2101: World Geography (0.5 credit, Gr. 9)

This required course deals with the natural features of the Earth, its climate, products and inhabitants. This course is designed to acquaint the student with the location and characteristics of the various nations of the world with some emphasis being given to the influence of geographical factors on the development of political, social, and economic institutions.

 

2103: Pre-AP Geography (0.5 credit, Gr. 9)

This course is designed for students planning to enroll in Social Studies AP courses. Students will examine the location and characteristics of the various nations of the world with emphasis being given to the influence of geographical factors on the development of political, social and economic institutions. Greater emphasis will be placed on appropriate literacy strategies for success in future Social Studies AP courses.

 

2303: World History (1 credit, Gr. 10)

First semester of this required course offers an opportunity to review the ancient river valley civilizations and study in detail medieval Europe, the Crusades, the Renaissance and Reformation, and conclude with the emergence of European nationalism. Second semester of this required course deals with industrialization, imperialism and unification, European aspects of World Wars I and II, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and developments of the modern world since 1945.

 

2304: AP World History (1 credit, Gr. 10, weighted)

The purpose of this course is to develop a better understanding of how societies interact with other societies throughout the course of human history.  There will be a greater emphasis on how cultures improved upon technology, how they advanced certain systems of government and what sets them apart from other cultures.  The goal of this course is to assist students who want to take a high school class that is equivalent to a college level course and receive college credit or advanced college standing through the AP exam. Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.

 

2203: US History (1 credit, Gr. 11) College Credit Available

First semester of this required course begins with Reconstruction and concludes around the events of WWI.   Some of the topics will be our political system, growth of separate economies between North and South, Civil War and 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 is designed to assist the student in developing an understanding of the events that have shaped America since the beginning of WWI.  Topics to be considered will be World War I, the Versailles Conference and its effects, social changes of the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World War II, Korean conflict and the future based on historical perspectives.

 

2204: AP US History (1 credit, Gr. 11, weighted)

AP US History 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 as in American History, course number 2203. The class emphasizes analytical skills, academic writing, and factual interpretation in order to prepare interested students to take the AP US History Exam in May for which he/she may earn college credit. This weighted course is a survey of American History from the Age of Columbus to present day. Students en- rolled in AP courses must take the AP exam. Students can choose to enroll in this course for Dual Credit (high school/college).

 

2105: American Government (0.5 credit, Gr. 12)

This required course deals with the operations of national, state and local governments.  The course will emphasize the roles played by each of the three branches of government at the state and national levels.  Attention will also be given to executive agencies, pressure groups, lobbyists and political parties.   Included will be a study of the federal and state constitutions thereby meeting the state’s constitution requirements.

 

2106: AP American Government (0.5 credit, Gr. 12, weighted)

AP American Government gives students an analytical perspective on government and politics by studying the basic foundation and general concepts on US government along the various institutions of government and the groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute US politics: the political parties, interest groups and mass media, public policy, civil rights and civil liberties and institutions of national government, including Congress, the Presidency, bureaucracy and the Federal Courts. This course prepares the student to take the AP US Government and Politics exam in May for which he/ she may earn college credit. Included in this course will be a study of the federal and state constitutions thereby meeting the state’s constitution requirements. This course will be offered second semester only. Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.

2205: AP European History (1 credit, Gr. 10-12, weighted)

Course can meet 10th grade history requirement or be an elective at the 11th/12th grade level.

This course is intended as one of the options for the required sophomore history credit. It is also for students who wish to complete a class in high school that is equivalent to a college introductory course. The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. Without this knowledge, students would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present day society, politics, the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.

 

2403: Missouri History (0.5 credit, Gr. 9-12)

This semester course is offered as a special interest elective and will trace the history of Missouri from its exploration to the present. It is designed to allow students to develop understanding and appreciation for the “Show Me” state.   Some study of state government will be included.

 

2405: Contemporary Issues (0.5 credit, Gr. 12)

Attention will be focused on national and world news.   Two major news magazines will be substituted for the usual textbook. 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.  Extensive reading and research will be required.

 

2407: Psychology (0.5 credit, Gr. 11-12)

This course is designed to assist students in gaining an appreciation of psychology as the science of studying and understanding human behavior.  Emphasis will be on the   development of philosophies and methods used to gain insights into behavior, and the individuals developing these philosophies and methods.

 

2409: Public Law (0.5 credit, Gr. 11-12)

This is a semester course designed to allow the student to examine his/her place in the American system of justice and law.   The course will deal with how the law and the judicial system directly affect the individual.  It will deal with the individual rights and responsibilities under our legal system. Topics include: why law, where law comes from, different types of law, the adversary system, rights and responsibilities under the law, juvenile law, etc.

 

2411: Sociology (0.5 credit, Gr. 11-12)

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.