Required Courses

The following courses are required for all Carlisle graduates. All students must take a total of three courses within the social studies curriculum. Although the social studies department does not require a fourth course, it does offer a number of electives that could be applied to this C.H.S. graduation requirement. Students must take either a fourth year of math, science or social studies. These electives are not organized by "Options" and any junior or senior may select them. (Advanced Placement courses have a separate admissions criteria.) A brief description of the required courses can be found below. Elective course descriptions can be found under the "Social Studies Electives" tab at the right side of this page.

U.S. History - 9th Grade

U.S. History is a graduation requirement for all students. The course is a continuation of U.S. History I in 8th grade. It begins with a look at the Reconstruction Era, followed by units on Westward Expansion, the Industrial Age, Immigration & Urbanization, Imperialism, Progressivism, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression and New Deal, and World War II. The Cold War Era is introduced.

World History - 10th Grade

World History is a graduation requirement for all students. This course begins with a review of ancient and medieval history. This introduction is followed by a survey of world history and includes units on the Renaissance and Reformation, Empires of Asia, the Age of Absolutism, the Enlightenment, the Age of Industry, Imperialism, World War I, Nationalism in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, and World War II. The Cold War is introduced in this course from a world history perspective.

Civics - 11th Grade

Civics is a graduation requirement for all students not enrolled in an AP social studies course in their junior year. This course is designed to meet the Pennsylvania Standards in Civics and Economics. It is intended to promote good citizenship through a study of the inner workings of our political and economics systems. Specifically, the course will explore the historical roots of Pennsylvania and American government and their Constitutional foundations as well as provide an in-depth look at the institutions of government, the lawmaking process, campaigns and elections, and the nature of civic participation. The course will also examine the development of public policy in the areas of economics, social policy, and national security. This public policy part of the course will allow students to study basic economic concepts such as supply and demand, financial markets, and fiscal and monetary policy.
Please note that all students enrolled in Civics are required to complete ten hours of community service with an approved service organization.