. Students will study U.S. Constitution principles underlying federalism, the legislative process, the role of political parties, and citizen participation. This course focuses on how political institutions relate to citizens and shows ways citizens can become involved.
AP U.S. Government 337371AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors U.S. History
(LEHS)
This course is recommended for exceptionally talented college-bound students who have demonstrated a previous record of excellence in social studies courses and who are interested in government and politics. It is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States. The student will be required to take the AP exam.
Civics 333562CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(LEHS)
The course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about the meaning of citizenship. It will include the rights of U.S. citizens and the many duties and responsibilities that must be fulfilled. Contributing to the common good will be emphasized.
Economics and Personal Finance 330800CH
Grades 11 – 12, 10-12 (CHS)
½ unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course is designed to give students an understanding of economic concepts and principles, types of businesses, money and banking, other economic systems, and consumer awareness.
Honors Economics and Personal Finance 330800HH
Grades 11 – 12
½ unit
Prerequisite: None
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course is a deeper examination of Economics to give students an understanding of the concepts and principles, types of businesses, money and banking, other economic systems, and consumer awareness.
Honors Modern World History 330600HW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: co-requisite of Honors English II (CHS)
(CHS, LEHS)
This course is a demanding study of world history, requiring students to understand, analyze, and interpret the connections between major historical events/eras, such as the beginnings of human society, early civilizations, the rise of pastoral peoples, classical traditions, world faiths, and extensive empires, expanding zones of change and encounter, intensified hemispheric interactions, global expansion and encounter, the age of revolutions, and the twentieth century. Students will be expected to read extensively, think critically, and perform research, exploration, and evaluation.
Modern World History 330600CW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: None
(LEHS)
This course covers the history of mankind from prehistoric times to the modern period with emphasis on the world as a whole rather than the nations in isolation. Students will become aware of the continuity of history and the cultural contributions made by various civilizations. Writing skills are utilized and analysis of primary source documents is an important part of the course.
AP World History: Modern 337700AW
Grades 10-11
1 Unit
Prerequisite: AP Human Geography
(LEHS)
AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.
AP Capstone Research 473200AW
Grade: 12
1 Unit
Prerequisite: AP Seminar
(LEHS)
AP Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in the AP Seminar course by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio.The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words (accompanied by a performance, exhibit, or product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.
AP Research Seminar 373000AW
Grade: 12
1 Unit
Prerequisite: must be part of the AP Capstone program
(LEHS)
AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Students learn to investigate a problem or issue, analyze arguments, compare different perspectives, synthesize information from multiple sources, and work alone and in a group to communicate their ideas.
African-American Studies 339903CW
Grades 11-12
1 unit
Co-requisite: U.S. History
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
Throughout U.S. History, African-Americans have faced great adversity in the form of enslavement and institutional racism. They fought for their freedom and worked to right a broken system, but their struggles continue today. This course studies the treatment of enslaved Africans as they were brought to America, the prejudices African-Americans have experienced, and their important role in the social, political, and economic development of the United States.
Honors Seminar in AP U.S. History 336902HW
Grades 11 – (CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
1 credit
Recommendation: Honors English 4, ENG 101 or AP English Language
(CHS, NCHS)
This course is offered to prepare students for AP US History class. This intensive course of study covers the United States' history from exploration to modern-day America. This course is for students of exceptional ability and high achievement. It will entail a rigorous program of reading, research, and writing. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography. This is an elective credit.
AP U.S. History 337271AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: co-requisite of Honors Seminar in AP U.S. History (CHS, NCHS), Honors World History or AP European History (LEHS)
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course consists of an in-depth study of the history of the United States. This intensive course of study covers the United States' history from exploration to modern-day America. This course is for students of exceptional ability and high achievement. It will entail a rigorous program of reading, research, and writing. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a willingness to devote considerable time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation of original documents, and historiography. A state-mandated End-of-Course exam counts as 20% of the student’s final grade. The student will be required to take the AP exam.
AP European History 337671AW
(Advanced Placement)
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: AP Human Geography or Honors World Geography
(LEHS)
This course consists of an in-depth study of the history modern Europe. The student will be required to take the AP Exam.
Honors Current Events/Foreign Policy 333701HW
Grades 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: none
(CHS, NCHS)
This course will focus on international and comparative politics with an emphasis on the United Nations and other international organizations. Diplomacy is introduced through simulation exercises and careful development of complex and sensitive international problems such as economic development, disarmament, pandemics, and international law. the course will focus on preparing students to participate in high school Model United Nations simulation competitions held at local universities.
Honors Current Events/Foreign Policy2 339904HW
Grades 11-12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors Current Events 1
(NCHS)
This course will focus on international and comparative politics with an emphasis on the United Nations and other international organizations. Diplomacy is introduced through simulation exercises and careful development of complex and sensitive international problems such as economic development, disarmament, regionalism, and international la. The course will also focus on preparing students to compete in Model United Nations competitions at various conferences.
Honors Current Events/Foreign Policy 3 339905HW
Grades 11-12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Honors Current Events 1
(NCHS)
This course will focus on international and comparative politics with an emphasis on the United Nations and other international organizations. Diplomacy is introduced through simulation exercises and careful development of complex and sensitive international problems such as economic development, disarmament, regionalism, and international la. The course will also focus on preparing students to compete in Model United Nations competitions at various conferences.
DE Teacher Cadet Program 373500EW
Grades 11 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Application
(CHS, LEHS, NCHS)
This course utilizes a curriculum that focuses on the learner, the school, the teacher and teaching, and the schools of the future. It is part of a statewide program that allows students to explore education as a career option. After classroom instruction on education-related issues, students get to work with a master teacher and gain some actual teaching experience. Students applying for the program will have to go through a selection process. This course is designed for college prep students with at least a B average. It will be offered at each school site based on sufficient interest and staffing. Students signing up for the course will be notified about the selection process. Dependable means of transportation to and from assigned school sites are required.
Mentor Tutoring 379962CW
Grade: 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Students must have a 3.0 GPA, a valid SC driver’s license, dependable transportation, and final approval from the administration prior to enrolling in the course.
(CHS, NCHS)
This course will enable students to become role models to students (elementary or middle school). Students will learn to help the child with self-esteem and conflict management while also assisting the student with academics. Students may NOT request a school or teacher. Mentors will be placed based on schools’ requests.
Mentor Tutoring 2 379963CW
Grade: 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Students must have a 3.0 GPA, a valid SC driver’s license, dependable transportation, and final approval from the administration prior to enrolling in the course.
(CHS, NCHS)
This course will enable students to become role models to students (elementary or middle school). Students will learn to help the child with self-esteem and conflict management while also assisting the student with academics. Students may NOT request a school or teacher. Mentors will be placed based on schools’ requests.
Mentor Tutoring 3 379964CW
Grade: 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Students must have a 3.0 GPA, a valid SC driver’s license, dependable transportation, and final approval from the administration prior to enrolling in the course.
(CHS, NCHS)
This course will enable students to become role models to students (elementary or middle school). Students will learn to help the child with self-esteem and conflict management while also assisting the student with academics. Students may NOT request a school or teacher. Mentors will be placed based on schools’ requests.
Mentor Tutoring 4 379965CW
Grade: 10 – 12
1 unit
Prerequisite: Students must have a 3.0 GPA, a valid SC driver’s license, dependable transportation, and final approval from the administration prior to enrolling in the course.
(CHS, NCHS)
This course will enable students to become role models to students (elementary or middle school). Students will learn to help the child with self-esteem and conflict management while also assisting the student with academics. Students may NOT request a school or teacher. Mentors will be placed based on schools’ requests.