Social Studies (Individuals & Societies)

Geography 9 (9)

2450

Students examine the multicultural and interdependent character of the world. Students grasp the dynamics of social and physical geography in relation to location, place, movement, human/environment interaction, and region. An important dimension of this course fosters an awareness of the challenges to humankind as well as our individual and collective responsibilities for this planet. Students study a variety of issues and concepts related to geography, identity and culture, migration and resource consumption. Students study all regions of the world through these topics. 

Economics 9 (9)

2707

This course begins with a study of how scarce resources are utilized to satisfy the economic wants of society. A major focus of the course is placed on the microeconomic models of supply and demand, and the price system. An investigation of personal finance includes how consumers can make educated decisions regarding investing and the use of credit. Macroeconomic concepts covered deal with measuring economic performance and analyzing policy decisions, which affect output and prices in the national economy. This course also recognizes the global nature of economics; students will examine the impact of international trade and international finance on national economies. Evaluation: Based on classroom activities, tests, unit projects and a final exam. 

AP Human Geography 9 I & II (9)

2452/2453

Advanced Placement Human Geography offers students the opportunity to study various topics in human geography, such as population, migration, culture, political geography, economic geography, agriculture, and urban geography. This class is equivalent to an introductory college-level course in human geography. By engaging in a college-level course, students will continue to develop high-level academic reading, writing, and discussion skills as well as engage in the tools and methodologies of geographers. Assessments include weekly reading quizzes, short answer essay writing, unit exams, and projects. Students taking this course should prepare to start noticing and analyzing all the geography around them in their daily lives! 

This course prepares students for the AP Human Geography test in May, which could potentially earn them college credit. 

United States History I & II (10)

2702/2703

In first semester students examine topics such as Indigenous tribes, exploration, colonization, the American Revolution, foundations of the American government, growth and development of the nation, the American Civil War, Reconstruction, Westward Expansion, the emerging role of the U.S. in world affairs, the role of the U.S. in World War I, and industrial development. In second semester students examine topics such as the Gilded Age, progressivism, the Roaring Twenties, the Thirties, the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the role of the U.S. in World War II, the Cold War, and the Modern Era. 

AP United States History I & II (10)

2852/2853

This course moves at a faster pace as students study the political, economic, social, and cultural history of the United States through diverse perspectives. Students read one chapter a week and take notes from an AP Prep Text, analyze primary sources, have opportunities to collaborate on assignments and assessments, and gain skills in supporting their own historical arguments. Assessments may include the following AP formats: Multiple Choice, Short Answer Questions, and both Document Based and Long Essay Questions. 

This course prepares students for the AP US History test in May, which could potentially earn them college credit. 

World History I & II (11) 

2704/2705

This course emphasizes the major civilizations, dramatic changes and influential ideas in World History. Students will examine world history as an interconnected whole, comparing and contrasting civilizations, analyzing how the world has changed over time as well as how it has impacted the present. Critical thinking and analysis of primary and secondary sources are emphasized. 

AP World History I & II (11)
2744/2745 

AP World History is a collegiate survey course of World History beginning in the year 1200 CE with the Postclassical era and covering the early modern, revolutionary, industrial and modern eras to present times.  This course provides instruction for study methods and essay writing strategies to provide collegiate study skill preparation.  Students enrolling in this class should be prepared for approximately one chapter per week of independent textbook reading.  Students will be supported with review materials and practice exams to help them prepare for assessments. Potential activities include: Writing strategies and activities, historical simulations and games, document analysis and discussions.

This course prepares students for the AP World History test in May, which could potentially earn them college credit. 

United States Government (12)

2706

This course emphasizes the foundations of American government and politics and the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. It includes a study of the structure of the U.S. government and explores how it embodies the principles and ideals of a democratic republic. In its focus on American political behavior, the course encourages students to identify political issues, think reflectively about these issues, and apply this thinking to constructive action. 

Ethnic Studies I & II (9-12)

2712/2713

The major purpose of this course is to educate students to be politically, socially, and economically conscious about their personal connections to local and national history. It focuses on themes of social justice, social responsibility, and social change. The course spans from past to present, from politics to social reform, allowing students to identify similar social patterns and universal qualities present in other societies, including their own. This course will focus on the experiences of African American, Asian American, Latino American, and American Indians. This course will also include an identity section where students will consider concepts related to their own personal, group, and/or national identity. 

IB History of the Americas HL2 I & II (12)

2856/2857

Prerequisite: completion of 20th Century Topics

IB History of the Americas is designed to provide the learner with an in-depth historical experience that will prepare him or her for the HL test in the spring of their senior year. Students will study Canadian, United States, and Latin American History. The following themes will be the content focus of the course: Independence Movements, The Great Depression in the Americas 1929-39, and the Civil Rights and Social Movements in the Americas. This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via internal and external IB assessments. Students are required to complete a historical investigation consisting of a written account of 2200 words. 

This IB course gives students the opportunity to earn potential college credit via Internal and external IB assessments. 

