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If you are interested in PBL courses, please see the Project Based Learning Academy page that can be found here.
3 Credits Required to Graduate
3 Credits Required to Graduate
Recommended Course Sequence
Recommended Course Sequence
Grade 9
World Geography I or AP Human Geography
Grade 10
World History or AP World History: Modern
Grade 11
Modern US History or American Studies
AP US History
Grade 12
Government or AP Government and Politics: United States
Economics
AP Economics or Personal Finance
Grade 9-12 Elective
Global Issues
Spanish Immersion Global Issues
Early History of Mankind
World Geography II
Grade 10-12 Elective
Psychology I
Psychology II
Sociology
Indigenous Studies of the Oceti Sakowin
Grade 11-12 Elective
AP Psychology
WORLD GEOGRAPHY I
Course Number: SSG-3010 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 9-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Meets Graduation Requirement
Locate places in the world using a map and/or globe; analyze and interpret data presented on maps, charts, graphs, tables, and atlases; use critical thinking skills in applying physical geography concepts to describe how people live in various regions; develop the understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and people that inhabit earth; enrich the comprehension of geography through the use of technology.
SPANISH IMMERSION WORLD GEOGRAPHY I
Course Number: SSGI3010 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 9-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None, Spanish Immersion students, open to other students with instructor
approval
Locate places in the world using a map and/or globe; analyze and interpret data presented on maps, charts, graphs, tables, and atlases; use critical thinking skills in applying physical geography concepts to describe how people live in various regions; develop the understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and people that inhabit earth; enrich the comprehension of geography through the use of technology.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY II
Course Number: SSG-3020 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 9-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Meets Graduation Requirement
World Geography II can be taken as a Social Studies Selective if World Geography I has been taken.
Demonstrate competent use of maps, globe; and atlases; identify and explain how humans continue to modify the physical environment in ways that reveal their cultural values; analyze in-depth aspects of cultural, physical and political geography.
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Course Number: SSG-5010 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 9-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Meets Graduation Requirement
Students are expected to take the AP exam.
Explore the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use and alteration of Earth’s surfaces; use spatial concepts and landscape analysis to analyze human social organization and its environmental consequences; study the methods and tools geographers use in their space and practice.
GLOBAL ISSUES
Course Number: SSS-3080 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 9-12, preferred grade 9-10
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Global Issues provides students with an opportunity to encounter international issues with undefined problems. Students will create new information to extend their learning. Students will gain an appreciation of learning in teams as they set their course on coming to a rational conclusion using the problem-based and technology-based learning. Students will fully understand that they are truly global citizens and that responsibility lies at the core of good citizenship.
SPANISH IMMERSION GLOBAL ISSUES
Course Number: SSHI3080 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 9-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None, Spanish Immersion students, open to other students with instructor
approval
Global Issues provides students with an opportunity to encounter international issues with undefined problems. Students will create new information to extend their learning. Students will gain an appreciation of learning in teams as they set their course on coming to a rational conclusion using the problem-based and technology-based learning. Students will fully understand that they are truly global citizens and that responsibility lies at the core of good citizenship.
WORLD HISTORY
Course Number: SSH-3070 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 9-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Addresses the story of Mankind from Renaissance to pre WWII.
This course reconstructs the historical narrative of Western Europe and the Atlantic World from 1300-1939. Within this course students will encounter the political, economic, social, and technological progressions that have shaped the modern world we live in today. Students will be expected to recognize themes of comparison and causation from the Renaissance, Scientific Revolution, the Age of Exploration, Age of Absolutism, the Enlightenment, the American and French Revolutions, the Industrial Revolution, the Rise of Imperialism, World War I, and the Rise of Fascism in the western world. Students will also study the methods and techniques used by historians to construct an accurate account of the past.
AP WORLD HISTORY: MODERN
Course Number: SSH-5021/5022 Credit: 1.0 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 10-12
Length: One year Prerequisite: None
1st Semester meets a social studies elective .
2nd Semester meets World History graduation requirement. (Students need to complete the entire year-long course to receive the 0.5 World History credit required for graduation.)
Students are expected to take the AP exam.
