HCPS Student Education Planning Guide

Course Descriptions

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AP, IB, Honors and Identified Rigorous courses all receive a weighted grade for the credit earned. AP, IB, and Honors course are noted as part of the course title. Honors and Identified Rigorous approved courses contain a “W” as the fifth character of the course number, i.e., Honors Algebra II MA07W.

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Social Studies*

SS01W: HCC PS 101 102 American National Government and State Local Government
Students participate in an analysis of American national politics. Topics include the Constitution, political parties, interest groups, Congress, the Presidency, the Judiciary and recent public policies. Special consideration is given to the individual's relationship with the national government and to the factors influencing decision-making in the national government.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS01W: Honors United States Government
This course requires students to engage in intensive study of the concepts of responsibility, authority, justice, and political participation as they relate to the form and function of government. Students will be expected to complete more detailed writing, research projects, and activities requiring collaborative and critical thinking beyond that of a standard government course. Students are required to take the state assessment in American Government. Successful completion of this course earns one required Government credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS01W: Honors United States Government eLearning
This course requires students to engage in intensive study of the concepts of responsibility, authority, justice, and political participation as they relate to the form and function of government. Students will be expected to complete more detailed writing, research projects, and activities requiring collaborative and critical thinking beyond that of a standard government course. Students are required to take the state assessment in American Government. Successful completion of this course earns one required Government credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS01W: Honors United States Government In-Person Blended
This course requires students to engage in intensive study of the concepts of responsibility, authority, justice, and political participation as they relate to the form and function of government. Students will be expected to complete more detailed writing, research projects, and activities requiring collaborative and critical thinking beyond that of a standard government course. Students are required to take the state assessment in American Government. Successful completion of this course earns one required Government credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS01: United States Government
This course requires students to study the concepts of responsibility, authority, justice, and participation as they relate to the form and function of government. Students are also required to take the state assessment in Government. Successful completion of this course earns one required Government credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS01: United States Government blended
This course will cover the period of United States history from 1865 to the present. It is designed to increase student understanding of how the nation grew in power and prestige throughout the last 125 years. Successful completion of this course earns the required United States History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS01: United States Government eLearning
This course requires students to study the concepts of responsibility, authority, justice, and participation as they relate to the form and function of government. Students are also required to take the state assessment in Government. Successful completion of this course earns one required Government credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS01: United States Government In-Person Blended
This course requires students to study the concepts of responsibility, authority, justice, and participation as they relate to the form and function of government. Students are also required to take the state assessment in Government. Successful completion of this course earns one required Government credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS02W: HCC HIST 110 World History II
This course has a global perspective, examining many different civilizations, cultures and societies around the world, comparing how they dealt with economic, social, political, technological, environmental and other major challenges, and how they organized their lives and interacted with other peoples from the age of exploration (ca 1500 CE) to the present.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS02W: Honors Explorations in World History
This course focuses on the Renaissance period to the present. The student studies the people and events that have shaped our world since the early Middle Ages and culminates with a study of the twentieth century. Successful completion of this course earns one required World History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS02: Explorations in World History
This course focuses on the Renaissance period to the present. The student studies the people and events that have shaped our world since the early Middle Ages and culminates with a study of the twentieth century. Successful completion of this course earns one required World History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS02: Explorations in World History Blended
This online recovery course focuses on the Renaissance period to the present. The student studies the people and events that have shaped our world since the early Middle Ages and culminates with a study of the twentieth century. Successful completion of this course earns one required World History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS02: Explorations in World History eLearning
This course focuses on the Renaissance period to the present. The student studies the people and events that have shaped our world since the early Middle Ages and culminates with a study of the twentieth century. Successful completion of this course earns one required World History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS02: Explorations in World History In-Person Blended
This course focuses on the Renaissance period to the present. The student studies the people and events that have shaped our world since the early Middle Ages and culminates with a study of the twentieth century. Successful completion of this course earns one required World History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS03W: HCC History 109 World History I
This course has a global perspective, examining many different civilizations, cultures and societies around the world, comparing how they dealt with economic, social, political, technological, environmental and other major challenges, and how they organized their lives and interacted with other peoples from the early beginnings of humankind (ca 200,000 BCE) to the age of exploration (ca 1500 CE). 
