Social Studies
Overview
The goal of this department is to develop within each student the necessary skills and knowledge to assume an effective role in our ever-changing society and world.
Requirements:
- 1 semester: Geography OR AP Human Geography* (2 semesters)
- 2 semesters: United States History OR AP United States History* OR AP African American Studies*
- 2 semesters: World History OR AP Art History* OR AP European History* OR AP World History: Modern*
- 1 semester: Civics OR AP U.S. Government & Politics*
- 1 semester: Economics OR AP Macroeconomics* OR AP Microeconomics*
*Denotes Rigorous Course Wavier meeting MN State Standards requirements
Social Studies Courses (Alphabetical from A to Z)
- Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies
- Advanced Placement (AP) Art History
- Advanced Placement (AP) Comparative Government and Politics
- Advanced Placement (AP) European History
- Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography
- Advanced Placement (AP) Macroeconomics
- Advanced Placement (AP) Microeconomics
- Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology
- Advanced Placement (AP) United States Government and Politics
- Advanced Placement (AP) United States History
- Advanced Placement (AP) World History: Modern
- Civics 11-12
- Criminal Justice
- Geography
- History of Sports
- Introduction to Economics
- Music of Social Justice
- Psychology
- Sociology
- United States History
- World History
Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies
SSZ-A10-11 / SSZ-A10-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with authentic and varied sources.
Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. This course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African diaspora.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
This course follows the Advanced Placement African American Studies Framework that has been provided by The College Board. This framework and sources for this course can be found here.
Additional Registration Information:
This course meets the Rigorous Course Waiver for United States History course.
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
Fulfills U.S. History Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Advanced Placement (AP) Art History
SSH-A20-11 / SSH-A20-12 ► In-Person (South)
Course Description:
This course is the study of 250 works of art and history from prehistoric cave paintings through the postmodern abstract art movement of the 20th Century.
The primary units of study include the works of art of world civilizations from prehistoric to modern times and the cross currents between European and non-European artistic traditions.
The students will demonstrate learning through presentations, group and individual projects, image cards, tests, quizzes and in-class discussion.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
None
Additional Registration Information:
This course meets the Rigorous Course Waiver for the World History course. This course does not meet the requirements for NCAA approved core courses. See your dean for more information. The course is offered at LSHS only. LNHS students provide their own transportation.
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
Fulfills World History Requirement or Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Advanced Placement (AP) Comparative Government and Politics
SSV-A20-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of the political analysis of six countries: China, Great Britain, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia. It uses comparisons of political and economic institutions and policies of these six different countries to provide both a global perspective and opportunity to apply concepts to real world situations. Students identify problems and evaluate alternative policy solutions and their consequences.
The primary units of study include: authority and power; political and economic change; and citizen, society and the state.
The students will demonstrate learning by participating in class discussions and debates and by multiple choice and essay tests.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
A Comparative Government: Stories of the World for the AP Course
Karen Waples; Stephen Orvis; Carol Ann Drogus
W.H Freeman
ISBN :9781319471088
Additional Registration Information:
None
Grades: 11-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Advanced Placement (AP) European History
SSH-A30-11 / SSH-A30-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of major world events from 1450 to the present from a Euro-centric viewpoint.
The primary units of study include the Renaissance and Reformation, Absolutism, Scientific Revolution, consolidation of the large nationstates, Imperialism, the world wars, Marxism and the communist world, the Cold War and superpowers, and the collapse of Communism.
The students will demonstrate learning through unit multiple-choice tests, and a variety of essays including Long Essay Questions, Document Based Essay Questions, and Short Answer Questions.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Lakeville North Resource:
A History of Western Society- 13th Edition
John McKay- Bennett-Hill- John Buckler-Clare Haru Crowston-Merry E. Wiesner-Hanks- Joe Perry - 2011 - Print
ISBN-13:9780-0-312-64058-3
Lakeville South Resource:
A History of Western Society- 10th Edition
John McKay- Bennett-Hill- John Buckler-Clare Haru Crowston-Merry E. Wiesner-Hanks- Joe Perry - 2011 - Print
ISBN-13:9780-0-312-64058-3
Additional Registration Information:
This course meets the Rigorous Course Waiver for the World History course.
