Course Descriptions for Social Studies

In this section:

World History
U.S. History
Government
Behavioral Science

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS – SOCIAL STUDIES (PDF)

World History

CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

2 credits are required for graduation from the Dubuque Community School District.
Credits earned beyond the requirement are automatically counted as Elective credits.

WORLD HISTORY
SOC221 (Sem 1), SOC222 (Sem 2)

DURATION: year course
CREDITS: 2
OPEN TO: sophomores
NCAA: approved
PREREQUISITE: none

World History is a year-long, two-credit course. The student will study in depth the societies, themes and issues that mark the interaction of the world and will focus on the diversity of the human experience. This course covers the ideas and institutions that have shaped our modern world. Students focus in depth on the world’s history in both hemispheres from the Industrial Revolution to the present. Units of study will focus on interactive lessons dealing with Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas and their interconnectedness.

Emphasis in this course will be placed on content mastery, literacy skills, and inquiry-based thinking. The general format of the class will include use of historical thinking skills and analysis of primary and secondary texts in addition to inquiry-based discussion and writing assessments.

Alignment to the Iowa Core Curriculum: Instruction, learning, and assessment are built on the 9-12 Social Studies Inquiry Standards, 9-12 World History Standards, and the 9-10 Reading and Writing Standards for History/Social Studies.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY
SOC511 (Sem 1), SOC512 (Sem 2)

DURATION: year course
CREDITS: 2
OPEN TO: sophomores
NCAA: approved
PREREQUISITE: Honors English 1-2 or instructor recommendation

Advanced Placement World History is a two credit, year-long course open to tenth grade students. This course will focus on the study of the histories of the world’s civilizations. Through their studies, students will develop an appreciation for the civilizations of the world and the institutions that, over time, became embedded in each culture. In addition, students will be able to see the impact that each civilization had upon one another as contacts were made and relationships were established.

Students will learn strategies that will enhance their abilities to analyze various sources of historical information. Students will demonstrate their historical understanding through written and oral assessments. It will be necessary that all enrolled students exhibit high skill level in written and verbal expression. This two-semester course prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses with instruction equivalent to a full-year introductory college course as well as preparing students to take the Advanced Placement World History exam in the month of May of each year. Students may earn college credit depending on the results of the examination.

WORLD CIVILIZATION I – NICC Concurrent College Class (HIS:131)
SOC603 (Sem 1)

DURATION: semester course
CREDITS: 1
OPEN TO: sophomore, juniors, seniors (preference given to seniors)
PREREQUISITE: none

This is a survey course in World Civilization from pre-history to 1500. The class follows a “Big History” pedagogical approach as it examines six major civilizations: those in the Middle-East, India, China, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Contexts, connections, changes, and comparisons between civilizations will be considered. Cultural components such as religion and art are integrated with political and economic history.

COMMENT: This is a concurrent enrollment course. In addition to high school credit, students will earn 3 college credits at NICC. Contact your school counselor and/or the admissions office of the postsecondary institution you plan to attend for more information on the transferability of the credits.

WORLD CIVILIZATION II – NICC Concurrent College Class (HIS:132)
SOC604 (Sem 2)

DURATION: semester course
CREDITS: 1
OPEN TO: sophomore, juniors, seniors (preference given to seniors)
PREREQUISITE: none

This is a survey course in World Civilization from 1500 CE to present time. The class follows a “Big History” pedagogical approach as it examines the course of human history. Contexts, connections, changes, and comparisons between civilizations will be considered. Cultural components such as religion and art are integrated with political and economic history. The course is designed to focus on the emergence of modern civilization including the rise and global impact of Europe as well as the rise of modern cultures in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The course also focuses on the rise of nationalism, industrialization, colonialism, liberalism, democracy, socialism, and the great changes brought about by the World Wars, the Great Depression, fascism, communism, the end of colonialism, and the Cold War’s end.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF SOCIAL STUDIES
XSM751 (Sem 1), XSM752 (Sem 2)

DURATION: year course
CREDITS: 2
OPEN TO: all students
PREREQUISITE: placement based on assessment and instructor recommendation

The instruction will allow students to experience and investigate key social studies concepts as it integrates the history, geography, and culture of other countries. Units covered include: study of societies, ideas, and issues. U.S. political system, rights, and current events. Real world applications: current events, tours of library and museums, Age of Majority, guardianship, tour of city hall, and use of city services.

