7th Grade Social Studies: Eastern Hemisphere Studies
Required: 2 trimesters
This course is a blend of Eastern hemisphere history and geography. Students will examine the physical and human aspects of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. In order to understand relationships between people, places, and the environment, students will use historical and geographical thinking. Essential concepts of civics and economics will continue to be developed. In addition to the text readings, research, films and the Internet will contribute to the educational process. A capstone project will be assigned along with several other research projects and presentations.
8th Grade Social Studies: Integrated U.S. History
Required: 2 trimesters
This course will cover The Road to Revolution up through the Reconstruction Era. Students will use historical and geographical thinking to understand events and ideas that strengthened the nation. Students will also continue to learn essential concepts of civics and economics. In addition to the text readings, research, films and the Internet will contribute to the educational process. Michigan History Day Project will be assigned along with several other research projects and presentations.
Civics
Grade Level: 8 or 9
Elective: 1 trimester - 1/2 credit
Prerequisites: None
In this course, students will learn to perform effectively as informed citizens of the community, the state of Michigan, and the United States. Students will identify, examine, and analyze core American documents; early government decision-making; the free enterprise system; the structure and function of local, state, and federal government; and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Students will also participate in a service-learning project, reflect upon those experiences, and evaluate the value of the experience to the American ideal of participation.
World History and Geography
Grade Level: 9
Required: 2 trimesters - 1 credit
Prerequisites: None
In this course, students will use historical and geographical analysis to explore the history of the world chronologically from the ancient times to today. We emphasize the interconnection of civilizations and the development of the modern Global Age, as well as the impact of imperialism and colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries. Students will examine various topics, eras, and places from political, economic, social, cultural, religious, and geographical perspectives. Units include the First River Civilizations, Ancient China, Greece, Rome and Christianity, Islam, Early Africa and Asia, Europe in the Middle Ages, Early Civilizations in the Americas, the Renaissance, World Religions, Exploration in the 15th through 17th Centuries, the Enlightenment, Napoleon and the French Revolution, Industrialization and Nationalism, Imperialism, Revolutions, World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the Modern World.
Local History
Grade Level: 10-12
Elective: 1 trimester - 1/2 credit
Prerequisites: None
In this course, students will examine the history of the Copper Country from the first Native Americans to the end of the copper mining days. They will use books, maps, articles, online resources, and personal experiences to understand the impact of the copper mines on society today. Students will be responsible for a web page about the history of Dollar Bay as well as projects about various topics within our local area.
United States History and Geography
Grade Level: 10
Required: 2 trimesters - 1 credit
Prerequisites: World History and Geography
This course begins with a review of core American documents and geographical changes of the United States through Reconstruction. Using a chronological approach, the course continues following the end of Reconstruction (1877) to the present day, focusing on social, economic, and political changes; the United States involvement and interaction with the rest of the world; and geographical changes. Units include the Industrial Revolution and Urban America, Becoming a World Power, Progressivism, World War I and its aftermath, the 20s, the Great Depression and New Deal, World War II and its aftermath, the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, Politics and Economics in the later 1900s, and the War on Terror.
Wars in American History
Grade Level: 9-12
Elective: 1 trimester - 1/2 credit
Prerequisites: None
In this course, students will explore the causes, course, and consequences of major wars the United States has been involved in, including the revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Students will analyze battles from each war as well as the leaders, strategists, and soldiers who waged the wars, and examine the evolution of technology and its impact on these wars.
Government
Grade Level: 11
Required: 1 trimester - 1/2 credit
Prerequisites: United States History and Geography
This course will provide students with the knowledge of US and Michigan government to participate effectively in civic life. Students will analyze core Democratic values and documents; the structure and organization of the three branches of government (legislative, executive and judicial), their bureaucracies, and the three levels of government (federal, state, and local); the government’s changes in foreign policy; and our relationship with the rest of the world. They research and report policy and Supreme Court decisions and participate in a trial simulation and mock election. Students will also participate in a service-learning project, reflect upon those experiences, and evaluate the value of the experience to the American ideal of participation.
Economics
Grade Level: 11
Required: 1 trimester - 1/2 credit
Prerequisites: United States History and Geography
In this course, students will analyze and study economic concepts and principles in three contextual areas: individual and household context, a business context, and a government or public context. This class is focused around four content areas: the market economy, the national economy, the international economy, and personal finance. Students will use a novel to apply economic concepts to various aspects and decision making in everyday life.
Current Events
Grade Level: 10-12
Electives: 1 trimester - 1/2 credit
Prerequisites: None
In this course, students will examine and analyze events going on around the world. We will study topics and trends in history, politics, culture, and geography. Students will explore how ongoing conflicts affect groups as well as individuals. Speaking and listening skills are reinforced through class discussions and oral presentations, and we will relate current events to history, thereby enabling students to grasp the interrelationship between and among them. Students will be responsible for various projects and papers, a Michigan History Day Project, and the creation and presentation of a bulletin board.
Psychology
Grade Level: 11-12
Electives: 1 trimester - 1/2 credit
Prerequisites: None
This one-semester course is an introduction to the study of the human mind. Leading psychologists and their theories will be focused on as well as such topics as personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. Group work, class discussions, and participation in experiments are encouraged. Hopefully, students will gain a better understanding of themselves and others.