Mr. Benscoter, Mr. Dalton, Ms. Eidell, Mr. Ferch, Mr. Hanson, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Kehoe, Mr. Knott, Mr. Rahmiller, Mr. Wagschal –

Abnormal  Psychology

Code: 7086

Credit:  1/2 credit

Elective/Required:  Elective 10-12

Prerequisite: grade 10 – 12

Course Description: This course provides an examination of psychological disorders, as well as theoretical, clinical, and experimental perspectives of the study of psychopathology. Emphasis is placed on terminology, classification, etiology, assessment, and treatment of the major disorders. At course completion, students should be able to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior patterns and demonstrate knowledge of the various treatments of major mental disorders.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

Learning Goals:  

1. Give students a better understanding of the impact of disturbances in mental health on individuals, families, and society

2. Provide a strong base of behavioral science for students targeting a career in the helping professions

3. Give students tools and knowledge to combat the rising epidemic of mental health issues 

Careers Related to Content

Psychology, sociology, medicine, advertising, marketing, management, education, industry, law, political science.

American History II: 1900 to the Present

Code: 7017-7018  (RAI Approved)

Credit:  1 credit

Elective/Required:  Required 10

Prerequisite:  None

Course Description: American History is the study of our nation’s past and its role in the community of nations during the 20th and 21st centuries.  Broad themes include social, political, religious, industrial, technological, and economic events domestically and worldwide.  Specific events will include the study of economic development, political leadership, military actions, and social and cultural growth.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

Students must be able to read and write at the level appropriate to their grade level.  They must also be able to interpret maps, charts, graphs, and tables.

Learning Goals:  The student will be able to:

1. Clearly state facts, ideas, opinions and interpretations.

2. Understand the impact of their nation on other nations.

3. Realize the impact of other nations upon their own country.

4. Appreciate ethnic diversity that has contributed to our cultural richness.

5. Understand the impact of major historical events on the attitudes and thinking of subsequent generations.

Careers Related to Content

Education, law, government service, journalism, politics, economics

American National Government (Concurrent)

Code:  7106

Credit:  1/2 credit  

Elective/Required:  elective-fulfills Government requirement 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of American History I, American History II, third social studies course or instructor approval and proficiency on Iowa Assessments 

Course Description: American National Government is a semester-long political science course that studies the interconnectedness of the different parts of the American political system and the behaviors and attitudes that shape this system. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze current and historical political events like a political scientist and develop factually accurate, well reasoned, thoughtful arguments and opinions that acknowledge and grapple with alternative political perspectives. This course contains five project based units that are organized around compelling questions. Each project involves political simulations through which students take on roles that help contextualize the content.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

This course is accelerated and requires above average reading skills.  Research writing and problem solving are also necessary.

Learning Goals: The student will be able to:

1. Develop an argument in essay format.

2. Read, analyze, and interpret foundational documents and other text-based and visual sources.

3. Apply political concepts and processes to scenarios in context.

4. Describe and explain constitutional and political institutions, principles, processes, models, and beliefs.

Careers Related to Content

Education, politics, law, government service

AP European History

Code: 7033-7034 (RAI Approved)

Credit:  1 Credit

Elective/Required:  Elective 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of American History I, American History II or instructor approval

Course Description: This course is designed to analyze European history from 1250 to present.  The course will start with a review just before the Renaissance and end with the present state of Europe.  The course will focus on studying 7 recurring items through each era to help students understand how Europe developed.  They are social structure, body politic, technology, evolution of family and changing gender roles, war, religion, and cultural expression.  Each will help to understand the growth of Western Society.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

This course is accelerated and requires above average reading skills.  Research writing and problem solving are also necessary to successfully pass the College Board test to earn 3 hours of credit which will transfer to nearly 3000 colleges and universities.

Learning Goals:  The student will be able to:

1. Clearly state facts, ideas, opinions and interpretations.

2. Understand the impact of the development of Europe and the impact on the world.

3. Understand the impact on nations that were influenced by Europe.

4. Understand the impact of major historical events on the attitudes and thinking of subsequent generations.

Careers Related to Content

Teacher, professor, museum curator and art critic

AP Government

Code: 7059 (RAI Approved)

Credit:  1/2 credit

Elective/Required:  elective-fulfills Government requirement 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of American History I, American History II, third social studies course or instructor approval

Course Description: United States Government and Politics will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics. Students should become acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

This course is accelerated and requires above average reading skills.  Research writing and problem solving are also necessary.