Alignment to the Iowa Core Curriculum: Instruction, learning, and assessment are built on the 9-12th grade-band expectations of the Iowa Core and the Essential Elements.

U.S. History

CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

2 credits are required for graduation from the Dubuque Community School District.
Credits earned beyond the requirement are automatically counted as Elective credits.

U.S. HISTORY
SOC321 (Sem 1), SOC322 (Sem 2)

DURATION: year course
CREDITS: 2
OPEN TO: juniors
NCAA: approved
PREREQUISITE: none

United States History is a year-long, two-credit course. This course is intended to develop in students a deep appreciation and awareness of this country’s history. A basic chronological order with thematic infusions will be used to cover the significant events that have shaped the country’s development from the Civil War to present day.

Alignment to the Iowa Core Curriculum: Instruction, learning, and assessment are built on the 9-12 Social Studies Inquiry Standards, 9-12 United States History Standards, and the 11-12 Reading and Writing Standards for History/Social Studies.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY
SOC521 (Sem 1), SOC522 (Sem 2)

DURATION: year course
CREDITS: 2
OPEN TO: juniors
NCAA: approved
PREREQUISITE: Advanced Placement World History or instructor recommendation

Advanced Placement United States History is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in American history. This two-semester course prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses with instruction equivalent to a full-year introductory college course, as well as preparing students to take the Advanced Placement United States History exam in the month of May of each year. Students may earn college credit depending on the results of the examination.

A basic chronological approach with an emphasis on dominant themes or strands which permeate the history of the United States will be employed to survey history of the United States from the colonial period to the present time period. Students will assess historical materials and develop interpretations and conclusions for presentation in essay form. The general format of the class will include lecture/discussion, seminar discussion and audio-visual items.

U.S. History To 1877 – NICC Concurrent College Class (HIS:151)
SOC601 (Sem 1)

DURATION: semester course
CREDITS: 1
OPEN TO: juniors and seniors (preference given to seniors)
PREREQUISITE: none

A survey of the emergence of the United States from the colonial era to 1877, including colonization, the Revolutionary period, the early Republic, the Jacksonian era, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Political, economic, and social themes will be considered.

U.S. History Since 1877 – NICC Concurrent College Class (HIS:152)
SOC602 (Sem 2)

DURATION: semester course
CREDITS: 1
OPEN TO: juniors and seniors (preference given to seniors)
PREREQUISITE: none

A survey of life in the United States from 1877 to the present including the Age of Industrialism, the Progressive Era, World War I, developments between the wars, World War II, and postwar foreign and domestic issues.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF SOCIAL STUDIES
XSM751 (Sem 1), XSM752 (Sem 2)

DURATION: year course
CREDITS: 2
OPEN TO: all students
PREREQUISITE: placement based on assessment and instructor recommendation

Alignment to the Iowa Core Curriculum: Instruction, learning, and assessment are built on the 9-12th grade-band expectations of the Iowa Core and the Essential Elements.

Government

CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

1 credit is required for graduation from the Dubuque Community School District.
Credits earned beyond the requirement are automatically counted as Elective credits.

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
SOC415

DURATION: semester course
CREDITS: 1
OPEN TO: seniors
NCAA: approved
PREREQUISITE: none

American Government is a required, one-semester course designed for seniors. This course is designed to be a capstone for all students in preparation for active participation in local, state, and national civic life. Knowledge of the fundamentals and principles of the U.S. political system as well as the Iowa political system prepares students for their future responsibilities as citizens of this state and country.

In this course, students study politics and the political processes which underlie United States democracy. Following this introduction, students explore each of the major branches of government – Executive, Legislative, and Judicial as they interact both in cooperative and, at times, adversarial ways. Emphasis in this course will be placed on content mastery, literacy skills, and inquiry-based thinking. The general format of the class will include use of critical thinking skills and analysis of primary and secondary sources in addition to inquiry-based discussion and writing assessments. Additionally, this course will explore local civic involvement and analysis of current events through data, maps, and media sources.

Alignment to the Iowa Core Curriculum: Instruction, learning, and assessment are built on the 9-12 Social Studies Inquiry Standards, 9-12 Civics and Government Standards, and the 11-12 Reading and Writing Standards for History/Social Studies.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
SOC513

DURATION: semester course
CREDITS: 1
OPEN TO: seniors
NCAA: approved
PREREQUISITE: instructor recommendation

This course is designed to be a capstone for all students in preparation for active participation in local, state, and national civic life. In this course, students come to grips with the nature of politics and the political processes, which underlie United States democracy and the Iowa political system.

