Below are course descriptions for the electives. Many also have a video linked in the course title for your convenience.
AP Human Geography places an emphasis on how Humans impact the world (it isn’t just labeling maps) We will look at how people’s decisions impact the world politically, socially, economically and environmentally. Through these patterns and processes we can better understand why things happen, and even predict what could happen in the future. From how gerrymandering impacts election results and the political sphere to how land-use whether it is farming or urban centers impact countries. We analyze and understand why there are more developed countries and less developed countries in the world and how people’s actions, policies, and war has made the world how it is today.
African American History
This course will survey African American history from precolonial Africa through the present. Students will be introduced to key concepts in African American history from early beginnings in indigenous Africa through the transatlantic slave trade, the Civil War, Emancipation, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights era and into the present. The course, offered in a variety of learning models, will give students an opportunity to explore social events and processes, individuals and agency, documents and institutions; and analyze past and present positions for future implications for African Americans.
This is a social studies elective dealing with psychology: the study of the behavior and mental processes. Through class discussions and readings we will look at the major, modern perspectives and selected topics in psychology. Topics discussed include: Understanding Research, Neurology, Sensation & Perception, Memory, Learning, Human Development, Intelligence, Stress, Motivation, Language, Logic & Thinking, Emotion, Personality, Group Behavior, Mental Disorders, and Therapy.
Suggested Requirements and Expectations: Since this is an Advanced Placement course normally reserved for 11th and 12th graders, students are expected to work independently by reading the textbook, taking notes, and creating flash cards. Readings will include the college textbook, as well as other outside sources. A heavy emphasis is placed on writing and critical thinking. Furthermore, students must learn a multitude of concepts, theories, and vocabulary terms. This course is specifically designed to prepare you to succeed on the National A.P. Exam.
Dual Enrollment Psychology is a class that is taught in conjunction with Reynolds Community College. Students who successfully complete Dual Enrollment Psychology can earn college credit for possible transfer to a four-year college or university.
The first semester is Psychology 200- Principles of Psychology. This is a fast-paced class which serves to give students an introduction to the major topics in the field. Such topics include the biology of the brain, memory, personality, intelligence, mental disorders, and social psychology, among others.
The second semester course is Psychology 230- Lifespan Psychology. This course examines the Psychology of human development from conception through death. Units of study include infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age, and death.
Dual Enrollment Political Science (Government)
This is a two-semester course. The 1st semester is PLS 135 which is similar to AP Government and covers most of the same curriculum in a semester as AP does in a year. The second semester is PLS 136 which is focused on State & Local Government.
*Government is the 12th grade Social Studies Course taken by all students, however, Dual Enrollment is a new course level being offered for the 2022-23 year.