Download 9 Grade Elective Courses in Social Studies at CHS

9th Grade Elective Courses in Social Studies at CHS
Coronado High School requires three years of Social Studies beginning in 10th grade, including
one year of World History (10th), one year of American History (11th), and a semester each of
United States Government and Economics (12th). The following are UC A-G-approved elective
courses in Social Studies offered to 9th graders (Big History is available for all grade levels).
Big History
Prerequisites: None
Course Description
Big History is not a traditional history course. Instead of focusing on small-scale
historical events that have occurred during the lifespan of modern humans, Big History
examines the relationship between science and history, beginning 13.8 billion years ago. It
weaves evidence and insights from many scientific and historical disciplines into a single,
accessible origin story, one that explores who we are, how we got here, how we are connected
to everything around us, and where we may be heading. The concept for Big History arose
from a desire to go beyond the specialized and self-contained fields that emerged in the 20th
century and grasp history as a whole, looking for common themes across the entire time scale
of history. It’s a framework for learning about anything and everything. By giving students tools
to incite exploration and connect knowledge, the aim is to help young people develop key
critical thinking skills that can prove vital in any discipline they decide to follow in their
academic/professional lives.
Rather than studying individual wars or the rise/fall of specific civilizations, we'll look at
the biological traits of living things that drive their motivations for power and wealth. We'll
examine the effects that geography, natural resources and plate tectonics have on civilizations
and communication. We'll study the effects that chemical elements have had on history, such
as the power of salt, the strength of iron, and the magic of silver. We'll ask and answer
questions like these:
"What makes humans different from other living things?"
"Are humans the top of the food chain?"
"What effects have supernovas had on human civilization?"
"What is the next big turning point in the history of our Universe?"
Big History identifies eight thresholds that help us make sense of our world: the Big
Bang, Stars Light Up, New Chemical Elements, Earth and the Solar System, Life, Collective
Learning, Agriculture, and the Modern Revolution. Students will be introduced to disciplines
such as astrophysics, chemistry, cosmology, anthropology, archaeology and paleontology.
World History 9 with Contemporary Issues & Success Skills
Prerequisites: None
Course Description
Students who enroll in this 9th grade elective in Social Studies will learn much more than
just history. For the past decade, it has become apparent in numerous studies that while
students’ intelligence levels have been consistent over the years, general reading and writing
skills have been steadily declining. College professors across America report that freshmen are
inadequately prepared to handle rigorous academic demands of the college curriculum. As a
result, colleges require remedial writing and skills classes for many incoming freshmen. This 9th
grade social studies elective is centered around the goal of teaching content standards in an
effective way, while providing students general skills needed to succeed in college and life. The
units of study are grounded in history, but are also relevant to current events and controversial
issues. Historical topics such as the development of democratic principles will be covered, with
general study skills also heavily emphasized. Students will read effectively, become more
organized, and write argumentative and formal essays. They will be inspired and encouraged to
be more focused and goal driven. Technology will be a resource for students to conduct
research for controversial historical and contemporary issues and to monitor their personal
academic progress. This course helps prepare students for 10th grade World History and AP
World History (with grade of A and recommendation of the teacher).
World History 9 Honors
Prerequisites: A or B grade in 8th grade Social Studies and recommendation from teacher
Course Description
According to the California History-Social Science content standards, the ninth grade
year is an elective year in the area of Social Sciences. At CHS, the ninth grade year is also a
critically important transition for students to become more successful independent learners.
The Honors World History 9 course will use the study of history (and general social science
methodologies) as a vehicle to assist students in this developmental process. Emphasis will be
placed on enhancing organizational, research and study skills, strengthening reading
comprehension and critical thinking, developing logical and persuasive writing skills, as well as
increasing students’ technological literacy. Furthermore, the college-level textbook utilized in
the course will help introduce students to the academic rigors of Advanced Placement content
that they might encounter later in high school. Students enrolling in this rigorous course should
have a grade of A or B in 8th grade Social Studies, as well as recommendation from the teacher.
The historical component of the “Honors” course will examine the “Foundations of
World History,” from the rise of ancient complex societies to the early medieval times. The
curriculum will be focused on fostering a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of ancient
world history, but will also connect and clarify the historical developments of the past to the
current events and issues of today. Lastly, the content will be organized around five major
themes: Human-Environment Interaction; Cultural Developments and Interaction; StateBuilding (Expansion, Conflict and Decline); Economic Systems; and Social Structures (Origins and
Transformations).