Public Services Academy Political Science Academy
.jpeg)
8600: Introduction to Public Services (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 9-11)
The coexistence of any group of people requires some form of governance or division of labor in order to maintain the existence of the group. The provision of these types of public services requires the full-time attention of some members of the group. This course provides an overview of the public service systems and examines the purpose, history, organization, approach, and functions of these systems with a special emphasis on current issues, trends, successes, and challenges from a population perspective.
1530: Legal Communication I (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Public Services or participation in Competitive Mock Trial or Competitive Debate
This is a practical, hands on course for students interested in careers in law, legal studies, or the criminal justice system. Students will study and apply the skills of legal argumentation strategies and oral advocacy, learn and apply the legal rules of evidence for courtroom use and evidence presentation, and will learn to research and analyze legal court cases. Students will participate in classroom mock trials to help them synthesize and apply their acquired knowledge. Guest speakers from the legal community will be utilized, including attorneys, paralegals, legal secretaries, and officers of the court.
1550: Legal Communication II (1 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12)
Prerequisite: Legal Communication I
This course is a continuation of the concepts learned in Legal Communication I, but at an advanced level. Students will study and apply the skills of legal argumentation strategies and oral advocacy at an advanced level, learn and apply more advanced rules of evidence for courtroom use and evidence presentation, and will utilize electronic legal resources to research and analyze legal court cases. Students will participate at an advanced level in mock trials. Students must participate on a competitive mock trial team or participate in the Independence Youth Court. Guest speakers and mentors from the legal community will be utilized, including attorneys, paralegals, legal secretaries, and officers of the court.
2405: Contemporary Issues (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11-12)
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.
5117: Business Law and Economics (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)
Prerequisite: Introduction to Business and Management
This course will teach students how the laws that govern business are relevant to a their everyday lives. Specific areas include kinds of laws, crimes, laws for minors, laws for families, laws for consumers, contracts, bankruptcy, repossessions, employment contracts, discrimination, landlords, and cyber laws. This course will also discuss entrepreneurship law, family law, and criminal law. Additionally this course combines practical opportunities as well as expertise of a business organization. Students will work with the local community in order to apply practical applications of economics. Entrepreneurial possibilities are available within this course. Students will learn to make economical decisions, keep business records and documents, as well as market products targeting local economical issues and business careers.
1572: Public Law (0.5 credit PAR, Grade 11-12)
Prerequisite: Legal Communication I
This course is designed to allow the student to examine his/her place in the legal system. Course content will deal with how the law and the judicial system directly affect the individual as a well as individual rights and responsibilities under our legal system. Topics include: why law, where law comes from, different types of law, the criminal justice system, juvenile law, etc. Real world applications of these concepts will be explored as they deal with individuals in society.
2106 and 2107: AP Government AND AP Comparative Government and Politics (1 credit SOC, Gr. 12) College Credit by Exam Available
AP 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. 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.
AP Comparative Government and Politics 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.
2409: Introduction to Criminal Justice - Online Dual Credit (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted)
Prerequisite: Legal Communication II
This course covers the philosophical and historical background of the criminal justice system as it relates to the individual. Course content reviews the principles underlying social organization control devices with an emphasis on such legal systems as the criminal courts, corrections, and law enforcement. The course is designed to provide general knowledge about the concept and causes of crime, the varying goals and objectives of the criminal justice system, and an assessment of specific role performance of various members of the criminal justice system including major aspects of civil process.
2410: Introduction to Juvenile Justice - Online Dual Credit (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 11-12, weighted)
Prerequisite: Legal Communication II
This course studies the delinquent juvenile as an individual and the impact on society. Course content investigates delinquency, causation, the role of the law enforcement officer, the juvenile officer, the juvenile court, and juvenile corrections.
5122: Public Safety Capstone (1-3 credits PAR, Gr. 12)
Prerequisite: Police Science I, Business Law & Economics, Public Law, or Legal Communication II
ISD high school seniors will have an opportunity to participate in a capstone experience within several Academy pathways. A capstone experience is a project that allows students to learn about themselves by moving an idea or dream toward a topic of interest, specialization, community need, or career choice. As part of this course all students must complete a capstone experience which may include, but is not limited to: senior project, virtual enterprise, internship, externship, work-based learning, service learning, or community service. In the spring semester of the 11th grade year, students will select their course experience, with the approval of their teacher and principal.