SOCIAL STUDIES

Grade(s): 9 Prerequisite: None

Credit: 1.0 Social Studies Year Course

Students in this U.S. History course will utilize their personal identity to explore the reality that ethnicity and ethnocentrism, race and racism, sex and sexism, and gender and sexual orientation have been and continue to be profoundly powerful social and cultural forces in U.S. society.  The course equips students with a critical lens to see the world and their place in it by understanding systems and power at the root of U.S. society and has a goal to motivate students to actively engage in our democracy. Through this course, students are supported to discover and use their own power for the benefit of not only themselves, but also that of their community and society at large.

Grade(s): 10 Prerequisite: Land, People, and Power

Credit: 1.0 Social Studies Year Course

Students in AP Human Geography will explore how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of Earth. Students will use the tools and thinking processes of geographers to examine patterns of human population, migration, and land use. Students should expect to complete a rigorous mix of reading, writing, tests, and projects. This course contains college level content and students will have the opportunity to earn college credits by taking the AP exam in May.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land People and Power

Credit: 1.0 Social Studies Year Course

Students in AP Comparative Government will investigate the fundamental concepts used by political scientists to study the processes and outcomes of politics in China, Great Britain, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia and Iran. Students will engage in significant amounts of reading and writing as well as class discussion. AP Comparative Government is equivalent to a college-level course.  Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking the AP exam in May.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land People and Power

Credit: 1.0 Social Studies Year Course

Students in AP US History will experience a two-semester survey course designed to master university level material. The committed student will read and analyze historical writing, reflect upon historical evidence, participate in discussions and write about central themes and ideas in America’s past. The course of study centers on the political, social, military, cultural, and diplomatic history of America from colonization through the Cold War. Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking the AP exam in May.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land People and Power

Credit: 1.0 Social Studies Year Course

Students in AP Psychology will investigate the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. In addition to independent textbook reading and notes, students will engage in class demonstrations, activities and small group discussions. This course includes topics such as personality, mental health, emotions, consciousness, and the brain. This course is equivalent to an introductory, college level course. Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking the AP exam in May.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land People and Power

Credit: 1.0 Social Studies Year Course

Students in AP African American Studies will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the African American experience, delving into the historical, cultural, social, and political dimensions that have shaped and defined this dynamic community. The course aims to foster a deep understanding of the rich tapestry of African American history, from the early African civilizations through the struggles of the African diaspora to contemporary contributions in the United States. Through rigorous analysis and critical inquiry, students will examine pivotal events, influential figures, and the intersections of race, class, and gender, gaining insight into the complexities of African American identity and its impact on the broader American narrative. Emphasizing interdisciplinary perspectives, this course encourages students to connect historical knowledge with current issues, promoting a nuanced comprehension of the African American experience within the broader context of American society. Students will also explore the diverse expressions of African American culture, art, and literature, contributing to a well-rounded understanding of the significant contributions made by this community throughout history. Students will have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking the AP exam in May.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land People and Power

Credit: 0.5 Social Studies Semester Course

Students in Area Studies courses will focus on the history and development of major societies of the non-Western world. Additionally, the area studies courses will focus on modern day events including politics, culture and foreign affairs. Student interest in specific countries or regions will determine topics of study. The specific East Asian countries studied are China, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea, with an emphasis on China.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land People and Power; or Modern World History

Credit: 0.5 Social Studies Semester Course

Students in Area Studies courses will focus on the history and development of major societies of the non-Western world. Additionally, the area studies courses will focus on modern day events including politics, culture and foreign affairs. Student interest in specific countries or regions will determine topics of study. The specific Latin American regions studied are South and Central America, and the Caribbean.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Semester Course

Prerequisite: Land People and Power Credit: 0.5 Social Studies

Students in CAPP Economics will investigate how scarcity impacts decision-making in a world of limited resources and unlimited wants. This course introduces students to fundamental concepts of both micro and macroeconomics. Students will discuss how the choices made by individuals and governments have local, national, and global economic effects. Students will leave this course with the tools to think like an economist and apply their knowledge to current economic situations. 

