Social Science
The Social Science Department offers courses on world history, culture, and geography; U.S. history and geography; principles of American democracy; and economics.
Students in grades 9 or 10 study major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late eighteenth century through the present.
After reviewing the nation's beginnings, grade 11 students study the development of U.S. democratic ideals and the major turning points in American history in the 20th century.
During the first semester of grade 12, students pursue a deeper understanding of U.S. national, state, and local government. In the second semester, they study the basic principles of economics.
All classes meet the California History-Social Science Content Standards for California Public Schools for Grades 9-12.
Students in grades 9 or 10 study major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late eighteenth century through the present.
After reviewing the nation's beginnings, grade 11 students study the development of U.S. democratic ideals and the major turning points in American history in the 20th century.
During the first semester of grade 12, students pursue a deeper understanding of U.S. national, state, and local government. In the second semester, they study the basic principles of economics.
All classes meet the California History-Social Science Content Standards for California Public Schools for Grades 9-12.
Courses
Click here for the 2025-26 Summer Homework (updated 5/20/2025).
Materials:
Additional Information:
Courses
World Geography
Advanced Geography
World History
Course Description:
Students study major turning points that shaped the modern world, from the late eighteenth century through the present, including the causes and courses of the two World Wars. They trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues, especially as they pertain to international relations. They extrapolate from the American experience that democratic ideals are often achieved at a high price, remain vulnerable, and are not practiced everywhere. Students develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to their historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts. Students consider multiple accounts of events to understand international relations from various perspectives.
Teachers:
- Mrs. Laura Douglas
- Mr. Ryan Spears
- Mrs. April Kenitzer
- Mr. Tim Kenney
- Mrs. Chelsea Jones
Students should log into Schoology for the latest information.
TurnItIn.com:
- Turnitin.com will be used for the submission of specific Essential Skill projects and assignments in World History.
- Students will be given the class code and password by their respective teacher for each assignment.
Interactive Student Notebook:
Every World History student will need a 3-subject spiral-bound notebook, 8.5 x 11, college-ruled, to be used only for their World History class (or two 1-subject notebooks, one for each semester).
What is the purpose of the notebook?
The ISN enables students to be creative, independent thinkers and writers. Interactive notebooks will be used for class notes and other activities where students will be asked to express their own ideas and process information presented in this class. Working with the notebook becomes a portfolio for your work, thoughts, and beliefs. This notebook differs from traditional notebooks because it provides activities for various learning styles, catering to Multiple Intelligences, and tasks geared to how our brains learn best. This notebook will be a valuable resource when preparing for tests. The notebook is 30% of your entire grade.
The ISN enables students to be creative, independent thinkers and writers. Interactive notebooks will be used for class notes and other activities where students will be asked to express their own ideas and process information presented in this class. Working with the notebook becomes a portfolio for your work, thoughts, and beliefs. This notebook differs from traditional notebooks because it provides activities for various learning styles, catering to Multiple Intelligences, and tasks geared to how our brains learn best. This notebook will be a valuable resource when preparing for tests. The notebook is 30% of your entire grade.
How do I use the notebook?
The interactive notebooks encourage students to record information in an organized fashion. We divide the notebooks into two different sides: left side activities and right side activities. The notebook's right side is the “input” side or the teacher side. It contains the key information for the unit, such as class notes, t-charts, and graphs. Typically, all “testable” information will be found here. The notebook's left side is the “output” side or the student side, primarily used for processing new information. Students work out an understanding of the material by using illustrations, diagrams, or flow charts. Students explore their opinions, clarify values on issues, wonder about “what if” hypothetical situations, and ask questions about new ideas. These activities will either PREVIEW or PROCESS new information.
The interactive notebooks encourage students to record information in an organized fashion. We divide the notebooks into two different sides: left side activities and right side activities. The notebook's right side is the “input” side or the teacher side. It contains the key information for the unit, such as class notes, t-charts, and graphs. Typically, all “testable” information will be found here. The notebook's left side is the “output” side or the student side, primarily used for processing new information. Students work out an understanding of the material by using illustrations, diagrams, or flow charts. Students explore their opinions, clarify values on issues, wonder about “what if” hypothetical situations, and ask questions about new ideas. These activities will either PREVIEW or PROCESS new information.
Left Side – student output/application:
- Reorganize new information in creative formats
- Express opinions and feelings
- Explore connections to what has been learned
- Apply skills learned (diagrams, analogies, political cartoons)
Right side – teacher input:
- Title and unit pages
- Unit homework calendars
- Class, reading, and discussion notes
- Informative handouts
- Essays
- Personal responses
Examples of left side work include (examples of each on the course Schoology page):
- Venn Diagram
- Word Gram
- Mind Notes
- Map
- Concept Web
- Chart/Graph
- Timeline
- Cause/Effect
- Drawing/Clip Art
- Metaphors
- Flow Charts
- Connect to Today
- Personal Responses
- Processed Article
- Illustrated Proverbs
- Poem
- Essay
- Political Cartoon
- Point of View
How will the notebook be organized?
The ISN is divided into units of study based on our World History curriculum. Each section will have a cover page with all the activities and assignments for that unit. In the back of the notebook, you will create a glossary of terms for the year.
How will my notebook be graded?
Notebooks will be checked periodically, and these checks will not be announced. All class notes and assignments should be included, even for the days you were absent. Each is recorded in the table of contents. Each right-side assignment must be complete, have a heading, and the date assigned or given written on it. Mostly, it is checked to be full, but the left sides must be varied and not be a simple restatement or a picture with no content processing from the right side.
Notebooks will be checked periodically, and these checks will not be announced. All class notes and assignments should be included, even for the days you were absent. Each is recorded in the table of contents. Each right-side assignment must be complete, have a heading, and the date assigned or given written on it. Mostly, it is checked to be full, but the left sides must be varied and not be a simple restatement or a picture with no content processing from the right side.
What happens if I am absent?
If you are absent, you are responsible for obtaining notebook assignments from either a classmate or the teacher.
If you are absent, you are responsible for obtaining notebook assignments from either a classmate or the teacher.
AP World History
The Advanced Placement Modern World History course aims to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks, their causes and consequences, and comparisons among major societies. It emphasizes relevant factual knowledge used with leading interpretive issues and types of historical evidence.
The course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage. Periodization, explicitly discussed, forms an organizing principle for dealing with change and continuity throughout the course. Specific themes further organize the course and consistently pay attention to contacts among societies that form the core of world history as a field of study. Students who pass the AP exam may receive college credit, advanced placement, or both, depending on the policies at the specific institution.
Students should anticipate nightly reading/assignments. Students will develop skills in SAQs, DBQs, LEQ Essays, stimulus-based MCQs, and high-level class discussions throughout the year.
U.S. History
Students in grade eleven study the major turning points in American history in the twentieth century. Following a review of the nation's beginnings and the impact of the Enlightenment on U.S. democratic ideals, students build upon the tenth-grade study of global industrialization to understand the emergence and impact of new technology and a corporate economy, including the social and cultural effects. They trace the change in the ethnic composition of American society, the movement toward equal rights for racial minorities and women, and the role of the United States as a significant world power.
Emphasis is placed on the expanding role of the federal government and federal courts and the continuing tension between the individual and the state. Students consider the major social problems of our time and trace their causes in historical events. They learn that the United States has served as a model for other nations and that the rights and freedoms we enjoy are not accidents, but the results of a defined set of political principles that are not always basic to citizens of other countries. Students understand that our rights under the U.S. Constitution are a precious inheritance that depends on an educated citizenry for their preservation and protection.
Textbook: The American Vision
Course Outcomes and Essential Skills:
Course Outcomes and Essential Skills:
During the first semester we will cover the following units of study: Beginnings of America to Reconstruction, Industrialization, Progressive Era, US as a World Power, From War to Peace (1920’s), Depression and New Deal
Homework/Grading Policy:
Homework/Grading Policy:
To receive a passing grade, every student must earn at least a 70% in the class AND pass all the essential skills and concepts. Students' grades will be determined as follows: Tests, projects and essential skills – 70%
Interactive Student Notebook (ISN) – 30% (see ISN section below for further information)
Grading Policy for Essential Skills (Tests/Projects/Essays):
Essential skills and concepts will be graded in the following manner:
Interactive Student Notebook (ISN) – 30% (see ISN section below for further information)
Grading Policy for Essential Skills (Tests/Projects/Essays):
Essential skills and concepts will be graded in the following manner:
- Tests/projects/essays completed on time and earning greater than 50% will receive a grade of 70% upon attainment of mastery.
- Tests/projects/essays which are not completed on time or earn less than 50% will receive a grade of 60% upon attainment of mastery.
