Great Falls High School

Social Science

Essentials of World History

Length of Class: Semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 9
The course will examine European history, as well as the geography of the world.

Montana Government Studies

Length of Class: Semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 9
This class includes a study of Montana geography, climate and, demographics. A large history section covers Lewis and Clark, fur trappers, Indian removal, mining, ranchers, homesteaders, the Copper Kings, and early government. Government units cover local state, and tribal jurisdictions. Throughout the semester, readings by Montana authors or about famous Montanans are used. Students will be required to cover current event topics for the length of the class.

American Indian Studies (Soc. Studies elective)

Length of Class: Semester, ½credit
Prerequisite: None Grade level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
The purpose of this course is to explore AmericanIndian civilization beginning with the Paleolithic Era through contemporary times, with a focus on Montana Indians. Students will understand historical perspectives, cultural aspects, misconceptions, healthcare, economic circumstances, federal policy, and imagery from the perspective of American Indians. This course will implement a variety of multi-media tactics including film, text, and imagery.

Essentials of 20th Century World Conflict (Social Studies Elective)

Length of Class: Semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 10, 11, & 12
This course will explore world conflicts from World War I to Operation Desert Storm (1990) involving all parts of the world.

Essentials of World Geography (Social Studies Elective)

Length of Class: Semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 10, 11, & 12
This course will provide information on World Geography and the areas that are impacted by geography; government, culture and economics. The areas of the world that this course will focus on are Australia/ Oceania, Antarctica, Asia (Southeast & East) and South America/ Central America.

​Sociology I (Social Studies elective)

Length of Class: Semester (1st)
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 10, 11, & 12
The value of sociological imagination is to help students place peoples' lives and important events in broader social contexts by understanding how political, economic, and cultural forces constitute social life. Topics covered will include: socialization, society, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, class stratification, deviance and crime.

Sociology II (Social Studies elective)

Length of Class: Semester (2nd)
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 10, 11, & 12
Analyzes human interaction and studies the application of scientific methods in the observation and analysis of social change, norms, groups, intergroup relations, social stratification, institutions, and basic socialization processes other topics include but are not limited to economic and global inequality, families and intimate relationships, population, urbanization and environment, education, religion, collective behavior and mass social movements and globalization.

Psychology I (Social Studies elective)

Length of Class: Semester
Prerequisite: Biology 1-2; health
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
A study of the beginning principles of psychology and how they apply to everyday life. Theorists such as Freud and topics including dreams, learning, memory, personality, intelligence, and psychological disorders will be covered. Class will revolve around class/group discussions; notes, projects. Five hours of volunteer/community service will be required.
Download the course syllabus.

Psychology II (Social Studies Elective)

Length of Class: Semester
Prerequisite: Psych I or Instructor Approval
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Students will study theories of motivation, emotion, development, social psychology, and positive psychology, along with their applications to everyday life. Class will revolve around class/ group discussions, notes, in-class journals, and self-selected projects.

US History

Length of Class: Year
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level(s): 11
Provides a survey course of major events in United States history from the Age of Jackson to modern times.

AP US History (Dual Credit)

Length of Class: Year
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
This class provides a study of the political, diplomatic, social, economic, and cultural history of the US from colonization to the present with an emphasis on the causes and effects of major events. Students will have the option of either taking the class for Dual Credit with GFC-MSU or the University of GF OR taking the AP exam in the spring. There will be a fall and spring semester sign-up for the Dual Credit with GFC-MSU where students will earn three college credits each semester. Tuition fees are divided between the participating university and the student. Students must take either US History or AP US History to fulfill graduation requirements. Attendance incentives do not apply to College level courses without approval of the instructor. Attendance incentives do not apply to College level courses without approval of the instructor.

AP American Government (Dual Credit)

Length of Class: Year
Prerequisite: None, 3.3 GPA recommended and keen interest in politics
Grade Level: 12
Students in this class should have the ability to write and enjoy researching and discussing. This course examines the major
institutions of national government and politics with a special emphasis on the Constitution and other political rules of the game as
shapers of public conscious-ness and government policy. Lecture material will be presented in conjunction with discussion of
topics. Students will be required to demonstrate their analytical and critical thinking skills through essay assignments and briefs of
two -four court cases. Students will have the option of either taking the class for Dual Credit with GFC-MSU or the University of
Great Falls - or taking the AP exam in the spring. Tuition fees are divided between the participating university and the student.
Students may earn three college credits through UGF or GFC-MSU and one high school credit. Students must pass the first
semester to earn the required Government credit for graduation.

Government

Length of Class: Semester
Prerequisite: None
​Grade Level(s): 12
Provides a study of American government, including the political process, national government, comparative political systems, and state and local governments.

Criminal Justice

The purpose of this course will be to explore the history, role, development, and philosophy of the criminal justice system in a democratic society. It will include an introduction to agencies and their functions in the administration of justice and career orientation. The course will examine some of the elements and players that comprise the criminal justice system and how they function together in their roles. Emphasized areas are written communication, decision-making skills, critical thinking, and creativity, flexibility, leadership and team membership. The primary means of presentation will be lecture-discussion, visual aids, videos, group work, and guest speakers.

Criminal Justice 1

Length of class: 1st Semester ONLY, ½ credit
Prerequisite: None
Grade level: 11, 12
The purpose of this course will be to explore the history, role, development, philosophy and theory of criminology and policing. The course will include an introduction to policing agencies and their functions in the administration of justice and career orientation. An examination of the role of the police in American society and examination of the various eras of policing in combination with the structure and style of various police agencies will also be covered. Agency application of internal and ethical issues including use of force will be examined along with strategies and policies to improve policing and the policing work environment will also be discussed.