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Social Studies: 3 Credits Required
Curriculum Overview: Social studies are the integrated study of economics, geography, history, political science, and the behavioral sciences of psychology, and sociology, to promote civic competence. This area of study provides an important foundation to prepare students to become engaged, informed participants committed to the ideas and values of our democratic republic, able to apply the skills of inquiry, collaboration, decision making, and problem solving.
Students will become civically-engaged problem-solvers who critically examine their roles in local, regional, state, national, and global communities. Through the study and application of the individual disciplines of social studies (behavioral sciences, economics, geography, history, and political science), students become lifelong learners able to collaborate and thrive in our interdependent world.
Course: World Studies
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 9 - 10 Duration: 2 Trimesters Credits: 1.0
Overview: The objectives of this course are to develop an awareness and understanding of the present conditions in major areas of the world. To do this, students will examine geographic economic, political, demographic, cultural, agricultural, and urbanization processes of how these develop and spread around the world.
Course: Human Geography Credits: 1.0
Scope and Sequence
Grade Levels: Primarily 9, but open to 10-12 Duration: 2 Trimesters
Overview: While learning about the relationships between people and their physical surroundings, students will be guided through strategies and procedures designed to help them be successful in this class. Topics of study include population demographics, cultural geography, agriculture and diet, globalization, and urbanization.
Course: U.S. History
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 10 - 11 Duration: 2 Trimesters Credits: 1.0
Overview: United States History consists of eight content units of study. Four are addressed in the first half (U.S. History A) covering American History from the founding era to the 1920s focusing on developing students' historical thinking skills. Four are also addressed in the second half (U.S. History B): looking at the Great Depression and response, World War II, Domestic and Foreign policy post World War II to the present. In trimester B students will complete a major research project as an ongoing unit throughout the trimester.
Honors U.S. History
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 10 - 12 Duration: 2 Trimesters Credits: 1.0
Overview: Honors U.S. History covers the development of the United States from the exploration of the Americas to contemporary times. Readings will be more extensive and at a higher level than in on-level U.S. History. Students will need to demonstrate their understanding of various historical themes and thinking skills and to write historic and data-based essays. Students are expected to take the AP test to potentially earn college credit.
Course: Economics Micro
Scope and Sequence
Grade Levels: 11 - 12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: The purpose of a course in microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts.
Course: Contemporary Issues
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 11 - 12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: The topics in this course are constantly changing and evolving along with recent national and world events. Some topics we will discuss include: American Politics and Media, Human Rights, Foreign Conflict and Diplomacy, Environmental Sustainability, Public Health and Safety, and Economic and Domestic Policy. Students will have opportunities to investigate, report, and discuss relevant topics of interest with these broad themes.
Course: Psychology
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 11 - 12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: Students in this elective will investigate human thoughts, feelings, and behavior. This class introduces students to Psychology’s History, Perspectives, and Research Methods; The Biological Basis of Behavior; Development and Personality Theories; Mental Health/Wellness; and Social Psychology.
Course: Sociology
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 10 - 12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: The course is designed to introduce students to the sociological study of American society. Major themes in sociological thinking include the interplay between the individual, groups, and society, how society is both stable and changing, how groups function, the features of American culture, how deviance and conformity are achieved, and the causes and consequences of social inequality with regard to status, wealth, race and gender in the United States. Course content will be presented in a variety of ways including class discussions, films, and documentaries, simulations, group problem solving, small group work, and project-based learning.
Course: American Government
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 11 - 12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: This course is designed to give students a working knowledge of American government and politics at the local, state, and national levels. The foundation of this course is framed with the principles of the United States Constitution and the institutions of government. From this foundation, the political process is examined through the various linkage institutions that connect citizens to their government.
Course: American Legal Systems
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: Covers the American Legal Systems its structure, sources, court processes (mock trials), key concepts like federalism and constitutional rights (e.g., 14th Amendment), and practical skills like legal research and critical thinking.
Intro to Business
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 9 -12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: This course is designed as an introductory course for all students interested in learning more about business. Students will be exposed to many different aspects of the world of business. A primary objective of the course is to broaden both the interests and horizons of early level university students toward understanding the dynamics of business and business careers. Lectures, readings, presentations by guest speakers, videos, etc. will be utilized to facilitate student’s learning.
Business
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 11 - 12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: Personal financial literacy education is the focus on teaching students the ability to understand, evaluate, and communicate information about money and financial services. This learning includes the selection of appropriate financial options, the ability to plan for the future, and the capability to respond to life events and their effect on personal finances. The Wisconsin Standards for Personal Financial Literacy (the standards) are divided into six strands: Financial Mindset, Education and Employment, Money Management, Saving and Investing, Credit and Debt, & Risk Management and Insurance.
Personal Finance (H)
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 9 - 12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: Personal finance teaches students money management skills including budgeting, saving, credit, planning for major purchases, and investing. The course covers topics such as how to obtain and manage a bank account, how to make better spending decisions, planning for future financial goals, and responsibly managing credit while avoiding heavy debt. The class also teaches concepts including taxes, insurance, investing, and retirement planning. In general, this course should equip students with practical knowledge to make sound financial decisions in their lives, and meets Wisconsin’s ACT 60 legislation - making this course or its honors-level counterpart a graduation requirement.
Keyboarding/Formatting
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 9 - 12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: It is strongly recommended that ALL students take one semester of Keyboarding/Formatting (Typewriting) before graduating from high school. Given the extensive use of computers today and the expected future growth, this course will prove to be an invaluable tool for all students. This course is designed to teach keyboarding using the touch method for the proper techniques for the most productive and efficient use of the keyboard. Basic formatting instruction in creating letters, memos, tables, research papers (reports), etc. Auxiliary skills in proofreading, correcting, and computer functions.
Young Entrepreneur Business & Branding Class
Scope and Sequence
Grade Level: 11 -12 Duration: 1 Trimester Credits: .50
Overview: This is a class for young entrepreneurs that are interested in learning about starting their own business. The main objective of the class is to help the young business person work towards their goals as a business owner. The class will focus on the tools and knowledge an entrepreneur needs when starting their own business. Basic accounting and economics terminology and applications will be a part of this class. Resume development and goal setting are a part of this class. Juniors and Seniors only.