- All projects/essays must be turned in on the due date regardless of absence.
- Students absent on the day of a test will be expected to make up that test upon their return.
Grading Policy for Interactive Student Notebook (Homework/Classwork/Performance)
Non-essential skills and concepts will be graded in the following manner: - We accept late work on non-essential assignments for 50 percent credit, until the end of the current unit of study. Late work may be accepted beyond the end of the unit, at teacher discretion.
***The student’s grade will be derived from an average of all work completed during each unit of study and based on the following breakdown:
90-100% A
80-89 B
70-79 C
69 or below NO CREDIT / course must be retaken
90-100% A
80-89 B
70-79 C
69 or below NO CREDIT / course must be retaken
Social Studies Grade Comment Key:
- Essential Skill not passing but must be made-up: NM
- Non-Essential Skill cannot be made up: 0
- Not Taken/Not Turned In or No Name: Mi (Missing)
- Absences can be made up: Ab
- Excused: Ex
Materials:
All assignments (both in class and homework) will be completed in the Interactive Student Notebook (ISN). NOTEBOOKS NEED TO BE BROUGHT TO CLASS EACH DAY. Each student will need the following materials to complete their notebook:
- Spiral bound notebook (150pgs minimum, college ruled, 11 x 8 ½, white paper, three hole punched)
- Highlighters (preferably 2 different colors)
- Pencil with an eraser
- A roll of tape
- Recommended:
- Set of colored pencils
- Scissors
Teachers:
- Mr. Benzel
- Mrs. Gillette
- Mrs. Harter
*Please see each teacher's Shoology page for announcements, class materials, and calendars.
AP U.S. History
The AP U.S. History Course focuses on developing students' understanding of American history from approximately 1491 to the present. The course has students investigate the content of U.S. history for significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods, and develop and use the same thinking skills and methods (analyzing primary and secondary sources, making historical comparisons, chronological reasoning, and argumentation) employed by historians when they study the past. The course also provides seven themes (American and national identity; migration and settlement; politics and power; work exchange and technology; America in the world; geography and the environment; and culture and society) that students explore throughout the course to make connections among historical developments in different times and places.
College Course Equivalent
AP U.S. History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university U.S. history course.
Please see each teacher's Schoology page for all course materials, calendars, and announcements.
You will need a 5-Subject Spiral Bound notebook, college ruled, 8.5 x 11 dedicated to APUSH only.
Summer Work:
- Read Ch. 1 of the text, America's History and complete the Reading Guide on lined paper. (We will attach the reading notes in notebooks later) Be prepared to take a practice reading quiz on Ch.1 when school starts.
- Ch. 1 Reading Guide
- Ch. 2 Reading Guide
Government
AP Government
Economics
AP Economics
Course Description
AP Microeconomics satisfies the senior year graduation requirements for social studies. For most of the year, we will focus on the study of microeconomics, particularly the operation of the free market economy and the theory of the firm. In doing so, we will prepare for the AP exam in microeconomics. In addition, the course will include coverage of macroeconomics and American government.
AP Microeconomics satisfies the senior year graduation requirements for social studies. For most of the year, we will focus on the study of microeconomics, particularly the operation of the free market economy and the theory of the firm. In doing so, we will prepare for the AP exam in microeconomics. In addition, the course will include coverage of macroeconomics and American government.
Units/Essential Skills and Concepts:
Students will demonstrate mastery of the following essential skills:
Students will demonstrate mastery of the following essential skills:
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing
- Ability to accurately summarize material from a written source.
- Ability to formulate opinions and clearly express them in writing.
- Ability to apply abstract economics principles to real-life situations.
- Ability to think critically, draw reasonable conclusions, and support those conclusions.
- Ability to research effectively.
- Ability to effectively analyze and complete multiple choice problems.
- Ability to effectively combine written explanations and graphical analysis to answer complex economic problems.
The essential concepts of each unit are listed below. Students must demonstrate a solid understanding of each essential concept in order to pass the course.
- Unit One – Fundamentals of economics (approx. 4 weeks): Scarcity and a world of trade-offs, opportunity cost, pp curves, cost/benefit analysis, comparative advantage and exchange, marginal thinking, economic systems (market, command, traditional)
- Unit Two – Supply and Demand (approx. 5 weeks): Demand, supply, changes in demand and supply, price effects, equilibrium, surplus and shortage, price ceilings and floors, profit motive and “the invisible hand”, elasticity, utility, consumer choice
- Unit Three – Macroeconomics (approx. 4 weeks): Functions and characteristics of money, measuring the economy's growth, aggregate supply and demand, circular flow, inflation, unemployment, poverty, monetary and fiscal policy.
