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. 

1806: Human Growth and Development (1 credit PAR, Gr. 10-12)

Prerequisite:  Professions in Education or Introduction to Public Services

In this course you will gain an understanding of the areas and stages of human growth and development. The course provides an examination of the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social components of human growth and development from birth through adolescence. You will learn to meet the needs of children and promote optimum growth and development in the prenatal, infancy, toddler, preschool and school-age stages.

2407: Psychology (0.5 credit SOC, 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, psychological processes and disorders.

2411: Sociology (0.5 credit SOC, 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 and explain why people behave the way they do.

2406: Psychology - Online Dual Credit (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit

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. 

2412: Sociology - Online Dual Credit (0.5 credit SOC, Gr. 11-12, weighted) College Credit

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.

9425: Educational Psychology - Online Dual Credit (0.5 Credit SOC, Gr. 12, weighted) College Credit     

This online college course through Missouri Western State University, covers principles of general psychology applied to the total educational process. Special emphasis is given to the principles of growth and development, learning theories, readiness and maturity, individual differences and emotional learning. 

1808: Social Services Capstone (1-3 credits PAR, Gr. 12)

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.