The HNHS Advantage – SOCIAL STUDIES:

The Socials Studies Department utilizes a variety of teaching and learning strategies to engage students actively in their study of history. Some of these strategies include debate, student performance, simulation and analysis of primary source documents. The senior seminar and research project in government and economics provides opportunities for students to research issues, formulate opinions, and lead discussions. The ongoing integration of technology and technological skills in social studies classes assists the department in preparing students for the future.

MODERN WORLD HISTORY*
GRADE  10 YEAR
COURSE  10 Credits

This survey course draws a global portrait of the human past from the Renaissance to the present. It explores political, social, economic and cultural developments in modern history, and will provide students with the opportunity to examine the achievements of the many cultural groups that have contributed to the history of our world, as well as some of the conflicts and problems that have arisen through their interactions.
 
U.S. HISTORY*
GRADE 11
YEAR COURSE  10 Credits

This course is intended to convey a sense of the breadth of American History through discussion of the political and social development of the United States. This course infuses multicultural and social history perspectives into the study of U.S. History. Emphasis is placed on understanding the diversity of ideas and heritages upon which this country had been built.  Students will also learn how to analyze primary and secondary sources using historical methodology, and will culminate their work via the writing of a major research paper.
 
AP U.S. HISTORY*
GRADE 11 
YEAR COURSE  10 Credits
PREREQUISITE A-/B+ or better in Modern World History and strong reading and  writing skills as evidenced in both English and Social Studies classes

This course entails both chronological and thematic treatments of our nation’s past by examining the political, economic, social, and cultural issues that make up the American experience. This course emphasizes the development of writing skills via numerous essay assignments, both free form and document based. Critical thinking skills are also emphasized, these being developed through writing, project work, and roundtables that demand analytic skills practice, including comparison, periodization, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis. Reading comprehension is advanced through extensive supplemental reading assignments in addition to the text. Students enrolled in this course are also assigned a heavy summer reading regimen. Continued enrollment requires a C or better at the end of the first quarter and first semester grading periods.
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS*
GRADE  12
YEAR COURSE  10 Credits U. S.

Government examines the American political system at the federal, state, and local levels. In addition to exploring the philosophy and workings of American government, the student will consider the significance of the individual in the formation of local, state, and national and global policies. In the economics segment of the course, the student will learn basic economic principles and theories. Students will also employ economic thinking skills by applying cost benefit analyses to contemporary economic issues, as well as work basic economic problems dealing with credit and money, the standard business model, and Federal Reserve policy.
 
AP US  GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS*
GRADE 12
SEMESTER COURSE  5 Credits
PREREQUISITE A- in US History or B+ or better in AP US History, and strong  reading and writing skills as evidenced in both English and Social Studies classes.  Strong independent learning skills also required

Fond of political intrigue? Then look no further than the happenings of our nation’s capital. From its constitutional underpinnings to interest groups, public policy, civil rights and mass media, you’ll learn the ins-and-outs of how US government works. You’ll flex your critical thinking and writing skills while researching and analyzing US politics. Continued enrollment requires a C or better at the end of the quarter grading period.
 
AP MACROECONOMICS* 
GRADE  12
SEMESTER COURSE  5 Credits
PREREQUISITE A- in US History or B+ or better in AP US History, and strong  reading and writing skills as evidenced in both English and Social Studies classes.   Strong independent learning skills also required

From unemployment and inflation to government policy, macroeconomics studies the interconnectedness of economic forces and measures how they affect everyone. In this course, you’ll learn about the theories used to assess both national and international economies. Other topics include economic challenges and performance, supply and demand, banking, and much more. In short, you’ll get the behind the scenes skinny on why prices go up and down. Continued enrollment requires a C or better at the end of the quarter grading period.
 
PSYCHOLOGY (UC Approval Pending)
GRADES  11, 12
YEAR COURSE  10 Credits

Psychology is the scientific study of the inner workings of humankind’s most complex organ: the brain.  Designed as a tour through the realm of psychology,  students will explore the underlying mental functions and behaviors that govern how we sense, feel, learn, remember, and process.   In the course students learn how the mind develops as it ages, as well as the effects of nature versus nurture.   Students also learn about psychological disorders, therapeutic interventions, and the group effects of social psychology.  By the end of this course students have a greater appreciation and understanding of how the mind works.                                                                                                                                                                                                                

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT:  30 CREDITS * Certified as meeting the requirements for admission to the University of California and California State University systems