This semester course prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses with instruction equivalent to a one-semester college introductory course in U.S. government and politics. This course is also designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics Exam, which is offered in May every year. Students may earn college credit depending on the results of the examination.

Emphasis in this course will be placed on content mastery, literacy skills, and inquiry-based thinking. The general format of the class will include use of critical thinking skills and analysis of primary and secondary sources in addition to inquiry-based discussion and writing assessments. Additionally, this course will explore local civic involvement and analysis of current events through data, maps, and media sources.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF SOCIAL STUDIES
XSM641

DURATION: semester course
CREDITS: 1
OPEN TO: all students
PREREQUISITE: placement based on assessment and instructor recommendation

Alignment to the Iowa Core Curriculum: Instruction, learning, and assessment are built on the 9-12th grade-band expectations of the Iowa Core and the Essential Elements.

Behavioral Science

CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

1 credit is required for graduation from the Dubuque Community School District.
Credits earned beyond the requirement are automatically counted as Elective credits.

SOCIOLOGY
SOC433

DURATION: semester course
CREDITS: 1
OPEN TO: seniors
NCAA: approved
PREREQUISITE: none

Sociology is a semester, one credit course available to seniors. Sociology is the study of human behavior and groups in society. The study of sociology helps answer the questions we have about our relationships with others. Sociology will help the student understand the issues and problems we face in our society today. Units of study include research methods, culture, socialization, group formation, social inequality, social institutions, and social change.

Emphasis in this course will be placed on content mastery, literacy skills, and inquiry-based thinking. This course incorporates frequent discussions based on compelling topics to enhance critical thinking skills. In addition, to discussion, the course will include evaluation of media, data-analysis, argumentative writing, and steps to informed action.

Alignment to the Iowa Core Curriculum: Instruction, learning, and assessment are built on the 9-12 Social Studies Inquiry Standards, 9-12 Behavioral Science Standards from the Sociology Strand, and the 11-12 Reading and Writing Standards for History/Social Studies.

PSYCHOLOGY
SOC443

DURATION: semester course
CREDITS: 1
OPEN TO: seniors
NCAA: approved
PREREQUISITE: none

Psychology is a semester, one credit course available to seniors. Through instruction in the course, the student will be introduced to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes needed to develop an understanding for the academic discipline of psychology, its theories and its practical application to everyday life. In addition, students will be able to eliminate common misconceptions about human behavior, demonstrate respect for divergent values and tolerance for individual differences, evaluate and critique psychological information and services. Emphasis will also be placed on what qualities constitute a healthy and balanced personality.

The course will include: the science of psychology, states of consciousness, memory and intelligence, human development, personality, motivation and emotions, gender differences, abnormal behavior, and therapies, stress and adjustment. Students will be expected to participate in discussions, class activities and complete all written and reading assignments.

Alignment to the Iowa Core Curriculum: Instruction, learning, and assessment are built on the 9-12 Social Studies Inquiry Standards, 9-12 Behavioral Science Standards from the Psychology Strand, and the 11-12 Reading and Writing Standards for History/Social Studies.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
SOC541 (Sem 1), SOC542 (Sem 2)

DURATION: year course
CREDITS: 2
OPEN TO: seniors
NCAA: approved
PREREQUISITE: instructor recommendation

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with the major subfields within psychology. The AP Psychology course stresses critical thinking, reading and writing within the context of scientific methodology and questioning. A wide range of topics includes neuroscience, development, sensation/perception, consciousness, learning, memory, personality, thinking/intelligence, motivation/emotion, and psychological disorders/therapy.

This course prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to try an Advanced Placement course as well as those interested in possible careers in areas including (but not limited to): education, counseling/therapy, business, management/administration, health, and neuroscience. This course is also designed to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Psychology exam which is offered in May every year. Students may earn college credit depending on the results of the examination.

Alignment to the Iowa Core Curriculum: Instruction, learning, and assessment are built on the 9-12 Social Studies Inquiry Standards, 9-12 Behavioral Science Standards from the Psychology Strand, and the 11-12 Reading and Writing Standards for History/Social Studies.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF SOCIAL STUDIES
XSM642

DURATION: semester course
CREDITS: 1
OPEN TO: all students
PREREQUISITE: placement based on assessment and instructor recommendation

Alignment to the Iowa Core Curriculum: Instruction, learning, and assessment are built on the 9-12th grade-band expectations of the Iowa Core and the Essential Elements.