AMERICAN HISTORY (3)
9 REQUIRED
OR ACCELERATED AMERICAN HISTORY (3)
American History is the study of the history of the United States from the period after Reconstruction through the present time. In this course the student will study problems pertinent to the social, political, and economic life of people of the United States. These problems are studied and discussed in the light of their effect on our lives today, and their possible effect on the future. Topics discussed include: Industrial Revolution, Immigration, World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, The Cold War, The Modern Era, and Global Interactions. The course is designed to meet the state requirement for U.S. history. It is required of all ninth grade students.
The accelerated class may include more in-depth study and possible research assignments.
CIVICS (1,2)
10 REQUIRED
OR ACCELERATED CIVICS (1,2)
Civics deals with skills and knowledge needed to assume the role of a productive citizen of the nation and the community. The United States Constitution will be studied. The nature and application of laws in our society will also be considered. Special attention will be given to the practical application of laws to everyday life. A community service project will be required each quarter. The accelerated class will include more in-depth study and the use of legal case studies. An out-of-class activity will be required each quarter.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY (3)
11 REQUIRED
OR ACCELERATED WORLD GEOGRAPHY (3)
World Geography is designed to help students better understand the world in which they live. Emphasis will be placed on the fact that Americans are a part of a global society and that we are dependent on one another. This course looks at the world using a regional approach. The culture, history, topography, climate, natural resources, and economics of each region will be studied. Current events and the specific problems of each region will be included. Considerable map work will be required.
US GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (1,2)
12 REQUIRED
ACCELERATED US GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (1,2)
US Government and Politics provides an overview of American constitutional government, federalism, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, and the government of the State of Iowa. It focuses considerable attention on how and why people behave politically to get what they want from individuals and institutions that have the ability to meet those desires.
Attention will be given to providing knowledge and skills that will allow individuals to participate fully in democratic government including instruction in voting procedures. A project will be required each quarter. Community service will be strongly encouraged.
Each student will also study current events on a regular basis and apply knowledge gained in US Government and Politics to those current events.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIVING (1,2)
11-12 ELECTIVE
Marriage and Family Living includes units on marriage, family problems, and health education. The course is especially designed for the education of teenagers for successful family life, marriage, and parenthood.
The following specific areas are included in the course content: engagement, the wedding and honeymoon, the young married couple, roles of men and women, money management, heredity and health, parents for the first time, baby in the family, caring for and training children, the purpose of families, family investment and economic security, the causes of marriage failure, and the improvement of marriage and family life.
ECONOMICS (1,2)
10-11-12 ELECTIVE
Economics is an elective course that studies the basic principles of economics, how the American economic systems works, and how to be a smarter consumer. This is not a college prep course, but high academic standards are maintained.
The requirements of this course will be for the student to demonstrate an understanding of news stories dealing with the economy, how credit works, and how to cope with the tax laws. The stock market will be studied, including participating in a game that simulates investing in stocks.
Each student will also study current events on a regular basis and apply knowledge gained in US Government and Politics to those current events.
PSYCHOLOGY (1,2)
11-12 ELECTIVE
This course provides the student with an introduction to the discipline known as psychology. Heavy emphasis is placed on psychological vocabulary, the various schools of psychological thought, and the attempt to understand why people behave as they do. Some of the specific areas of study will be the history of psychology, learning and conditioning, language and thought, more effective learning techniques, motivation, abnormal behavior, and therapy. This is a college prep course and will therefore require above average reading ability and study habits.
CURRENT ISSUES AND THE COMMUNITY (1,2)
10-11-12 ELECTIVE
This course examines the major issues of the day, and how those issues affect our community. Various news sources, including daily newspapers, magazines, radio, and television, will be utilized. This is a lively, group-oriented course offering something to all students, not just those planning to attend college. It does require a commitment of time, however. Each student will be expected to spend time each day studying current issues.
WORLD HISTORY I (1)
11-12 ELECTIVE
World History I involves the study of the beginnings of civilizations through the development of the East and West. Included are the Middle Ages, the emergence of Modern Europe, the Enlightenment, Revolution, the Age of Unification and Nationalism. A college preparatory course.
WORLD HISTORY II (2)
11-12 ELECTIVE
World History II covers Western Imperialism, World Wars I and II, the growth of science and technology, dictatorship and democracies, and the changing world since 1945. This is a college preparatory course.
PEER HELPER PROGRAM
10-11ELECTIVE
PEER HELPER (1,2), PRACTICUM (2)
PREREQUISITE: Instructor's Written Permission
Statement of Program Goals: The Peer Helper course is a means of training and utilizing the talents and energy of secondary students to help other students. The basic goals of the program are: (1) to help participating students become more sensitive to needs of their peers and to give them the skills to be more effective in helping their peers, (2) to help create a more supportive and caring school atmosphere.
Program Content: The program offers peer helper training for a semester. The skills taught include being a good listener, helping others feel comfortable socially, helping others make decisions without giving advice and how to communicate sensitive issues in a caring manner. Additionally, students examine the most common feelings and confusions of adolescence in the areas of peer relationships, drugs, deaths, family and sexuality. Most of the students talk frequently to one another about their concerns. Peer helping helps students to identify helpful caring responses to their peers, including when it might be appropriate to suggest that their friends seek adult and professional help.
Practicum: After students have finished the peer helping training they have the option of continuing in a practicum and carrying out helping assignments. Typical assignments might include orienting new students, assisting handicapped students, providing friendship and sociability to isolated or neglected students, tutoring, keeping a log of experiences and observations, etc.