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8756 Mast Blvd.
Santee, CA 92071 
619.956.0400
619.562.9342

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Social Science

The Social Science Department boasts five "Golden Apple" winners, four West Hills Teacher of the Year, a finalist in Classroom Connects Internet Educator of the Year, numerous student-selected San Diego County "Hat's Off to Teachers" award winners as well as recipients of the University of California "Awards of Excellence." In addition, our pass rates for Advanced Placement courses in U.S. History, Government, and World History consistently place us among the top schools in the county.

The Social Science Department is a relatively young, energetic department noted for its creative methodologies. Our teachers have consistently implemented cutting technologies throughout the grade levels, including WebQuests, digital video projects, and regular use of the Internet.  As West Hills has grown, and because of its reputation, we have had the luxury of choosing among many applicants for new positions-and thus have been able to hire the best and brightest teachers. A majority of our teachers have earned advanced degrees (Masters) and some even work part-time as adjunct professors at local colleges. We are justifiably proud of our department. We will continue to develop our web presence in order to better serve the needs of students and parents. If you ever have any comments or additions, please feel free to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Bryan Ross
Social Science Department Chair

Industrial Revolution Demo PDF Print E-mail
Each year, social science teacher Mr. Dan Sutton gathers a collection of artifacts from the Industrial Revolution and puts them on display for all of the world history students to view. Students examine the items and answer a series of questions related to their historic value. Mr. Sutton also puts on Civil War and World War II demonstrations at West Hills.

Click on the image below to view a slideshow of the presentation.

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Social Science Course Descriptions PDF Print E-mail

Introduction to Geography 1 (Grade 9)

A required one-semester course designed for 9th graders.  This course emphasizes regional geography with attention to the influence of physical features of the region on the lives of the people.  Students use and develop basic social science skills including map use and interpretation.

Introduction to Geography & Integrated Technology 1H/2H (Grade 9)

A required two-semester course designed for the honors level student.  The course emphasizes regional geography with attention to the influence of physical features of the region on the lives of the people.  Students develop basic social science skills including use and interpretation of maps.  Place name recognition and the ability to apply geography and principles to real situations are stressed.  Students are expected to conduct extensive research in geography and to analyze and evaluate abstract concepts.  All students receive exposure and experience using current significant technologies as they relate to future education, career, and personal opportunities within the study of the principles of geography.  Students will complete projects and assignments in a variety of geographic areas while demonstrating the use of a variety of technologies.  Through student projects and teacher directed activities, students will develop and enhance skills in word processing, desktop publishing, creating databases and spreadsheets, and using the Internet for research.  This course fulfills the District Computer Technology requirement.

Life Management Skills (Grade 9)

A one-semester course required for high school graduation and designed for students in the 9th grade.  The course covers topics such as family studies, career planning, crisis prevention, stress management, suicide, chemical dependency, abuse, and consumer education.

World History Culture and Geography (Grades 10-12)

A required one-year course designed to provide an introduction to world history, physical and cultural geography with emphasis on the 18-20th centuries.  College Prep and Honors meets the University of California “A” and “G” requirement.

AP World History 1/2 (Grades 10-12)

This course will develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies.  This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills.  The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies.  The course emphasizes relevant factual knowledge deployed in conjunction with leading interpretive issues and types of historical evidence. Focused primarily on the past thousand years of the global experience.  This course meets the UC “a” and ‘g” requirements.

U.S. History and Geography (Grades 11-12)

A required two semester course with instruction in U.S. History with emphasis on the 20th Century.  It is a study of the people, events, and contributions that have shaped the formation of our nation’s achievements and challenges.  This class meets the University of California “a” and “g” requirement.

Advanced Placement American History (Grades 11-12)

A rigorous two-semester college level U.S. History survey course.  The curriculum is consistent with the Advanced Placement course description published by the College Board.  Students will take the Advanced Placement American History Test for which they may earn college credit.  This class meets the University of California “a” and “g” requirement.

American Government (Grades 11-12)

A required one-semester course designed in which students examine the origin, development, structure, and operations of all levels of government, with special emphasis on the federal level.

Economics (Grade 12)

A required one semester course designed for seniors so that they may learn about economic analysis, money and banking, foreign trade, and consumer economics.  The emphasis is on the free enterprise system with a look at alternative economic thought.  Various conflicting economic theories will be examined in the framework of a detailed study of the free enterprise/market economy.

Advanced Placement American Government (Grades 11-12)

A rigorous two-semester college level course designed to challenge students.  The Political Science/American Government course has curriculum consistent with the Advanced Placement course description and helps prepare students to take the AP American Government Test, which allows them to earn college credit.

Contemporary World Problems (Grades 11-12)

This course focuses on issues and problems of global significance in the modern world.  Areas of study include topics dealing with peace and security, environmental issues, and the promotion of human rights.  Besides learning about these problems, the class focuses on what is being done by the United Nations and other organizations to address these issues.

Sociology (Grades 11-12)

Sociology concentrates its attention on social interaction; the ways in which people relate to one another and influence each other’s behavior.  Topics this course will cover include culture and diversity, social structure, the role the media plays in our lives, criminology, class and ethnic inequality, the relationship between men and women, and collective behavior.

Student Government  (Grades 10-12)            

This two-semester course provides students the opportunity to learn leadership principles and techniques useful in carrying out their duties as officers in their school’s student government organization.  Through the development of activities which promote school loyalty and spirit, student leaders learn how governmental policies evolve.  Techniques of democratic problem solving are learned through participation.  Students must meet the requirements set forth by their school before serving in student government.  Students may be removed if they fail to maintain these standards.