SOCIAL STUDIES

Course Offerings Sheet

42301 & 42302 *AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

GRADE: 10 | SCORE: Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | ELECTIVE

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP): College credit awarded determined on results from the AP exam.

PREREQUISITE: 1.) The student has a cumulative G.P.A of 3.2 or above, or 2.) The student has a 3.4 G.P.A. or above in previous related coursework. Exceptions to this prerequisite can be made via a written application process. Applications can be obtained at the Student Services Center.

This course can be taken in place of the Human Geography graduation requirement.

Advanced Placement Human Geography is a social science that examines the impact that humans have on each other and the world around them. Our topics will range from population and health, cultural studies, race and gender studies, agriculture, urbanization, and economics. We'll study how maps have evolved over time and why they are still important tools for understanding our world today.

Students will be prepared to take the Advanced Placement Examination by the second week of May. Multiple review sessions and activities will be provided during the year. This test is optional, and in no way influences students’ grades in the class, but all students taking the classwork complete the rigors of the curriculum in a way that they will be prepared to take the test.

On successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

Use and think about maps and spatial data
Understand and interpret the implications of associations among phenomena in places
Recognize and interpret at different scales the relationships among patterns and processes
Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process
Interpret and analyze changing interconnections among places
Identify and explain the interaction between globalization and local diversity of various cultures and countries throughout the world

Major Topics:

Thinking Geographically
Population and Migration Patterns and Processes
Cultural Patterns and Processes
Political Patterns and Processes
Agricultural and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes
Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes
Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes

44300 *AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

GRADE: 11, 12 | SCORE: Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP): College credit awarded determined on results from the AP exam.

PREREQUISITE: 1.) The student has a cumulative G.P.A of 3.2 or above, or 2.) The student has a 3.2 G.P.A. or above in previous related coursework. Exceptions to this prerequisite can be made via a written application process. Applications can be obtained at the Student Services Center.

This course can be taken in place of the US Government requirement.

The primary goal of the course is to successfully complete the national examination in the American government. Students will be expected to keep up with a demanding reading schedule, take notes, conduct research, and participate meaningfully in class discussions. Topics of inquiry include the Constitution, the structure and function of the three branches of government, Federalism, public opinion and policy development.

42001 & 42002 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

GRADE: 10 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | REQUIRED

The Human Geography course examines the impact that humans have on the world around them. We will learn about how history, culture, politics, economics, and environmentalism all affect us in the world today. We’ll study and use the modern tools of geography and analyze the importance of place in a contemporary way that goes beyond traditional maps.

Major Topics:

Thinking Geographically
Population and Migration Patterns and Processes
Cultural Patterns and Processes
Political Patterns and Processes
Agricultural and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes
Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes
Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes

44702 *^INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

GRADE: 9, 10,11, 12 | SCORE: Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SPRING SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

COLLEGE CREDIT: 3 DMACC Credits - PSY 111

Psychology is the study of the individual mind, how it works and the impact of social/cultural events, people's thinking and their biological make-up on their choices continue into the 2nd semester of this course. How does an individual develop and how does thinking change as we gain more experiences, knowledge, and intelligence? What is the impact of changes to a person's thinking, choices and behavior?

Spring semester goals:

Investigate different types of intelligence and how changes in thinking and language impact people
Understanding various issues surrounding gender
Investigate how sensations and perceptions impact individuals
Learn memory techniques to help people remember and study better
Investigating emotions and motivation within ourselves
Investigate how individuals function with a social framework

College Credit Transfer Details: The high school offers college credit courses for students but remember, it is the students’ responsibility to request transcripts to be sent to their college of choice for the transfer of credits. There is a form in the guidance office to assist you with this process. Important note: your GPA received in these courses MAY affect your college GPA. This will depend on which college you attend. Transcript Release Form

44710 LEGISLATIVE PAGE

GRADE: 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

The Legislative Page Internship at the capitol performs all of the tasks of a page:

Learn firsthand about how the Iowa Legislature functions
Sit in on legislative committee meetings and debates
Meet and communicate with legislators
Work with other students from all areas of the state of Iowa
Witness what happens behind-the-scenes
Responsible for reflection journal with the government teacher.
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/lsaReports/pageInfo/PageApplication.pdf

85960 ^PSEO DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

GRADE: 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

COLLEGE CREDIT: 3 Central College Credit - EDUC 181

PREREQUISITE: Psychology; CUM 3.0 GPA. Exceptions to this prerequisite can be made via a written application process. Applications can be obtained at the Student Services Center.

Focus is on basic theories and concepts related to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. While specific emphasis will be placed on children and adolescents, a lifespan perspective will be utilized including discussion and content from prenatal development through issues associated with death and dying.

44351 PSYCHOLOGY

GRADE: 12 | SCORE: Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | FALL SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

PREREQUISITE: 3.0 GPA recommended

The study of the individual mind and how it works and the impact of social/cultural events, people's thinking and their biological make-up on their choices. Do you struggle with relationships in school, within your family, or work? Ever wonder why certain people get along better with each other than others? Psychology explains how the brain works and how thinking affects the individual through behavioral choices made.

