Recommended: 3.3 G.P.A. or teacher recommendation. Designed for students planning to take advanced courses in Social Studies in 11th or 12th grade. Students learn electronic research, library references, and practice writing essays, term papers, and book reports. Course content mirrors the course above, but emphasizes reading and interpreting documents and essay writing.

U.S. History  Course # 342-11

This course highlights events and themes in American history such as studies of reform and change in American society. In addition to studies of the American Revolution, the Civil War, and World Wars I & II, there is a special emphasis on recent history from the thirties through the seventies.

U.S. History AP  Course # 336-11

Recommended: ‘B’ in World History and a ‘B’ in English II Adv with a 3.3 overall GPA. Parent conference required for students not meeting this standard. Information: Carries extra grade point and ‘AP’ designation. U.S. History AP is a Merced College course taught at Merced High School. The student may earn college credits upon passing the AP exam in May.

American Economics/Government  Course # 345-12

First semester is devoted to a study of the nature, problems, and promise of the U.S. economic system. Students study of supply and demand, banking, money, inflation and depression, taxes, labor, agriculture, and the role of government. Second semester presents the institutions and problem of ourgovernment including propaganda, political parties, elections, civil rights, the Presidency, and Congress. The Constitution, the structure of government and modern day issues and problems are discussed.

American Government & Politics AP  Course # 349-12

Recommended: ‘A’ grade in AP U.S. History, ‘A’ in English 3 AP, 3.3 G.P.A. and teacher recommendation. Information: Carries extra grade point and ‘AP’ designation. This is a college level course taught at the high school level. The student may earn college credits upon passing the AP exam in May.