Social Studies

MHS Only

DOE: 1502

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

Prerequisite/s: None

Anthropology gives students perspectives concerning patterns of culture among people. The course introduces the anthropologist's processes of observing and analyzing human behavior. Topics studied include (1) theories and principles of culture. Anthropology would provide students with the opportunity to explore a broad range of topics with real-world connections, and to apply their own skills, knowledge, and curiosity to a subject, which is both dynamic and hands-on.

DOE: 1514

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

Prerequisite/s: Grade 12

Economics examines the allocation of resources and their uses for satisfying human needs and wants. The course analyzes economic reasoning and behaviors of consumers, producers, savers, investors, workers, voters, institutions, governments, and societies in making decisions. Students explain that because resources are limited, people must make choices and understand the role that supply, demand, prices, and profits play in market economy. Key elements of the course include the study of scarcity and economic reasoning; supply and demand; market structures; the role of government; national economic performance; the role of financial institutions; economic stabilization; and trade. 

DOE: 1566 (Microeconomics) & DOE: 1564 (Macroeconomics)

Credit/s: 1-2 Semester/s: 1-2

Prerequisite/s: Grade 12

• HHS: This two semester course provides preparation for 2 AP exams, one in microeconomics taught in semester 1, and one in macroeconomics taught in semester 2.
• MHS: This course is offered by the semester, with students being able to choose to take one or both semesters in preparation of AP exams for the corresponding course.

AP Macroeconomics is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. AP Macroeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination; it also develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts,  and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. Topics include: Basic Economic Concepts; Measurement of Economic Performance; National Income and Price Determination; Financial Sector; Stabilization Policies; and Economic Growth.

AP Microeconomics is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. AP Microeconomics is an introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students' familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. Topics include: basic Economic Concepts; Nature and Functions of Product Markets; Factor Markets; and Market Failure and the Role of Government.

DOE: 1516

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

Ethnic Studies provides opportunities to broaden students' perspectives concerning lifestyles and cultural patterns of ethnic groups in the United States. This course will either focus on a particular ethnic group or groups, or use a comparative approach to the study of patterns of cultural development, immigration, and assimilation, as well as the contributions of specific ethnic or cultural groups. The course may also include analysis of the political impact of ethnic diversity in the United States. 

DOE: 1570

Credit/s: 2

Semester/s: 2

Prerequisite/s: None

Geography and History of the World is designed to enable students to use geographic tools, skills and historical concepts to deepen their understanding of major global themes including the origin and spread of world religions; exploration; conquest, and imperialism; urbanization; and innovations and revolutions. Geographic and historical skills including forming research questions, acquiring information by investigating a variety of primary and secondary sources, organizing information by creating graphic representations, analyzing information to determine and explain patterns and trends, planning for the future, and documenting and presenting findings orally or in writing. The historical geography concepts used to explore global themes include change over time, origin, diffusion, physical systems, cultural landscapes, and spatial distributions/patterns and interaction/relationships.

DOE: 1518

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

Prerequisite/s: None

Indiana Studies is an integrated course that compares and contrasts state and national development in the areas of politics, economics, history, and culture. The course uses Indiana history as a basis for understanding current policies, practices, and state legislative procedures. It also includes  the study of state and national constitutions from a historical perspective and as a current foundation of government. Examination of individual leaders and their roles in a democratic society will be included, and students will examine the participation of citizens in the political process. Selections from Indiana arts and literature may also be analyzed for insights into historical events and cultural expressions. 

DOE: 1532
 

Credit/s: 1
 

Semester/s: 1

Prerequisite/s: Grade 11-12

Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behavior. The course is divided into eight content areas: History and Scientific Method, Biological Basis for Behavior, Development, Cognition, Personality and Assessment, Abnormal Psychology, Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Behavior, and Psychological Thinking. History and Scientific Method explores the history of psychology, the research methods used, and the ethical considerations that must be utilized. Biological Basis for Behavior focuses on the way the brain and nervous system function, including sensation, perception, motivation and emotion. Development analyzes the changes through one's life including the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and moral development. Cognition focuses on learning, memory, information processing, and language development. Personality and Assessment explains the approaches used to explain one's personality and the assessment tools used. Abnormal Psychology explores psychological disorders and the various treatments used for them. Socio-Cultural Dimensions of Behavior covers topics such as conformity, obedience, perceptions, attitudes and influence of the group on the individual. Psychological Thinking explores how to think like a psychologist and expand critical thinking skills needed in the day-to-day life of a psychologist.

DOE: 1534

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

Prerequisite/s: Grade 12

Sociology allows students to study human social behavior from a group perspective. The sociological perspective is a method of studying recurring patterns in people's attitudes and actions and how these patterns vary across time, cultures, and in social settings and groups. Students describe the development of sociology as a social science and identify methods of research. Through research methods such as scientific inquiry students examine society, group behavior, and social structures. The influence of culture on group behavior is addressed through institutions such as the family, religion, education, economics, community organizations, government, and political and social groups. The impact of social groups and institutions on group and individual behavior and the changing nature of society will be examined. Influences on group behavior and social problems are included in the course. Students also analyze the role of individuals in the community and social problems in today's world.

