SOCIAL STUDIES

THRU CLASS OF 2028 -- 3.5 Credits required to graduate

CLASS OF 2029 & BEYOND -- 3 Credits required to graduate

COURSE SEQUENCES (clickable):

Social Studies Classes

Act 55 - WI Civics Graduation Requirement

WI Act 55 (2015) requires that beginning with the class of 2017, “any student graduating from a Wisconsin high school takes a civics test comprised of 100 questions that are identical to the 100 questions that may be asked of an individual during the process of applying for U.S. citizenship by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the pupil correctly answers at least 65 of those questions.” (Section 3266R, 118.33(lm)(a)1.)

What this means for students

Students must correctly answer at least 65 of the 100 questions identical to the INS citizenship test in order to graduate from a WI public, charter, or private school participating in a parental choice program.
Students with IEPs must complete the test, but do not have to pass it in order to graduate.
Students identified as LEP may take the test in their language of choice.

REQUIRED CLASSES

These courses meet Graduation Requirements

MUST CHOOSE ONE FROM EACH:

World Cultures OR AP Human Geography

World History OR AP World History

U.S. History OR AP U.S. History

American Government OR AP American Government & Politics

WORLD CULTURES

Prerequisite: NONE

Credit: 1/2

Grades: 9th Grade Only

Description:

This course develops human geography skills. Cultural skills are emphasized as well as basic map and globe skills. Skills are developed through the study of different regional areas such as Asia, Latin America, and sub-Saharan Africa.

AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 9th - 12th Grade

Description:

A full-year course geared toward the college-bound student. AP Human Geography course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students learn to employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. Students will interpret maps and analyze geospatial data, understand and explain the implications of associations and networks among phenomena in places, recognize and interpret the relationships among patterns and processes at different scales of analysis, define regions and evaluate the regionalization process, and characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places. Students receiving a passing score on the AP test in May will earn three college credits.

WORLD HISTORY

Prerequisite: NONE

Credit: 1

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

World History is designed to acquaint students with the historical background of our present-day world. Course content includes non-Western and Western civilizations. Instruction highlights the economic, political, and social aspects of our emerging world.

AP WORLD HISTORY

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

The AP World History course places emphasis on worldwide historical processes and connections among the whole gamut of human societies. The course teaches the historical facts in the context of how progressive changes—environmental, social, scientific, and political— influenced the various societies they touched, as well as how these groups interacted with each other. Students use many primary sources to learn how historical analysis works and how they can proceed to make their own informed interpretations of world events, both past and present.

The “big picture” aspect of the course is underscored by its expansive chronology—from around 8000 b.c.e. to the present, broken into five historical periods. Students taking the course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam.

UNITED STATES HISTORY

Prerequisite: NONE

Credit: 1

Grades: 11th Grade Only

Description:

This course is designed to reinforce the student’s basic understanding of American history. It is organized around a topical approach that selects basic themes in our past and provides an opportunity for in-depth study of these areas. Basic social, political, and economic issues are addressed.

AP UNITED STATES HISTORY

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 11th - 12th Grade

Description:

AP U.S. History is a college-level course that covers the history of the United States from pre-colonial times to the present. Students will study major political, social, and economic developments, analyze primary sources, and develop skills in historical thinking, writing, and analysis. This course prepares students to take the AP U.S. History exam in the spring, which can lead to college credit.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Prerequisite: NONE

Credit: 1/2

Grades: 11th - 12th Grade

Description:

This semester course is an introduction to the basic concepts of American government, the American political process, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Topics include the constitutional framework, federalism, the three branches of government, including the bureaucracy, civil rights and liberties, political participation and behavior, and policy formation. This course also serves to create more informed citizens who are prepared to experience the challenges and joys that come from being an actively involved citizen.

AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 11th - 12th Grade

Description:

The AP course in United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute the U.S. government and politics. Students will become acquainted with various theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes in U.S. politics.

ELECTIVE CLASSES

APPLIED ECONOMICS

Prerequisite: NONE

Credit: 1/2 (1st semester)

Grades: 9th - 12th Grade

Description:

This course will give the students a greater understanding of economics ranging from the viewpoint of the individual consumer or small business owner to the global economy. The course will study the law of supply and demand, forms of business, government finances and influence on the economy, money and prices, and inflation cycles. An excellent course for someone interested in understanding what the economy is and how it works.