Do you have an interest in learning about post-classical civilizations including European, Asian, African, and American cultures or the rise of the world’s religions? Would you like to develop your skills of critical reading and writing? These are just a few of the areas covered in AP World History. This course offers motivated students the opportunity to look in depth at the processes that have resulted in the knitting of the world into a tightly integrated whole. This course is a two-semester study of World History beginning in 1200 C.E. to the present. The approach is to let students “do history” by guiding them through the steps a historian would take in analyzing historical events. The course offers balanced global coverage with Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania represented.
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
Course Number: SSH-5031/5032 Credit: 1.0 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 10-12
Length: One year Prerequisite: None
1st semester meets World History graduation requirement.
2nd semester meets social studies elective. (Students need to complete the entire year-long course to receive the 0.5 World History credit required for gradation.)
Students are expected to take the AP exam.
In AP European History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from approximately 1450 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course also provides seven themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: interaction of Europe and the world, economic and commercial development, cultural and intellectual development, states and other institutions of power, social organization and development, national and European identity, and technological and scientific innovations.
INDIGENOUS STUDIES OF THE OCETI SAKOWIN
Course Number: SSS-3150 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 10-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
In this semester long course students will learn about Indigenous people from the time of pre-European contact to the present day. Using critical thinking skills, students will explore the Oceti Sakowin people, lands, spirituality, and experiences. These four topics will serve as a model for studying other Indigenous nations. Students can expect to gain an understanding of Federal Indian Policies and legislation to examine the interrelationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people in North America, and between Indigenous Sovereign Nations, states, and the US Government.
EARLY HISTORY OF MANKIND
Course Number: SSH-3060 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 9-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Addresses the story of Mankind from its beginnings to the Renaissance.
Picture how it was to be a teenager during the times when the great religions were born, to sit with the creators of civilization; to walk with the famous Iceman in his ill-fated trek through the Alps of 5,000 years ago; to witness the building of the Great Pyramid; to feel the thrill of ultimate competition in the first Olympics; to be awed by the Seven Wonders of the World; to watch the gladiators duel in the Coliseum; to report the burying of great resort cities by the Vesuvius volcano; to fight beside King Richard the Lion-Hearted or the Great Saladin in the Crusades; to witness the dreaded Black Plague; to train with knights and live in great castles; to walk with Jesus or Mohammed; to invent languages; to sail in the legendary longboats of the Vikings as they set foot in North America; or to sit with the great lords and knights as they make futile plans to stop the Golden Hordes of Mongols. Live your early history and see how it formed your world today.
SPORTS AND SOCIETY
Course Number: SSH-3110 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 10-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Sports and Society will focus on the role that sports has played in helping shape American society. Topics covered will include the impact of sports on civil rights and women's rights, sports as an expression of patriotism, sports as a way of defining what it means to be an American, and sports as a form of political expression.
SOCIOLOGY
Course Number: SSS-3070 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 10-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Sociology is the science of group relationships. It explores patterns of group behavior in social situations, such as family, religion, and school. Sociology explores the origins, functions and interrelationships in culture, religion, crime, sexuality, family, old age, media, advertising, addictions, etc.
PSYCHOLOGY I
Course Number: SSS-3020 Credit: 0.5 credit
Reqiured/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 10-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
This course prepares students for college psychology by incorporating hands-on activities, group activities, and multi-media units with emphasis on reading and writing skills. Units included are Brain and Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness, Research Methods, Learning and Memory. This follows the APA National Content Standards. This is an excellent opportunity to apply academic principles to real-life situations.
PSYCHOLOGY II
Course Number: SSS-3030 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 10-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: Psychology I
Builds on units addressed in Psychology I and includes motivation and emotion, lifespan development, intelligence, thinking and language, mental illness and personality assessment. Students will employ multi-media, hands-on and group activities, complete a research project demonstrating their understanding of psychological concepts.
AP PSYCHOLOGY
Course Number: SSS-5020 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Offered at Washington
Students are expected to take the AP exam.
The purpose of this class is 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 methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Solid reading and writing skills, good attendance and a willingness to devote time to homework and study are necessary to succeed in this course. Recommended but not required – Biology or Anatomy/Physiology.
AP PSYCHOLOGY
Course Number: SSS-5021/5022 Credit: 1.0 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One year Prerequisite: None
Offered at Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Jefferson
Students are expected to take the AP exam.
