Academic Electives

Students will learn that Earth is a dynamic system and Earth’s atmosphere is a result of processes that took millions of years. The learner then takes this knowledge of the composition and characteristics of Earth’s atmosphere and transfers it to delve into the factors that can cause short term and long term changes in Earth’s atmospheric conditions. Students will learn that the Earth is an interacting system of both energy and matter. To understand the interaction, students must build on prior knowledge of matter and the factors the affect its behavior. In addition, throughout this course students will use science inquiry skills, manipulation of appropriate lab equipment and demonstration of appropriate safety practices.

This course introduces the importance of myths and tales of classical mythology, focusing on a comparative study of plot, characters, themes, and figurative devices. The course emphasizes the following: critical and analytical skills, vocabulary development, a study of the influences of Greek, Roman, and Norse word origins on the English language, and composition. The study of the relationship between people and their societies is a major emphasis, along with the impact of mythology on the literary world. Writing exploration through media literacy and viewing will be a focus in this course.  

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes. A unique science that often necessitates the use of special measurements and research methods. The course has four sections: psychological foundations and research; biological foundations; change in behavior and cognition; and variability of behavior among individuals and groups.  

This is an introductory study in sociology, the study of social behavior and the organization of human society. Students will learn about the historical development of the field of sociology and the procedures for conducting research in sociology. Students will also learn the importance and role of culture, social structure, socialization, and social change in today’s society. 

Students will experience America’s history through film. This course includes analysis and interpretation of events through both print and film. 

The world geography course provides students with an analytical view of how geographic factors have and continue to influence human behavior on the earth.  Students will examine how the physical and cultural geographic factors contribute to varying levels of cooperation within the major world regions. Additionally, students will examine the importance that political, environmental, and economic factors have in a region’s development.  

US INTELLIGENCE/Public Administration:  State and Federal Issues

45.0600000 US Intelligence & National Security - provides a basic and broad overview of the career field of Intelligence, the authorized activities of an intelligence professional, the composition of the United States Government Intelligence Community (IC), the various functions of each of the member agencies, the limits and capabilities of Intelligence and how Intelligence plays a role in the decision-making process of the government. This course is also designed to apply critical analysis to the field of U.S. Intelligence. 

*Students will receive 2 credits for this course

US Intelligence = academic elective credit

Public Admin:  State and Federal Issues = CTAE Credit

29.41100 Government Public Administration: State and Federal Issues - embedded into the US Intelligence and National Security Studies course (Academic Elective). This is the only Public Administration elective that is available to students outside what their graduation requirements for Government and Econonomics core classes (see below). In other words, students can mark this course on their elective preference sheet and choose to take this class.  THIS DOES NOT COUNT AS THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT COURSE THAT IS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION.