International Baccalaureate curriculum will be embedded in all Social Studies classes at Thomas Edison High School. This will give all students the opportunity to participate in higher level, thematic-based classes. In these classes students are able to explore and create in a way not found in the typical classroom. The IB history course aims to promote an understanding of history where students are encouraged to comprehend the present by reflecting critically on the past. They are further expected to understand historical developments at national, regional and international levels and learn about their own historical identity through the study of historical experiences of different cultures. One of the key goals is for students to develop an awareness that human attitudes and beliefs are widely diverse and that the study of society requires an appreciation of such diversity. All Thomas Edison High School ninth and tenth grade classes are a part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. MYP infuses the fundamental concepts of Intercultural Awareness, Holistic Learning, and Communication throughout the ninth and tenth grade curriculum.
Return to the Choose Classes page to find the Social Studies requirement(s) for your graduation year.
Course Duration: Year-long
Course Description:
Students will gain an understanding of the cultural, political and historical understanding of the United States.
Course Duration: Year-long
Course Description:
This course examines major events and themes in U.S. history through the perspectives and experiences of American Indian peoples.
Course Duration: Year
Course Description:
Students will realize that the world contains many different cultures, nations, and ethnic groups; and will learn about the historical events, figures, and cultures that have shaped the lives of people and nations.
Course Duration: Semester
Course Description:
Students will learn about the history of our political institutions, the political process, elections, the branches of government, and the rights and responsibility of citizens.
Course Duration: Semester
Course Description:
Students will study how people use their scarce resources to satisfy their needs and wants; gain practical information on budgeting, purchasing insurance, saving, and investing; and study America’s mixed economy, labor unions, and international trade.
PERSONAL FINANCE
(New graduation requirement, starting with Graduation Year 2027)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the historical, cultural, and social experiences of Chicanx/Latinx people in the United States. We will explore the diverse origins, cultures, and identities of Chicanx/Latinx communities.
AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES
Course Duration: Semester
Course Description: African American Studies is an academic discipline which critically examines the history, issues, sociology, religion, experiences, culture, and policies relevant to African Americans.
Duration: Semester
American Indian Studies is a field of study that offers students the opportunity to learn about various disciplines from the perspectives, aims, and beliefs of indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Duration: Semester
Asian American Studies is an academic discipline which critically examines the history, issues, sociology, religion, experiences, culture, and policies relevant to Asian Americans.
The scientific study of brain and behavior. It is equivilent to a college level introductory psychologhy course. Units include biological, cognitive, sociocultural and human relationships.
Edison Tommies Student Network. Civic Engagement through Media is a year long Individuals and Societies course that operates within a community partnership between Thomas Edison High School and Minneapolis Television Network. As a result of organization between these Northeast neighbors Edison can successfully uphold its mission to prepare career ready students, and MTN can guarantee youth access, participation, and voice to professional media. In doing so, students will explore what constitutes media, how to evaluate media, and why it is important to understand how we are influenced by media. This exploration will occur in three distinct ways. The first will be traditional, overt, standards based instruction and lessons. The second will be through our own media production and broadcast. This will serve as civic engagement for both our school and community, as well as an opportunity to learn MTN certified career ready skills. The final method will be through self-analysis and critique.