Prerequisite(s): None
SS03: AP World History
This college level course provides students with an in-depth examination of the cultural, institutional, and technological factors that have influenced human society in the past one thousand years. This course examines the accomplishments and global impact of societies in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. At the completion of this course, students are eligible to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one required World History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS03: AP World History eLearning
This college level course provides students with an in-depth examination of the cultural, institutional, and technological factors that have influenced human society in the past one thousand years. This course examines the accomplishments and global impact of societies in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. At the completion of this course, students are eligible to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one required World History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS03: AP World History In-Person Blended
This college level course provides students with an in-depth examination of the cultural, institutional, and technological factors that have influenced human society in the past one thousand years. This course examines the accomplishments and global impact of societies in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. At the completion of this course, students are eligible to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one required World History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS04W: HCC HIST 102 History of Western Civilization II
This course is the second half of the Western Civilization survey, from ca. 1648 to the twenty-first century. Key topics covered in this course include the Enlightenment and Age of Revolutions, industrialization and modernity, the world wars, and the Cold War. Students will analyze Europe's impact on the rest of the world via colonization and decolonization. Students will also focus on the religious, social and cultural concerns that have shaped the modern West.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS04: AP European History
This college level course involves a study of the changes in the political, diplomatic, international, cultural, societal, and economic make up of Europe from 1450 to the present. At the completion of this course, students are eligible to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one required World History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS05W: HCC HIST 104 History of the United States II
This course is a survey of United States history from the end of the Civil War (1865) through the beginning of the 21st century. Key topics include Civil War Reconstruction, industrialization, populism, western expansion, immigration, progressivism, imperialism, World War I, the Depression, World War II, civil rights, Cold War, Vietnam era, scientific achievements, feminism, digital revolution, terrorism, 21st century wars, cultural change and reaction. Instruction will focus on the United States' international leadership, events, impacts, and change in a global age.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS05W: Honors US History
This course will cover the period of United States history from 1865 to the present. It is designed to increase student understanding of how the nation grew in power and prestige throughout the last 125 years. Successful completion of this course earns one required United States History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS05: US History
Prerequisite(s): None
SS05: US History blended
This online recovery course will cover the period of United States history from 1865 to the present. It is designed to increase student understanding of how the nation grew in power and prestige throughout the last 125 years. Successful completion of this course earns one required United States History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS05: US History eLearning
This course will cover the period of United States history from 1865 to the present. It is designed to increase student understanding of how the nation grew in power and prestige throughout the last 125 years. Successful completion of this course earns one required United States History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS05: US History In-Person Blended
This course will cover the period of United States history from 1865 to the present. It is designed to increase student understanding of how the nation grew in power and prestige throughout the last 125 years. Successful completion of this course earns one required United States History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS06W: HCC US History 103 History of the United States I
This course is a survey of American history from the early British settlements of the 17th century through the Civil War. Key topics include: early British settlements in North America, British North America, American Revolution, the Constitution, the two-party system, War of 1812, market revolution, immigration, Jacksonian democracy, slavery and freedom, social reform, western expansion, North/South sectionalism and the Civil War. Students will also explore the development of the American republic in global context.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS06: AP US History
This college level course is an in-depth study of American history from 1780 to the present. At the completion of this course, students are eligible to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one required United States History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS06: AP US History eLearning
This college level course is an in-depth study of American history from 1780 to the present. At the completion of this course, students are eligible to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one required United States History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS06: AP US History In-Person Blended
This college level course is an in-depth study of American history from 1780 to the present. At the completion of this course, students are eligible to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one required United States History credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS07: AP United States Government and Politics
This college level course is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government in the United States. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. At the completion of this course students are eligible to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one required Government credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS09W: HCC PSY 101 General Psychology
A broad spectrum of research and theoretical concepts are presented to provide a balanced understanding of human behavior. Topics include the biological basis of behavior, human development, personality, health and wellness, learning and memory, social diversity, abnormal behavior and therapy.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS09: AP Psychology
This college level course involves a detailed study of all the major subfields of psychology. Topics include History and Methods, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Learning, Cognition, Motivation and Emotion, Human Development, Personality, Testing, Abnormal Behavior, and Therapy and Social Psychology. Major emphasis is placed on reading, writing, analysis, experiments, demonstrations, and discussion. At the completion of this course students are eligible and encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement Examination. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS10W: HCC HIST 207 African American History
This course will provide an opportunity for students to assess and appreciate the African-American experience from Colonial times to the present. Key topics include: the Middle Passage, the Revolutionary experience, the establishment of free African-American communities, slavery and abolitionism, the Civil War, Jim Crow and segregation, the Great Migration, wartime experiences, Harlem Renaissance, jazz and blues, civil rights, black nationalism, modern culture, rock-and-roll, hip hop culture, and the rise of a professional African-American culture.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS10: African American History