Learning Goals: The student will be able to:

1. Know important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics.

2. Understand typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political effects of these structures and procedures).

3. Be able to analyze and interpret basic data relevant to U.S. government and politics (including data presented in charts, tables, and other formats).

4. Be able to critically analyze relevant theories and concepts, apply them appropriately, and develop their connections across the curriculum.

Careers Related to Content

Education, politics, law, government service

AP Human Geography

Code:  7105    

Credit: 1/2 credit

Elective/Required:   Required-replacement for World History 

Prerequisite:  None

Course Description: The purpose of the AP course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

The students are expected to express ideas in written, visual and oral form, to have appropriate skills for group interaction and good listening skills. 

Learning Goals:  The student will be able to:

1. Interpret maps and analyze geospatial data.

2. Understand and explain the implications of associations and networks among phenomena in places.

3. Recognize and interpret the relationships among patterns and processes at different scales of analysis. 

4. Define regions and evaluate the regionalization process. 

5. Characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places.

Careers Related to Content

Cartographer, commercial/residential surveyor, environmental consultant, geographical information systems officer, planning and development surveyor, secondary school teacher, town planner

General Psychology

Code:  7045 (RAI Approved)

Credit:  ½ credit

Elective/Required:  Elective 10-12

Prerequisite:  None

Course Description: General Psychology is a course designed to help understand ourselves and others.  While taking General Psychology a student will learn about the nature of psychology, infant development, adolescent behavior, personality theory, development, breakdown, therapy, nature of learning, body sensation and perception, stress and conflict, altered states of consciousness and psychological testing.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

Students must be able to participate in experiments, organize time, develop vocabulary, state positions both verbally and written, and read for content and personal gain.

Learning Goals:  The student will be able to:

1. Understand the different theories that account for memory and forgetting, plus the different types of memory systems.

2. Become familiar with various functions and parts of the nervous system.

3. Discuss the significance of sensory adaptation, perceptual judgment and extra sensory perception.

4. Understand the functions of motivation, emotion and theories of needs.

5. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of selected altered states of consciousness.

6. Trace the stages of infant and adolescent development through puberty.

7. Through research and experimentation, understand the various theories of personality development, breakdown, and therapy.

8. Become familiar with various activities and theories which relate to stress and conflict management.

Careers Related to Content

Clinical and research psychology, law, business, sociology, communication, journalism, guidance & counseling, education, human services, personnel administration, most medical fields

Government

Code:  7057 (RAI Approved)

Credit:  ½ credit

Elective/Required:  Required 12

Prerequisite:  None

Course Description: Government is a course designed to introduce all students to our form of government.  It covers the historical foundation of American government, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the importance of participating in our government, the three branches of our national government, and the role of local and state governments, basic economic concepts, the financing of our government, and comparative economic systems.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

Students must be able to read, write, and express their opinions clearly and respect the opinions of others.

Learning Goals:  The student will be able to:

1. Interpret political cartoons, graphs, charts, tables, and maps.

2. Understand the role of local, state, and national governments.

3. Appreciate the role that the average citizen can play in government by participating in the election process, working in a political campaign, writing a letter to the editor, or by contacting a politician or government employee with a problem or concern of local, state or national impact.

4. Understand the role of our government in world affairs and the enormous effect it has had in the past during wars or in peacetime.

5. State the variety of services our local, state, and national governments provide for us and how these services are financed and paid for.

6. Compare and contrast the various political and economic systems across the globe.

Careers Related to Content

Education, political science, economics, law, government service

Historical Social Media

Code:  7086/7087

Credit:  1 credit 

Elective/Required:  elective 9-12

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: Students will analyze and organize artifacts of historical figures from Marshalltown, Iowa. After analyzing and organizing, students will publish artifacts onto a media platform for the public to view.   

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

Students can research, write, collaborate with peers on social media projects. 

Learning Goals: The student will be able to:

1. Gather relevant information from multiple sources representing a wide range of views while using the origin, authority, structure, context, and corroborative value of the sources to guide the selection.

2. Identify and evaluate the contributions of Iowans who have played a role in promoting civic and democratic principles.

3. Evaluate Iowans or groups of Iowans who have influenced U.S. History.

Careers Related to Content

Social media manager, historian, teacher, technical writer, editor. 

