SOCIAL STUDIES
• Debate and analyze public policy issues , including foreign policy
• Understand how the Legislative , Executive and Judicial branches work together
• Understand the importance of the American Legal system including criminal , civil and constitutional law
• Analyze public policy issues including foreign policy
• Investigate state and local government and politics
• Analyze primary sources and court cases to understand the role of government during major periods of social and political change
Instructional Focus : State / Local Public Issue Project [ 5 Youth Service Hours ], Constitutional Law Project
AP US Government and Politics [ AP exam is in May each year ] Prerequisites / Selection Process : World History or AP World History ; previous social studies grades may be considered or recommendation of counselor or teacher Intended Audience : Grades 11 and 12 Credit : One trimester required = 0.5 credit Optional Trimester = 0.5 credit Non-Honors Credit Major Outcomes : Concepts of political science
• Analysis of topics such as the U . S . Constitution , political beliefs and behavior , interest groups , mass media , institutions of government , public policy , civil rights and civil liberties
• Approach the AP exam with confidence .
Instructional Focus :
• Examination of Federalist Papers , Research and presentation of public policy topic
• College-level concepts through small and large group lecture and activities ; college text is used .
• College credit may be earned based on AP test score and institution .
US Government and Politics Seminar
Prerequisite / Selection Process : AP Government and Politics Intended Audience : Grade 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Analysis of topics such as the U . S . Constitution , political beliefs and behavior , interest groups , mass media , institutions of government , public policy , civil rights and civil liberties
Instructional Focus : Preparation to take National Advanced Placement exam
FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Globe Trekker Intended Audience : Grades 10 , 11 , 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credits Major Outcomes :
• Exploring the world around us
• Dispel common misconceptions of other regions of the world
• Create project of experiences with , pictures , letters , postcards , etc .
• Research : History , landmarks , language , traditions , religions , food , etiquette , architecture , art , transportation
• Focus on regions of the world that is different / more in depth from other courses
Instructional Focus : Research , discussion , projects , activities , etc
America Through Multimedia Intended Audience : Grades 10 , 11 , 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Learn the origins and evolution of various types of popular media including : radio , film , social media , and video games
• Understand how history has shaped multimedia and how major forms of media have impacted history and culture Instructional Focus : Class discussions , projects , journaling and film analysis .
Modern Global Issues Intended Audience : Grades 10 , 11 , 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Students will understand the world from a variety of perspectives
• Should all people have access to the same basic rights ?
• Analyze global human rights such as sex trafficking , child labor , access to clean water , and food security
• Understand the history and modern relevance of global and domestic terrorism and extremism
• Investigate the impact of the changing global environment
• Debate privacy rights in the face of foreign and domestic spying and cyber security
• Global response to outbreaks of disease and natural disasters
Instructional Focus : Instruction is presented in a variety of ways : class discussion , individual research , student driven presentations , small and large group activities , simulations , and the use of technology and geographical tools .
Multicultural Perspectives Intended Audience : Grades 10 , 11 , and 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Students will analyze how the concepts of Power and Privilege impact how we each experience the world differently and will be evaluated through a multicultural lens in the following areas of study : Race , Gender , Ethnicity , LGBTQ , Disability
• Students will gain exposure to the cultural richness of the Greater Twin Cities Area
• Research how groups have maintained their culture while becoming part of the Minnesota tradition . Examples of groups include : Southeast Asian [ Hmong , Vietnamese , etc .], Scandinavian [ Norwegian , Swedish , etc .], African [ Liberian , Somalian , etc .], Latino , Soviet Bloc , and others .
Instructional Focus : Discussion - Socratic Seminar , Sociological Observation , Research Papers , Group Presentations
Honors African-American History Intended Audience : Grades 10 , 11 , 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit The African American History course is designed to develop an understanding of the causes , character , and consequences of the African-American experience and its influence on the world , the United States , and the African-American community . Beginning with a historical , geographical , social , political , economic , and cultural understanding from the African continent , the course will provide a descriptive and corrective overview , introducing the student to the study of both the African and African-American experiences . Major Outcomes :
• Study of major events in U . S . History from the perspective of African Americans
• Study of diverse peoples who created the American story
Instructional Focus : Journaling , class discussions , projects , lecture , book / article reading , and various other forms of media .
HUMAN SERVICES
Youth Issues Intended Audience : Grades 9 , 10 , 11 , and 12 Credit : One trimester = 0.5 credit Major Outcomes :
• Effective communication skills in personal , family , and social situations
• Analysis of issues which affect youth Instructional Focus : Discussion
90 High School Registration Guide