This course includes an examination of the African backgrounds from which stem the heritage of African Americans in America. It traces the exploitation of African Americans as they were brought from Africa to America and the history of African Americans up to the present time. Emphasis is placed upon contributions made by African Americans in art, music, literature, sports, entertainment, business, government, education, science, and law. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS10: African American History eLearning
This course includes an examination of the African backgrounds from which stem the heritage of African Americans in America. It traces the exploitation of African Americans as they were brought from Africa to America and the history of African Americans up to the present time. Emphasis is placed upon contributions made by African Americans in art, music, literature, sports, entertainment, business, government, education, science, and law. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS10: African American History In-Person Blended
This course includes an examination of the African backgrounds from which stem the heritage of African Americans in America. It traces the exploitation of African Americans as they were brought from Africa to America and the history of African Americans up to the present time. Emphasis is placed upon contributions made by African Americans in art, music, literature, sports, entertainment, business, government, education, science, and law. Successful completion of this course earns one-half credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS10: AP African American Studies
This interdisciplinary course explores the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans through the lens of literature, arts and humanities, political science, geography, and science.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS11: Contemporary Issues
This course allows students to examine current issues, events, and themes relevant to four areas of study: Foreign Policy and National Security, Economics, Political Issues, and Social Issues. Students will employ a variety of social studies skills, including reading, writing, research, and decision-making in making analytical connections with content in the four domains. Successful completion of this course earns one-half credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS12: Psychology
This course provides an overview to the discipline of psychology. Course content will include psychological methods, intelligence and testing, learning, social psychology, and biological influences on behavior. Successful completion of this course earns one-half credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS12: Psychology blended
This course provides an overview to the discipline of psychology. Course content will include psychological methods, intelligence and testing, learning, social psychology, and biological influences on behavior. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS12: Psychology eLearning
This course provides an overview to the discipline of psychology. Course content will include psychological methods, intelligence and testing, learning, social psychology, and biological influences on behavior. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS12: Psychology In-Person Blended
This course provides an overview to the discipline of psychology. Course content will include psychological methods, intelligence and testing, learning, social psychology, and biological influences on behavior. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS13: Sociology
This course investigates the study of human interaction, social institutions, and fundamental social processes. Topics include the problems of deviant behavior and social adjustment, patterns of cooperation, competition and conflict, juvenile delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, and the family structure. Successful completion of this class earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS13: Sociology eLearning
This course investigates the study of human interaction, social institutions, and fundamental social processes. Topics include the problems of deviant behavior and social adjustment, patterns of cooperation, competition and conflict, juvenile delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, and the family structure. Successful completion of this class earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS13: Sociology In-Person Blended
This course investigates the study of human interaction, social institutions, and fundamental social processes. Topics include the problems of deviant behavior and social adjustment, patterns of cooperation, competition and conflict, juvenile delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, and the family structure. Successful completion of this class earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS14W: HCC CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course is an introduction to the criminal justice system from its ancient origins to reform in England and its present development in the United States. The course covers agencies involved in the administration of justice at all levels of government. Students are oriented to the purposes, requirements and opportunities in this field.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS14: Law In America
This course involves the study of the different ways the law significantly affects the life of an individual. It also develops a basic understanding of how law is a standard of conduct, which attempts to regulate interaction among individuals and their relationship to government. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS14: Law In America eLearning
This course involves the study of the different ways the law significantly affects the life of an individual. It also develops a basic understanding of how law is a standard of conduct, which attempts to regulate interaction among individuals and their relationship to government. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS14: Law In America In-Person Blended
This course involves the study of the different ways the law significantly affects the life of an individual. It also develops a basic understanding of how law is a standard of conduct, which attempts to regulate interaction among individuals and their relationship to government. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS15: Economics
This course acquaints students with basic economic theories and is accomplished through a realistic study of economic principles, combined with an inquiry into those situations that the student will face as a member of society. Topics include scarcity of resources, business organizations, money and banking, the stock market, labor trends, and foreign trade. Successful completion of this class earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS15: Economics blended
This online recovery course acquaints students with basic economic theories and is accomplished through a realistic study of economic principles, combined with an inquiry into those situations that the student will face as a member of society. Topics include scarcity of resources, business organizations, money and banking, the stock market, labor trends, and foreign trade. Successful completion of this class earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS16W: HCC GEOG 101 Physical Geography
Course emphasis includes basic physical elements of geography, including map reading and interpretation, as well as climate, landforms, soil and natural resources and their integrated patterns of world distribution.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS16: World Geography
This course provides students with an opportunity to examine concepts, theories, and issues in major fields of geographic study such as physical, cultural, and economic geography. Students will apply geographic theory and process in analyzing issues affecting various world regions, individually and collectively. Successful completion of this course earns one-half credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS16: World Geography blended
