Blue Springs School District

Course # HS0207
1 credit hour | Grade 9

Credit Type: Social Studies
Recommended: Grade of A in 8th Grade English & Social Studies

This advanced course focuses on the U.S. Constitution, the three branches of government, the electoral process, flag etiquette, and relationships between the federal, state and local governments. Students will identify and explain how fundamental principles and ideas of our government have been interpreted differently and changed over time. Students will learn the necessary skills to participate in analytical conversations regarding democratic processes, use an inquiry approach to persuasively support claims based on reason and evidence and interpret quotes, graphs, and political cartoons. Students will take the U.S. Constitution Test and U.S. Citizenship Test first semester. Passage of these two tests is required to earn semester one credit (0.5). Additionally, students will take the Missouri Constitution Test second semester. Passage of this test is required to earn semester two credit (0.5). Passage of all three tests is required to meet graduation requirements, and to fulfill state law. Students will also take the Government End-of-Course exam second semester. This course will help prepare students for AP Government.
 

Course # HS0205
1 credit hour | Grades 9, 11

Credit Type: Social Studies

This is a survey of US history from Manifest Destiny to contemporary events – emphasis on post-reconstruction events.  Goals are to instill appreciation of US democracy, understanding of US constitutional, political, economic, and social developments, and increased knowledge of US geography.  Students will further develop skills in critical thinking, research, and writing skills.  Primary and secondary documents will be used to research and report findings.
 

Course # HS0251
0.5 credit hours | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective

Civil War covers the Antebellum south focusing on the causes of the Civil War.  This information will be followed by a general survey of the Civil War.  This course concludes with the Reconstruction Period that followed the Civil War.
 

Course # HS0275
0.5 credit hours | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective

This course is a study of many issues that confront us every day.  The history behind many issues will be included and will lead to a better understanding of the issues as they present themselves today.  Students taking this course will be expected to participate in class activities, group projects, and presentations.
 

Course # HS0209H
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Honor Point | CORE 42

Credit Type: Social Studies
Dual Credit: 3 College Hours – Missouri State University (MSU) – HST 104 World History since 1600 C.E.
Fees: ~$210 Will be Billed/Paid Through the Cooperating College Business Office
MO Transfer: MOTR HIST 202
Prerequisites: University Dual Credit Requirements

This course surveys the social, economic, and political history of the world from 1450 to the present.  All course materials are written using college-level vocabulary.  One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed.  The MSU fee is required to earn dual credit.  Students will be billed directly by MSU.  Students who withdraw after the first five days will still be billed by MSU and will have to pay some portion of tuition fees to MSU.  Students who successfully complete Dual Credit World History can fulfill the World History graduation requirement.  Students enrolled in Dual Credit World History are not eligible to enroll in AP European History for additional high school credit.  Three (3) hours of dual credit are also available through MSU if the college’s criteria are met. 
 

Course # HS0238
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Social Studies
Fees: AP Examination Fee $99
Recommended: Most Recent History Teacher Recommendation

This course is designed to examine trends, cultural diversity, institutions, and ideas in European history from a study of the Renaissance through the Cold War and modern-day conflicts.  Students will have a required summer reading assignment, be expected to read 30-50 pages of material per week and should plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours per week outside of class on this course.  All course materials are written using college-level vocabulary.  Students will develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed. This course fulfills the 10th grade World History requirement.  All students are expected to take the AP exam and pay the examination fee.
 

Course # HS0236
1 credit hour | Grades 10, 11, 12

Credit Type: Social Studies

This is a survey of world history from ancient Greece and Rome to modern day conflicts.  The focus will be post-1450 and events in world history.  Major trends, cultural diversity, institutions, and ideas will be integrated throughout the course of study.  Students will continue using primary and secondary historical documents to help interpret the past and better understand contemporary issues.  Students will continue to develop their social studies skills of research, writing, and critical thinking.
 

Course # HS0220
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective

This course examines the history and culture of Africa and the African American experience in an interdisciplinary format.  This includes an analysis of the unique historical, cultural, and social developments from the Middle Passage to the present day.  The course will include literacy and artistic contributions of African Americans to American culture.  
 

Course # HS0206
1 credit hour | Grade 11

Credit Type: Social Studies

This course is designed to study our government with a focus on the U.S. constitution, the different branches, the electoral process, flag etiquette, as well as state and local government. Students will identify and explain how fundamental principles and ideas of our government have been interpreted differently and changed over time. Students will learn the necessary skills to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively and interpret quotes, graphs, and political cartoons. Students will take the U.S. Constitution Test and U.S. Citizenship Test first semester. Passage of these two tests is required to earn semester one credit (0.5). Additionally, students will take the Missouri Constitution Test second semester. Passage of this test is required to earn semester two credit (0.5). Passage of all three tests is required to meet graduation requirements, and to fulfill state law. Students will also take the Government End-of-Course exam second semester.
 

Course # HS0208
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Social Studies
Fees: AP Examination Fee $99
Recommended: Most Recent History Teacher Recommendation

This course focuses on the political processes and interaction between the three branches of government, political parties, interest groups, the media, and the states to create national policy. The purpose of this course is to prepare students for the National AP Government Exam in May.  Students will be expected to read 20 pages of material per week and should plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours per week outside of class on this course.  All course materials are written using college-level vocabulary.  Students will learn the necessary skills to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed.  All students are expected to take the AP exam and pay the examination fee.
 

