COMMUNITY SERVICE
1 semester course, 1 or 2 credits, offered both semesters, may be taken more than once – Prerequisites: Students must write an  essay and receive teacher approval in order to be considered for this course; class size is limited to 25 (DOE Course Code: 0524)

Service Learning is offered as a social studies elective whose activities blend community service and learning activities so that both occur and are enriched by the other. Students participating in service learning programs perform a needed community service that builds, utilizes, or provides a framework for academic and civic skills, abilities, and competencies. The services can be provided within school walls or in the community, and would not normally happen if the students were not doing them. As part of the course, students are required to serve for a minimum of 50 hours and to keep a daily journal. STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN TRANSPORTATION.

Students may only earn two credits from this class toward graduation requirements. Once two credits have been earned, students may retake the course; however, those credits will not count toward graduation requirements.

CURRENT PROBLEMS, ISSUES, AND EVENTS
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geography and History of the World or World History with a grade of “C” or better each semester (DOE Course Code: 1512)

Current Problems, Issues, and Events (CPIE) is offered as a social studies elective and provides the student planning on pursing a postsecondary education with the opportunity to apply techniques of investigation and inquiry to the study of significant problems or issues. This is a participation class in which students are expected to express well researched opinions, viewpoints, and examine different sides of issues. Reading/writing and research is REQUIRED throughout the semester.

ECONOMICS
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: None (DOE Course Code: 1514)

Economics is taught based on learning styles and student skill levels. Economics investigates the specific economic effects of market forces and government policies on individuals and major institutional groups within the American economy. Students examine basic economic concepts and models of decision making at various levels and in different areas including: (1) decisions made as a consumer, producer, saver, investor, and voter; (2) business decisions to maximize profits; and (3) public policy decisions in specific markets dealing with output and prices in the national economy.

ETHNIC STUDIES
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: None (DOE Course Code: 1516)

Ethnic Studies provides opportunities to broaden students’ perspectives concerning lifestyles, cultural patterns, and histories of ethnic groups in the United States.  This course will focus on a number of different ethnic groups, and 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 and economic impact of ethnic diversity in the United States.

GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF THE WORLD
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: None (DOE Course Code: 1570)

Geography and History of the World is recommended for students who do NOT plan on pursuing a FOUR-year postsecondary degree. The course includes the practical use of geographical and historical skills and concepts to deepen the student’s understanding of global themes. The core of the curriculum will include history; civics and government; geography; economics; and individuals, society, and culture.

INDIANA STUDIES
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: None (DOE Course Code: 1518)

Indiana Studies is an integrated course that compares and contrasts state and national developments in the area 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 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 insight into historical events and cultural expressions.  

LAW EDUCATION
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geography and History of the World or World History with a grade of “C” or better each semester (DOE Course Code: 1526)

Law Education is offered as a social studies elective that uses a college level textbook; therefore, students taking this course must have strong reading/writing and comprehension skills. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the American legal system and its basis in the United States constitution. The course content promotes an understanding of society and its system of laws by indicating how citizens may effectively function within the law.
 
MICROECONOMICS, AP
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Student must have passed Algebra I, Algebra II, and all other social studies courses with a grade of “B” or better each semester (DOE Course Code: 1566)

Advanced Placement (AP) Microeconomics is taught using a college textbook; college level work is expected and required to be successful. The course is designed to provide the highly motivated student with a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision-making, both as consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. In the spring semester, the course will provide an introduction to concepts of macroeconomics, including a study of national income and price-level determinations, economic growth, and international economies.  College credit can be earned through the Advanced Placement Exam.

PEER TUTORING
1 semester course, 1 or 2 credits, offered both semesters, may be taken more than once – Prerequisites: Students must write an essay and receive teacher approval in order to be considered for this course; class size is limited to 25 (DOE Course Code: 0520)

Peer Tutoring is offered as a social studies elective for students who are good role models, have no visible tattoos or body piercings, and who are committed to attending class every day. The course provides such students with an organized exploratory experience to assist students in grades K-12, through a helping relationship with their studies and personal growth and development. Students taking the course will develop a basic understanding of individual differences and explore career options in related fields. Peer Tutoring experiences are preplanned by the teacher trainer and any cooperating teacher under whom the tutoring is to be provided. It must be conducted under the supervision of a licensed teacher. STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN TRANSPORATION.

Students may only earn two credits from this class toward graduation requirements. Once two credits have been earned, students may retake the course; however, those credits will not count toward graduation requirements.

PSYCHOLOGY
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: Student must have passed all other social studies courses with a grade of “C” or better each semester (DOE Course Code: 1532)

Psychology is offered as a social studies elective that uses a college level textbook and is recommended for students planning to pursue a postsecondary education. Therefore, students taking this course must have strong reading/writing and comprehension skills. Psychology is intended to provide the highly motivated student with a general knowledge of the development of psychology as a science, physiology and behavior, learning, motivation and emotion, personality development, stress and adjustment, abnormal psychology, and psychological testing.

PSYCHOLOGY, AP
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Student must have passed all other social studies courses with a grade of “B” or better each semester (DOE Course Code: 1558)

Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology is taught as a social studies elective using a college level textbook; college level work is expected and required to be successful. The course will introduce the highly motivated student to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and the mental processes of human beings. Students will be exposed to psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major fields of psychology as well as the methods psychologists use in their research and practice. College credit can be earned through the Advanced Placement Exam. 

