Foundational Courses
AMERICAN HISTORY: POST-RECONSTRUCTION TO WORLD WAR 2
OPEN TO: 10
PREREQUISITE: NONE
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: YES
CAPACITY: 25
The historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies, and reform movements from post Civil War Reconstruction to World War II. Students will be able to examine the impact of geopolitical factors on major events and eras and analyze their causes and effects. Students will use a variety of primary and secondary source material to understand and interpret the past, including multiple points of view and historical context.
AMERICAN HISTORY: THE ATOMIC AGE TO THE MODERN ERA
OPEN TO: 10
PREREQUISITE: US HISTORY: POST-RECONSTRUCTION TO WORLD WAR 2
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: YES
CAPACITY: 25
The historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies, and reform movements from the Cold War to the present. Students will be able to examine the impact of geopolitical factors on major events and eras and analyze their causes and effects. Students will use a variety of primary and secondary source material to understand and interpret the past, including multiple points of view and historical context.
US GOVERNMENT
OPEN TO: 11
PREREQUISITE: AMERICAN HISTORY
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: YES
CAPACITY: 30
US Government is the study of power and authority through the examination of political processes, governmental institutions, and human behavior in a civil society. In this context, the study of civics is understood to include the form and function of government. Civic literacy encompasses civics but also addresses the individual's social and political participation.
ECONOMICS
OPEN TO: 12
PREREQUISITE: NONE
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: YES
CAPACITY: 30
Economics is designed to give students a greater understanding of the economies of the world, especially that of the United States. Students will consider their understanding in basic financial literacy. The course will also delve into basic economic questions, institutions, regulations, and how the government, financial institutions, and the global markets impact their lives. Economics satisfies the States of Iowa’s requirement for personal finance literacy.
PSYCHOLOGY
OPEN TO: 10, 11, 12
PREREQUISITE: NONE
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: EITHER PSYCHOLOGY OR SOCIOLOGY ARE REQUIRED
CAPACITY: 30
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The course will introduce students to the neuroanatomy of the brain and how those neurological regions that influence consciousness, personality, and cognition. In addition, this course will examine the influence on individual and group behaviors by way of socialization and social institutions. Students will also examine issues associated with mental health and issues in society. Students will need to be prepared for a significant amount of reading and hands-on application of the course content. Psychology can be replaced by Sociology or AP Psychology to satisfy the behavioral science core requirement.
SOCIOLOGY
OPEN TO: 10, 11, 12
PREREQUISITE: NONE
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT: EITHER SOCIOLOGY OR PSYCHOLOGY ARE REQUIRED
CAPACITY: 30
Sociology seeks to provide students with the essential components of society and social interactions. This course is intended to provide students with the general knowledge of the intricate details of society in an effort to help them function and coexist beyond high school. In summary, a background in Sociology will give students a general knowledge of what they can expect from society as well as what society expects of them. In turn, the goal is then to provide direction to make decisions that will affect the individual as well as society in general. Sociology can be replaced by Psychology or AP Psychology to satisfy the behavioral science requirement.