Course # HS0266
1 credit hour | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Social Studies
Fees: AP Examination Fee $99
Recommended: Most Recent History Teacher Recommendation

This is a survey of United States history from exploration to contemporary events.  Its goals are to instill an appreciation of U.S. democracy, an understanding of U.S. constitutional, political, economic, and social developments.  Students will have a required summer reading assignment, be expected to read 30-50 pages of material per week and should plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours per week outside of class on this course.  All course materials are written using college-level vocabulary.  Students will learn the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed.  Students who successfully complete this course can fulfill the 11th grade U.S. History graduation requirement.  Students enrolling in AP US History are not eligible to enroll in American History 101/102 (college credit) for additional high school credit.  All students are expected to take the AP exam and pay the examination fee.
 

Course # HS0286
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12 | Honor oint | CORE 42

Credit Type: Social Studies
Dual Credit: 3 College Hours – Missouri State University (MSU):  HST 121 Survey of the History of the US to 1877
Fees: ~$210 Will be Billed/Paid Through the Cooperating College Business Office
MOTransfer: MOTR HIST 101
Prerequisites: University Dual Credit Requirements

This is a chronological review of American history (Exploration through Reconstruction).  All course materials are written using college-level vocabulary. Students will be expected to read 20-30 pages of material per week.  One (1) honor point will be earned for successful completion of this class.  The MSU fee is required to earn dual credit.  Students will be billed directly by MSU.  Students who withdraw after the first five days will still be billed by MSU and will have to pay some portion of tuition fees to MSU.  Students who successfully complete both American History 121 and American History 122 (2 semesters) can fulfill the U.S. History graduation requirements.  Students enrolled in American History 121/122 (College Credit) are not eligible to enroll in AP U.S. History for additional high school credit.  Three (3) hours of dual credit are also available through MSU.
 

Course # HS0287
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12 | Honor Point | CORE 42

Credit Type: Social Studies
Dual Credit: 3 College Hours – Missouri State University (MSU)):  HST 122 Survey of the History of the US since 1877
Fees: ~$210 Will be Billed/Paid Through the Cooperating College Business Office
MOTransfer: MOTR HIST 102
Prerequisites: University Dual Credit Requirements

This is a chronological review of American history (Gilded Age through the 1970s).  All course materials are written using college-level vocabulary.  Students will be expected to read 20-30 pages of material per week.  One (1) honor point will be earned for successful completion of this class.  Three (3) hours of dual credit are available through MSU.  Students will be billed directly by MSU.  Students who withdraw after the first five days will still be billed by MSU and will have to pay some portion of tuition fees to MSU. Students who successfully complete both American History 121 and American History 122 (2 semesters) can fulfill the U.S. History graduation requirements.   Students enrolling in American History 121/122 (college credit) are not eligible to enroll in AP US History for additional high school credit.  Three (3) hours of dual credit are also available through MSU if the college’s criteria are met. 
 

Course # HS0271
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective

This course examines both micro and macroeconomic concepts.  Units will include economic choices, the stock market, labor and management, money and banking, and the role of the consumer.  The course is designed for the college-bound student.
 

Course # HS0288
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective

This course examines issues, both current and historical, as they relate to the human rights of people both in the United States and around the world. Topics will include, but not limited to, the civil rights movement in the United States, the Holocaust, and modern-day genocides in such places as Rwanda, Cambodia, and the Sudan.  Students taking this course should plan to do independent research and participate in class discussions.
 

Course # HS0283
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective

This is a semester-long elective course that will introduce students to the basic premise and elements of Psychology.  The class will be centered around projects, participation in class discussions, and activities about various topics in Psychology.  Topics include different schools of thought, the beginning of Psychology, research methods, personality tests, conditioning, memory, mental illness, psychological disorders, and more.
 

Course # HS0263
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective

This course is a study of human relationships.  It includes units on culture, socialization, social organization, social institutions, and social problems.  Students taking this course will be expected to participate in in-class activities and group projects.  
 

Course # HS0290
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective
Prerequisites: Sociology I

This class takes an in-depth look at the key components of society and how they make society effective.  Students will examine the family, deviance, race, ethnicity, education, religion, science, sport, population, and the roles that they play in the City of Blue Springs and in relationship to other areas of the world.  Students will be expected to participate in class discussion, complete research projects, and write a research paper.
 

Course # HS0258
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective

World Cultures is a social studies elective that studies human existence throughout the world and how it has been influenced by physical geographic factors and cultural differences.  The course will study land formations, climate, vegetation, language, religions, traditions, and diet.  The regions that will be studied in this course are East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, North Africa (Middle East), Africa, Latin America, and Europe.  Map skills will be extensively reviewed and applied throughout the semester.
 

Course # HS0252
0.5 credit hours | Grades 11, 12

Credit Type: Elective

This course covers one of the most important events of the 20th Century World War II.  Topics included in this study are the causes, leaders, Holocaust, home front, weapons, propaganda, battles, and consequences of the war.
 

Course # HS0292
1 credit hour | Grade 12 | Honor Point

Credit Type: Elective
Fees: AP Examination Fee $99

This course covers various parts of the study of human behavior, including the brain and behavior, altered states of consciousness, stress, memory, psychological disorders, and many other topics.  This course is primarily a lecture/discussion course. One (1) honor point will be earned for each semester successfully completed. All students are expected to take the AP Psychology Exam and responsible for the examination fee.