Credits: 1 / Grade: 9 / NCAA Approved

This is a global history course aimed at ninth-grade students that provides a cohesive approach to learning and understanding the history of the world. In this course, you will explore the transformations that created our modern world, beginning in the long nineteenth century and ending in our present moment. This course will help students learn how to use stories about our connected human past to orient themselves to their present moment and prepare for the future. This course uses a set of overarching inquiry problems and narrative frames, situated at a variety of scales, to organize and facilitate teaching and learning. We divide this course into two sections. In the first five units, we cover the global transformations of the long nineteenth century, while the last four units take us through the dramatic events of the twentieth century and into the current century. Students will explore the nineteenth century thematically, tackling topics including revolutions, industrialization, and imperialism in each unit. This means there will be significant overlap between units, both thematically and chronologically.

Credits: 1 / Grade: 10 / NCAA Approved

In this course we will be studying U.S. History from BCE to today. We will proceed chronologically, dividing the time into nine different periods. Along with learning about the historical events that transpired in North America during each of these time periods, we will be viewing our shared history through the lens of a variety of different disciplines. To do this, we will be posing inquiry questions and then conducting research to find answers to those questions. Through this process we will come to a shared understanding of what it means to be a part of this country.

Credits: 1 / Grade: 10-12 / College Credit: AP & COCC / NCAA Approved

The first part of this course in the U.S. history sequence provides an overview of United States history from approximately 1820-1920, covering the antebellum, civil war, reconstruction, gilded age, and progressive periods. Topics include the Jacksonian era, territorial expansion, slavery and the Old South, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, successes and failures of Reconstruction, 19th-century society and culture, economic transformations, U.S. imperialism, progressivism and the United States entrance into World War I. This second part of this course in the U.S. history sequence provides an overview of United States history from the early 20th century to the present, covering the modern period. Topics include the end of World War I and its consequences, modernity, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, foreign policy determinants and conflicts since WWII, Civil Rights, 1960s-70s social and cultural changes, shifting economic and social role of government, feminism and changing status of women since WWII, immigration, 20th century society and culture, late 20th century politics, terrorism and other recent developments. College credit is based on AP exams scores and varies based on the specific requirements of particular universities as well as dual credit options with COCC

Credits: .5 / Grade: 11-12 / NCAA Approved

Since the advent of civilization, humans have had an impulse to form governments. It is an experiment thousands of years in the making. This course looks at modern government with a particular focus on the United States government. Students will consider a lot of fundamental questions about the nature of government and society. Among them: What is the purpose of government? What types of governments are there? What is a democracy? Where is the center of governmental power? Is it national or local? Is America’s government too big? Too small? Constantly shifting with the times? What are the rights and responsibilities of each American citizen? The course will also integrate the standards associated with the State of Oregon’s civics requirements.

Credits: .5 / Grade: 11-12 / College Credit: Yes, AP Exam / NCAA Approved
Prerequisites/Requirements: AP U.S. History or teacher recommendation/approval

AP Government: The Constitution, begins with the curriculum developed by Classroom Law Project, for the We the People program. The course begins by examining the Constitution of the United States in detail. The Constitution’s position as the cornerstone of our democracy is established firmly in the lives of the select students participating in this course. Our society is not defined by religion, race, ethnicity, language or national origin, but instead by a common commitment to the ideals contained in the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. Students will come to understand how America is a unique adventure in ideas, and one in which they can and must participate. College credit is based on AP exams scores and varies based on the specific requirements of particular universities.

Credits: .5 / Grade: 11-12 / College Credit: Yes, AP Exam / NCAA Approved
Prerequisites/Requirements: AP U.S. History or teacher recommendation/approval

Advanced Placement Government: Politics and Policies is a class in which the political institutions and policies of the United States are examined in detail. The overall goal is to create a course in which students come to understand how our government works, as well as what our past and current policies—both domestic and foreign—are. Our society is
not defined by religion, race, ethnicity, language or national origin … but instead, by a common commitment to the democratic ideals contained in the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights. These ideals are borne out in all levels of our government. To sustain our democratic society requires an ongoing commitment to invest in that democracy by being politically aware and by engaging in civil discourse aimed at achieving a society that promotes the common good. This course is designed to help students understand that our democratic government requires effort, and is a system in which they can and must participate. College credit is based on AP exams scores and varies based on the specific requirements of particular universities. 

Credits: .5 / Grade: 11-12

Can we change the world through better conversation? We believe we can. That is the premise of this course. Based on the “Ask Big Questions” curriculum, we will dive into a number of Big Questions to learn how to really talk and listen to each other. When we shift from debate to conversation, we learn to connect. No matter our background or views, we need opportunities to see and hear each other more deeply. When we share our stories and listen to others, we find connections and discover new perspectives about ourselves, each other, and the world. The course will be structured around a variety of Big Questions. For each question, we will follow a 4-step process: ASK: We frame conversations by asking Big Questions that matter to everyone, and that everyone can answer. SHARE: Big Questions lead to conversations where participants share personal stories to build trust and understanding. LEARN: Participants discuss and reflect on a text, image, or video to broaden and deepen the conversation. DO: Participants connect the conversation to their lives and communities.