Social Studies

World History (1 credit SOC, Gr. 9) Course Number: 2303
First semester of this required course offers an opportunity for students to
begin their understanding of our world by exploring the world before Columbus, through the age of absolutism. Second semester begins with significant political and economics revolutions and their impact on the world. Imperialism and World Wars I and II are examined in detail in order to understand their impact on the modern world and current developments.

Honors World History (1 credit, Gr. 9, honors weighted)
First semester of this required course offers students an opportunity to begin their understanding of our world by exploring the world before Columbus, through the age of absolutism. Second semester begins with significant political and economics revolutions and their impact on the world. Imperialism and World Wars I and II are examined in detail in order to understand their impact on the modern world and current developments. This course will differ from grade level World History by focusing on writing and inquiry PBL skills as a larger focus for the class.

United States History (1 credit SOC, Gr. 10) Course Number: 2203
First semester of this required course begins with the Reconstruction era and concludes around the events of the 1920’s. Course topics will include Reconstruction, the Westward Movement, the Rise of Industrialism, the Spanish-American War, and the beginnings of the U.S. as a world power. Second semester of this required course will focus on the events that have shaped America since the Great Depression including World War II, Cold War, the Vietnam era and modern events based on historical perspectives.

AP US History (1 credit SOC, Gr. 10, AP/Core 42 weighted) College Credit Available, Course Number: 2204
This course is designed for students who wish to complete coursework equivalent to a college introductory course in US History. Students successfully completing this course fulfill the graduation requirements for American History. This course focuses on developing a student’s ability to think conceptually about U.S. History from approximately 1491 to the present and apply historical thinking skills as they learn about the past. Students will reason historically about continuity and change over time and make comparisons among various historical developments in different times and places.

American Government (1 credit SOC, Gr. 11) Course Number: 2105
Credit for this course will only be granted after completion of the Missouri American Government End-of-Course Exam (EOC).
This required course focuses on the foundations and structure of the United States Government. Key concepts and understandings of this course include: the origins of limited government, the roles and significance of the three branches of government, and the ways in which citizens engage with government. Assessments taken during this course meet the State of Missouri requirement for federal and state constitution tests.

AP US Government (1 credit SOC, Gr. 11, AP/Core 42 weighted) College Credit by Exam Available, Course Number: 2106
Credit for this course will only be granted after completion of the Missouri American Government End-of-Course Exam (EOC).
This course introduces students to key political ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the political culture of the United States. The course examines politically significant concepts and themes, through which students learn to apply disciplinary reasoning, assess the causes and consequences of political events, and interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments. Assessments taken during this course meet the State of Missouri requirement for federal and state constitution tests.

AP Comparative Government and Politics (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11, AP/Core 42 Weighted) College Credit by Exam Available, Course Number: 2107
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment with AP American Government
This course introduces students to fundamental concepts used by political scientists to study the process and outcomes of politics in a variety of country settings. The course aims to illustrate the rich diversity of political life, to show available institutional alternatives, to explain differences in processes and policy outcomes, and to communicate to students the importance of global political and economic changes. Six countries form the core of the course: China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia.

Ancient Civilizations (.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11-12) Course Number 2408
This course is designed to further students’ learning of Ancient Civilizations. This course will build on the foundation of prior Social Studies courses with an emphasis on student inquiry. Students will be expected to write, read, and speak about historical events and documents. Major civilizations of study will include: Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Ancient China, MesoAmerican civilizations and others.

AP European History (1 credit SOC, Gr. 10-12, AP/Core 42 weighted) College Credit by Exam Available, Course Number: 2205
Course can meet 10th grade history requirement or be an elective at the 11th or 12th grade level. 
This course focuses on developing students’ abilities to think
conceptually about European history from approximately 1450 to the present while applying historical thinking skills. Students will reason historically about continuity and change over time and make comparisons among various historical developments in different times and places. Selected topics will be covered in depth.

College Psychology – Online Dual Credit (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit, Course Number: 2406
This online college course through Missouri Western State University, covers general information about psychology in everyday life, designed to correct misconduct and to give the students a better understanding of self and others. 

College Sociology – Online Dual Credit (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit, Course Number: 2412
This online college course through Missouri Western State University, covers basic sociological concepts and theories. Major topics included in this course are culture, society, societal interaction, crime, race/ethnicity, class, gender, the family, education, religion, medicine, the economy, politics and cross-cultural comparisons.

Current Events (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 10-12) Course Number: 2405
This course will focus on national and world news. As news events are discussed, emphasis will be placed on the roots of world and national situations, distinguishing between fact and opinion in the news, bias in news presentation, and recognition of various propaganda techniques used to sway public opinion. Research will be used to learn how national and international situations have developed and what proposals have been advanced to deal with these situations. Students who enroll in this course should be able to read at or above grade level, have good comprehension skills, and have the ability to think and analyze situations. They should be able to express themselves both verbally and in writing and be able and willing to participate in class discussions.

Psychology (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 10-12) Course Number: 2407
This course is designed to assist students in gaining an appreciation of
psychology as the science of studying and understanding human behavior. Major units of study will include: the development of philosophies and methods used to gain insights into behavior, a study of the brain and nervous system, human psychological development, psychological processes and disorders.

Sociology (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 10-12) Course Number: 2411
Sociology as the study of human behavior in groups is designed to acquaint
the student with the types of groups we form, how we function in these groups and how we deal with social problems resulting from the interaction within and between these groups. These topics are analyzed through sociological perspectives in order to evaluate various interpretations and explain why people behave the way they do.

Women History in the United States (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11-12) Course Number: 2307
This course will focus on United States history through the lens of women’s history. As historical events are discussed, emphasis will be placed on gender relationships, social structures, and change over time. Students will be expected to write, read, and speak about historical events and documents. This course will build on the foundation of prior Social Studies courses with an emphasis on research and inquiry. Topics will include: Women in Colonial America, Women in the Revolution, experiences of minority women, and modern issues. 

Special Topics-Native American History (.5 Credit, SOC, Gr. 11-12) Course Number: 2308
This course explores the legal and social history of the United States and its relationship with Indigenous Nations. Students will examine key struggles, achievements, policies, and programs that have shaped this complex relationship, along with special discussion topics highlighting both historical and contemporary issues.

Special Topics-Cultural Human Geography (.5 Credit, SOC, Gr. 11-12) Course Number: 2309
A course covering the global development of human cultures with a focus on factors related to human flourishing, stewardship of the environment, ever changing borders and global conditions, and the influence of religious beliefs.

World War II/Holocaust Studies (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11-12) Course Number: 2306
This course is designed to further students learning of WWII and the Holocaust. This course will build on the foundation of prior Social Studies courses with an emphasis on student inquiry. Students will be expected to write, read, and speak about historical events and documents. Major units of study will include: the War in Europe, the Homefront, military strategy, events of the Holocaust and the aftermath of war in search for peace.