Fall semester goals:

Understand what Psychology is and why we study it

Examine the biology of the brain, their functions, and how individual brains differ
Understanding Life Span development and how people change over time from birth to death
How personality impacts who we are and how it interacts within relationships
Understanding abnormal psychological difficulties and their impact on individuals

43310 SOCIOLOGY

GRADE: 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

Why do we do what we do? Why do we consider different behaviors acceptable or criminal? Sociology is the study of group behavior, and how we come to be who we are in the world. This class examines the origins of the youngest social science and actively participates in the different forms of sociological research. Students will dive deeper into how our early lives are shaped by both natural and environmental factors. We will look to explain why deviant behavior means different things to different societies. Movies, class discussions, and certain TV programs are used to examine the Theoretical Perspectives and their connections with our social lives.

44000 US GOVERNMENT

GRADE: 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | REQUIRED

Government course covering the Historical and Philosophical Foundations of American Government, The Constitution and Federalism, The Fundamental Freedoms, Due Process and Equal Protection of Law, Public Policies, and Political Action. Students are responsible for reading assignments, note taking, unit projects, and current events assignments.

41001 & 41002 US HISTORY

GRADE: 9 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | REQUIRED

This course is a survey of American History from Reconstruction to the 21st Century. It will begin with a brief review of Civil War topics and follow with seven major units of study:

Unit 1 – American Beginnings to 1877
Unit 2 – Bridge to the 20th Century (1877-1900)
Unit 3 – Modern America Emerges (1890-1920)
Unit 4 – The 1920’s and The Great Depression (1919-1940)
Unit 5 – World War II and Its Aftermath (1931-1960)
Unit 6 – Living with Great Turmoil (1954-1975)
Unit 7 – Passage to a New Century (1968-present)

The course will emphasize both individual and group work strategies. Major requirements of this course will include tests, quizzes, textbook reading, note-taking, projects, self-study assignments, and critical thinking activities.

41011 & 41012 US HISTORY HONORS

PREREQUISITE: The prerequisite to taking enrichment course is the following: 1.) The student has a cumulative G.P.A of 3.00 or above, or 2.) The student has a 3.00 G.P.A. or above in previous related coursework. Exceptions to this prerequisite can be made via a written application process. Applications can be obtained at the Student Services Center.

This course can be taken in place of the US History graduation requirement.

Although the seven main units of study and the test are the same as a standard course, U.S. History Honors will require students to partake in several enrichment activities and will emphasize the geographic, political, economic, and social factors that have influenced the development of our nation. U.S. History Honors challenges students to assess primary and secondary sources as they evaluate different interpretations of the time period by utilizing a thematic, question-driven approach. Coursework will include the novels: “The Jungle”, “All Quiet on the Western Front”, and “The Moon is Down” research papers, essay style assessments, and various computer application assignments. This one-year course is designed for highly motivated, self-directed students and provides the opportunity for the development of critical thinking skills and concepts. Students that have a deep interest in U.S. History and feel that they are capable of the additional challenge are strongly encouraged to register for this course.

43701 & 43702 *^WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS

GRADE: 9, 10, 11, 12 | SCORE: Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | ELECTIVE

COLLEGE CREDIT: 3 DMACC Credits - HIS 110

COLLEGE CREDIT: 3 DMACC Credits - HIS 111

PREREQUISITE: Proficient score on recent ISASP assessment in all content areas.

COURSE PREP RECOMMENDATIONS: The student has a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above, or has a 3.2 GPA or above in previous related coursework.

This course will take the place of the World History graduation requirement.

Western Civilizations is a course designed for students with strong academic skills, self-motivation, and the willingness to participate in class discussion and student-initiated projects. The curriculum is designed to foster an appreciation for the diversity of cultures and value systems from ancient to modern times. The class stresses the importance of seeing life as a series of interrelated themes and events; thus, the world is viewed historically as well as artistically through the use of primary sources such as literature and the fine arts. Topics will trace the development of Western history from Mesopotamia through the Modern Era.

43011 & 43012 WORLD HISTORY

GRADE: 11 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 2 | YEAR | REQUIRED

This course emphasizes the roles played by people, events, and nations and their interaction that has led to the creation of world history. An attempt to develop an awareness and appreciation of the “geographic setting”, cultural, and historical contributions of specific peoples and nations is of major importance. The Four Ancient River Civilizations, Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, Africa, the Muslim Empires, Early America, Renaissance and Reformation, Formation of European Nation States, Imperialism, the Industrial Revolution, the World Wars, the Cold War, and changing modern world will be examined. Students are encouraged to investigate secondary sources and develop a sense of inquiry.

43300 WORLD RELIGIONS

GRADE: 11, 12 | SCORE: Non-Weighted | PHS CREDIT: 1 | SEMESTER | ELECTIVE

World Religions will take a close look “under the hood” of the major religions followed in our world. We will study Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as well as other religions as time allows. Students will look at the symbols, core beliefs, origins, and practices related to each religion. The semester assessment will focus on the students answering a transcendent, essential question.