IA Financial Literacy 

Code:  7039    

Credit: 1/2 credit

Elective/Required:   Required Grade 9 

Prerequisite:  None  

Course Description: This course will address the following economic concepts: scarcity, incentives, cost-benefit analyses, competition, labor, trade, technology, and globalization.  The Financial Literacy components of the course will address financial goal-setting, career choices, taxation, record-keeping, debt and lending, insurance, and fraud.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

The students are expected to express ideas in written, visual and oral form, to have appropriate skills for group interaction and good listening skills.  Students must also possess basic math skills.

Learning Goals:  The student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of how markets and economies operate.

2. Utilize mathematical and statistical skills to analyze and evaluate economic issues.

3. Analyze the impact of various economic policies and propose policy to address economic problems.

4. Explain the components of a financial plan. 

5. Analyze the influence of limited financial resources on choices and behavior.

6. Examine and evaluate various types of debt.

7. Create a personal budget.

8. Explain the factors influencing personal credit rating and its impact on lending.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of future financial planning (savings, retirement, insurance, investing).

Careers Related to Content

Market research analyst, economic consultant, compensation and benefits manager, actuary, credit analyst, financial analyst, policy analyst, lawyer, market research analyst, economic consultant, compensation and benefits manager, actuary, credit analyst, financial analyst, policy analyst, lawyer

Introduction to Psychology (Concurrent)

Code: 7022

Credit:  1/2 credit

Elective/Required:  Elective 11-12

Prerequisite: Grade 11 or 12

Course Description: Introduction to Psychology is designed to challenge the motivated learner by reviewing the following areas:  methods, biological bases of behavior, historical approaches to psychology, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, development of the person, personality, testing, abnormal psychology, psychological disorders, therapy, and social psychology.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

This course is accelerated and requires above average reading skills.  Research writing and problem solving are also necessary .

Learning Goals:  The student will be able to:

1. Understand the role of psychology in personal relationships, the home and place of work.

2. Demonstrate the capacity to use a working psychology vocabulary.

3. Evaluate the positive and negative aspects of psychological theories.

4. Analyze the positive and negative aspects associated with personality. 

5. Review current research and assess its importance in the realm of psychology.

Careers Related to Content

Psychology, sociology, medicine, advertising, marketing, management, education, industry, law, political science

Modern US History

Code: 

Credit: 1/2 credit

Elective/Required:   replaces one semester of required 10th grade course:  American History II  

Prerequisite: Successful completion of American History I, American History II or instructor approval; proficiency on Iowa Assessments 

Course Description: The course will analyze America’s recent history from the Vietnam Era up through the current decade of the 2020s. Through the study of a wide range of historical topics (from pop culture to political scandals, military conflicts,  music and more), students will deepen their historical thinking skills, and learn to investigate the causes of major issues and turning points of America’s history.

Skills needed to be Successful in the Class

This course is accelerated and requires above average reading skills.  Research writing and problem solving are also necessary.

Learning Goals: The student will be able to:

1. Students will understand the struggles and achievements of different groups, such as, but not limited to African Americans, Native Americans, immigrants, and women.

2. Students will understand how it is important to make informed choices about issues like voting, participating in civil society, and advocating for change.

3. Students will understand how the critical examination of past and present flaws and injustices will help promote a well-rounded view of the country’s history.

4. Students will understand the challenges, accomplishments, and failures of the recent past.

5. Through analysis of primary and secondary sources students will prepare for the future, whether as leaders, policy-makers, educators, or informed citizens.

Careers Related to Content

Education, law, government services, journalism, politics, economics

Sociology

Code:  7025 (RAI Approved)

Credit:  ½ credit

Elective/Required:  Elective 10-12

Prerequisite:  None

Course Description: Sociology is a course designed to give the student a basic understanding of human group behavior and social problems.  Areas covered include:  basic sociological concepts, culture, group behavior, socialization, family and marriage, social stratification and poverty, ethnic groups and racism, social behavior, and social change.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

Students must be willing to read, write, and express opinions and ideas in those two ways.  A desire for learning about the human condition will be helpful.

Learning Goals:  The student will be able to:

1. Clearly state and write opinions and ideas.

2. Apply learned material to real life situations.

3. Develop a tolerant attitude toward differences in people and in life.

4. Gain an understanding of the interaction between individuals and institutions.

5. Analyze critically and constructively themselves and society with a constant desire to improve both.

Careers Related to Content

Education, human relations, medicine, advertising, business, communications, political science, writing, journalism, therapy.

