Social Studies Department

Course Number(s): SO8022, SO8023, SO8024

Credit(s): 3 Grade(s): 9

Course Type: Required

Prerequisite(s): None

Syllabus

Fall Trimester: Students will become more knowledgeable about the nature of the social sciences and more skilled in thinking systematically and critically by taking “Intro to Social Studies”.  The first trimester will begin with units on critical thinking and effective study skills. It will conclude with an introduction in the disciplines of Psychology, Sociology, and the three themes of Geography.

Winter Trimester: Students will complete the classroom portion of Driver Education. Students receive a social studies credit upon completion of this course. Spring Trimester: Trimester three will continue with an in-depth look at Geography. The course will focus on Human Geography in many parts of the world.

Course Number(s): SO8028, SO8029, SO8030

Credit(s): 3 Grade(s): 10

Course Type: Required

Prerequisite(s): None

Syllabus

Fall trimester (1900-1936) First Trimester begins where students ended 8th Grade History. Progressive at the beginning of the 1900’s is the first unit. This is followed by study of WWI, the 1920’s and the Great Depression. Winter trimester (1936-1968) Second trimester begins with a study of the United States movement from an isolationist nation to our  involvement in WWII. Following our study of WWII, students will move into  the Cold War era and into the 50’s and 60’s. We finish the trimester by studying the Civil RIghts Movement. Spring trimester (1968-Present) Third trimester begins with a focus on the Vietnam War. This is followed by studying events such as Watergate, the counterculture and continued cold war developments. We finish the year with modern American History highlighted by technological developments and the war on terrorism.

Course Number(s): SO8034, SO8035, SO8036

Credit(s): 3 Grade(s): 11

Course Type: Required

Prerequisite(s): None

Syllabus

This year-long required junior social studies class examines world history, geography, and government in a comprehensive manner. The thematic approach analyzes the impact of global exchanges and interactions throughout human history between world civilizations. Throughout this course, students investigate historical patterns and the lasting effects of history on our modern world.

Course Number(s): SO8048, SO8049, SO8050

Credit(s): 3 Grade(s): 11-12

Course Type: Required for 11th grade, can be elective option for 12th grade

Prerequisite(s): None

Sample Syllabus (will be updated this summer)

AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation. Students have the option to take the AP test at the end of the year for college credit.

Course Number(s): SO8040, SO8041, SO8042

Credit(s): 3 Grade(s): 12

Course Type: Required (or CIS Political Science)

Prerequisite(s): None

Syllabus

In the study of the American Government, the student will be given the fundamentals of our Federal, State and Local government. The course will begin with a study of the framework of these governments which is our Constitution, and the study of the President, Congress, and Judicial system. The students will also focus on our political party system, its origins, development, its status today, and its strengths and weaknesses. Also, throughout the year long course students will acquire information and skills sufficient to carry out wise and effective actions concerning the practical everyday economic and civic responsibilities of the United States citizen through the study of global scarcities, the welfare system, supply and demand, the business cycle, the federal budget, taxes and the national debt.

Course Number(s): SO8043 

Credit(s): 3 Grade(s): 12

Prerequisite(s): None

*Instructor Permission Required

*4 University of Minnesota Credits

Syllabus

This full year course fulfills the Grade 12 Social Studies requirements. This course is a University of Minnesota Political Science course. Successful completion of this course will give students four credits from the University of Minnesota. Credits can then be transferred to the college students will attend.  The course content is focused on a scientific study of American politics and government. Election year activities will accompany the class curriculum. A high rigor of reading and writing is required of students. The course is graded as a college level course with appropriate expectations. Successful completion of this course meets the state Economics standard.

Course Number(s): SO8044 

Credit(s): 1 Grade(s): 11-12

Course Type: Elective

Prerequisite(s): None

Syllabus

Students in Psychology will study the beginnings of psychology and how it has evolved into its present day status.  Psychology will look closely at the interaction between the brain and the body.  Topics such as consciousness and dreams, sensation, perception, learning, human development, frustration, conflict, stress, personality and mental disorders will be discussed in this one trimester course.  A two-week unit on criminal profiling is also included in the study of psychology. Students should be prepared to relate the course materials to their own lives and experiences, allowing them to evaluate their own development and growth.