Global Studies
Students focus on the interplay of people, systems and cultures. Electives provide opportunities to explore the relationships between business, politics and history, with an emphasis on world languages and cultures.
Possible Careers: Accountant, Actuary, Advertising, Ambassador, Anthropologist, Archaeologist, Art Historian, Auditor, Business Executive, Counselor, Customer Representative, Diplomat, Director of Tourism, E-Commerce, Entrepreneur, Financial Advisor/Analyst, Foreign Correspondent, Foreign Service Officer, Historian, Hospitality and Tourism Industry, Human Resources, Immigration Officer, International Business, Interpreter, Journalist, Judge, Law Enforcement, Lawyer, Manager, Marketing, Military, Peace Corps/AmeriCorps Volunteer, Policy Advisor, Politician, Professor, Psychologist, Public Relations, Sales, Secret Service, Social Worker, Teacher, Writer
Global Studies Offerings
Course Offerings
Business, Marketing, & Finance
Intro to Business
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
Do you want to be the boss? A doctor? Lawyer? Engineer? Designer? Mechanic? This course will introduce you to the basics of business, ranging from interviewing to creating your own business. This course is essential for all students who want to be in charge of their future.
Personal Finance
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
If you want to be a future millionaire, you need to know how to manage your money today. Accumulating wealth begins when you learn about budgets, taxes, banking, insurance, loans, credit, investments and more.
ACCOUNTING 1
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
Leap ahead of your college classmates by learning accounting, the language of business. You will know how to keep the financial records for a small service business when you complete this course. If you plan to be a business major in college, you should also enroll in Accounting 2. College credit may be obtained by successfully completing both Accounting 1 and 2.
ACCOUNTING 2
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Accounting 1
Length: 1 Semester
This advanced Accounting course is a continuation of Accounting 1. You will learn how to keep the financial records for a retail merchandising business, manage inventory, and more. College credit may be obtained by successfully completing Accounting 1 & 2.
INVESTING STRATEGIES
Intermediate
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
Buy low, sell high! Learn in-depth about the art of wealth management through a variety of investment options. You will participate in an online stock market simulation game to maintain an electronic stock portfolio. Understand how to make your portfolio grow in value by analyzing various companies. Know it today, be financially secure tomorrow.
Marketing 1
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
Caribou or Starbucks? Coke or Pepsi? Gatorade or Powerade? You will learn how companies brand their product/service to compete in the global marketplace through advertising and promotion. You will create marketing plans and present sales demonstrations in this project-oriented class. By enrolling in Marketing 1, you are eligible to join DECA. College credit may be obtained by successfully completing both Marketing 1 and Marketing 2. This course is offered in the fall semester.
Marketing 2
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Marketing 1
Length: 1 Semester
Marketing 2 is a continuation of Marketing 1. You will learn how to conduct primary and secondary marketing research. You will apply your marketing research knowledge by partnering with a local business, conducting research and presenting your proposal to the business owner. By enrolling in this course, you are eligible to join DECA. College credit may be obtained by completing both Marketing 1 and Marketing 2. This course is offered in the fall semester.
NETWORKING FOR BUSINESS CAREERS
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: One introductory AND one intermediate course within Business, Marketing & Finance program of study
Length: 1 Semester
Do you have the skills employers want? Are you planning to major in business? This course is designed for you to begin building your professional network and business career knowledge. You will gain hands-on experience by partnering with local business professionals through interviews, job shadows and/or internships, and projects in a variety of business career areas.
MARKETING 3
Advanced
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Marketing 2
Length: 1 Semester (Fall semester only)
You will learn and apply project management skills by organizing and conducting a school and/or community event in one of the following areas: Business Solutions, Career Development, Financial Literacy, Sales, Community Awareness, or Community Giving. You may also work with a local business mentor to create a realistic proposal for a business startup in your future. By enrolling in this course, you are eligible to join DECA.
World Politics & History
Hotspots, Hardships & the Modern World
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
What is going on in the world? War, terrorism, inequality… Is there anything good happening? What defines good? What do I need to know to be a globally informed person? In this class, you will look at the current hotspots and happenings in the world news. Students will investigate, analyze, debate, and critique evolving events. Major projects include group work.
Criminal Justice 1
Introductory
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
Americans don’t have to look far to see the importance of criminal justice. Every day, we are alerted to the occurrence of crime and the subsequent dilemma of what to do when criminal behavior occurs. Contemporary society is significantly impacted by the presence (and threat) of criminal activity and political leaders struggle with finding solutions to the issues as they occur. Some thoughts that arise in the wake of criminal events include:
- What are the systemic issues that lead to criminal behavior?
- How do we reduce instances of crime?
- Does our legal system do enough to curtail criminal action?
- What do we do to bring justice to the victims of crime?
- How do we effectively punish the offenders?
- Is incarceration the most effective solution or are rehabilitation programs a good alternative?
- What do we do when the offenders are juveniles?
- Is capital punishment an effective deterrent to crime?
Philosophy & Ethics
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
This course is offered for inquisitive students who are looking for an exciting, enriching and relevant study of the world’s great ideas of philosophy, religion and government systems. This student-centered curriculum places a high value on group discussion and presentation of student ideas. Students will explore classic thoughts in the social sciences while examining their application to the contemporary world. An extensive look at ethics and moral development are features of the course.
