9th Grade

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

This required course deals with the physical and human geographical features of the earth.  World Geography is designed to acquaint students with the cultural regions of the world with a focus on the physical features, climate, vegetation, political boundaries, population density, and economic activities of each.  These characteristics will be used to examine specific issues and current events facing each region.

2103: Honors Geography (0.5 credit, Gr. 9, Half Weighted Credit)

This course is an honors-level substitute for World Geography.  This required course deals with the physical and human geographical features of the Earth.  This course is designed to acquaint students with the cultural regions of the world with a focus on the physical features, climate, vegetation, political boundaries, population density, and economic activities of each.  These characteristics will be used to examine specific issues and current events facing each region.  Greater emphasis will be placed on appropriate reading and writing strategies needed for success in future Social Studies Advanced Placement courses.

10th Grade

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

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 & II are examined in detail in order to understand their impact on the modern world and current developments.

2205: AP European History (1 credit, Gr. 10-12, Full Weighted Credit)

Course can meet 10th grade history requirement or be an elective at the 11th/12th grade level. This course is for students who wish to complete a class in high school that is equivalent to a college introductory course. AP European History focuses on developing students' abilities to think conceptually about European history from approximately 1450 to the present and apply historical thinking skills as they learn about the past.  These require students to reason historically about continuity and change over time and make comparisons among various historical developments in different times and places.  The course also allows teachers flexibility to teach certain topics of their choice in depth. Students enrolled in this AP courses are required to take the AP exam.

11th Grade

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 the 1920's.   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.

2204: AP US History (1 credit, Gr. 11, Full Weighted Credit)

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 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.  Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exams.  Qualifying students can also choose to enroll in this course for Dual Credit.

12th Grade

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

Note: Credit for this course will only be granted after completion of the Missouri End-of-Course Exam.

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.

2106: AP American Government (0.5 credit, Gr. 12, Full Weighted Credit)

Note: Credit for this course will only be granted after completion of the Missouri End-of-Course Exam.

AP American Government 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.  This course prepares the student to take the Advanced Placement U.S. 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 with assessment thereby meeting the State of Missouri's constitution test requirement.  Students enrolled in AP courses must take the AP exam.

Electives

Note: The courses listed below can be used to replace the World Geography requirement for upperclassmen and transfer students.   

2405: Contemporary Issues (0.5 credit, Gr. 11-12)

Attention will be focused 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.  Students will be allowed to take this course more than once - as issues change from year to year.

2407: Psychology (0.5 credit, Gr. 10-12)

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, physchologic processes and psychological disorders.

2411: Sociology (0.5 credit, Gr. 10-12)

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 to explain why people behave the way they do.