Social Studies
8 credits of Social Studies are required for graduation:
2 credits of World Studies 9 or AP Human Geography (Grade 9)
2 credits of World Studies 10 or AP World History (Grade 10)
2 credits of American Histories or AP US History or History Through an African American Lens (Grade 11)
1 credit of American Government or AP Government (Grade 12)
1 credit of Economics or AP Microeconomics (Grade 12)
Links to Powerpoints Explaining Courses:
Powerpoint with Videos about Social Studies Required Courses
Powerpoint with Videos about Social Studies Elective Courses
Social Studies Electives
Sociology
Course # 1008
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: How is the individual influenced by society? How do your family, religion, education, and culture impact WHO you are? How does belonging to groups influence our choices? How does society decide what is "normal" and what happens to those who break society's rules? Possibility of college credit through College Level Examination Program (optional).
-Meets NCAA requirements
Link to Video from Sociology Teachers
Current Events
Course # 1026
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: Are you interested in what is going on in the world today? This class will focus on local, national and global current events and critical issues and how they affect our society. The course emphasizes research, interpretation and application of information from a variety of media. In addition to reading daily news articles, students will produce their own newscast, write editorials and debate current issues.
-Meets NCAA requirements
History Uncensored
Course # 1117
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: Whose stories and voices are missing from traditional history textbooks? How is a person or group of people's history remembered if it's not written down or part of what we learn in history class? This course will examine history through oral traditions and personal stories that are usually overlooked. Students will be empowered and equipped with the skills to research, reexamine and reflect on THEIR history. A goal of this course is to build a community of knowledge to help people understand each other's history and culture and to also understand your own. The course material will reflect the students' in the class. For example, this course may explore LGBTQ history, African American history, Hmong history, Somali history, Karen history, Asian American history, Latinx history, Indigenous history, and Women's history.
Social Studies Electives - Open to Juniors and Seniors Only
AP Psychology A, B, C*
Course # 1021, 1022, 1036*
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 2-3
Prerequisites: None
Description: Psychology unlocks the understanding and prediction of human behavior. The AP Psychology sequence provides college-level study of the behavioral sciences and a valuable understanding of the human condition. Coursework includes an introduction of psychology, research methodology, how we learn and think and remember, neuroscience, sensation and perception, personality theory, states of consciousness, motivation and emotion, developmental psychology, language, and intelligence.
*This optional third trimester is strongly encouraged for students seeking to take the AP Psych Exam as the content not covered in the first two trimesters will be taught in this course. This class will include review exercises and writing strategies to help students prepare for the AP exam.
-Meets NCAA requirements
Video from Psychology Teachers
Psychology I
Course # 1017
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: Why do people behave the way that they do? Is it because of nature or nurture? Through in-class labs, activities, and games you will have the opportunity to explore internal and external influences on human behavior. Units of study include: Introduction to Psychology, Learning, Neuroscience, and Positive Psychology. This class is an elective in the Social Studies department and is a prerequisite for Psychology II.
-Meets NCAA requirements
Psychology I Online
Course # 1017L
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Please Note
This online course will only run if there are enough students registered. In the case that the online course you selected does not run, you will be enrolled to the in-person version of the course.
Description: Why do people behave the way that they do? Is it because of nature or nurture? Units of study include: Introduction to Psychology, Learning, Neuroscience, and Positive Psychology. This class is an elective in the Social Studies department and is a prerequisite for Psychology II.
Psychology II
Course # 1018
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: [1017] Psychology I
Description: Why do people think and feel the way that they do? This course is a continuation from Psychology I. By registering for Psychology II, you will be provided with the opportunity to examine the human mind. The concept of consciousness was discussed by one of psychology’s most famous and controversial figures, Sigmund Freud. His theory shaped the twentieth century and will be studied in depth. Units of study include: Personality, Memory, and The Unconscious.
-Meets NCAA requirements
Sociology Race, Class and Gender
Course # 1062
Grade Offered: 11,12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: How do race, socio-economic status, and gender influence our behavior? Topics such as gender roles, gender identity, sexuality, gender inequality, and the role of media are discussed. Race, ethnicity, and power structures are examined in the race unit. Students examine the concepts of privilege, discrimination, and institutional racism during the race unit. Strategies to help students challenge racism systemically and in our individual lives are analyzed. Social class, stratification, and inequality are discussed.
