Social Studies Courses

All students are required to complete six terms of Social Studies during grades 9-12, two terms of which are required in grade 9, and four terms in grades 10-12. Students are free to develop their own individual social studies program that best meets their educational goals. All students must select courses from four required groups of Social Studies classes:

Group I - American History
Group II - World Areas
Group III - Behavioral Sciences - (Grades 11-12 only)
Group IV - American Government - (Grades 11-12 only)

American Studies II is a 2-term course required of all 9th grade students. American Studies II is a continuation of the history sequence American Studies I, started in grade 8. American Studies II covers the time period from 1865 to the end of World War II. For students electing to take social studies classes during their sophomore year, it is recommended they complete the history sequence by choosing either Contemporary American History or Historical Viewpoints of Modern America (Group I), depending upon their interest and abilities. It is also recommended that sophomores consider taking one or more of the courses in World Areas (Group II.)

Students must be in grade 11 or 12 to enroll in Group III and IV classes. If all requirements are met by the end of grade 11, students have the opportunity to elect any social studies course not previously taken.

American Studies II (272111/272112) A two term continuation of American history that follows the eighth grade course and includes units on (1) Reconstruction, (2) Socialization and Industrialization, (3) The Progressives and World War I, (4) The Depression and World War II. Additional units are included on Iowa Government - state and local, and juvenile law.

GROUP I - AMERICAN HISTORY - (ONE COURSE REQUIRED) - (ELECT ONLY ONE)

Contemporary American History (272121) The study of Contemporary American History includes the social, political, economic, religious, educational, and cultural history of the United States since World War II. Emphasis is placed on the developments in American society and United States foreign policy.

Historical Viewpoints of Modern America (272131) The course is designed for students who desire a more intensive study of American history than the regular Contemporary American History course offers. The course covers the political, social, and economic development of modern America through a selected readings approach. Adequate reading skills are necessary for success in this course.

GROUP II - WORLD AREA - (ONE COURSE REQUIRED)

Early Western Civilization (to 1700) (271311) Includes a study of the main concepts which western culture has inherited from the past. Such concepts as Greek democracy, Judeo-Christian ethical concepts, Roman Law, Medieval social and economic systems, Renaissance and Reformation ideas, English parliamentary system, beginning of Modern science, market economy of the 16th century and the ideas of the French Revolution will be included.

Modern Western Civilization II (since 1700) (270711) This course, which can be taken separately, is a world history course which continues the historical sequence of Western Civilization. It is based around the political lives, experiences, innovations, and political behavior of people from the French revolution to the present. It is hoped that by studying the more significant events of this century, based upon their derivations from the nineteenth century, the student will have a better understanding of the world we live in and the reason for why things appear as they are.

World Cultures (271411) This course covers different geographical areas of the world and allows students the opportunity to see the many ways people in other cultures solve basic human problems. The course emphasizes cultural characteristics in the areas of geography, religion, government/historical settings, regional significance, the arts, and the people.

Geography (270121) Geography presents a wide view of physical, economic, political, and cultural aspects of the major world regions. It is intended to help answer basic questions of where physical and cultural landmarks are located and why people engage in certain activities.

Russian History and Culture (271421) This course is a weaving together of Russian history with her rich traditions in music, literature, religion, drama, film, dance, cuisine. This course will survey the historical eras, highlighting the developing cultures of the multi-ethnic Russian peoples. A variety of teaching techniques and learning styles will be used to explore the various topics.

U.S. Cultural Tapestry 1 and 2 (272711/272712) This course will weave together cultures that enrich the United States. The course, two terms, will allow students to earn Language Arts and/or Social Studies credit (depending upon the number of terms the course is taken.) U. S. Cultural Tapestry will showcase the historical, literary, musical, artistic, and scientific contributions of various ethnic groups such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. Note: Students may choose one term (first only) or two terms. This course can be taken only once for Social Studies credit.

GROUP III - BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE - (ONE COURSE REQUIRED)

Economics (274131) This course is a study of the basic principles and problems of economics and is centered on how society produces and distributes the goods and services in a market economy.

Applied Economics (274121) This course is designed to be a practical, hands-on course organized around three unifying economic components: the student company, a business management simulation and economic theory. The course will explain how a business gets started, how it operates and how it deals with changing economic conditions.

Sociology (277511) This course concerns the interaction of social groups in our society. It is designed to give students knowledge of the various social relationships, behavioral patterns, social progresses, and social systems that are included in their culture.

Psychology (277111) This is an in-depth exploration of human behavior patterns. The ability to recognize concepts and perform analysis of complex material is recommended for students taking this course. Areas presented include the brain and nervous system, learning and memory, experimentation, maladjusted behaviors and current treatment styles, and personality development.

Advanced Psychology (277121) This course is designed for students who desire a more intensive study of psychology than is offered in the Psychology course. Emphasis will be placed on social psychology, abnormal behaviors, therapies, and psychological research. In addition, measurement and statistical methods will be explored. An in-depth research project will be a main component of this course.

GROUP IV - AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - (ONE COURSE REQUIRED) - (ELECT ONLY ONE)

American Government (273011) This course is a study of the workings and functions of the American political system. Topics include the Constitution, the three branches of government, and the development of democracy in the United States.

Studies in American Government (273211) This course is designed for students who desire to obtain more in-depth knowledge of the organizations functions and administration of our national political system. The course content includes an analysis of the national government and political parties, as well as the nomination and election process.


