At the secondary level, grades 9-12, students expand their understanding of history and the social sciences. Following the elementary and middle grades use of five major conceptual lenses (history, culture, geography, economics, and government), the secondary school social studies program builds upon the study of North Carolina and the United States from grades four, five, and eight, and the study of the world from grades six, and seven. The secondary level moves to a formal study of world and United States history; links civics and economics in a course intended to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to enter effectively into adult citizenship; and suggests a variety of social studies electives. 

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Social Studies: Elective Sources (9-12)

African-American Studies (Standard or Honors)
African Americans have always been an integral part of the American story. African Americans also have been a viable force with their own experiences, culture and aspirations.  This course will investigate the impact that African Americans have had on all aspects of American life. Additional research, reading and writing assignments required for honors  level.

American Indian Studies (Standard or Honors)
This course will introduce students to the rich and diverse history and culture of American Indian societies. This course will broaden the knowledge and understandings of  students interested in learning about the histories, cultures, legacies and achievements of American Indians from prehistoric to present day societies. The course offers traditional and contemporary perspectives, which place the land, its history, and the people at the center. The course will emphasize interactions between and within American Indian groups as well as with the government of the United States. Students will study American Indian groups of North Carolina as well as those found around the United States.  Additional research, reading and writing assignments required for honors level.

Bible History (Standard or Honors)
Study the literary forms of the Bible and Biblical leaders. Examine the influence of the Bible on history, law, American life and culture. Learn about the history, geography, religion  and politics of the Middle East. Completion of World History is recommended before enrolling in this course.  Does not meet the graduation requirement for World History.

International Relations (Standard or Honors)
Examine factors that influence relations between nations and their political and economic alignments.  Study current international issues.  Additional research, reading and writing assignments are required for honors level.  Completion of World History and U.S. History is recommended before enrolling in this course.  This course does not meet the graduation requirement for World History.

Latin American Studies (Standard or Honors)
In this course, students will gain a historical and contemporary understanding of the individuals, groups, events, trends and ideas surrounding Latino people living in the United  States, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the social, economic and political activities of Latin American and Latino Americans in order to make connections across the content. Additional research, reading and writing assignments required for honors level.

Psychology (Standard or Honors)
Scientific study of human growth, development and behavior, the effects of emotion on behavior, and how humans adapt and interact in a variety of environments. Additional  research, reading and writing assignments required for honors level.

Sociology (Standard or Honors)
Designed to give students the tools necessary to concentrate on the systematic study of society and human interaction.  Using observation, the scientific method and cross-cultural examination, students will discover how patterns of behavior develop, culture is learned, and social predictions are made.  Additional research, reading and writing assignments required for honors level.

Western Humanities
Develop understanding of literature, painting, music, drama, architecture, history and philosophy in western culture. Study development from ancient times to the present age.  Additional research, reading and writing assignments required for honors level, including an extensive research paper.

World Humanities
Study of the ways in which people from every period of history process and document the human experience. Students will use a contemporary global lens to examine the philosophy, literature, religion, art, music and language of Europe and the non-western cultures from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East from the 16th century to the modern era.  Through the seminar experience, students should recognize enduring human problems while learning content and skills necessary for engaged global citizenship.

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