History & Social Studies

Welcome to the preview of our new GPS Secondary Digital Course Catalog. Please be advised that this tool is currently in a Beta testing phase. While we strive for precision, course descriptions, prerequisites, and availability are subject to change. Always consult with a school counselor for availability and official graduation requirements. Your input is vital. If you notice any errors or have suggestions for improvement, please contact webmaster@gilbertschools.net.

Our Social Sciences Department invites you to find your place in a great story. In a world connected by technology, citizens must not only understand the events that have shaped their own cultures, but they must have a good understanding of what has shaped others. They must be able to see beyond their own worlds, recognize the value in human achievement and be able to evaluate and defend what is worth keeping. Social Sciences classes invite students to take part in this epic tale.

Junior High History & Social Sciences

Seventh Grade - Integrated Global Studies

Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment to Present

Seventh-grade students will understand the relationships and interactions between societies and cultures in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. United States history will also be taught as it intersects with global issues. There are many topics to pursue in 7th grade, including but not limited to:

The Scientific Revolution, The Enlightenment, The American and French Revolutions, Industrialization, Global Imperialism, World Wars I and II, The Cold War, as well as various government and economic systems.

Eighth Grade - Citizenship and Civic Engagement in Today’s Society

Citizenship and civic engagement will be taught through research and inquiry.

Eighth-grade students will make connections between historical and current/contemporary issues as a base for understanding our current society. Students will recognize and practice their roles and responsibilities as both Americans and global citizens. United States History will focus on the major events that have their roots in the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and subsequent amendments. Other units of study include:

Civil Rights, Supreme Court cases, Human Rights, Global Genocide, Terrorism, Digital Citizenship, and Media Literacy.

In addition to the course content, students will utilize skills and processes, such as change and continuity over time, multiple perspectives, using and understanding primary and secondary sources (8th-grade), and cause and effect (Historical Thinking and Reading Skills). Students will engage in the examination of primary and secondary sources including written and oral histories, images, and artifacts. Student discovery will also focus on geographical skills, such as using geographic representations and tools, exploring human-environment interactions, analyzing population and movement, and examining global interconnections.

Gilbert Public Schools offers both 7th and 8th grade curriculums on level and in an Honors format. These classes are based on curriculum and standards adopted by the Arizona Department of Education.

High School History & Social Sciences

AP and Elective Courses

In addition to AP versions of our four core classes, there are several other AP courses available to GPS students. We also offer a host of elective classes.

World History and Geography

While using the inquiry process in history, high school students explore a variety of peoples, events, and movements in world history with a focus on the impact of social, geographic, political, and economic influences on historical events. This course includes the study of the peoples of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, as a balanced approach to the Eastern and Western Hemispheres is needed for a comprehensive study of world history topics. The course begins with a review of ancient world history topics and themes preceding the 15th century, moving into the discovery of the western hemisphere to allow for depth of content and connection to current issues and events. Many historical topics are explored in World History, including but not limited to:

The Enlightenment, The French, American, and other revolutions, Nationalism, Fascism, World Wars I & II, The Holocaust, The Cold War, and contemporary global issues.

American/Arizona History

While using the inquiry process in history, high school students explore a variety of peoples, events, and movements in United States history with a focus on inquiry into the evolution of American democratic principles, changes in society, economic and geographical development, and the emergence of the United States as a global power. Special attention should be paid to how Arizona and its diverse cultures and individuals have contributed to United States history. A range of topics will be examined, including but not limited to:

The American Revolution, nation-building, Sectionalism, The Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization, Progressive Movements, World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, The Cold War, Vietnam, and additional contemporary issues.

Economics

While engaged in economics, high school students explore the economic reasoning processes to make informed decisions in a wide variety of contexts and real-life situations. Economics is grounded in knowledge about how people, institutions, and societies choose to use resources to meet their wants and needs. The study of economics will be approached from many angles and perspectives with a focus on inquiry. Topics include but are not limited to:

Personal finance, banking systems, budgeting, investment resources, market analysis, the national economy, global economies, trade, and other economic principles.

American/Arizona Government

While engaged in government, students will learn how to become engaged citizens which requires a knowledge of the history, principles, and foundations of our republic. A comprehensive study of government will be approached from many angles and perspectives with a focus on inquiry. Topics in Government include, but are not limited to:

Institutions and practices of the American and Arizona governments, law-making, elections, lobbyist and special interest groups, political parties, citizenship, the Constitution and Constitutional Rights, federalism, and contemporary governmental issues.

In addition to the course content, students will utilize skills and processes, such as change and continuity over time, multiple perspectives, using and understanding sources, and cause and effect (Historical Thinking and Reading Skills). Student discovery will also focus on geographical skills, such as using geographic representations and tools, exploring human-environment interactions, analyzing population and movement, and examining global interconnections.

Students will analyze a variety of sources, with a focus on primary source text, map and artifact analysis for mastery. These classes are based on curriculum and standards adopted by the Arizona Department of Education.

7-12 History & Social Sciences Coordinator
Woody Hodges
Phone: 480-497-3407

Jr. High Promotion Requirements: 2 Credits
Seventh-grade 1 credit & Eighth-grade 1 credit

Graduation Requirements: 3 Credits
GPS recommends 3 History and Social Sciences credits for meeting the requirements for public universities in Arizona.

Diploma Seals

Seal of Civics Literacy (opens in new window/tab)

This program recognizes students who have attained a high level of proficiency in Civics at the time of graduation. Proficiency is determined by completing a set of Arizona State Board of Education-approved tasks. Requirements include community service, civic engagement, learning programs, and reflection.

Download the GPS Seal of Civics Literacy Verification Form PDF

For more information, please contact your teacher (ie, social studies) or your school administrator about graduation/activities.

Seal of Personal Finance (opens in new window/tab)

This program recognizes high school students who have attained a high level of proficiency in Personal Finance at the time of graduation. Proficiency is determined by the completion of a set of Arizona State Board of Education-approved tasks.

Download the GPS Seal of Personal Finance Verification Form PDF

For more information, please contact your teacher (ie, Economics, Personal Finance) or your school administrator over graduation/activities.