The Cherokee County School District Social Studies curriculum prepares students to become participating citizens of a democratic society in an increasingly interdependent world. Through social studies education students should acquire a continuing interest in their society; develop a respect for the dignity and worth of all persons; and achieve the depth of understanding and loyalty to democratic ideas and the skills necessary to accept the responsibilities and rights of citizenships.
Three (3) units of credit are required in social studies: one unit in U.S. history, one unit in world history, one-half unit in government, and one-half unit in economics.
At River Ridge, most core courses are also offered at the honors and/or Advanced Placement levels for students who are willing to pursue the challenge of these rigorous courses. Numerous electives are offered through the department, all of which count as academic electives for the HOPE scholarship.
Social Studies Courses
Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography
AP Human Geography is an introductory college-level course that cultivates students' understanding of human geography through data and geographic analyses. Students explore topics such as patterns and spatial organization, human impacts on the environment, spatial processes, and societal changes. This course introduces the systematic study of how humans understand, use, and change the Earth’s surface. Using spatial concepts and landscape analysis, students examine socioeconomic organization and its environmental effects, while also learning about the research methods and tools used by geographers.
Personal Finance and Economics
Personal Finance and Economics provide students with a foundational understanding of economic decision-making, encompassing microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. Beyond theoretical concepts, students will gain practical skills essential for personal financial management. Topics include budgeting, credit management, identity theft protection, consumer rights, tax forms, student loans, and interpreting pay stubs. This course equips students with knowledge that directly applies to their financial futures, empowering them to make informed decisions in personal and professional contexts.
Advanced Placement (AP) Macroeconomics
AP Macroeconomics explores how economies function on a national and global scale. Students will study concepts like national income, unemployment, inflation, and economic growth. Through analyzing graphs, charts, and real-world data, students will learn to understand economic trends and the impact of government policies. AP Macroeconomics prepares students for college-level study and provides valuable insights into the forces shaping our economy today.
Advanced Placement (AP) Microeconomics
AP Microeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.
World History
Emphasizes the political, cultural, economic, and social development, and growth of civilizations. Analyzes the development of change beginning with ancient civilizations, the emergence of nations through trade/communications, intellectual development, scientific development, the emergence of nation’s states, nations in conflict, and the emerging interdependence of nations in the twentieth century.
Honors World History
Investigates the factors influencing the political, cultural, economic, and social development of civilizations. Analyzes the development of change beginning with ancient civilizations, the emergence of nations through trade/communications, intellectual development, scientific/technological development, the emergence of nation’s states, nations in conflict, and the emerging interdependence of nations in the twentieth century. Integrates outside sources to identify current trends.
AP World History: Modern
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 European History
This course delves into Europe's dynamic past from the Renaissance to modern times, exploring pivotal events, cultural movements, and political developments. Through analyzing primary sources, students gain insights into Europe's social, cultural, and political evolution. Prepare for the AP exam while uncovering the fascinating history that has shaped Europe's diverse identity.
United States History
Investigates the United States, its people, institutions, and heritage. Covers discovery and settlement, colonial society, the American Revolution, the Constitution and the New Republic, the Age of Jefferson, Nationalism, Sectionalism, Territorial Expansion, Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrialization, Progressive Era, World War I, Depression, New Deal, World War II, The Cold War, through Modern Times. Students are required to take, and the expectation is to pass the US History Milestone exam, which accounts for 20% of their overall second-semester grade.
Honors United States History
Analyzes the history of the United States from the age of exploration through the Modern Times. Covers discovery and settlement, colonial society, the American Revolution, the Constitution and the New Republic, the Age of Jefferson, Nationalism, Sectionalism, Territorial Expansion, Civil War, Reconstruction, Industrialization, Progressive Era, World War I, Depression, New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, through Modern Times. Students are required to take, and the expectation is to pass the US History Milestone exam, which accounts for 20% of their overall second-semester grade.
AP United States History
Students cultivate their understanding of U.S. history from c. 1491 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures.
Current Issues
This course will dive into the pressing social, political, and economic, environmental topics that are shaping our world. From climate change to global politics and social justice movements, we'll discuss the issues that matter most. Students will develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze news from various perspectives on topics that interest them.
American Government
An in-depth study of the American political system. This course focuses on the foundation, principles, and structure of the American system of government. Examines the role of political parties, social factors as they relate to the role of the citizen, and analyzes the decision-making process that is a part of the system of American political behavior. Covers federalism, separation of powers, influences on the formulation and adoption of the Constitution, political beliefs, political parties and elections, interest groups, institutions and policy processes and civil liberties and civil rights.
AP American Government
Conforms to College Board topics for Advanced Placement American Government. Covers the Presidency, Congress, and Judicial branches of government as well as the federal bureaucracy. Covers the fundamental principles of the Constitution and amendments as they have been interpreted over time, (federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, civil rights, and liberties). Analyzes the changes in political beliefs and parties, over time the role of the media, and changes in the formation of policy.
Sociology
Investigates cultures, institutions, and social interactions shape who we are and how we live. From examining social norms to understanding the impacts of individuals on society, social institutions, and social control.
Psychology
Investigates the principles of psychology, developmental psychology, heredity, and environmental aspects of psychology, learning theory, personality, intelligence, social disorders, and research methods used in the study of psychology. Integrates and reinforces social studies skills.
AP Psychology
The purpose of the AP course in Psychology is to introduce the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Included is a consideration of the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
U.S. History in Film
This course explores how films depict historical events, figures, and eras, and analyze their accuracy and impact on our understanding of history. From epic battles to political dramas, you'll discover how filmmakers shape our perceptions of the past and influence modern culture. Join us on this cinematic journey to see history come alive on the big screen and learn how movies can both illuminate and distort our view of the past.