Social Studies
AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY - 142053
AP Human Geography is a year-long class designed to help students gain an understanding of the world around them. Throughout the class, we will examine the impact humans have had on the Earth and vice versa. The class covers seven units of study: thinking geographically, population and migration, cultural geography, political geography, agricultural geography, urban geography, and economic development.
Any AP (Advanced Placement) class requires hard work, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to personal growth. Most of the work is completed outside of class, with class time dedicated to deeper understanding and analysis of the material assigned for homework, not explanation of homework. AP Human Geography is a college level class. Any AP student who takes and passes the AP Exam can potentially earn college credit.
Course Notes:
Students who take AP Human Geography are not required to take World Geography.
Credits - 2
Grade - 9
AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS - 141974
The Advanced Placement course in United States Government and Politics is designed to give students a critical perspective on politics and government. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret United States politics and an examination of the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up American politics. The course is taught with college-level texts. Preparation for the A.P. test will be an integral part of the course. This course fulfills the MCHS graduation requirement for government.
Any AP (Advanced Placement) class requires hard work, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to personal growth. Most of the work is completed outside of class, with class time dedicated to deeper understanding and analysis of the material assigned for homework, not explanation of homework.
Credits - 2
Grade - 12
CRIMINOLOGY I - 141653
Criminology is a one-semester course based on the study of criminal behavior and society’s response to it, including the analysis of policies and systems designed to control criminality. Over the course of the semester, we will examine the science of law making, law breaking, and law enforcement. Students will review theories and data predicting where, when, by whom and against whom crimes happen. Students will also examine real-life cases and apply the basic themes and concepts in their analyses of those cases. Due to the graphic nature of the content studied, this course is only open to juniors and seniors.
Credits - 1
Grades - 11, 12
CRIMINOLOGY II - 141654
This class is designed for very motivated students. The first quarter of study is Mock Trial, a logical sequence to Criminology I. Students receive a fictitious case and choose roles of an attorney or witnesses. Preparation for adjudication of the case begins and culminates in competition with other schools. During the second quarter, students select a topic of interest in the criminal justice area. Under the guidance of the instructor and a mentor from the discipline chosen; research is conducted and a paper is written. A companion case related to the topic is chosen by the student who will write a summary and closing argument for the case. Both are submitted and a district court judge will hear and critique the students' argument.
Prerequisites:
CRIMINOLOGY I - 141653
Credits - 1
Grades - 11, 12
ECONOMICS (REQUIRED) - 141993
This course is required for graduation. If you want to learn more about life choices, this is the course for you! Economics addresses the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services and study of choices that are made regarding resources. Class preference will be given to juniors and seniors. After taking this class, you should be able to understand:
1. The role of scarcity and economic trade-offs and how economic conditions impact people’s lives. 2. The functions of economic institutions – banks, labor unions, corporations, etc 3. How governments influence economic behavior 4. Different types of economies throughout the world in relation to one another. 5. Factors that create interdependence among countries throughout the world. 6. How advancing technology affects the global economy.
Credits - 1
Grades - 12
GOVERNMENT (REQUIRED) - 141973
This course is required for graduation (or AP US Government). It is designed to acquaint high school students with the fundamentals of American Government with an emphasis on federal procedures. The class also is designed to encourage the students to be informed and participate in governmental local, state, and federal affairs. Class preference will be given to juniors and seniors. Sophomores will be required to have an A or B in previous social studies classes.
Credits - 1
Grades - 12
PSYCHOLOGY - 141613
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The course is offered on a one semester basis for one full credit and is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Psychology is highly recommended for both college bound and non-college bound students. Other areas of study include abnormal psych, the brain, consciousness, the nervous system, cognition, personalities, developmental psychology, and altered states of consciousness. Understanding the "self and others" are primary goals and emphases. Self-development, self-concept, and self-analysis are also included as a primary concentration of the course.
Course Notes:
(Psychology or Sociology required)
Credits - 1
Grades - 10, 11, 12
SOCIOLOGY - 141633
Sociology is an elective course that studies human society and social behavior. Positive human relationships are an essential part of a civilized society and how we interact with each other is important so that we can find answers to questions and solve problems in our world. “Sociology teaches us to look at life in a scientific, systematic way.” This course deals with the social atmosphere that helps to make us who we are and how we behave. Sociology will cover topics such as culture, deviance, socialization, group behavior, social class, and inequality. The key component of this course is to study ourselves and the society that influences our behavior.
Course Notes:
(Psychology or Sociology required)
Credits - 1
Grades - 10, 11, 12
U. S. HISTORY (REQUIRED) - 141741
U.S. History is a review of our nation's development from the Civil War to the present, emphasizing the role of the past in reflecting and illuminating our own times. Major political, economic, and social themes are outlined, in addition to a survey of the foreign affairs of our nation. A wide variety of activities are incorporated into this two-semester course.
Credits - 2
Grades - 11
U.S. HISTORY to 1877 (NIACC - HIS-151) - 812684
A Survey course covering the social, political, and economic history of American civilization from the Age of Discovery through Reconstruction. Students will earn dual credit at the high school and college level. The material covered in this course is at the college level. The students will be required to read four books and other supportive material. This is a NIACC course taught at Mason City High School by a certified high school instructor. Students must understand that this is a college level course.
Credits - 1
Grade - 11
U.S. HISTORY Since 1877 (NIACC - HIS-152) - 812683
A Survey course covering the social, political, and economic history of the United States since 1877. Students will earn dual credit at the high school and college level. The material covered in this course is at the college level. The students will be required to read four books and other supportive material. This is a NIACC course taught at Mason City High School by a certified high school instructor. Students must understand that this is a college level course.
Credits - 1
Grade - 11
WORLD GEOGRAPHY (REQUIRED) - 141555
World Geography is a semester course designed to study contemporary world issues. The class will focus on a thematic understanding of the world, with units on geographic skills, economic development, population, migration, and culture. Throughout the class, students will build their social studies skills as they gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around them.
Credits - 1
Grade - 9
WORLD HISTORY (REQUIRED) - 142043
World History I is a course that will survey the earliest human civilizations through the Early Middle Ages. Topics will focus on the most important from people, places, and events that have impacted development in Western Civilization. Historical skills necessary to apply historical thinking to any historical context will also be taught. Units will cover Early Humans & Migrations, Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Babylon, Ancient Greece, Hebrews, Phoenicians, Persians, Etruscans, Romans, Germanic Invasions, Frankish Empire, & the Vikings.
Credits - 1
Grade - 10
