GEHRHSD Curriculum Guide 2026-27

Social Studies

AP UNITED STATES HISTORY

Grades 11-12, 5 Credits

Students satisfy the second year of their U.S. History requirement by taking AP U.S. History. They may also take this course as an elective. The course will be following the national AP model for U.S. History. Students will be engaged in intensive instruction and will be expected to take the Advanced Placement US History exam. The course will span the entire spectrum of U.S. History beginning with Discovery and Settlement of the New World to the present. In addition to mastering content, concepts and themes, students will be trained in analyzing and interpreting primary sources and writing about Document Based Questions (DBQs). Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and/or a 90 or above in United States History 1 and an 80 or above in Honors United States History I.

Social Studies Electives

AP GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Grades 10-12, 5 Credits

Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics is based on an introductory level college course in Political Science. Emphasis is placed on a broad knowledge of U.S. History and U.S. Politics and Government. A primary purpose of the course is to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement test in which they may receive college credit if they receive an adequate score. This course is targeted for the highly motivated academic student who is interested in pursuing college level study. Content includes the formation of the American government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, mass media and public policy. Students will be expected to evaluate public policy, compare and contrast political philosophies, and critically evaluate landmark cases of the Supreme Court. Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and/or a 90 or above in current social studies course or an 80 or above in current honors social studies course.