DPHS Electives
The elective courses offered through the social studies department have a two-fold mission. They are available for student to be able to take courses that match their interests in the social sciences. Additionally, the elective courses are meant to supplement and work in conjunction with our core courses while allowing students to achieve a deeper understanding of social studies according to their interests during their normal school day.
0229 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY I (1/2 Credit R)
Offered to: Grades: 11-12
This course will focus on specific abnormal and psychotic behaviors, such as: schizophrenia, depression, multiple personalities, eating, anxiety and childhood disorders
0230 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY II (1/2 Credit R)
Offered to: Grades 11-12
Requirement: Abnormal Psychology I
This course will focus on anxiety, mood, social, psychotic and developmental disorders, as well a mental health and the law. Topics will include: phobias, depression, dementia, alcoholism, sexual and gender identity, and criminal responsibility.
0223 ADVANCED PLACEMENT HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (1/2 Credit C)
Offered to: Grades 9-12 Requirement: Demonstrated excellence in social studies with approval/recommendation of the Social Studies Curriculum Associate or previous experience in AP courses. Grade 9 students wishing to be enrolled must be enrolled in Pre-AP World History.
This college level course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students will apply a geographic lens to the study of history to determine the “Where and Why?” of historical events rather than “When and Why?”. They will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine socio economic organization and its environmental consequences. They will utilize critical thinking skills to solve problems using maps and spatial data. Students will explore and evaluate the geographic organization of human population, migration patterns, cultural patterns (through the study of language, religion, race, ethnicity and gender), political organization of space, industrial and economic development, and urban land use. Students will gain a geographic understanding of how events in one place influence other locations throughout the world. Finally, students will analyze the impact of geography in achieving political, economic, and industrial goals. This course culminates with the College Board AP Exam in Human Geography in May. A summer assignment is required.
0213 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY (1/2 Credit C) Offered to: Grades 10-12
Requirement: Successful completion of Pre-AP World History or demonstrated excellence in Global I with approval/recommendation of the Social Studies Curriculum Associate.
The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
0228 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW ½ Credit R)
Offered to: Grades 10-12
This course will focus on contemporary criminal and civil legal issues related to the Constitution. Case studies relevant to the student’s lives as well as mock trials will highlight this course.
0218 PSYCHOLOGY (1/2 Credit R)
Offered to: Grades 9-12
This course is a basic introduction to psychology, covering such areas as personality, learning, deviance, and various psychological theories. Research into current trends and theories in psychological applications are also an expectation of each student
0250 IMPACT OF SPORTS IN HISTORY (1/2 Credit R)
Offered to: Grades 9-12
This course will provide students with an overall view of the impact of sports throughout history, beginning with the emergence of the Olympics in Greece and continuing through the 21st century. Focus topics will include discrimination in sports, Title IX cases, and the economics of sports among others. Various source materials will include documentaries, internet research, and print materials. Students will engage in research projects, discussion and debate on the focus topics.
0246 INTRO TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE (1/2 Credit R)
Offered to: Grades 10-12
This course introduces the law and criminal justice system in the United States. It analyzes the impact of the legal system on our lives, how the courts deal with crime and punishment, and the historical evolution of the system. The students will be exposed to the role of law enforcement, prosecution, courts and corrections in the criminal justice system.
0260 INTRO TO HISTORY OF GENOCIDE (1/2 Credit R)
Offered to :Grade 10 Co-Requisite : AP World History
This course is designed to explore human rights violations across history. The students will explore documents that detail the social political, and economic factors that cause crimes against humanity. The lasting impact of these events will be determined through critical thinking and analysis.