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
Fulfills World History Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography
SSG-A00-11 / SSG-A00-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course focuses on analyzing the geographic information and patterns of population, culture, rural and urban development, and globalization.
The primary units of study include geography as a discipline, population, cultural geography, political geography, industrial land use, rural land use, urban land use and globalization.
The students will demonstrate learning through unit tests, quizzes, written and oral reports, maps, diagrams and class discussion.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
The Cultural Landscape AP Edition
James M. Rubernstein, 11th Edition
ISBN: 10:0-13-292658-X
Additional Registration Information:
This course meets the Rigorous Course Waiver for the Geography course.
Grades: 9-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
Fulfills Geography Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Advanced Placement (AP) Macroeconomics
SSE-A00-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole while placing particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination.
The primary units of study include focus on performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. A special emphasis is placed on the analysis of current economic problems and the presentation of several different economic schools of thought.
The students will demonstrate learning through class participation, written assignments, written and oral projects, as well as written tests and quizzes.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Macroeconomics: Principles, Problems, and Policies
Campbell R. McConnell - Stanley L. Brue – Glencoe/McGraw-Hill – 2006 – Print
ISBN: 9780073273082
Additional Registration Information:
This course meets the Rigorous Course Waiver for Economics.
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Economics Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Advanced Placement (AP) Microeconomics
SSE-A20-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system.
The primary units of study include the nature and functions of product markets including the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.
The students will demonstrate learning through class participation, written assignments, written and oral projects, as well as written tests and quizzes.
Course Recommendation:
This course should be taken by students wishing to pursue a postsecondary degree in business or economics.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Principles of Microeconomics
N. Gregory. Mankiw - South-Western Cengage Learning – 2009 – Print
ISBN: 9780324589986
Additional Registration Information:
Students will be expected to complete readings prior to the start of the course and will be assessed at the start of the course. This class will prepare students for the AP exam given in the spring. This course meets the Rigorous Course Waiver for Economics.
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Economics Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology
SSP-A00-11 / SSP-A00-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the scientific study of the mental processes of human behavior; and the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.
The primary units of study include scientific foundations of psychology; biology and behavior; sensation and perception; learning; cognitive psychology; developmental psychology; motivation, emotion, and personality; clinical psychology; and social psychology.
The students will demonstrate learning through tests, quizzes, group work, experiments, individual projects and in-class discussion.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Myer’s Psychology for the AP Course
David G. Myers; C. Nathan DeWall; Elizabeth Yost Hammer
4th edition, 2024 - Bedford, Freeman and Worth
ISBN:9781319281168
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Advanced Placement (AP) United States Government and Politics
SSV-A00-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of the forces that helped to shape the American government “experiment” while evaluating both past and present American governmental leaders, using the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence as guidelines.
The primary units of study include a focus on the Constitution, the political parties, the media, the three branches of government and the bureaucracy.
The students will demonstrate learning by tests, quizzes, written and oral reports and inclass discussion.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
The Challenge of Democracy
Kenneth Janda - Jeffrey M. Berry - Jerry Goldman - Kevin W. Hula - Houghton Mifflin Co. – 2004 – Print
ISBN: 9780618312078
Additional Registration Information:
This course meets the Rigorous Course Waiver for the Civics course.
Grades: 9-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Civics Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Advanced Placement (AP) United States History
SSH-A00-11 / SSH-A00-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of United States history.
The primary units of study include the founding, building, and testing of a new nation, forging an industrial society, struggling for justice at home and abroad, and making modern America.