US History (concurrent) 

Code: 7073-7074

Credit: 1 credit

Elective/Required:   replaces required 10th grade course:  American History II  

Prerequisite:  Successful completion of American History I, American History II or instructor approval; proficiency on Iowa Assessments 

Course Description: This course is designed to provide a college-level experience.  An emphasis is placed on interpreting documents, mastering a significant body of factual information, and writing critical essays.  Topics include life and thought in colonial America, revolutionary ideology, constitutional development, Jeffersonian and Jacksonian democracy, nineteenth-century reform movements, and Manifest Destiny.  Other topics include the Civil War and Reconstruction, immigration, industrialism, Populism, Progressivism, World War I, the Jazz Age, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, the post-cold War era, and the United States at the beginning of the twenty-first century.  This course will fulfill the United States History graduation requirement.  

Skills needed to be Successful in the Class

This course is accelerated and requires above average reading skills.  Research writing and problem solving are also necessary .

Learning Goals: The student will be able to:

1. Clearly state facts, ideas, opinions and interpretations. 

2. Understand the impact of their nation on other nations.

3. Realize the impact of other nations upon their own country.

4. Appreciate ethnic diversity that have contributed to our cultural richness. 

5. Understand the impact of major historical events of the attitudes and thinking of subsequent generations.

Careers Related to Content

Education, law, government services, journalism, politics, economics

Western Civilization I (concurrent)

Code:  7107

Credit:  1/2 credit (concurrent)

Elective/Required:  elective 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of American History I, American History II, third social studies course or instructor approval and proficiency on Iowa Assessments 

Course Description: This course surveys Western civilizations from Ancient Egyptian times to the 1500s. It reviews the basic chronology of Western civilizations while focusing on the major events and problems of Western history including political, social, cultural, and economic developments. The course also emphasizes geography as it relates to Western history and some interpretive issues regarding major events and problems in Western civilizations.

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

This course is accelerated and requires above average reading skills.  Research writing and problem solving are also necessary.

Learning Goals: The student will be able to:

1. Compose an effective narrative that analyzes the history of Early Western Civilization in response to an analytical question.

2. Evaluate conflicting historical interpretations within the context of Early Western Civilization.

3. Analyze global paradigms relevant to the traditional narrative of Early Western Civilization.

4. Analyze various types of historical sources appropriate to the study of Early Western Civilization.

Careers Related to Content

Politics, law, government service, teacher/professor, governmental analyst

Western Civilization II (concurrent)

Code:  7108

Credit:  1/2 credit (concurrent)

Elective/Required:  elective 11-12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of American History I, American History II, third social studies course or instructor approval and proficiency on Iowa Assessments 

Course Description: Western Civilization II is a survey of social, political, intellectual, and cultural development of Western peoples from 1300s to the present.  

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

This course is accelerated and requires above average reading skills.  Research writing and problem solving are also necessary.

Learning Goals: The student will be able to:

1. Compose an effective narrative that analyzes the history of the history of the Western world since the Renaissance.

2. Evaluate how economic, social, and political developments interacted to create or discourage change.

3. Explain why Western civilization developed as it did prior to 1500, focusing on how economic, social, and political developments interacted to create or discourage change.

4. Identify significant features on appropriate maps and to comprehend the importance of chronology.

Careers Related to Content

Education, politics, law, government service

World History 

Code:  7101 (RAI Approved)

Credit:  1/2 credit

Elective/Required:  Required Grade 9 (Class of 2022 and beyond)

Prerequisite:  None

Course Description: This course teaches the history of the major political, social, economic and artistic changes which occurred in world culture.  Students will learn and practice geography skills, including interpreting maps and geographic data.  Students will analyze and evaluate concepts surrounding trade, globalization, human movement, economic dynamics, as well as land use and environmental characteristics and issues.  Students will also examine and evaluate the impact of culture and international relations on societies.  

Skills Needed to be Successful in the Class

The students are expected to express ideas in written, visual and oral form, to have appropriate skills for group interaction and good listening skills. 

Learning Goals:  The student will be able to:

1. Recognize the interrelationships and interdependence of economic, political, social, and artistic changes.

2. Examine the impact of places, people, movements, institutions, and ideas significant on the historical and artistic development of a variety of regions.

3. Evaluate the methods of power and authority.

4. Evaluate primary and secondary sources of information regarding world history. 

5. Examine the impact of labor systems, trade, industrialization belief systems, and social status.

Careers Related to Content

Education, lawyer, historian, museum curator, military service, travel consultant, linguistics, engineer, architect, public and international relations, commercial artist