- Unit Four – Freedom and Democracy (approx. 4 weeks): Comparative governments, principles of democracy, US Constitution and its application today, judicial philosophies, political ideology, executive powers and responsibilities, legislative process, checks and balances.
**Semester Break**
**First Semester Review (approx 1 week)
- Unit Five – Theory of the Firm –Part One (approx. 4 weeks): Types of firms, profits and costs, diminishing returns, short runs vs. long runs, cost curves, marginal revenue and marginal cost,, economics of scale
- Unit Six – Theory of the Firm – Part Two (approx. 4 weeks): Output and price determination, perfect competition, monopoly, imperfect markets, price discrimination, government regulation.
- Unit Seven – Factor Markets (approx. 3 weeks): Derived demand, marginal physical product and marginal revenue product, wage determination, unions, rent, interest, profit.
- Unit Eight – Efficiency, Equity, and Government Intervention (approx. 2 weeks): Private and public goods, externalities, market failures, taxes, income distribution, poverty and welfare, health care, immigration, environment
** AP Test Review (approx. 3 weeks)
- Unit Nine – Personal Finance and Current Economic Issues (approx. 2 weeks): Financial discipline, budgeting, credit, saving, investment options, and world poverty.
Grading Policy:
In order to pass AP Economics, students are required to:
In order to pass AP Economics, students are required to:
- Demonstrate mastery of all essential skills and concepts. If any skills and concepts have not been mastered when the semester ends, a grade of no credit will be issued, and the student will be transferred out of the course.
Earn 70% of the total points in the course. *Units will include coursework/homework, projects, and tests. The projects and tests will serve as assessments of essential skills and concepts. Coursework/homework is important in helping students to master the concepts and prepare for the AP exam. - *Each category will contribute to the final grade as follows (approximations):
- Tests 50%
- Projects 20%
- Coursework/homework 30%
- Grades will be determined according to the following scale:
90 – 100% A
80 – 89% B
70 – 79% C
Below 70% or missing any
Essential skills and concepts NC - All projects/essays must be turned in on the due date, regardless of absence.
- Students absent on a test day will be expected to make up that test upon their return.
- Late work on non-essential assignments is accepted for 50 percent credit until the end of the current unit of study. At the teacher's discretion, late work may be accepted beyond the end of the unit.
- Clearing a No Mark on a test will NOT change the student’s score. For example, a score of 55% on a test will remain a 55% even once concepts are cleared for that test. Do your best the first time!
- Grades will be determined according to the following scale:
Social Studies Grade Comment Key:
- Essential Skill: not passing, but must be made up. NM
- Non-essential skills cannot be made up. 0
- Not Taken/Not Turned In or No Name Mi (Missing)
- Absences can be made up Ab
- Excused Ex
*Students struggling in the course may be transferred out at Mr. Hardy’s discretion.
Materials:
- Textbook: Economics Today, The Micro View by Roger L. Miller. You will keep your textbook at home, and bring it to class when required.
- Notebook: You must keep an organized economics notebook of lecture notes, handouts, and coursework to prepare for tests. In addition, your notebook will include a section of “Response Journal” entries, which will be turned in each semester as a required project.
- Pens, pencils, paper: Come to class prepared each day to take notes. In addition, you should keep graph paper in your notebook. I recommend, but do not require, that you bring pencils or pens of three different colors for graphing purposes. Finally, please also have a functioning dry-erase (whiteboard) pen, which we will use for in-class review.
Additional Information:
- The course may only be dropped in the first three weeks. Anyone who does not drop during this time must remain in the course, unless Mr. Hardy determines otherwise.
- The College Board collects a fee of $89 to take the A.P. Exam. This fee can be paid at any time until February. Make checks payable to RHS and turn them in to Mrs. Campbell.
- The AP Microeconomics exam is scheduled for Thursday, May 15th, in the afternoon. Based on past results, I am highly confident of your ability to pass the exam.
Positive Psychology
Psychology
Course Description:
Psychology and Sociology are academic electives that fulfill the UC and CSU “g” requirements. We will spend the first semester and most of the second exploring Psychology, the study of individual human behavior and mental processes. For some of the second semester, we will explore Sociology, the study of social groups and interactions. In both disciplines, we will employ an interactive style, encouraging students to participate in their learning actively. In addition, we will emphasize current events and real-world applications, demonstrating the relevance of the course content to the students’ lives.
