Geography & Economics  

This course will allow students to develop a working knowledge of basic geographic concepts and skills so that they are able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of locations of places in the world as well as analyzing and evaluating the countries and civilizations of the world. Current world events are included in discussions in relationship to their geographical implications.

World History & Government (will be offered during 2027-2028 school year)

The course covers the American political system, the U.S. Constitution, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, as well as a study of the three branches of government. The course also allows students to develop a working knowledge of basic global historical concepts and skills so they are able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of global historical events and personalities. Current world events are included in discussions in relation to their historical implications and significance.

Must take 2 semesters from these choices:

• College Writing

College Credit Available

1 Semester

This is a College Now class offered through SMSU (English 151) with a possibility to earn 4 college credits.  This course will prepare students for college writing at all levels of the college experience by developing students’ ability to reason, read, and write critically.  Students will complete a series of three research papers, each with increasing length and complexity, practicing both MLA and APA formatting.  Additionally, students will complete shorter writing activities and engage in a comprehensive grammar and usage study. Students must meet the GPA and class rank requirements listed under "college credit opportunities"

• College Speech

College Credit Available

1 Semester

This is a College Now class offered through SMSU (Communications 110) with a possibility of earning 3 college credits. This course is designed to improve speech communication and interpretation skills through the preparation and presentation of a series of formal speeches and a group presentation. Students will be assessed on preparation, performance, peer evaluations, and quizzes. Students must meet the GPA and class rank requirements listed under "college credit opportunities"

• College Literature  (if you did not take this during 11th grade)

College Credit Available

1 Semester

This is a College Now class offered through SMSU (Literature 120) with a possibility to earn 3 college credits.  This college-level class functions as an introduction to literature in four genres:  short story, poetry, drama, and the novel.  Students will critically read and respond to literature through class discussion, quizzes, weekly short essays, explications, critical analyses, and other written responses. Students must meet the GPA and class rank requirements listed under "college credit opportunities"

• English 12

Year Long

This literature class will focus on five periods of British literature:  Anglo-Saxon literature and Beowulf, medieval literature and the legends of King Arthur, the Jacobean Era and Macbeth, the war era with related poetry and readings, and the modern era and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Additionally, students will engage in individual novel reading followed by short research papers and oral presentations on their chosen topics as well as whole class novel units.  In the second semester of the class, we will primarily examine the connection between literature and film.  It begins with a study of the history of film making and examination of the criteria applied to movies listed in the National Film Registry. Then students will engage in reading short stories and novels that have been made into films.  Each assigned reading will include associated writing and vocabulary assignments.  Additional assessments may include projects, quizzes, class discussion, and written responses.