The purpose of this class is 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 methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Solid reading and writing skills, good attendance and a willingness to devote time to homework and study are necessary to succeed in this course. Recommended but not required – Biology or Anatomy/Physiology.
COLLEGE GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
Course Number: PSYCH101 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
This is a dual credit course.
Students must meet dual credit requirements.
Students are responsible for dual credit fees.
Offered at Roosevelt and Jefferson only
This dual-credit psychology class offers high school students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously while exploring the fascinating field of psychology. This course introduces students to human behavior, mental processes, psychological theories, and research methods. By engaging in college-level content, students develop critical thinking skills, scientifically analyze human thought and behavior, and gain insight into topics such as learning, memory, personality, and mental health. Dual credit courses often provide a head start on college coursework, help students save on tuition costs, and build confidence in handling academic challenges at the post-secondary level. Additionally, exposure to psychology may inspire students to pursue further studies or careers in related fields such as counseling, social work, or neuroscience.
INTRO TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Course Number: LLT-4040 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
This is a dual credit course.
Students must meet dual credit requirements.
Students are responsible for dual credit fees.
Offered at Lincoln only
Are you interested in learning more about our legal system? Are you considering a career in law, law enforcement, probation, corrections, or court? An Introduction to Criminal Justice course would be your first step on any of those career paths. This course will overview the institutions involved in our criminal justice system including the police, attorneys, pleas, trials, sentencing, probation, and corrections.
MODERN US HISTORY
Course Number: SSH-3011/3012 Credit: 1.0 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One year Prerequisite: None
Meets Graduation Requirement– American History Option
Although the focus of this yearlong course is the 20th century, a review of American history from the Civil War to the turn of the century is included. The major units encompass foreign and domestic policy. The emphasis on foreign issues relates to the world wars, the Cold War, Vietnam and terrorism. Domestic policy stresses the Jazz Age, the Great Depression, Civil Rights and the Counter Culture.
AMERICAN STUDIES
Course Number: SSH-3021/3022 & LAEN3031/3032 Credit: 2.0 credits
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One year, two-period block Prerequisite: None
Meets Graduation Requirement– American Literature requirement and American History option
Offered at Washington only
American Studies is a yearlong survey course combining the study of American history with American literature and composition. This two-period block class provides an interdisciplinary approach to the three required courses. The chronological study of history from the pre-Civil War period to the present blends an appreciation for different literary genres throughout our nation’s history, helps students develop critical reading and writing skills, focuses on vocabulary building, and includes art, music, and other cultural developments of historical eras. This class meets daily in a two-period block. If successfully completed, the student earns one credit for American history, 0.5 credit for American Literature, and 0.5 credit for Composition. Most students register for this course for the junior year of high school.
AP UNITED STATES HISTORY
Course Number: SSH-5011/5012 Credit: 1.0 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One year Prerequisite: None
Meets Graduation Requirement
Students are expected to take the AP exam.
AP US History is a challenging course that is meant to be the equivalent of a college freshman survey course. It is a two-semester survey of American history from the age of exploration and discovery to the present. Students will study political, social, economic, diplomatic, intellectual and cultural history. Solid reading and writing skills, a willingness to devote time to homework and study, and good attendance are necessary to succeed in this course. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. College credit may be earned by passing this exam.
GOVERNMENT
Course Number: SSV-3010 Credit: 0.5 credit
(SSVN3010 PBL Academy at Jefferson)
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 10-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Meets Graduation Requirement
Students will study the U.S. Constitution and acquire knowledge of the fundamental principles of the American governmental system. Students will study the three branches of government, the American political system, the basic fundamental rights and responsibilities of American citizens, and state and local government.
COLLEGE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Course Number: LLT-4020 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Offered at Jefferson only
Meets Graduation Requirement
This course examines the US Constitution, historical documents, and Supreme Court cases in order to gain a better understanding of our federal government. Students will understand the structure and function of our national government as well as compare it with other governments, both on the international and state level. This course meets the requirements for high school graduation as well as earning the successful student college credit through USD.
AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Course Number: SSV-5010 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Meets Graduation Requirement
Students are expected to take AP Exam.