DOE: 1538

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

This course will examine the historical development of sports in the United States from a societal, cultural, racial, and economic viewpoint. The history of sports, particularly in the years after the Cold War, is a "mirror" is which many aspects of American social history are reflected. The course will provide the student the opportunity to examine the relationship between sports and nationalism, sports and politics, sports and the economy, sports and societal change, sports and gender, along with sports and American expansion.

DOE: 1538

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

This course will be a topical based course that rotates as instructor interest and building interest directs. Topics include: WWII, causes of WWII, the European Theater of Operations, the Pacific Theater of Operations, the “home front” during WWII, roles of women and minorities during WWII, results of WWII, the impact of WWII upon the US in foreign relations, the American Civil War, Civil War causes and nature, the results of the American Civil War. Additional topics could include, but are not limited to the Vietnam War, the War in Afghanistan, and the First and Second Iraq Wars.

DOE: 1538

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

This course will provide students with a better understanding of the world that they inherit by examining U.S. domestic affairs including social, political, and economic history of the past 60 years. Students will examine cultural artifacts like music, art, and film interwoven with analysis of the trends in society, technology, politics, and globalization to build a complete picture of modern America. This class will use research, presentation, discussion, and debate to learn the history of our American culture and what makes us truly American.

DOE: 1538

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

The purpose of this course is to study current world affairs and their impact upon the United States. In pursuit of this objective, research is required into where the problem areas of the world are and what factors make them problematic. The class will engage in discussion, debates, and simulations to better understand how the United States interacts with and responds to global affairs.

DOE: 1542

Credit/s: 2

Semester/s: 2

Prerequisite/s: Grade 10

United States History is a two-semester course that builds upon concepts developed in previous studies of U.S. History and emphasizes national development from the late nineteenth century into the twenty-first century. After reviewing fundamental themes in the early development of the nation, students are expected to identify and review significant events, persons, and movements in the early development of the nation. The course then gives major emphasis to the interaction of key events, people, and political, economic, social, and cultural influences in national developments from the late nineteenth century through the present as they relate to life in Indiana and the United States. Students are expected to trace and analyze chronological periods and examine the significant themes and concepts in U.S. History. Students develop historical thinking and research skills and use primary and secondary sources to explore topical issues and to understand the cause for changes in the nation over time.

DOE: 1562

Credit/s: 2

Semester/s: 2

Prerequisite/s: Grade 11 & Instructor Recommendation Required

AP United States History is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. AP United States History focuses on developing students' abilities to think conceptually about U.S. History from approximately 1491 to the present and apply historical thinking skills as they learn about the past. Seven themes of equal importance- identity; peopling; politics and power; work, exchange, and technology; America in  the world; environment and geography; and ideas, beliefs, and culture- provide areas of historical inquiry for investigation throughout the course. These require students to reason historically about continuity and change over times and make comparisons among various historical developments in different times and places.

DOE: 1540

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

Prerequisite/s: Grade 12

United States Government provides a framework for understanding the purposes, principles, and practices of constitutional representative democracy in the United States. Responsible and effective participation of citizens is stressed. Students understand the nature of citizenship, politics, and governments and understand the rights and responsibilities of citizens and how these are part of local, state and national government. Students examine how the United States Constitution protects rights and provides the structure and functions of various levels of government. Analysis of how the United States interacts with other nations and the government's role in world affairs is included in this course. Using primary and secondary resources, students will articulate, evaluate, and defend positions on political issues. As a result, they will be able to explain the role of individuals and groups in government, politics, and civic activities and the need for civic and political engagement of citizens in the United States. 

DOE: 1560

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

Prerequisite/s: Grade 12 & Instructor Recommendation Required

AP United States Government and Politics is a course based on the content established and copyrighted by the College Board. The course is not intended to be used as a dual credit course. AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence based arguments. In addition, they complete a political science research or applied civics project. 

DOE: 1548

Credit/s: 2

Semester/s: 2

Prerequisite/s: None

This year-long course will introduce students to the chronological framework of major world events that helped shape early civilizations. Students will examine the interwoven political, social, economic, and cultural history of ancient societies. Study will begin with the beginnings of ancient civilization about 2000 B.C. to 550 A.D., Europe in a period of transition, 1350 to 1795, Age of Revolution, Age of  Imperialism, world wars and peace and the world today.

MHS Only

DOE: 1612

Credit/s: 2

Semester/s: 2

AP World History Modern students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in historical periods from approximately 1200 CE to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change over time. The course provides six themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.

MHS Only

DOE: 1538

Credit/s: 1

Semester/s: 1

Prerequisite/s: Grades 11-12

The main focus of this course will be women and their societal advancement through American History. Discussion of the status of women in a more global perspective will occur. Women's History will examine the experience and contributions of diverse groups of women in American society. This course will provide knowledge about the social role of women and their involvement in areas such as health, history, and political activism. The course will also provide knowledge about gender stereotypes and how this affects the learning process. Each unit will incorporate Project-Based learning (PBL) which will allow the students to be in the lead in their learning and engage in real world demonstrations of their learning. Guest speakers and community outreach will be incorporated into each unit of study.