Social Studies Curriculum

U.S. Government and ESL U.S. Government Framework

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Course Titles, Grade Levels, and Course Descriptions

Course Title: United States Government

Grade Level: 12 (one semester required)

Course Description: A required course designed for seniors.  This course is founded on the belief that to become an informed and active citizen, an understanding of government is essential.  This course will feature both the structure of government and the function of politics.  It will include both theory and practical application of the following:  1) Foundations of United States government, 2) Institutions and policy making, 3) Principles of the United States Constitution, 4) Roles and responsibilities of the citizen and 5) Political behavior.

Course Title: Advanced Placement Comparative Government and Politics

Grade Level: 12 (one semester)

Course Description: This course is designed for the student who is capable of doing lower division college work.  The course provides intensive study of the different political and economic systems of the following countries:  United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Mexico, India, or Nigeria.  This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement test in AP Comparative Government and Politics.

Course Title: Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics

Grade Level: 12 (one semester)

Course Description: This course is designed for the student who is capable of doing lower division college work.  The AP American Government and Politics class will address the following topics:  1) Constitutional underpinnings of United States government, 2) Political beliefs and behaviors, 3) Political parties and interest groups, 4)  The three branches of national government, 5) Public policy making and 6) Civil liberties and civil rights.  This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement test in United States Government and Politics and will fulfill the requirement for United States Government.

Course Title: ESL United States Government

Grade Level: 12 (one semester)

Course Description: This required course is designed for seniors who have been identified and assessed as being bilingual according to State law and District procedures.  Bilingual students enrolled in this course are developing their English language skills, as well as expanding their social studies conceptual skills.  This course is founded on the belief that to become an informed and active citizen, an understanding of United States government is essential.  It will feature the structure of government and the function of politics, as well as theory and practical application of the following:  1) Foundations of United States government, 2) Institutions and policy making, 3) Principles of the United States Constitution, 4) Roles and responsibilities of the citizen and 5) Political behavior.  The course content is aligned with the district's curriculum, yet is adapted to meet the bilingual student's English language needs, proficiency level, and prior knowledge, linguistic and cultural.

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