SOCIAL STUDIES
US Government and Politics 12 Hybrid Prerequisite / Selection process: World History or AP World History Intended audience: Grade 12 Credit: One trimester = 0.5 credit Major outcomes:
• Examines the political system of the American government
• Focuses on the political processes of local, state, and national government, the three branches of government, as well as applying constitutional principles to the American legal system
• Learn how to be active citizens
• 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
90 High School Registration Guide