History of Africa & Middle East I (9-12)

2866

This elective course is designed to introduce students to the history of Africa and the Middle East and current events. Students will investigate African and Middle Eastern Ancient Societies, Controversial Kings and Queens, Independence Movements, and more. In this course we will view historical docudramas and films that bring the events of the past alive. Students will show their understanding by completing a variety of AVID strategy handouts during class time. 

Personal Finance (10-12)
9112 

Personal finance education equips and empowers all Minnesota students to make informed financial decisions in an evolving world with an intentional focus on each student’s individual experiences, cultures, values, and goals. This course is designed to empower students by helping them become financially literate. Over the course of the semester, students will study a wide range of topics within the area of personal finance including income, budgeting and investing along with credit, debt and risk management strategies. Students will gain a better understanding of the financial system while learning how their own unconscious beliefs, perspectives, behaviors and even social media can influence their decisions. Students will be empowered to set financial goals, make financial decisions and feel confident as they interact in varied financial settings. 

Sociology (9-12)

2653 

The primary goal of this course is to provide a sociological understanding of how society shapes people’s lives. Since the groups in which we live - our families, our peer groups and our entire society - connect us all to one another, an introductory understanding of the field of sociology is vital if we are to develop an understanding of who we truly are and why we behave as we do. Selected topics of study include Methods of Research, Culture, Socialization, Institutions, The Role of the Media, Deviance, and more. Students will show their understanding by completing a variety of AVID strategy handouts during class time with open note exams.

Recommended follow-up course: Psychology.

Criminal Justice, The Law & Mock Trial (9-12)

2929

Students will study the legal system at the local, state and federal levels including how each level enforces and interprets the law. Special attention will be given to corrections, law enforcement, court cases and the commission and prosecution of crimes. Students will also participate in an (in class) Mock Trial to gain some insight into how crimes are prosecuted and defended within the legal system. 

Psychology I (11-12)
2708 

This semester-long course offers a hands-on exploration of human behavior and mental processes. In other words, how the brain works, and influences our behavior. Pioneering and contemporary theories of psychology are studied and then applied to everyday situations. Mental illness, subliminal messages, sensory illusions, learning, and the brain are just a few of the topics examined. Although this course has value for everyone, it is especially recommended for students planning people-oriented professions such as social work, education, counseling, nursing, sales, marketing, medicine, and law. Recommended follow-up course: Sociology. 

AP Psychology (11-12)
2802/2803 

Advanced Placement Psychology is a full year, collegiate level course that introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavioral and mental processes of human beings. Students will be exposed to the theories, concepts, and research findings associated with each of the major fields of psychology. Students will also learn about the scientific methods psychologists use to explore these course concepts. The course will prepare students to take the required AP Exam in May. First semester topics include: Research methods, biological bases of behavior, the brain, sensation and cognition. Second semester topics include: Development & learning, social psychology, personality, motivation & emotion, mental and physical health.

This course prepares students for the AP Psychology test in May, which could potentially earn them college credit. 

AP African American Studies (10-12)
2805/2806 

AP African American Studies reaches into a variety of fields—literature, the arts and humanities, political science, geography, and science—to explore the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans. Students will identify major literary and artistic traditions, describe the impact the Atlantic Slave Trade diaspora and inequality, and explain contributions of African Americans in the United States.  

“A solid understanding of how African Americans have shaped America, its history, laws, institutions, culture and arts, and even the current practice of American democracy, sharpens all knowledge about our nation.” 

—Dr. Nikki Taylor, Chair of the Howard University History Department

This course prepares students for the AP African American Studies test in May, which could potentially earn them college credit. 

AP Microeconomics (11-12)
2847 

AP Microeconomics is the study of economics that applies to individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, regarding the allocation of scarce resources within our economic system. This fast paced, math oriented, college level course prepares students for the AP Microeconomics exam through a blend of activities, assignments, note taking, lectures, practice problems and study strategies. Students analyze concepts such as supply and demand, market structures, production, and the role of government. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, graph analysis, and applying economic models to real-world scenarios. By mastering these concepts, students will gain insights into how economic forces shape daily life and global markets. Topics covered include: Basic economic concepts, supply and demand, production, cost, the perfect competition model and imperfect competition.

This course prepares students for the AP Microeconomics test in May, which could potentially earn them college credit. 

Current Events (9-12)

2920

An elective social studies course analyzing events in today’s world and their impact from the local to global level. This course is designed for students to use their voice through discussion, explore interests, and  evaluate and explain the connection of modern events in a historical context while building skills to prepare them for the civic responsibilities of adulthood. 

American Government and Politics - 1 Semester (12)

2790

Prerequisite: Students are expected to have a GPA of 2.6 or higher. 

This one semester course provides an introduction to American government and politics. It includes the study of the constitutional foundations of the American political system by examining the Constitution, the politics of federalism, the study of political processes, participation, and the study of the institutions of the American government by examining the Congressional, Executive and Judicial branches. 3 college credits awarded upon completion.