WISCONSIN HISTORY

Prerequisite: NONE

Credit: 1/2

Grades: 9th - 12th Grade

Description:

This course is a survey of Wisconsin history based on a variety of aspects of the state’s past, including Native American perspectives, geography, and geologic influences, French and British influences, territorial experience, and the road to statehood. Early statehood and Civil War, the logging and agricultural eras, the progressive era, 20th century Wisconsin, and government. Also included in the component is a local history project. Students will examine original documents and photographs and create their own historical account of a local interest or evaluation of current local concerns.

Students will also develop research and writing skills as well as technological and group presentation skills. They will have an understanding of their state history as well as factors impacting the community in which they live.

HUMANITIES: CULTURAL APPRECIATION

Prerequisite: NONE

Credit: 1/2 (2nd semester)

Grades: 9th - 12th Grade

Description:

Journey through diverse cultures and artistic expressions in this elective semester-long course. Rooted in the foundations of cultural appreciation, students delve into fundamental concepts such as culture, diversity, and empathy. They reflect on their own cultural biases, fostering self-awareness as the bedrock for genuine cultural appreciation. From the rhythmic beats of African drums to the intricate brush strokes of Chinese calligraphy, students engage in in-depth analyses of diverse cultures worldwide, exploring their historical development, social norms, and rich traditions. The course educates students about the interconnectedness of global cultures, cultivating cross-cultural understanding as a vital life skill. Through hands-on activities like dance workshops, artistic creations, and culinary explorations, the course takes students on an exploration of how artistic forms like literature, visual arts, and performing arts convey cultural narratives and values. They engage in creative projects inspired by cultural elements, using artistic expression to deepen their understanding of diverse cultures not only allowing students to gain appreciation for the arts but also to develop cross-cultural understanding. This comprehensive course nurtures cultural competence, empathy, and a commitment to social justice, empowering students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. It is a captivating journey of cultural exploration, making the world's diverse tapestry come to life.

PSYCHOLOGY

Prerequisite: NONE

Credit: 1/2

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

Psychology is a semester elective course open to sophomores through seniors. This course is designed as an introduction to the growing field of psychology. Students will learn the basis of human behavior and mental processes through examining the major psychological perspectives. This course will include many hands-on activities as well as self-reflection and group discussion. Semester psychology is a great place to begin if you have ever wondered how the brain works or why we do what we do.

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 10th - 12th Grade

Description:

The study of European history since 1450 A.D. introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, goals of the course are to develop: a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing. Students taking this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam.

HUMANITIES: PHILOSOPHY

Prerequisite: NONE

Credit: 1/2

Grades: 11th - 12th Grade

Description:

This Humanities course is designed to introduce students to the practice of philosophy and several major schools of philosophical thought. Units for the course will include analysis of reason, human nature, ethics, aesthetics, and truth in knowledge. Students will study a diverse selection of philosophical thinkers and corresponding theories. Content will include topics culled from various periods and locations throughout human history. Both Western and non-Western traditions will be explored. The methods of the course focus primarily on inquiry and discussion. Students engage in problem-based learning activities and extensive dialogue throughout the course.

AP ECONOMICS

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 11th - 12th Grade

Description:

AP Economics is a college-level, full-year course designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics. AP Economics will emphasize the study of national income, economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. AP Economics aims to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of a typical college introduction-level economics course. Students will learn to think like economists - to question, to evaluate marginal costs and marginal benefits, to explore the many ways that one action will cause secondary actions. Upon completion of this course, students can pass two AP tests (micro and macroeconomic) and earn up to eight college credits. ThIS course also meets the school’s and state’s financial literacy requirements.

AP PSYCHOLOGY

Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Credit: 1 honors

Grades: 11th - 12th Grade

Description:

The AP course in psychology is designed to meet the requirements of the College Board Advanced Placement curriculum and examination. It is a year-long course that introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes in human beings and animals. Students will learn why we think, act, and behave the way we do by studying psychology's major theories and subfields. As this course follows the AP curriculum, it is a rigorous course that requires outside reading of the AP textbook as well as class participation and active learning.

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