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Social Studies

Our Program

The three year core program of Social Studies courses are designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for effective citizenship. Three credits of Social Studies are required for graduation:

  • 9th Grade: Citizenship and World History semesters 1 & 2
  •  10th Grade:
    • Semester 1: United States History Honors, United States History or American Experience
    • Semester 2: United States History Honors, United States History, American Experience or American Studies
  • 11th Grade:
    • Semester 1 or 2: American Government and and Politics Honors, American Government and and Politics, or Civics and Government
    • Semester 1 or 2: Geopolitics Honors or Global Studies or Economics 

Many students also choose to take a Social Studies elective during their 10th, 11th, and 12th grade year.

 Although the sequence in which students fulfill the Social Studies requirements are intentionally designed for students to develop the content knowledge and skills for each successive class, there is some flexibility in meeting those requirements after ninth grade.  For example, tenth and eleventh-grade students may defer the course normally taken in those years by one year if they need to adjust their schedule. Juniors may choose to take the required course of study, as well as a Social Studies elective. Seniors may choose to take two electives each semester. Students may also choose to take Dartmouth courses if they meet the following prerequisites: they have taken all Social Studies Department courses related to the requested Dartmouth course, there is space available in the Dartmouth course at the time of registration, and have maintained an A average in their 3 previous years of social studies.

Students who wish to consider the Advanced Placement options should refer to the Advanced Placement Section of this handbook.