Students will complete an advanced comprehensive study of American government and politics. Topics of study will include: the American Federal System; political parties, elections and voting; Congress; the Presidency; federal courts; the media and public opinion; and civil rights and liberties.
AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
Course Number: SSV-5011/5012 Credit: 1.0 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One year Prerequisite: None
Offered at Roosevelt only
Students are expected to take AP Exam.
Students will complete an advanced comprehensive study of American government and politics. Topics of study will include: the American Federal System; political parties, elections and voting; Congress; the Presidency; federal courts; the media and public opinion; and civil rights and liberties.
ECONOMICS
Course Number: SSS-3040 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Meets Graduation Requirement
Have you ever wondered why some businesses (and individuals!) thrive and make millions while others struggle just to survive? Understanding economics and the way the various economic systems work may answer that very question. Economics deals with the way in which individuals, households, firms, industries and Governments decide to employ their given talents and material resources to best satisfy their many needs. A deeper understanding of economics will enable you to understand and evaluate the U.S. economy and to participate in it more fully. You will discover that there is more than one way to organize an economy, and that the successful U.S. model, which is organized around the private sector, is just one of several possibilities available.
AP MACROECONOMICS
Course Number: SSS-5010 Credit: 0.5 credit
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One semester Prerequisite: None
Meets graduation requirement
Students are expected to take the AP exam.
AP Macroeconomics is a course designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics in examining aggregate economic behavior. Students taking the course can expect to learn how the measures of economic performance, such as GDP, inflation and unemployment, are constructed and how to apply them to evaluate the macroeconomic conditions of an economy. Students will also learn the basic analytical tools of macroeconomics, primarily the aggregate demand and aggregate supply model and its application in the analysis and determination of national income, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of fiscal policy and monetary policy in promoting economic growth and stability. Recognizing the global nature of economics, students will also have ample opportunities to examine the impact of international trade and international finance on national economies. Various economic schools of thought are introduced as solutions to economic problems are considered.
AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES
Course Number: SSS-5041/5042 Credit: 1.0 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One year Prerequisite: None
Students are expected to take the AP exam.
AP African American Studies invites students to explore the rich, interdisciplinary history, culture, and contributions of African Americans from ancient civilizations in Africa to today. Through dynamic discussions, historical analysis, and the study of literature, art, and music, the course will uncover stories of resilience, innovation, and social change that have shaped the world. This course offers students a powerful opportunity to research topics of their choosing through an independent final project, deepen their understanding through historical writing, and earn college credit.
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
Course Number: SSHN3021/3022, LALN3031, LACN3032, ELEN3030 Credit: 2.5 credits
(PBL Academy at Jefferson)
Required/Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 11
Length: One year, two-period block Prerequisite: None
Meets American History, American Literature and Composition graduation requirements, and General Elective credit.
In American Experience, students have a chance to learn about some of America’s most important events by participating in collaborative projects and presenting their end product to show content knowledge. Students work to create authentic projects in conjunction with community partners. The course examines the impact society and history have on literature. Notable projects previously completed include #myparty12, America@War, and War Games. This course fulfills the graduation requirement for American Literature and Composition in addition to credit for US History. Students also receive 1/2 elective credit for this course.
HUMANITIES II
LEAN3021/3022 & SSSN3080 & SSHN3010 (PBL Academy at Jefferson) Credit: 2.0 credits
Required/ Elective: Required Grade Level: Open to grade 10
Length: One year, two-period block Prerequisite: None
Humanities II challenges students to examine and analyze major historical events and current global issues through the lens of literature and collaborative projects. This course combines English II, and social studies electives World History and Global Issues.
PBL GOVERNMENT & PBL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS & RESPONSIBILITY (GEAR)
Course Number: SCSN3020 & SSVN3010 PBL Academy at Jefferson Credit: 1.0 credit
Required/Elective: Elective Grade Level: Open to grade 11-12
Length: One semester, two-hour block Prerequisite: None
This course combines two disciplines to create an action-based curriculum. Not only will you learn the impact humans have on our environment, but you will also learn how you can actively participate in its preservation through civic action. Projects in GEAR will address the historical evolution of environmental activism alongside the United States government, global intergovernmental efforts to address climate change, and local government’s involvement in the management of our South Dakota ecosystems.
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