The students will demonstrate learning through multiple-choice, Long Essay Questions, Data Based Questions, and Short Answer Questions.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
The American Pageant: A History of the American People
(16th Edition at South)
(17th Edition at North
Kennedy & Cohen, Cengage Learning 2016, Print
ISBN: 978-1-337-09016-2
Additional Registration Information:
This course meets the Rigorous Course Waiver for United States History course.
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
Fulfills U.S. History Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Advanced Placement (AP) World History: Modern
SSH-A40-11 / SSH-A40-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of world history from 1200CE to the present.
The primary units of study include early river civilizations, classical civilizations, the rise and spread of major world religions, hemispheric exchange, imperialism, colonialism, both world wars, and globalization.
The students will demonstrate learning through chapter tests, essays, and semester final exams.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Traditions & Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past 4th Ed. (North)
Bentley and Ziegler - McGraw-Hill College - 2007 – Print
ISBN: 9780073330679
Additional Registration Information:
This course meets the Rigorous Course Waiver for the World History course.
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
Fulfills World History Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Civics 11-12
SSC-100-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of the foundations of our American government and their modern applications.
The primary units of study include the early foundations of the United States, the creation of our government institutions, the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, the American political process, and America’s early stages of foreign relations.
The students will demonstrate learning through class participation, written assignments, written and oral projects, as well as tests and quizzes.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Civics and U.S. History
McGraw Hill 2014
ISBN: 978-0-02-134638-7
Additional Registration Information:
None
Grades: 11-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Civics Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Criminal Justice
SSL-100-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of civil, criminal and federal law.
The primary units of study include civil law, and types of lawsuits, criminal law against people and property, federal criminal law, and constitutional law including the United State Supreme Court and famous case trials.
The students will demonstrate learning through tests, projects and presentations.
Course Recommendation:
This course is recommended for students who are interested in law related careers.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Street Law 6th Ed.
Lee Arbetman – Edward O’Brien - Glencoe/McGraw-Hill – 2001 – Print
ISBN: 9780314140777
Additional Registration Information:
None
Grades: 9-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Geography
SSG-100-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of analyzing geographic data to understand patterns of population, the development and spread of culture, rural and urban development, and human-environmental interaction. Students will use geographical skills they learn to examine challenges present in the world in conjunction with critical thinking to generate problem solving ideas.
The primary units of studies incorporate map skills, geospatial technologies, demographics, land use and human-environmental interaction and impact in different regions of the world.
The students will demonstrate learning through class participation, written assignments, student created projects, as well as tests and quizzes.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Geography Alive! Regions and People
Teachers Curriculum Institute
ISBN: 978-1-934534-68-7
Additional Registration Information:
None
Grades: 9-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Geography Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
History of Sports
SSZ-100-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of social, economic, cultural and political forces that have shaped the development of sports in the United States throughout history. Students will further investigate the role of commercialization, gender discrimination, racial bias, and class economics in relation to sports.
The primary units of study include sporting in early America, organized sports (boxing, baseball and football), race and sports, women and sports, college sports in the modern era, Olympic sports, television and pay for play.
The students will demonstrate learning through analysis of primary and secondary sources, class discussion, tests, projects and presentations.
Course Recommendation:
This course is recommended for students who are interested in learning history in connection with the popular cultural phenomenon of sports in America or those interested in a potential sports studies or sports management degree in college.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Sports in American Life: A History, 3rd Edition
Richard O. Davies – John Wiley and Sons, Inc – 2017-Print
ISBN: 9781118912379
Additional Registration Information:
This course does not meet the requirements for NCAA approved core courses. See your Dean for more information.
Grades: 9-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Introduction to Economics
SSE-100-00 ► In-Person
SSE-100-00H ► Hybrid
Course Description:
This course is the study of basic economic concepts: how markets work and the relationship between money, banking, finance and measurements of economic performance. In addition, the course will examine our government’s role in the economy while also examining the complexities of a global economy.
The primary units of study include personal finance, the study of markets, the dynamics of money, banking and finance, and the global economy.