-Meets NCAA requirements
Link to Video from Sociology Teachers
CIS Sociology of Family
Course # 1121, 1122
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course will focus on the family from multi-cultural lens in contemporary America. Concepts including the institution of marriage, family values, parenting, immigration, and domestic violence will be covered. Successful completion of this course earns students 4 credits at the University of Minnesota. Community service component is required.
Philosophy
Course # 1025
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: How can a person create a life worth living? What gives life meaning or purpose? In moments of dilemma, how can one determine what should be done? What does it mean to live justly? For that matter, what does it mean to organize society in a just manner? What is the ultimate nature of reality? How can we know something is true? These are some of the ‘Big Questions’ with which an introductory philosophy course deals. Students will explore the work of philosophers from a variety of philosophic and wisdom traditions, ancient and contemporary, East and West. However the class is not only about studying the work of others, students will be expected to at least start to develop their own ideas, to work them out with all their implications and complications. There is one requirement for this class: come with an open mind and a willingness to ask questions.
-Meets NCAA requirements
World Religions
Course # 1060
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: In this course, students will gain a greater understanding of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Students will survey each religion focusing specifically on the history, rituals, beliefs, practices, and current issues related to each while becoming increasingly aware of their similarities and differences. Students will also be given the opportunity to explore areas of personal interest by conducting research, which may include on-site visits to relevant religious sites in the metro area.
-Meets NCAA requirements
9th Grade Courses
World Studies 9 A, B
Course # 1110, 1111
Grade Offered: 9
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course integrates the study of Human Geography and World History to acquire a deeper understanding of the world and to prepare students for global citizenship. Trimester one (World Studies 9A) focuses on geographic skills and the history and geography of the Americas. Trimester two (World Studies 9B) focuses on the history and geography of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This is a two-year program designed to develop historical and geographic skills.
-Meets NCAA requirements
AP Human Geography A, B, C*
Course # 1100, 1101, 1099
Grade Offered: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2-3
Prerequisites: None
Description: Students in this course will study the patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. Students use spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and it's environmental consequences. Students will learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. Students will also learn study skills to help them manage their time and read and study from college level texts. AP Human Geography is a college level course and students may earn college credit by taking the optional AP test in the Spring. AP Human Geography meets the 9th grade Social Studies requirements, but may also be taken as an elective by 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who have already had World Studies and are interested in trying an AP course.
-Meets NCAA requirements
10th Grade Courses
World Studies 10 A, B
Course # 1114, 1115
Grade Offered: 10
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description: This course integrates the study of Human Geography and World History to acquire a deeper understanding of the world and to prepare students for global citizenship. World Studies 10 is the second year of this course. Trimester three (World Studies 10A) focuses on the history and geography of Europe and Southwest Asia. Trimester four (World Studies 10B) focuses on the history and geography of East and Southeast Asia.
-Meets NCAA requirements
World Studies 10 A, B Online
Course # 1114L, 1115L
Grade Offered: 10
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Please Note
This online course will only run if there are enough students registered. In the case that the online course you selected does not run, you will be enrolled to the in-person version of the course.
Description: This course integrates the study of Human Geography and World History to acquire a deeper understanding of the world and to prepare students for global citizenship. World Studies 10 is the second year of this course. Trimester three (World Studies 10A) focuses on the history and geography of Europe and Southwest Asia. Trimester four (World Studies 10B) focuses on the history and geography of East and Southeast Asia.
-Meets NCAA requirements
AP World History A, B, C*
Course # 1102, 1103, 1104*
Grade Offered: 10, 11, 12
Credits: 2-3
Prerequisites: None
Description: World History AP is designed to help students be successful on the AP test offered in the Spring of each year. The course incorporates both a chronological and thematic approach to the study of history by covering six time periods from the beginning of civilization to the present while emphasizing common themes such as politics, culture and economics. The course uses a college level textbook and requires a significant amount of daily reading and writing assignments.
*This course is a continuation of the first two trimesters of AP World History. Please Note: it will cover the remaining periods and key concepts that do not fit in the first two trimesters. Students will also have an opportunity to continue working on their essay writing skills. This course will also include an intensive review prior to the AP test in May. Students who take the third trimesters of AP World History are more successful on the AP test.
-Meets NCAA requirements
11th Grade Courses
United States Histories
Course # 1005, 1006
Grade Offered: 11
Prerequisites: None
Description: Students in American Histories will analyze the eras, events, people, ideas, and values that have shaped America from multiple perspectives, while also considering their own way of knowing and being. The course will be taught chronologically, starting with indigenous peoples, and ending with an analysis of our nation today. Along the way, students will acquire historical thinking and literacy skills necessary for broader cultural competency.
