Program of Studies
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Program of Studies
- Agriculture
- Arts: Performance & Visual
- Business
- Driver's Education
- English Language Arts
- English Learner (EL)
- Family & Consumer Science
- General Electives
- Graphic & Digital Communication
- Health & Physical Education
- Health Science
- Information Technology
- Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Music
- Science
- Service Learning
- Social Studies
- Special Services
- Supplementary Services
- Technology Engineering / Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
- Trade & Industry
- World Languages
Social Studies Curriculum
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The social studies program develops citizenship, having learners become aware that through a thorough understanding of the past, we can better explain and understand the present and plan for the future. Without an understanding of the role of a citizen in a democratic society, that society will not survive for long. It is the function of schools, in general, and Social Studies departments in particular, to prepare learners for their role in that democratic society.
Course Descriptions
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Advanced Psychology
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.
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Advanced Sociology
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.
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AP European History
AP European History focuses on developing Learners’ understanding of European history from approximately 1450 to the present. Learners 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.
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AP Human Geography
AP Human Geography focuses on the distribution, processes, and effects of human populations on the earth. The purpose of this course is for learners 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 learners to attempt the AP Human Geography National Exam.
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AP Microeconomics
The purpose of the AP course in microeconomics is to give learners 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.
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AP Psychology
The purpose of this course is to introduce learners to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and animals. Learners 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. Learners can earn college credit by taking the Advanced Placement College Board Exam at the completion of the course.
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AP U.S. Government
This AP course is designed to give learners 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. Learners can earn college credit by taking the Advanced Placement College Board Exam at the completion of the course.
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AP U.S. History
First semester will cover the facets of history from the “Age of Discovery” to the end of Reconstruction. During the second semester, learners will learn about 20th century U.S. history to present day issues. The AP U.S. History program provides learners with the opportunity to earn credit and advanced standing in the college of their choice by passing the AP College Board Exam.
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Economics
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.
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Holocaust/Genocide
This course will provide learners with an in-depth look at the Holocaust and the groups targeted by Hitler’s regime. other contemporary world genocides. Learners will also examine the lasting impact of the Holocaust, other incidents of genocide in the modern world, and the role of America in the context of these conflicts.
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Law & Justice
This course is an introduction to the criminal justice system of the United States and North Dakota. Learners will examine each section of the criminal justice system, detailing the importance and the role of each section in the criminal justice system.
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North Dakota Studies
North Dakota Studies examines the history, politics, economics, society, and/or cultures of the state in the United States. This course focuses primarily on the history of the state or may take an interdisciplinary approach to the contemporary issues affecting it.
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Philosophy & Ethics
In this course, Learners will receive an introduction to philosophical and ethical systems used in the world today and throughout history to answer deep questions.
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Psychology
Learners 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 psychologists.
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Sociology
This course will emphasize social concerns in the United States with an in-depth study of American values, world cultures, and modern social problems will be included. Learners will practice thinking like sociologists and understand the rich diversity that is present in society.
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U.S. Government
This course provides a 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.
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U.S. History
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 to provide a more detailed look at events, movements, and the people that have had a significant impact on the shaping of our nation.
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Western Civilization
This course focuses on the development of western civilization from the Renaissance period through more contemporary history of various regions of the world.
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Women in American History
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 lived experiences of diverse groups of women.
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World Geography
In this course learners will explore the various regions of the world with regards to physical features, climate, vegetation, population density, economic resources, and human-environment interactions.