Units of Study:
Psychology and Sociology are academic electives that fulfill the UC and CSU “g” requirements. We will spend the first semester and most of the second exploring Psychology, the study of individual human behavior and mental processes. For some of the second semester, we will explore Sociology, the study of social groups and interactions. In both disciplines, we will employ an interactive style, encouraging students to participate in their learning actively. In addition, we will emphasize current events and real-world applications, demonstrating the relevance of the course content to the students’ lives.
Units of Study:
- The essential concepts and skills associated with each unit will be clearly explained at the time of the unit.
Study of Psychology - Unit One: Memory and Learning: Conditioning, Storage and Retrieval of Information
- Unit Two: History and Theories of Psychology: Research and the Scientific Method
- Unit Three: The Brain/Neuroscience: Neurons, Central and Peripheral Nervous System
- Unit Four: The Developing Person: Lifespan and Stages-Thinking and Language Development
- Unit Five: Sensation and Perception: The five senses, illusions
- Unit Six: Consciousness: Sleep and Dreams, Altered States
- Unit Seven: Personality and Intelligence: Testing, Traits and Abilities: Gender Differences
- Unit Eight: Abnormal Psychology: Mental Disorders and Psychotherapy
Study of Sociology:
Due to the depth of our study of Psychology, we will only complete one unit of study in Sociology, introducing students to the basics of studying human interaction and social groups. Our study will touch on such subjects as: Culture, social inequality, and social institutions such as the family, the media, and religion.
Grading Policy:
In order to pass Psychology/Sociology, students are required to:
Due to the depth of our study of Psychology, we will only complete one unit of study in Sociology, introducing students to the basics of studying human interaction and social groups. Our study will touch on such subjects as: Culture, social inequality, and social institutions such as the family, the media, and religion.
Grading Policy:
In order to pass Psychology/Sociology, students are required to:
- Demonstrate mastery of all essential skills and concepts. If any skills and concepts have not been mastered when a semester ends, a grade of no credit will be issued for that semester.
- Earn 70% of the total points in the course.
Units will include coursework/homework, projects, and tests. The projects and tests will serve as assessments of essential skills and concepts. Coursework/homework is important in helping students to master the concepts.
Each category will contribute to the final grade as follows (approximations):
- Tests 40%
- Projects 30%
- Coursework/homework 30%
- Grades will be determined according to the following scale:
- 90 – 100% A
- 80 – 89% B
- 70 – 79% C
- Below 70% or missing any
- Essential skills and concepts NC
- All projects/essays must be turned in on the due date regardless of absence.
- Students absent on the day of a test will be expected to make up that test upon their return.
- Late work on non-essential assignments is accepted for 50 percent credit, until the end of the current unit of study. Late work may be accepted beyond the end of the unit, at teacher discretion.
- Clearing a No Mark on a test will result in the score being changed to 70% if the original test score was greater than 50%. If a student scores less than 50% on a test, the grade will be raised to 60% upon clearing the test.
Social Studies Grade Comment Key:
- Essential Skill: not passing, but must be made up. NM
- Non-essential skills cannot be made up. 0
- Not Taken/Not Turned In or No Name Mi (Missing)
- Absences can be made up Ab
- Excused Ex
- There will be a cumulative final exam in Psychology after Unit 8 is completed.
Materials:
- Textbook: For our study of Psychology, each student will check out a copy of Understanding Psychology by Richard A. Kasschau. For our study of Sociology, we will utilize Sociology and You by Shepard and Greene, though students will not check out their own copy.
- Notebook: You must keep an organized notebook of lecture notes, handouts, and coursework to prepare for tests. In addition, your notebook will include a section of “Response Journal” entries, which will be turned in each semester as a required project.
- Pens: Students should arrive each day with a functioning dry-erase (whiteboard) pen in addition to a pen or pencil. We will use these for in-class review.
Class Participation: Note to Students:
Due to the nature of the course, we will study and discuss some sensitive topics, which will require a high level of maturity. It is vital that we respect one another and everyone’s right to express themselves.
Due to the nature of the course, we will study and discuss some sensitive topics, which will require a high level of maturity. It is vital that we respect one another and everyone’s right to express themselves.