Electives
(Leadership/Psychology)
(Leadership/Psychology)
9th, 10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Semester or Year Long Course
This course is designed to assist students new to high school and/or leadership roles in cultivating essential leadership skills and developing strong personal character. It is ideal for students eager to take an active role in creating a positive school culture, while also building skills for success in school, the community, and future careers.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
Develop core leadership competencies, including:
Strong Communication: Enhancing listening, speaking, and collaborative skills.
Organization: Managing tasks, setting priorities, and achieving goals effectively.
Community Building: Creating inclusive environments and fostering connections.
Problem-Solving: Addressing challenges with creativity and resilience.
Explore leadership styles and group dynamics.
Engage in character-building activities to strengthen integrity, empathy, and responsibility.
Participate in experiential learning activities and media-based instruction.
Curriculum Framework:
This course follows the Jostens Renaissance curriculum, emphasizing active, hands-on learning. Students will practice leadership principles through real-world applications and collaborative projects, preparing them for meaningful contributions to their school and beyond.
10th, 11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Leadership, or holding an ASB position
This advanced-level course is designed for high school students who are ready to move beyond basic concepts and apply leadership theories to real-world scenarios. Students will explore complex organizational models, refine their personal leadership styles, and engage in high-impact project management. Through a combination of project-based learning, case studies, and simulations, students will transition from learners to practitioners, fostering personal growth through consistent self-assessment and peer feedback.
By the conclusion of this course, students will be equipped to:
Analyze & Apply: Critique advanced leadership models and implement them in practical settings.
Execute & Lead: Successfully design, manage, and complete complex leadership projects.
Reflect & Refine: Evaluate personal leadership impact and adapt styles to suit diverse group dynamics.
Problem-Solve: Address and navigate complex organizational and interpersonal challenges effectively.
11th or 12th Grade
Year Long Course
This course provides students with work experience in a field related to their interests. Goals are typically set cooperatively by the student, teacher, and employer (although students are not necessarily paid). These courses may include classroom activities as well, involving further study of the field or discussion regarding experiences that students encounter in the workplace.
There are now four semesters of Psychology offered on a two-year rotation (students can now take Psychology during 11th and 12th grade). Topics are different each semester so students may take any or all of the semesters for elective credit.
Psychology A: Psychology and You (SOC101)
Open to 11th and 12th grade and selected 10th graders. 10th graders see Mrs. Groesbeck if interested.
Semester Long Course
Have you ever wondered why you are the way you are or why others do what they do? This class focuses on how psychology relates to your life. Psychology relates to everything…friends, family and future! We look at practical information about how we develop and interact with others, how we learn and remember. We learn about personality, developmental milestones, learning, group interactions and social influences.
Psychology B: Abnormal Psychology (SOC102)
Open to 11th and 12th grade and selected 10th graders. 10th graders see Mrs. Groesbeck if interested.
Semester Long Course
Have you ever been curious about abnormal behavior, mental illness or brain disorders? This class focuses on explaining and understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of psychological disorders. We look at different explanations for abnormal behaviors, the psychology of superheroes, and the history of mental illness. We study different types of disorders (everything from depression to autism to schizophrenia) as well as the psychology behind negative social behaviors (like criminality, mob violence, cults, terrorism). We use lots of movies as case studies!