An introduction survey of the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The course will consist of an examination of psychology as a science and a profession. It will explore the biological foundations of behavior, sensing and perceiving the physical world, and normal and altered states of consciousness. The course will examine forms of learning, language and higher cognitive processes such as memory, thinking and problem-solving. This lecture course will focus on motivation, emotion, life-span development, theoretical views of personality, personality assessment, stress and coping, health and behavior, abnormal behavior and its treatment, and social psychology. Intro to Psychology will investigate contemporary applied psychology through the Internet and other computer systems.

An introductory analysis of the nature of society, the interrelationship of its component groups and the process whereby society persists and changes. The concept of culture, the process of socialization, social inequalities (as related to gender, class & race), family, and social change are included as the main topics discussed.

AP European History focuses on developing students’ understanding of European history from approximately 1450 to the present. Students investigate the content of European history for significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in four historical periods, and develop and use the same thinking skills and methods (analyzing primary and secondary sources, making historical comparisons, chronological reasoning, and argumentation) employed by historians. The course also provides five themes that students explore in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places.

AP Human Geography is a semester-long course that focuses on the distribution, processes, and effects of human populations on the earth. Unit topics that will be covered include population, migration, culture, language, religion, gender, ethnicity, political geography, economic development, industry, agriculture, and urbanization. The purpose of this course is for students to gain an understanding of the concepts, themes, skills, and perspectives of the academic discipline of human geography while developing higher order thinking, writing, and participation skills. This course is designed to offer a college-preparatory experience, and will prepare students to attempt the AP Human Geography National Exam.

The purpose of the AP Microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.

The purpose of the AP Psychology is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Major topics include motivation, emotion, life-span development, theoretical views of personality, personality assessment, stress and coping, health and behavior, abnormal psychology and treatment, and social psychology. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking the Advanced Placement College Board Exam at the completion of the course.

The AP U.S. Government course is designed to give students a critical perspective on government and politics in the U.S. This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up the American political reality. This course will provide an historical background and an explanation of the composition and operation of the U.S. government. The format of the course will consist of lecture/discussion, but will use small group work, simulations, and supplemental readings as well. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit by taking the Advanced Placement College Board Exam at the completion of the course.

First semester AP U.S. History covers the facets of history from the “Age of Discovery” to the end of Reconstruction. During the second semester, students learn about 20th century U.S. history to present day issues. Historical themes will be developed through both semesters by the following methods: assigned reports, essays, computer research, simulations, and student presentations/projects. The AP U.S. History program provides students with the opportunity to earn credit and advanced standing in the college of their choice by passing the AP College Board Exam in May.

This course is an introductory explanation of basic economic principles and personal finance. Basic economic principles are addressed with a strong emphasis on the American Free Enterprise System. Personal finance is centered on saving, budgeting, credit, debt, and financial planning. Economics is taught primarily in a lecture/discussion format, but also incorporates simulations and small group work. This course is taught to give students an awareness of how economics affects the individual, the nation, and the world.

This course will provide students with an in depth look at the Holocaust and other contemporary world genocides. The first half of the course will include an examination of the sequence of events prior to and throughout the Holocaust, a look at the groups targeted by Hitler’s regime and the lasting impact of the Holocaust on American and world societies. The second half of the course will allow students to examine other incidents of genocide in the modern world and the role of America in the context of these conflicts.

This course is an introduction to the criminal justice system of the United States and North Dakota. The criminal justice system of the U.S. has four basic sections: civil rights and civil liberties; law enforcement; courts, and corrections. We will examine each of these sections, detailing the importance and the role of each section in the criminal justice system. The format of the course will include guest speakers from a variety of law enforcement departments and careers, mock trial, discussion, and small group work.

North Dakota Studies courses examine the history, politics, economics, society, and/or cultures of the state in the United States. This course may focus primarily on the history of this state or may take an interdisciplinary approach to the contemporary issues affecting it.

In this course, students will receive an introduction to philosophical and ethical systems used in the world today and throughout history to answer deep questions. Some of the key concepts and questions addressed include: What is truth? Is knowledge possible? What is the best way to come to knowledge? Do people have free will? Do divine beings exist? What is "the good life"? How do we distinguish between good and evil? Are morals and values absolute or relative? Students will become familiar with key philosophical frameworks that attempt to answer these questions by debating and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective. Additionally, students will analyze and interpret philosophical and ethical systems ("worldviews") and apply those systems to debate and analyze problems facing the modern world. At the end of the course, students will be able to analyze the major philosophical problems that thinkers have grappled with for centuries, interpret sources to recognize philosophical claims and/or bias, and apply the concepts addressed in the course to become an effective and critically thinking citizen in our community, nation and world.

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mind. Students will investigate behaviors, thought processes, social learning, and biology from childhood to adulthood applying historical and contemporary approaches of Psychology. Topics covered in this course include: psychological disorders and treatments, biological systems, learning, therapies, developmental psychology, and scientific methods used by psychologist. The goal of this course is to provide students with and introduction to the field of psychology and its application to society.

Sociology is the study of human social behavior. Emphasis will be placed on social concerns in the United States. An in-depth study of American values, world cultures, and modern social problems will be included. A goal is to help students think like sociologists and to understand the rich diversity that is present in society. Material is presented in a lecture/discussion format, along with individual and group projects.

This course provides an historical background to the creation and operation of the United States government. It will emphasize the law-making functions of Congress, the roles and duties of the president, and the jurisdiction and operation of the federal courts. In addition, the role of the citizen in the democratic process will be examined and discussed. This course is taught in a lecture/discussion and small group format. Emphasis is placed on note taking and reading skills. This course fulfills the requirements for graduation.

This course focuses on U.S. development from industrialization in semester one through the terms of our more recent presidents in semester two. A topical approach is used in order to provide a more detailed look at events, movements, and the people that have had a significant impact on the shaping of our nation. Areas of American history emphasized in the first semester include: Industrialization, the Progressive Era, Imperialism, the Roaring ‘20s, US Involvement in World War I and the Great Depression. The second semester includes: World War II, the Cold War, the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts, Civil Rights, and the post-Cold War American historical era. This course is taught to provide students with general knowledge of U.S. history and the background needed to help understand our nation and its past, present, and future issues and decisions.

The first semester is an in-depth study of the Renaissance and Reformation periods, and then moves into units covering the age of exploration and colonialism, state building in Europe, the scientific revolution and enlightenment thought, the French Revolution and Napoleonic era, and industrialization. The second semester begins with nationalism and imperialism, followed by the WWI, the rise of totalitarianism which led to World War II, the Cold War, and then takes students through the contemporary history of various regions of the world. This class utilizes lecture, group work, projects and research. It meets the sophomore history requirement.

This course explores the impact of historical events on the lives of U.S. women and the varied roles women played in shaping American history. This course examines the political, social, economic, and cultural development of U.S. women from colonial times to the present, with a focus on the life experiences of diverse groups of women.

This course is the study of the Human Geography of Earth. Students will explore the various regions of the world with regards to physical features, climate, vegetation, population density, and economic resources. Each unit focuses on human-environment interactions taking place in our world, with specific reference given to the region of study. Group work, research, and map skills are emphasized. This course fulfills the freshman social studies requirement for graduation.