Winona Senior High SchoolSocial Studies
Social Studies is the "integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence," as defined by the U.S. American National Council for the Social Studies. At Winona Senior High School students study a required set of courses and have the opportunity to study, through electives, focused courses in women’s studies, environmental studies, sociology, psychology, philosophy, mass society and more. Additionally, seniors can register for Community Service-learning and spend class time in various community settings providing service that expands their horizons.
9th Grade
American Studies I & II
This curriculum utilizes a portfolio and student inquiry approach. This course will cover history but will start with contemporary history/topics and move backwards. It will also be based on themes of history rather than a chronological sequence. The students will be actively involved in historical thinking skills. In addition to history, this two term course will incorporate civics, critical thinking skills, reading, writing, and research skills. The course will tie history standards to current issues. American Studies also adds curriculum tied to media/resource literacy, career exploration, and an introduction to personal economics.
World Geography
This course presents a global view of geography and investigates how culture, population, climate, economy, religion, and the natural environment connect and impact the people of various world regions.
10th Grade
American Studies III
This curriculum utilizes a portfolio and student inquiry approach. This course will be based on themes of history rather than a chronological sequence. The students will be actively involved in historical thinking skills. The course will look connect different events in American history over the last two hundred years with current events.
AP U.S. History
This course is designed to provide students with analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. history. This course should help students develop the skills necessary to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. Students will learn to access historical materials and to weigh evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. In addition, students prepare for and take the National Advanced Placement United States History examinations.
11th Grade
Early World Cultures
An examination of world cultures, religious traditions, and the early civilizations that shaped them. This is one of the two required Social Studies classes for juniors. Students may take AP World History to meet this requirement.
Modern World History
An examination of major historical events over the last two centuries. The focus will be on the relationship of the United States and the rest of the world. This is one of the two required Social Studies classes for juniors. Students may take AP World History to meet this requirement.
AP World History
This course is for students looking to challenge themselves with a college level course that provides a deeper understanding of world history as well as a connection to current events. This course will cover periods of time from the Agricultural Revolution to the current world and explores world cultures at various moments during their existence. This is a broad survey of world history and 20% or less is spent on Europe. Above average reading comprehension skill and the discipline to read the textbook is essential to this course.
12th Grade
Economics
Economics
This course introduces basic economic theory in addition to a focus on financial literacy. Areas of study include micro-economics, macro-economics, and international economics.
Honors Economics and Statistics
Grades: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra and Teacher Recommendation
This is a one term, team taught class that would fulfill both the social studies economics requirement and the math statistics requirement. The focus of this class is to show how economics and mathematics are integrated into our daily lives. Relevant economics issues will be analyzed using economic concepts and mathematical principles. Higher order math will be performed so a strong math background is highly recommended. Tests and papers specific to both economics and statistics will be required.
American Government
American Government
Students taking this course will study the Constitution and the principles of American Government.
AP American Government
AP U.S. Government and Politics is a college level course for high school students. Topics from foundations of American Government and the Bill of Rights to current political policies will be covered. Students will also study elections, campaigns, civil liberties, civil rights, and current political issues. Students will investigate political ideologies, voting behavior and the roles of interest groups. Discussion of the news as it relates to politics is a key part of class. The College Board’s national test for U.S. Government and Politics is given in May. You could receive college credit for the course depending on your test score.
Electives
- Current History
- Global Studies
- History Day
- Honors Economics and Statistics
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Introduction to Psychology
- Mass Society
- Psychology of Youth
- Service Learning
- Sociology
Current History
Global Studies
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12 In this class, the student will learn about the different cultures, peoples, and regions of the world. The course will be a project based class. In addition to books, we will also be using e-mail and the Internet to talk directly with students in different parts of the world and we will be conducting interviews with international students from either Winona State or Saint Mary's Universities.
History Day
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12 Do you enjoy learning about history? Do you enjoy researching and creating engaging projects? If yes, this is the elective class for you! This course will give you the opportunity to participate in National History Day. Each year, the National History Day organization selects a theme for students to do in-depth research on a topic related to that theme and produce an original creative work to display your research. For more information and for specific examples go to the official website.
Honors Economics and Statistics
Honors Economics and Statistics
Grades: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra and Teacher Recommendation
This is a one term, team taught class that would fulfill both the social studies economics requirement and the math statistics requirement. The focus of this class is to show how economics and mathematics are integrated into our daily lives. Relevant economics issues will be analyzed using economic concepts and mathematical principles. Higher order math will be performed so a strong math background is highly recommended. Tests and papers specific to both economics and statistics will be required.
Introduction to Philosophy
Grades: 11, 12 This elective course will focus on free thinking and independent thought. Students will discuss some of humanity’s oldest questions. The course will examine the difference between knowledge and wisdom. General Omar Bradley once said, “We are technological giants and ethical infants.” What does that mean?
Introduction to Psychology
Mass Society
Psychology of Youth
Grade: 9, 10 This elective class takes a serious look at the life of a teen in today's world. Topics covered may include, but not be limited to: individual learning styles, understanding stress and conflict, self esteem, peer pressure, conflict resolution, communication skills, and decision-making. Students will learn skills that will allow them to choose to make healthy, proactive life decisions.
Service Learning
Zero Hour Service Learning I (SL-I)
Grades: 11, 12 This class is offered prior to the start of the regular school day. Transportation is the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian. See Service Learning I description for more information.Service Learning I (SL-I)
Grades: 11, 12 This course is offered in the belief that students should have significant experience in helping to meet the needs of others in settings such as daycare centers, nursing homes, schools, community centers, and through creative class projects affecting local, national, and even global community needs. SL-I is scheduled for one semester with one block each quarter of the semester. Students earn two elective credits toward graduation. Personal transportation will be required, however, some service sites ARE well within walking distance.
Service Learning II (SL-II)
Grades: 11, 12 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Service-Learning I (SL-I)
This course is offered as an advanced experience in helping to meet the needs of others. Students must have earned an 80% (B-) grade or higher in the Service Learning I course. Students may continue the experience at their first service site or may choose to go to a new/different location to volunteer. At least one all-class project will be completed as well as other individual projects. Students earn one elective credit toward graduation. Personal transportation will be required, however, some service sites ARE well within walking distance.