Note: Qualified students may receive college credit for UW Oshkosh Economics 101: General Economics. All dual credit options are dependent upon teacher certification.

Note: Students interested in earning Financial Literacy credit instead of Social Studies should instead register for FIN4585.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land, People, and Power

Credit: 0.5 Social Studies Semester Course

Students in International Relations will study the complexities of timely international issues and examine United States foreign policy.  Student interest drives the course as they will choose which current events and global problems to explore and build historical context around. This exploration will prepare them for regular participation in discussions, debates, and simulations related to topics being studied.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land, People, and Power

Credit: 0.5 Social Studies Semester Course

Students in Intro to Criminal Justice will experience a beginning course in Criminal Justice designed to provide an understanding of the American criminal justice system and to lay the foundation for additional work in the discipline.  The course will cover the foundations of the criminal justice system, including an overview of laws and justice, explanations of criminal behavior, victims of crime, policing, criminal processing, American prisons and jails, probation and parole, and juvenile justice. 

Note: Qualified students may receive college credit for UW Oshkosh Criminal Justice 110: Introduction to Criminal Justice for Criminal Justice Majors. All dual credit options are dependent upon teacher certification.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land People and Power

Credit: 0.5 Social Studies Semester Course

Students in Sports and Society will see how athletics are woven into the fabric of American culture in a multitude of ways.  Sports can shape how we view issues of race, gender, ability, and identity.  They have provided the catalyst for community action, helped us find common ground, and held up a magnifying glass to issues of social injustice. Students in Sports and Society will develop skills in written and verbal communication, as well as critical thinking and analysis of the social, political, and economic impacts of sports throughout history. This course will analyze a multitude of people, events, and movements, both historical and present-day, through the lens of sports.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land People and Power

Credit: 0.5 Social Studies Semester Course

Students in Hip Hop Revolution will learn about the cultural, social, and political revolution that took place in the United States and diffused throughout the world through the creation of the artistic movement known as Hip Hop. With an emphasis on the  histories of the icons, innovations, and cultural shifts that occurred, students will be exposed to the five pillars of the Hip Hop art form. Course work will consist of creative art projects as well analysis of the sacred texts of Hip Hop from various seminal artists. 

Students who wish to learn more about the music production components of the Hip Hop movement can sign up for MUS0515 through the Fine Arts department. Students are able to receive credit for taking both courses.  

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land People and Power

Credit: 0.5 Social Studies Semester Course

Students in Intro to Sociology will gain an understanding of the basic concepts and foundations of sociology. Students will explore the definition of the discipline, major thinkers and theoretical paradigms, the concept of sociological imagination and the primary methods used in the field. The social institutions of family, religion, education, and government will also be an integral part of discussions in this course. Students will also explore major areas of sociological inquiry, including social interaction, socialization, crime and deviance, health, environment, organizations and social change, and will discuss how social life is structured by factors such as race, class, gender and sexuality and globalization. 

Note: Qualified students may receive college credit for UW Oshkosh Sociology 101: Introductory Sociology. All dual credit options are dependent upon teacher certification.

Grade(s): 10,11,12 Prerequisite: Land People and Power

Credit: 0.5 Social Studies Semester Course

Students in History of World Religions will explore the history, beliefs, and practices of the world’s living religious traditions. Class content will include the history and essential teachings of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism along with other religions and religious practices. Student will explore religion through a religious literacy framework and will investigate these topics through the use of readings, lectures, videos, discussions and potential speakers from the community. This course will not promote any particular faith or religion, but rather will provide students with a better understanding of the role that religion has played, and continues to play, in the world today.

Grade(s): 11,12 Prerequisite: Land, People, and Power and AP Human Geography

Credit: 0.5 Social Studies Semester Course

Students in The Legislative Semester will participate in a semester-long simulation of the US legislative process including exploring their own perspectives on a variety of contemporary issues and developing a political identity. They will learn the importance of civil discourse and will have multiple opportunities to assume leadership roles among their peers. They will investigate, write, and vote on bills related to current issues of personal interest. This course focuses on skills in written and verbal communication, research, and critical thinking. Students will leave this course with a better understanding of their role as active citizens within a democracy.