Social Studies

Courses

Eastern Cultural Studies

Grade Level: 9

Credit: 1

Length: Full Year

Prerequisite: None

Eastern Cultural Studies is a class for students to gain a deep understanding of cultures throughout the world, with an emphasis on the eastern hemisphere. Students will investigate people whose beliefs, values, and customs are similar and different than their own. Topics include physical geography, history, environmental issues, economics, government, demographics, and current events. This course is a complement to the 8 th grade “Western Cultural Studies” social studies class

Eastern Cultural Studies - Honors

Grade Level: 9

Credit: 1

Length: Full Year

Prerequisite: None

This course develops human geography skills and in understanding of the forces behind change in our world today. Important topics include the fundementals of governance, economic development, and cultural traits. Skills are developed through the study of different regional areas such as the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. ECS-H will present material in more detail and will require more writing, presentations, independent work, and increased work time outside of class than the ECS course.

U.S. History 10

Grade Level: 10

Credit: 1

Length: Full Year

Prerequisite: None

The U.S. History course will examine the major events and famous people that have shaped U.S. society over the last century. Main themes include poitics, social, and economic trends from times of Imperialism through the current day.

Advanced Placement U.S. History

Grade Level: 10, 11, 12

Credit: 1

Length: Full Year

Prerequisite: Recommended 3.25 GPA

This class is designed to prepare students for the AP exam in the U.S. History. The course is an in-depth study of the U.S. History tought at an accelerated pace. Students will utilize several learning techniques, many of which are self directed. Reading and writing skills are emphasized. In order to be successful in Advanced Placement U.S. History, students need to be highly motivated and self directed. It is strongly recomended that students have good writing skills and the ability to spend approximately five hours a week working outside fo class.

Advanced Placement Human Geography

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1

Length: Full Year

Prerequisite: None

This course deals with patterns of global cultural systems and their impact on the earth. Human Geography includes an analysis of rural and urban economics, politics and boundaries, population, urbanization, religion, and linguistics. Theoretical and mathematical models will be used to understand human behavior and interactions with the environments in which we live. AP Human Geography is open to Juniors and Senors who intend to take the AP Human Geography exam in May.

Advanced Placement Psychology

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1

Length: Full Year

Prerequisite: Recommended 3.25 GPA

This course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with the major subfields within psychology. Students will also learn about the methods psychologists use in their everyday practices. Students will be rewuired by district policy to take the national AP exam in May and possibly recieve three college credits.

Ancient and Medieval History

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Ancient & Medieval History is designed to acquaint students with the historical background of our present day world. Course content includes non-Western and Western civilizations prior to the 1400's, including Ancient Greece and Rome, China and Medieval Europe. Instruction highlights the economic, political, and social aspects of our emerging world. Emphasis is placed on primary source work.

Ethnic Studies

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

This course will cover the history of various racial and ethnic groups such as Asian Americans, African Americans, Latinos, Middle-Eastern and Muslim Americans, Native Americans and White Ethnics. Study will include reasons they came to the U.S., how they interacted with the mainstream culture, the ways in which they contributed to society, unique characteristics they held onto, and the ways in which they were not a full and equal part of society, and actions taken to be treated more equally. Contemporary issues regarding race and ethnicity such as immigration, racial profiling, affirmative action and Indian gaming will also be covered.

History of Warfare

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

This class will look at how warfare has changed ancient times to the present day. Students will have the opportunity to study and act out the battle tactis, weapons and famous people of the many conflicts spanning human history. Topics include the root causes of war, the daily lives of fighting men and women, the evolution of military equipment, and the reasons why battles are won or lost. Active participation is a big part of assessment for students in this class.

Modern World History

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Modern World History is designed to acquaint students with the historical background of our present day world. Course content includes non-Western and Western civilizations since the 1400's, including the Renaissance and the Age of Imperialism. Instruction highlighs the economic, political, and social aspects of our emerging world. Emphasis is placed on primary source work.

Psychology

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Psychology will help students understand why they think, feel, talk and act as they do. The course explores the ways various psychologists explain human behavior. As a result of dealing with these explanations, students will be better able to understand themselves and others.

Sociology

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Since Sociology is the study of human society and social behavior, sociologists focus on group behavior to understand how people relate to one another and influence each other's behavior. The intent of this course is to introduce students to topics such as social class, adolecence, deviance, culture, personality, race, and ethnicity. Students are invited to think like a sociologist by making connections between themseves and society, understanding the reasons for social problems and considering solutions to societal issues. Discussions is an important element of this sutdent participation class.

Today's World

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

This course covers current events that appear most often in the news and are important either locally, state wide, nationally, or globally. Topics covered can be both teacher and student selected. Students will stay informed of what is happening in the news. Students participation in discussion is an essential part of this course.

Wisconsin Story

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

This course is a survey of Wisconsin based on a variety of aspects of the state's past and present, including: Native American perspective, geography and geologic influences, economics, political development, the role of conflict and war, and immigration. Also included in the course is the county portfolio project. Students will develop research and writing skills and well as technological and group presentation skills. They will have an understanding of their state history as well as factors affecting the community in which they live.

Women's Studies

Grade Level: 11, 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Women's Studies looks at issues that affect women past and present. We will study the traditional and non-traditional roles that women have had in the U.S. and world culture and society from ancient times through wormen's rights movements in the 19th and 20th centuries. We will also discuss current issues that face women worldwide, human trafficking, advertising and body image, domestic abuse, and economic gaps between genders. Student participation in discussion is an important part of this course.

Economics

Grade Level: 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

This senior level course combines the three main themes of economics: micro, macro, and personal finance. Students will learn about the market system that the Unites States funcions under, how it operates, and when and how the government steps in to correct any problems. The course also helps students understand basic business functions, such as competition and the role of advertising, as well as personal decision-making and risk-taking in areas such as investments and insurance.

Advanced Placement Microeconomics

Grade Level: 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester (second only)

Prerequisite: None

AP Micro is a fast-paced second semester senior course. It is intended for students looking for a challenge and interested in taking a closer look at the decision-making that buisnesses conduct in detemining how to set prices and how much to produce. Students enrolled will use math reasoning and critical thinking skills to apply their knowledge to prepare to take national Microeconomics AP exam and possbly earn college credit.

Advanced Placement Macroeconomics

Grade Level: 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester (second only)

Prerequisite: None

AP Macroeconomics is a fast-paced second semester course for seniors. It is intended for students looking for a challenge and interested in understanding the principles of economics that apply to an economic systems as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and develops students' familiarity with economic performances measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students will use math, reasoning, critical thinking, and application skills to prepare for the national Macroeconomics AP exam and possibly earn college credits.

Government

Grade Level: 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

This class deals primarily with the structure and functions of the national and state governments of the United States. Included is a study of the development of our political system, elections, Congress, the Presidency, and the Federal Court system. The structure and functions of Wisconsin state and local government is also studied. Emphasis will be placed on government processes as they relate to society today.

Government - Honors

Grade Level: 12

Credit: 1/2

Length: Semester

Prerequisite: None

This course introduces students to the history, structure, and systems of the U.S. political process. Students will be exposed to the functions of local, state, and federal government. Students will also gain an understanding of citizenship and the voting and electoral process. A higher level of participation and performance is expectd in the Honors level course.