This online recovery course provides students with an opportunity to examine concepts, theories, and issues in major fields of geographic study such as physical, cultural, and economic geography. Students will apply geographic theory and process in analyzing issues affecting various world regions, individually and collectively. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS17: Student Service Learning
This course is an independent study experience with the teacher acting as a facilitator. This program will provide students the opportunity to perform useful service and to learn from the experience of service. Students engaged in this course will be involved in a process that incorporates awareness, involvement, and reflection with experiences that will benefit society and promote citizenship as well as personal development. This course meets the state graduation requirement for student service. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS18: Women In Perspective
This course focuses on women in literature. Through the study of literature, students will examine and discuss such topics as the origin of sexual stereotypes, changing roles of women in society, and different cultural expectations of women. This course will provide an in-depth study of literature and will require application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation by the student.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS21W: HCC GEOG 102 Human Geography
This course features basic cultural elements of geography including population distribution, settlement, land use patterns and their correlation with the physical elements of the world.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS21: AP Human Geography
This college-level course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth's surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. At the completion of the course students are eligible to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS22: Archeology
This course allows students to experience the work of an archaeologist through application of classroom work to field experiences. Students are exposed to historical evidence and contemporary techniques associated with the work of an archaeologist. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS23: AP Comparative Government
This course introduces fundamental concepts used by political scientists to study the processes and outcomes of politics in a variety of settings. The course aims to illustrate the rich diversity of political life, to show available instructional alternatives, to explain differences in processes and policy outcomes, and to communicate the importance of global political and economic changes. Students can expect to use comparative political concepts, themes, and generalizations to examine the governments and politics of China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia. At the completion of this course students are eligible and encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement Examination. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS30W: College Sociology
This course involves college-level study of the field of Sociology. The student studies the people, theories, and concepts that would be included in an introductory level college course. At the completion of the course, students are eligible to take the College Level Examination (CLEP) assessment in Sociology. This College board create assessment provides students the opportunity, with the achievement of the minimum score to earn three college credits transferable to colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS30W: HCC SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
This course is the scientific study of society. Detailed consideration is given to culture, social control and deviation, social groups, social instruction, social stratification, ethnic minorities, demography, the community, social change and collective behavior.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS34W: HCC ECON 102 Microeconomics
Microeconomics deals with resource allocation under the price system, price and output determination when markets are characterized by perfect and imperfect competition, and price and employment determination in the resource market. Current problems of poverty, environment, energy and urbanization are analyzed.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS34: AP Microeconomics
This course allows students to develop a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. At the completion of this course students are eligible and encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement Examination. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS35W: HCC ECON 101 Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics is an introduction to economic principles with emphasis on the analysis of aggregate income and employment. Topics include theory of income and employment, role of money and banking system, monetary and fiscal policies, and the problems of economic growth and fluctuations. 
Prerequisite(s): None
SS35: AP Macroeconomics
The course allows students to develop a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. At the completion of this course students are eligible and encouraged to take the College Board Advanced Placement Examination. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS36: AP Human Geography with WE Services
This college-level course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth's surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. At the completion of the course students are eligible to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test. Successful completion of this course earns one credit.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS37W: HCC HIST 101 History of Western Civilization I
This course is the first half of the Western Civilization survey, beginning with its foundations in the ancient Middle East, and ending with the emergence of the modern West, ca. 1700. Key topics covered in this course include the spread of Greco-Roman culture, the rise of Christianity, the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and the emergence of "modernity." Students will examine what it meant to be "Western" during the eras in question.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS38W: HCC PHIL 101 Introduction to Philosophy
This course is a study of some of the major questions and issues arising in philosophy. Course content includes selected philosophers' views on the nature of knowledge, the existence of God, ethical values and the role of the State.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS39W: HCC GEOG 103 World Regional Geography
This course is a survey of world geographical regions that examines geographic features and areas, as well as their significance.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS40W: HCC PSY 207 Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology focuses on the learning process and related ideas such as development, individual differences, cognition, effective learning environments, motivation and exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed on studying the development of effective teaching-learning relationships in the American school environment. Connections among a variety of disciplines are stressed, as well as links to the real world beyond the classroom.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS41W: HCC PSY 202 Child Psychology
This course studies the developing person from conception through late childhood. Current research and applications are used to explain biosocial, psychosocial and cognitive development. The importance of specific environmental contexts in development is emphasized. Topics include bonding and attachment, language development, abuse and neglect, parenting, gender role development, intellectual disability and giftedness, peer relationships, and moral development.
Prerequisite(s): None
SS60: Criminal Justice Operations I
• Students will explore the fields of law enforcement, the court system, and the correctional system. • Students will acquire technical skill proficiency, industry knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, general employability skills, and occupation-specific skills needed in all aspects of law, public safety, and security careers.
Prerequisite(s): None