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BACK TO DEPARTMENTS Teachers Courses Fieldtrip to Des Moines		Social Studies Courses All students are required to complete six terms of Social Studies during grades 9-12, two terms of which are required in grade 9, and four terms in grades 10-12. Students are free to develop their own individual social studies program that best meets their educational goals. All students must select courses from four required groups of Social Studies classes: Group I - American History Group II - World Areas Group III - Behavioral Sciences - (Grades 11-12 only) Group IV - American Government - (Grades 11-12 only) American Studies II is a 2-term course required of all 9th grade students. American Studies II is a continuation of the history sequence American Studies I, started in grade 8. American Studies II covers the time period from 1865 to the end of World War II. For students electing to take social studies classes during their sophomore year, it is recommended they complete the history sequence by choosing either Contemporary American History or Historical Viewpoints of Modern America (Group I), depending upon their interest and abilities. It is also recommended that sophomores consider taking one or more of the courses in World Areas (Group II.) Students must be in grade 11 or 12 to enroll in Group III and IV classes. If all requirements are met by the end of grade 11, students have the opportunity to elect any social studies course not previously taken. American Studies II (272111/272112) A two term continuation of American history that follows the eighth grade course and includes units on (1) Reconstruction, (2) Socialization and Industrialization, (3) The Progressives and World War I, (4) The Depression and World War II. Additional units are included on Iowa Government - state and local, and juvenile law. GROUP I - AMERICAN HISTORY - (ONE COURSE REQUIRED) - (ELECT ONLY ONE) Contemporary American History (272121) The study of Contemporary American History includes the social, political, economic, religious, educational, and cultural history of the United States since World War II. Emphasis is placed on the developments in American society and United States foreign policy. Historical Viewpoints of Modern America (272131) The course is designed for students who desire a more intensive study of American history than the regular Contemporary American History course offers. The course covers the political, social, and economic development of modern America through a selected readings approach. Adequate reading skills are necessary for success in this course. GROUP II - WORLD AREA - (ONE COURSE REQUIRED) Early Western Civilization (to 1700) (271311) Includes a study of the main concepts which western culture has inherited from the past. Such concepts as Greek democracy, Judeo-Christian ethical concepts, Roman Law, Medieval social and economic systems, Renaissance and Reformation ideas, English parliamentary system, beginning of Modern science, market economy of the 16th century and the ideas of the French Revolution will be included. Modern Western Civilization II (since 1700) (270711) This course, which can be taken separately, is a world history course which continues the historical sequence of Western Civilization. It is based around the political lives, experiences, innovations, and political behavior of people from the French revolution to the present. It is hoped that by studying the more significant events of this century, based upon their derivations from the nineteenth century, the student will have a better understanding of the world we live in and the reason for why things appear as they are. World Cultures (271411) This course covers different geographical areas of the world and allows students the opportunity to see the many ways people in other cultures solve basic human problems. The course emphasizes cultural characteristics in the areas of geography, religion, government/historical settings, regional significance, the arts, and the people. Geography (270121) Geography presents a wide view of physical, economic, political, and cultural aspects of the major world regions. It is intended to help answer basic questions of where physical and cultural landmarks are located and why people engage in certain activities. Russian History and Culture (271421) This course is a weaving together of Russian history with her rich traditions in music, literature, religion, drama, film, dance, cuisine. This course will survey the historical eras, highlighting the developing cultures of the multi-ethnic Russian peoples. A variety of teaching techniques and learning styles will be used to explore the various topics. U.S. Cultural Tapestry 1 and 2 (272711/272712) This course will weave together cultures that enrich the United States. The course, two terms, will allow students to earn Language Arts and/or Social Studies credit (depending upon the number of terms the course is taken.) U. S. Cultural Tapestry will showcase the historical, literary, musical, artistic, and scientific contributions of various ethnic groups such as African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. Note: Students may choose one term (first only) or two terms. This course can be taken only once for Social Studies credit. GROUP III - BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE - (ONE COURSE REQUIRED) Economics (274131) This course is a study of the basic principles and problems of economics and is centered on how society produces and distributes the goods and services in a market economy. Applied Economics (274121) This course is designed to be a practical, hands-on course organized around three unifying economic components: the student company, a business management simulation and economic theory. The course will explain how a business gets started, how it operates and how it deals with changing economic conditions. Sociology (277511) This course concerns the interaction of social groups in our society. It is designed to give students knowledge of the various social relationships, behavioral patterns, social progresses, and social systems that are included in their culture. Psychology (277111) This is an in-depth exploration of human behavior patterns. The ability to recognize concepts and perform analysis of complex material is recommended for students taking this course. Areas presented include the brain and nervous system, learning and memory, experimentation, maladjusted behaviors and current treatment styles, and personality development. Advanced Psychology (277121) This course is designed for students who desire a more intensive study of psychology than is offered in the Psychology course. Emphasis will be placed on social psychology, abnormal behaviors, therapies, and psychological research. In addition, measurement and statistical methods will be explored. An in-depth research project will be a main component of this course. GROUP IV - AMERICAN GOVERNMENT - (ONE COURSE REQUIRED) - (ELECT ONLY ONE) American Government (273011) This course is a study of the workings and functions of the American political system. Topics include the Constitution, the three branches of government, and the development of democracy in the United States. Studies in American Government (273211) This course is designed for students who desire to obtain more in-depth knowledge of the organizations functions and administration of our national political system. The course content includes an analysis of the national government and political parties, as well as the nomination and election process.
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