Page 22 - AP Course Offerings 2019-2020

SOCIAL STUDIES AP COURSE OFFERINGS

AP US GOVERNMENT & POLITICS - 12TH GRADE

Description : AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level nonpartisan
introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and
behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States.
Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts
and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political
institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that
require them to read and interpret date, make comparisons and applications, and develop
evidence-based arguments.
Skills for Success : Self motivation, analytical thinking, good reading and writing skills, good
study skills, and organizational habits are a must.
Academic Suitability : There are no prerequisites for this class.
Out of Class Commitments : Students should spend approximately 30-45 minutes each night
and outside of class commitments include class readings, review of course material, and online
assignments.
Summer Work : None
Contact : Stephen George - Stephen_George@gwinnett.k12.ga.us
● This is a one semester course combined with AP Macroeconomics for the other semester.

● AP US Government & Politics can be taken in place of Political Systems (a 12th grade
graduation requirement).

ACADEMIC ELECTIVE AP SOCIAL STUDIES OPTIONS

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Description : AP Human Geography is a year-long course that focuses on the distribution,
processes, and effects of human populations on the planet. Units of study include population,
migration, culture, language, religion, ethnicity, political, economic development, industry,
agriculture, and urban geography. Emphasis is placed on geographic models and their
applications including case studies from around the globe.
Skills for Success : Students need to be avid readers and notetakers. They need to be able to
discuss the topics and be able to make abstract connections within the context of the class
and the real world.
Academic Suitability : Students need to have an “A” in both Language Arts and their current
social studies course. This course is a recommended AP entry course for 9th grade students
and 8th grade LA/SS teachers may recommend.
Out of Class Commitments : Students are required to read and complete terms every day. They

will also have other assignments that are started in class and completed at home. There are
mini projects and one major project each semester. These are mostly completed in class.
Summer Work : None
Contact : Aron Maroto - Aron_Maroto@gwinnett.k12.ga.us