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 Middle School Social Studies Department Course Offerings

At Costa Mesa High School/Middle School, students take two of the three courses offered—one each year. All seventh-grade students are enrolled in World History. As eighth-grade students, they may either take United States History or, if they need more of a challenge, they may take Honors United States History.

World History Course Description:

Students in grade seven study the social, cultural, and technological changes that occurred in Europe, Africa, and Asia in the years A.D. 500-1789. After reviewing the ancient world and the ways in which archaeologists and historians uncover the past, students study the history and geography of great civilizations that were developing concurrently throughout the world during medieval and early modern times. They examine the growing economic interaction among civilizations as well as the exchange of ideas, beliefs, technologies, and commodities. They learn about the resulting growth of Enlightenment philosophy and the new examination of the concepts of reason and authority, the natural rights of human beings and the divine right of kings, experimentalism in science, and the dogma of belief. Finally, students assess the political forces let loose by the Enlightenment, particularly the rise of democratic ideas, and they learn about the continuing influence of these ideas in the world today.

Unites States History Course Description: 

Students in grade eight study the ideas, issues, and events from the framing of the Constitution up to World War I, with an emphasis on America’s role in the war.  After reviewing the development of America’s democratic institutions founded on the Judeo-Christian heritage and English parliamentary traditions, particularly the shaping of the constitution, students trace the development of American politics, society, culture, and economy and relate them to the emergence of major regional differences.  They learn about the challenges facing the new nation, with an emphasis on the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War.  They make connections between the rise of industrialization and contemporary social and economic conditions.

Honors United States History Course Description: 

Students in grade eight study the ideas, issues, and events from the framing of the Constitution up to World War I, with an emphasis on America’s role in the war.  After reviewing the development of America’s democratic institutions founded on the Judeo-Christian heritage and English parliamentary traditions, particularly the shaping of the constitution, students trace the development of American politics, society, culture, and economy and relate them to the emergence of major regional differences.  They learn about the challenges facing the new nation, with an emphasis on the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War.  They make connections between the rise of industrialization and contemporary social and economic conditions.

An honors course, as defined is “an advanced course of study for superior students.”  Students enrolled in this course will be held responsible for a significant amount of reading outside of class time.  They should anticipate more frequent/more rigorous writing assignments than students enrolled in a standard course.  Additionally, students will be expected to come to class ready to make a contribution, both to whole class and small group activities.