What are Social Sciences classes?
We’ve seen the phrase “Social Science” thrown around a lot. However, students who haven’t started or have newly entered the high school world may not fully understand what Social Science entails.
Social Science is a major category of academic discipline that focuses on studying human society and social relationships within a complex national and global context. Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, etc., are all within the “Social Sciences” category.
Choose classes from high school and college's perspective
When choosing high school classes, students must take at least two years of high school social science and history classes. This requirement may differ for private schools, but generally speaking, 2-3 years of history and social science classes will fulfill the requirements. Therefore, before making a decision, you should ask yourself these questions:
- Am I planning to pursue History & Social Science in college further?
- Do I feel challenged by the classes that I am taking?
- Are my classes among the more rigorous ones available at my school?
- Am I seeking a challenge or avoiding it?
From a college admissions perspective, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of social science classes when applying to a liberal arts college. American Liberal Arts colleges “impart a broad general knowledge and develop general intellectual capacities, in contrast to a professional, vocational, or technical curriculum.”
Generally speaking, colleges have different requirements and suggestions regarding social science classes. For example, Harvard University emphasizes students choose the most rigorous curricula available. Students should take “three years of History, including American and European history.”
We’ve also written a great article about guiding students to create a four-year high school plan focusing on college admission.
High School History and Social Science Classes
World History
In the World History class, you will be introduced to critical moments in the world’s History, from historical figures, events, and ideas that shaped the past, the present, and the future. You will also learn to understand and analyze the rise and fall of civilization and life challenges in a globalized world.
U.S History
European History
Economics (Macroeconomics and Microeconomics)
U.S. Government and Politics
Human Geography
Psychology
AP Classes
- AP History: World History – Covers the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c. 1200 to the present
- AP History: European History – Covers the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped Europe from c. 1450 to the present.
- AP History: United States History – Covers the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the United States from c. 1491 to the present.
In addition to History, there are several AP Classes that students can take in the area of High School Social Sciences:
- AP Comparative Government and Politics – Examines the political institutions and processes of six countries—China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom—and compares how they address problems.
- AP Human Geography – Explores how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of Earth.
- AP Macroeconomics – Covers the principles of economics that apply to an economic system.
- AP Microeconomics – Covers the economics principles that apply to individuals’ behavior.
- AP Psychology – Understand the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
- AP US Government and Politics – study the key concepts and institutions of the political system and culture of the United States.
IB Classes
Take your interest in Social Science further...
If you’re interested in this subject and way to discover ways to advance your knowledge, consider
Design your own course
Participate in a social science summer program
Take an online class
AP United States History
In AP United States History (APUSH), students will review key content concepts and course objectives through answering long essay questions (LEQs), document-based question essays (DBQs), and short answer questions (SAQs). Furthermore, students will practice using historical thinking skills by answering multiple-choice questions and providing written responses.
Intro to U.S. History
Explore the rise and fall of empires, the clash, and encounter of cultures, plagues, religious fervor, and political intrigue and war. This course aims to discover the complex interactions between Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans in different regions of North America across more than 500 years of history.
Historical Research and Writing
Through Historical Research and Writing, students will learn about choosing a topic, composing research questions, effective research methods, drafting, composing, and revising. These skills will be taught with an emphasis on historical research, allowing students to engage in analysis of primary and secondary sources, discover interesting insights in history, and partake in the active pursuit of understanding the importance of the historical study.
Intro to World History
Students will learn an overview of history from 1500 years ago to the present, world cultural, political, and economic changes. The curriculum covers key world history content in grades 9 and 10. Emphasis will be placed on class discussion, note-taking, extended reading, divergent thinking debate, and research writing.