The students will demonstrate learning through class participation, written assignments, written and oral projects, as well as tests and quizzes.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Economics: Principles in Action
Arthur O’Sullivan – Steven Sheffrin - Prentice Hall – 2002 – Print
ISBN: 9780-30630858
Additional Registration Information:
This class is ideally suited for seniors, but sophomores and juniors who have a strong interest in economics may also register for this class.
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Economics Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Music of Social Justice
SSZ-120-00 ► In-Person
SSZ-120-00H ► Hybrid
Course Description:
This course is the study of the integral role that music has played in major social justice movements in history. This class will explore how music has been used to promote awareness and encourage activism throughout history. Music’s role in a variety of social justice movements will be examined.
The primary units of study include: Women’s Suffrage, Unionization, Civil Rights, Anti-war, Anti-Apartheid, Environmentalism, Black Power, Indigenous Peoples Movement, Gay Rights, MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter.
Throughout the course, a variety of musical genres will be explored including Appellation Hill Music, Country, Jazz, Folk, Rock and Roll, and Rap and a the broad range of musical personalities from the likes of early 20th century Billie Holliday to contemporary Kendrick Lamar.
The students will demonstrate learning through quizzes, unit tests, written and oral projects on various social movements and musicians.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
What’s That Sound? An Introduction to Rock and Its History
John Covach - W. W. Norton & Company – 2006 - Print
ISBN: 978-0-393-62416-8
Additional Registration Information:
None
Grades: 9-12 Hybrid: 11-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, not NCAA approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Psychology
SSP-100-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of behavior and mental processes. This course is designed to introduce the student to a survey of various topics in psychology from neuroscience to psychological disorders.
The primary units of study include the brain, processes of learning, personality theory, states of consciousness and abnormal behavior.
The students will demonstrate learning through unit tests, quizzes, projects, and class discussion.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
Psychology: Principles in Practice
Spencer A Rathus - Holt, Rinehart & Winston – 1999 – Print
ISBN: 9780030154492
Additional Registration Information:
Students taking AP Psychology should not register for this course.
Grades: 9-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
Sociology
SSS-100-00 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is an introductory study of basic sociological concepts: humans and their behavior group. In addition, this course will seek to examine societal concepts (values, traditions, roles) that influence the interaction among individuals, groups, and institutions, as well as to understand how societal concepts and institutions develop and change over time.
The primary units of study include cross-cultural studies of family, marriage, divorce, death, the right to die, effects of death on people, deviant subculture, race, and ethnicity.
Students will demonstrate learning through tests, quizzes, plus written and oral projects.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
None
Additional Registration Information:
None
Grades: 9-12 |
Course Duration: Semester-long |
Fulfills Elective Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
United States History
SSH-100-11 / SSH-100-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of the history of the United States from the beginning to present times.
The primary units of study include westward expansion, the Civil War, industrial growth, immigration, the development of the U.S. as a global player, the World Wars, the Cold War, Civil Rights movement, and the modern era.
The students will demonstrate their learning by tests, projects, presentations, and a comprehensive semester final.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
America: Pathways To Present (Survey)
Andrew Cayton - Pearson Prentice Hall – 2004 – Print
ISBN 9780131815452
Additional Registration Information:
None
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
Fulfills U.S. History Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |
World History
SSH-120-11 / SSH-120-12 ► In-Person
Course Description:
This course is the study of history from the beginnings of civilization to the present.
The primary units of study include ancient civilizations, the Classical World, the world in transition, the ages of exploration and expansion, and the modern era.
The students will demonstrate their learning by tests, projects, presentations, and a comprehensive semester final.
Board Approved Primary Resource:
World History and Geography
McGraw-Hill Education, 2018, Print
ISBN: 978-0-07-668386-4
Additional Registration Information:
None
Grades: 10-12 |
Course Duration: Year-long |
Fulfills World History Requirement for Graduation, NCAA Approved | |
Prerequisite: None |