GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS SOCIAL STUDIES

  • 3.5 credits to include U.S. history and geography, world history and geography, government and economics, and

  • 0.5 credit of N.M. history

NEW MEXICO HISTORY/ GEOGRAPHY

Grade 9

Course provides an overview of world geography, but may vary widely in topic coverage. Possible topics include the physical environment; the political landscape; the relationship between people and the land; economic production and development; and the movement of people, goods, and ideas. This course will meet the 9-12 Social Studies Benchmarks and Performance Standards (History, Civics, and Government, Economics and Geography) as required by the NMPED to meet graduation requirements.

WORLD HISTORY/ GEOGRAPHY

Grade 10

Course covers the major eras and important turning points in world history from the Age of Enlightenment to the present. Included within this course is world geography to support geographical concepts as they relate to the understanding of the changes throughout the world. This course will meet the 9-12 Social Studies Benchmarks and Performance Standards (History, Civics, and Government, Economics and Geography) as required by the NMPED to meet graduation requirements.

AP WORLD HISTORY

Grade 10

The purpose of this course is twofold. One is to meet the state requirement for the history & geography of the world. The second is to provide each student with the skills to make the eventual transfer to college. The main curricular emphasis for this course will be the topics identified by the College Board World History Course Description Book (you may view this on the web at www.collegeboard.com). At the end of the course students are required to take the AP Exam.

US HISTORY/ GEOGRAPHY

Grade 11

Course examines the history and impact of major eras, events, and individuals in United States history since the Civil War and Reconstruction. Included within this course is U.S. Geography to support geographical concepts as they relate to the understanding of the development of the United States. In addition 9-12 Social Studies Benchmarks and Performance Standards (History, Civics, and Government, Economics and Geography) should be included as appropriate to the course.

AP US HISTORY

Grade 11

Course prepares students for the AP exam in U.S. history and provides students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. Students learn to assess historical materials, and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. The course examines time periods from discovery and settlement of the New World through the recent past. (Note: Districts asking to meet the United States History/Geography course requirement through this course include geography within the written and delivered curriculum in order to meet state graduation requirement. Included within this course is U.S. Geography to support geographical concepts as they relate to the understanding of the development of the U.S.) This course is intended to prepare students for the optional Advanced Placement Exam in this subject and should follow the published College Board guidelines.

ECONOMICS

Grade 12

Course provides for an understanding of basic economic principles and use of economic reasoning skills to analyze the impact of economic systems (including the market economy) on individuals, families, businesses, communities, and governments. IThis course will meet the 9-12 Social Studies Benchmarks and Performance Standards (History, Civics, and Government, Economics and Geography) as required by the NMPED to meet graduation requirements.