-Meets NCAA requirements
American Histories A, B Online
Course # 1005L, 1006L
Grade Offered: 11
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Please Note
This online course will only run if there are enough students registered. In the case that the online course you selected does not run, you will be enrolled to the in-person version of the course.
Description: Students in American Histories will analyze the eras, events, people, ideas, and values that have shaped America from multiple perspectives, while also considering their own way of knowing and being. The course will be taught chronologically, starting with indigenous peoples, and ending with an analysis of our nation today. Along the way, students will acquire historical thinking and literacy skills necessary for broader cultural competency.
US History through an African American Lens
Course # 1081, 1082
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description: Students in United States History through an African American Lens will explore themes in African American history centered on Black Excellence and three other themes chosen by students at the start of the course. Students will read critically and analyze both primary and secondary sources as well as discuss and write about the real and perceived experiences of Africans in America. The course will be taught in alignment with US History standards, but with emphasis placed on how the historical realities of Africans in America inform today’s society. The course can replace the US History graduation requirement or it can be taken as an elective.
-Meets NCAA requirements
AP US History A, B, C*
Course # 1107, 1108, 1109*
Grade Offered: 11, 12
Credits: 2-3
Prerequisites: None
Description: In this course, we will explore US history from the colonial era to the late 1900s. We will focus in depth on the themes of American diversity, globalization, economic transformations, and the political ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy. As an AP course, students should expect this to be a rigorous course with college-level readings and frequent writing assessments. Students are strongly encouraged to take the AP US History exam after completing this course.
*This optional third trimester is strongly encouraged for students seeking to take the AP US History Exam as the content not covered in the first two trimesters will be taught in this course. This class will include review exercises and writing strategies to help students prepare for the AP exam. Following the exam, there will be a research project.
-Meets NCAA requirements
12th Grade Courses
Economics
Course # 1009
Grade Offered: 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: Economics is a survey of macro and micro study based on practical applications and theoretical analysis. We will learn how individuals as well as governments satisfy their unlimited needs and wants with limited resources. We will study how choices and policy are made with regards to banking, taxing, spending, and the role of government in those decisions.
-Meets NCAA requirements
Economics Online
Course # 1009L
Grade Offered: 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Please Note
This online course will only run if there are enough students registered. In the case that the online course you selected does not run, you will be enrolled to the in-person version of the course.
Description: Economics is a survey of macro and micro study based on practical applications and theoretical analysis. We will learn how individuals as well as governments satisfy their unlimited needs and wants with limited resources. We will study how choices and policy are made with regards to banking, taxing, spending, and the role of government in those decisions.
AP Microeconomics A, B
Course # 1003, 1004
Grade Offered: 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description: AP Microeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. This course also includes a simulation called Urban Plan that has been recognized nationally as one of most effective activities in preparing students for the world of college / work.
-Meets NCAA requirements
American Government
Course # 1065
Grade Offered: 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Description: The goal of a civic education class in a democracy is to help students gain the knowledge and skills needed for informed, responsible participation in public life. Students will study the constitutional principles and the democratic foundation of our national, state, and local institutions. The class will also provide the opportunity to study the political process and structures of government, grounded in the understanding of constitutional government under the law.
-Meets NCAA requirements
American Government Online
Course # 1065L
Grade Offered: 12
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: None
Please Note
This online course will only run if there are enough students registered. In the case that the online course you selected does not run, you will be enrolled to the in-person version of the course.
Description: The goal of a civic education class in a democracy is to help students gain the knowledge and skills needed for informed, responsible participation in public life. Students will study the constitutional principles and the democratic foundation of our national, state, and local institutions. The class will also provide the opportunity to study the political process and structures of government, grounded in the understanding of constitutional government under the law.
AP US Government & Politics A, B
Course # 1105, 1106
Grade Offered: 12
Credits: 2
Prerequisites: None
Description: In the AP US Government and Politics course, students gain a critical perspective on the functions and politics of the United States government. The course content is used the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up American politics. Topics covered include: constitutional underpinnings of U.S. government; political beliefs and behaviors; political parties, interest groups, and mass media; institutions of national government; public policy; and civil rights and civil liberties. In addition, a primary purpose of the course is to explore careers and career pathways in government, politics and law.
-Meets NCAA requirements