SOCIOLOGY
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: Student must have passed all other social studies courses with a grade of “C” or better each semester (DOE Course Code: 1534)

Sociology is taught as a social studies elective that uses a college level textbook and is recommended for students planning on pursuing a postsecondary education. Therefore, students taking this course must have strong reading/writing and comprehension skills. The course will introduce the highly motivated student to the study of the human individual and his or her relationship to the group. Emphasis will be on the study of the social self, social structure, culture, race and ethnic relations, and social institutions and their problems.

TOPICS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES, GLOBAL STUDIES
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered every other semester – Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geography and History of the World or World History for each semester (DOE Course Code: 1550)

Global Studies is taught as a social studies elective designed to build upon the student’s fundamental knowledge and skills in creating a global perspective to help him or her be more prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Students will be presented a multicultural curriculum that emphasizes concepts outside the United States, but will include social, economic, geographic, and historic perspectives.

TOPICS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES, INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geography and History of the World or World History  of “C” or better each semester (DOE Course Code: 1550)

Philosophy is offered as a social studies elective and provides the student planning to pursue a postsecondary education with the opportunity to examine several important philosophical texts and philosophers. The general aim is to investigate and understand the philosophical foundations of human life within a society. Students will be challenged to rethink their perceptions in terms of philosophical discourse as well as to discuss and apply the ideas so as to have implications for their lives.

TOPICS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES, MILITARY HISTORY
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geography and History of the World or World History for each semester with a desire to enter military service (DOE Course Code: 1550)

Military History is offered as a social studies elective that emphasizes the changing nature of warfare from ancient times to the modern era as nations adjust to social, political, economic, and technological developments. With an overview of definitions and functions of theory and, in particular, how military theory forms the foundations of modern military thought, students will be introduced to the nature, structure, and functions of military doctrine and modern military thought as well as the relationship between military theory, military history, and military doctrine.

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
1 semester course, 1 credit, offered both semesters – Prerequisites: Successful completion of U.S. History for each semester (DOE Course Code: 1540)

United States Government is taught based on learning styles and student skill level. United States Government provides a framework for understanding the nature and Importance of responsible civic participation and for learning the rights and responsibilities of individuals in a constitutional democracy. Students will explore the historic origins and evolution of political philosophies into contemporary political and legal systems. Constitutional structure and the processes of the three branches of the national, state, and local levels of government are examined as well as the student’s ability to influence policies and decisions as individuals and in groups.
 
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS, AP  
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Student must have passed all other social studies courses with a grade of “B” or better each semester (DOE Course Code: 1560)

Advanced Placement (AP) United States Government and Politics is taught using a college level textbook; college level work is expected and required to be successful. The course will provide the highly motivated student with a comprehensive study of the government of the United States. It is designed to increase student understanding of the three branches of government along with an intensive study of the Constitution of the United States. Other areas of study include political parties and their development, civil rights, and landmark cases of the United States Supreme Court. College credit can be earned through the Advanced Placement Exam. Dual Credit may be available through Ivy Tech course number POLS 101.

UNITED STATES HISTORY
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: None (DOE Course Code: 1542)

United States History covers the history of the U.S. from 1850 to present and builds on concepts learned in the student’s prior studies of American history. Major emphasis is given to increasing student understanding of the interaction of historical events and geographic, social, and economic influences on national development of the United States and how these personally impact the student today.

UNITED STATES HISTORY, AP
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: Student must have passed all other social studies courses with a grade of “B” or better each semester, offered to 11th and 12th grade (sophomores may be considered with referrals). (DOE Course Code: 1562)

Advanced Placement (AP) United State History uses collegiate level materials requiring college level work to be successful. The course will provide the highly motivated student with a comprehensive study of US History including the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the United States from c. 1491 to the present and is designed to increase student understanding from discovery to present day. Skills developed include evaluating primary and secondary sources; analyzing the claims, evidence, and reasoning you find in sources; placing historical developments in context and making connections between them, and coming up with a claim or thesis in writing. Analyzing texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence, and writing essays expressing historical arguments are common. Areas of concentration include historical, political, and economic history coupled with an intense study of cultural and intellectual institutions and their development. College credit can be earned through the Advanced Placement Exam.


WORLD HISTORY AND CIVILIZATION
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: None (DOE Course Code: 1548)

World History and Civilization is recommended for students planning to pursue a postsecondary education and who have strong reading/writing and comprehension skills. Therefore, it is STRONGLY recommended to WAIT until at least the sophomore year to take this course, but it can be taken as a freshman if the student’s prior social studies grades were a “B” or better each semester or the student has counselor approval.
World History and Civilization provides a basis for students to compare and analyze patterns of culture, emphasizing both the diversity and commonality of human experience and behavior from the dawn of man until now. The course emphasizes the interaction of local cultures with the natural environment, as well as the connections among civilizations from the earliest times to the present by studying a variety of World History themes.
 
WORLD HISTORY, AP
Full year course, 1 credit per semester – Prerequisites: It is strongly recommended that students have demonstrated superior achievement in previous English and Social Studies courses (DOE Course Code: 1576)

In AP World History: Modern, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes from 1200 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; 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.