1521: Competitive Debate (1 credit ELE, Gr. 9-12)

This introductory course is designed to develop critical thinking, teach structured argumentation, and introduce basic research skills. Students practice written communication and perform oral communication of the issues/events introduced. Participation in interscholastic competition is required. Students must remain eligible as defined by MSHSAA.

1528: Advanced Competitive Debate (1 credit ELE, Gr. 10-12)  

Prerequisite: Competitive Debate I

This advanced course is designed to develop further critical thinking, teach persuasive argumentation, and re- search skills. Students will practice written and oral communication of current national debate topics. Emphasis will be on improved writing skills and enhanced performance skills. Participation in interscholastic competition is required. Students must remain eligible as defined by MSHSAA.

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 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 economic decisions, keep business records and documents, as well as market products targeting local economic 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

This pathway course combines both AP Government and AP Comparative Government and Politics. 

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.