Social Studies

AP African American Studies is designed as an evidence-based introduction to African American studies that prepares students for the intellectual challenge of studying African American historical and cultural influences at the college level. The interdisciplinary course reaches into a variety of fields—literature, the arts and humanities, political science, geography, science—to explore the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans. The course will take students beyond the popular aspects of African American history to highlight the resistance movements and cultural traditions that influence modern history.

The Wisconsin First Nation covers the pre-contact to present day of tribal and indigenous people in the state of Wisconsin. Students will discover the history and culture of Wisconsin Indegenous people through their unique worldview. This course will discuss the 11 Federally recognized tribes of Wisconsin and other Native communities in the state. Students will discover the political, social, economic, and racial impacts of tribes. Topics discussed in this course will be prehistory and culture, treaties and the reservation system, and current issues affecting Wisconsin tribes today.

The Civics course is focused on understanding the role of our governments (local, state, and national) through discussion, application of skills, and political simulations. The course provides an opportunity for students to learn how they can become more informed and active participants in our communities and address issues that impact them, their families, and their communities. 

Race matters. Race matters at school. Race matters at home. Race matters at McDonald's and at the doctor's office. Race matters in the criminal justice system and when we are electing a new president. But race is a social construct, meaning it is only a thing because our society makes it a thing. Have you ever wondered why this thing called race, which isn't really a thing, matters so much?  Did you know that Irish people and Japanese people were once considered black? Did you know that some members of the Cherokee Nation once owned slaves?  Have you ever wondered why, when people look at you, they see your race and make assumptions about you? If you want to answer some of these questions and work with your peers to try to understand race in American society, then Ethnic Studies is the class for you! 

This course is designed for students enrolled in the district’s dual language immersion and developmental bilingual programs. Other interested students should consult with guidance counselor prior to registering. The course covers pre-Columbian Indigenous societies, the period of Spanish conquest and rule, the struggle for independence, and the current efforts to modernize and stabilize the wide variety of Latin American nations. The course will be taught entirely in Spanish and will include primary source and current event analysis, formal research and academic writing, guest speakers, and in-class discussion. 

U.S. Women’s History will bring to life the experiences, traditions, culture, and ideas of American women. Through readings, films, and class discussions, we will examine the lives of various groups of women, giving consideration to race, ethnicity, and class, as well as gender. Students will gain new perspectives about our society and our history at large and will understand the role that women have played and continue to play in shaping our country.

This course is for students wanting a more in depth view of psychology. Through the use of psychological methods, students will explore psychology in learning/intelligence theory, development, mental disorders, group behavior, the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, cognition, and memory. Through labs, lectures and presentations this class is structured to provide support and success on the AP Psychology exam. It is strongly recommended that students have taken Human Social Behavior and passed with a "C" or higher prior to taking AP Psychology. Near the end of the school year, students have the option of taking the Advanced Placement examination in Psychology and qualifying for college credit. The reading is college-level, extensive, and designed for students who are highly motivated and who have strong independent skills. Tests are objective and essay. 

The purpose of this course is to provide each student with the necessary tools and skills to understand the operation of the American and global economies. Additionally, it will provide the students with the ability to apply their understanding to real life issues. We all play the role of consumer, worker, investor, taxpayer, and voter. This course will allow the students to make more informed and reasoned judgments about their role in our economy. 

The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement exam in Microeconomics and create a more rigorous option for our economics course. In addition, this course is to provide each student with the necessary tools and skills to understand the operation of the American and global economies. Additionally, it will provide the students with the ability to apply their understanding to real life issues. We all play the role of consumer, worker, investor, taxpayer, and voter. This course will allow the students to make more informed and reasoned judgments about their role in our economy. 

This class focuses on the study of human interaction and behavior, as we work together to answer the question “Why do we act the way we do?” and “Who am I?” The course is designed with an emphasis on social psychology. We will engage with various psychological theories and ideas to seek to better understand ourselves and those with whom we interact. 

This semester course provides students who are interested in social justice issues the opportunity to develop a better understanding of both the root causes of our social problems and what specific strategies bring about social change. Specific subjects explored in the course will be the history of poverty, racism, classism, and sexism in the U.S. and how these have impacted our criminal justice system. The course provides training in the tools and processes related to Restorative Justice, allowing students to build their own leadership skills and confidence in their power to advocate. 

AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a required political science research or applied civics project. Near the end of the school year, students have the option of taking the Advanced Placement examination and qualifying for college credit.