SOCIAL PROBLEMS

Grades 9-10
.5 unit

Social Problems looks strongly at state and local government and the individual's role in the local community, county, and state government. Part of the course emphasizes juvenile delinquency. The causes, effects, and results of juvenile problems in American society are examined.

Expectations: Students are expected to have a better understanding of state, county, and city government in the state of Iowa.



AMERICAN HISTORY

Grade 10
1 unit

American History looks at the present through the past. The course, which studies the time from the Reconstruction to the present, aims to develop within the student the ability to think critically, utilize resource materials, understand how values influence decisions, consider future alternatives, know and use debate skills, discuss issues within the small group setting, function as a leader within the small group, and understand the past record of American History.

A textbook is used as the basic source, in conjunction with supplementary materials. Units studied currently include: Reconstruction, Industrialization and the Progressive Era, World War I, The Golden Twenties, The Great Depression, and World War II, Cold War, the 60’s, 70’s, and modern American History. Discussion skills, simulations, and interaction between students are emphasized.



CONTEMPORARY AFFAIRS

Grades 11-12
.5 unit

Contemporary Affairs is divided into two areas of study: (1) Current Affairs and (2) Major Issues Facing the United States and the world. Current Affairs deals with the study of current issues and happenings in society. Some current affairs topics are national affairs, education, sports, business, religion, and the homeless. Among the topics covered are the economy, education, civil rights, social problems (to include: abortion rights, death penalty, and crime), health care, immigration, defense, and world poverty. The television, newspapers, and magazines are used extensively. The students develop critical thinking skills and small group discussion skills and analyze problems from a global perspective.



LAW AND COURTS

Grades 9-12
.5 unit

Law and Courts provides students with instruction in practical law to be used by students in everyday life. The course is designed to help students develop a more positive attitude as citizens toward the role and function of law in our society do. There is also an attempt to expose students to the many law-related vocational possibilities within the legal system.

Units currently studied include: Introduction to Law, Criminal Law, Consumer Law, Family Law, Housing Law and Individual Rights Law. Discussion skills, simulations, and interaction between students are emphasized.

Expectations: The student is expected to become involved in class discussion, relate to law professionals who visit class, learn through the field trips, and gain a basic understanding of the legal system.



AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

Grade 12
1 unit

American Government is the study of the American political system, including comparative government, federalism, elections, the executive, legislative, and judicial systems, political parties, state & local government and foreign policy. Special emphasis is placed on citizenship responsibility, decision-making and political behavior in our political system. Large group and small groups are used for films, lectures, small group discussion, guest speakers, and other activities.



ECONOMICS

Grades 11-12
.5 unit

Economics is a course in the principles of our economic system. This course covers economic decision-making, comparative economics, the law of scarcity, supply and demand, price determination, business finance and investment, money and banking, and monetary and fiscal policy. Special emphasis is placed on applied economics in light of today's economy.

Expectations: Students are expected to become better acquainted with the principles of economics and how our economic system operates.



PSYCHOLOGY

Grades 11-12
.5 unit

Psychology courses introduce students to the study of individual human behavior. Course content typically includes (but is not limited to) an overview of the field of psychology, social psychology, positive psychology, learning, personality, and abnormal psychology.



SOCIOLOGY

Grades 11-12
.5 unit

Sociology courses introduce students to the study of human behavior in society. These courses provide an overview of sociology, generally including (but not limited to) topics such as social institutions and norms, socialization and social change, and the relationships of individuals and groups in society.



GEOGRAPHY

Grades 9-12
.5 unit

This course examines the world by dividing it into regions and realms. The realms will be studied by looking at cultural and physical similarities. We will also look at many of the physical properties of our world. Identification of physical and political will also be included.



WORLD HISTORY

Grades 9-12
.5 unit

Modern World History courses provide an overview of the history of human society in the past few centuries from the Renaissance period, or later, up to the contemporary period exploring political, economic, social, religious, military, scientific, and cultural developments.

Back to Course Offerings