Criminal Justice 2
Intermediate
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Criminal Justice 1
Length: 1 Semester
Criminal Justice 2 is a project-based course where students will explore in-depth various topics and issues in the Criminal Justice System. Some of the topics covered include: the psychology of crime and psychopaths, cults, domestic terrorism, the OJ Simpson Trial, and crime scene investigations as well as other relevant 21st Century topics. The class is centered on projects around these topics as well as class discussions, presentations, and debates in exploration of these and other Criminal Justice issues.
Psychology
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
What is a greater influence on human behavior, nature or nurture? In Psychology, students will be introduced to the concepts, theories and research that attempt to explain human behavior and mental processes and the different perspectives which have been identified to examine these ideas. Further, students will look at the bewildering aspects of psychological disorders, addictive behaviors, violence and bullying and the work being done by psychologists to explain why such behaviors are on the rise. Learn why psychology is one of the most popular and important college majors in the United States.
Sociology
Intermediate
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
Sociology stresses the social perspective, focusing on individual behaviors and how those behaviors are influenced by society. Students will examine diverse viewpoints through theoretical models of sociology. Students will develop their sociological imaginations by critically examining the foundations of society, social institutions, and inequalities. Units of study include: The Sociological Perspective, Culture & Socialization, Social Structure & Interaction, Social Class, Race & Ethnicity, Sex & Gender and Deviance & Social Control. An understanding of the relationship between self and society will empower students to address problems in their community. A college level textbook is used.
21st Century Issues
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
The 21st Century Issues course gives students the opportunity to pursue their passion and create their own project. Students will examine some of the dramatic and controversial topics facing our rapidly changing world and create their own original action plan to learn and share their findings. Projects will be problem-based, solution oriented, and have either a global or local emphasis drawing from the social sciences.
AP Comparative Government & Politics
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
The AP course in Comparative Government and Politics introduces students to fundamental concepts used by political scientists to study the processes and outcomes of politics in a variety of country settings. The course aims to illustrate the rich diversity of political life, to show available institutional alternatives, to explain differences in processes and policy outcomes and to communicate to students the importance of global political and economic changes. Read the section “Advanced Courses: Advanced Placement” for more information.
AP European History
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters
This modern European history class for juniors or seniors emphasizes topics and skills expected of a college student. The AP curriculum covers topics from the Renaissance to the present from the European perspective. Students are encouraged to take the national examination upon completion of this class, the results of which may result in college credit in history. Course objectives include the ability to assess historical evidence in oral and written format and the ability to apply five core themes to events from the 1450s to the present. Read the section “Advanced Courses: Advanced Placement” for more information.
AP Psychology
Advanced
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
Psychology is defined as the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. It relates to the whole human experience – everything people think, feel, and do. AP Psychology will serve as an in-depth examination of the field of Psychology and the many varying topics that it includes. Students will be challenged to think about psychological concepts and ideas at a deeper level of processing.
World Language
LANGUAGE OPTIONS:
American Sign Language, French, German, or Spanish
CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING A LANGUAGE: Student Interest, Career Plans, Cultural Awareness, Cultural Heritage, World Travel
A student who has previously mastered the content standards, knowledge and skills presented in Level 1 and Level 2 of a world language and does not intend to take more courses in that language may apply for Credit by Assessment. For more information, see the Credit by Assessment policy available on Chaska or Chanhassen High School websites.
A student with extensive experience in a world language who does intend to take more courses in that language may take a placement exam. This exam will determine the most appropriate level of world language course for the student and the student may then register for that course regardless of prerequisites.
Upon successful completion of that course, the student will be granted P/F credit for prior courses in that language. Placement exams are available in June, July and August. For more information, contact the world language department.
Language Choices
American Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual non-verbal language used by Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind and Hearing people of all ages in the United States and some parts of Canada. Derived from French sign language and homogenous language, ASL is now the third most commonly used language in the United States. ASL is both a complex language with its own distinct grammatical structure which, contrary to popular belief is not similar to English syntax. ASL provides national opportunities for employment with professional career advancement in Human Services, the Medical Field, Deaf Education and Interpreting. ASL also offers a rich history of technological innovation, literature, art and film.
American Sign Language 1
Introductory
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 semesters
ASL 1 is a year-long introductory course in which students learn about American Sign Language and Deaf Culture. In this class, students will learn basic vocabulary and grammar. Students will learn to use and understand basic signs, fingerspelling, facial expressions, body and mouth movements as well as Deaf rules of interaction. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to create and comprehend simple ASL conversational signs and written representation of American Sign Language. Level 1 course instruction is conducted substantially in the target language and students will be expected to use it. Language use will increase as the course progresses. Native signers considering this course should consult with an instructor to determine the appropriate level of placement.
American Sign Language 2
Intermediate
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: American Sign Language 1
Length: 2 semesters
ASL 2 is a year-long course in which students continue to learn about American Sign Language and Deaf culture. Building on vocabulary and grammar learned in ASL 1, students will increase competency in their ASL expressive and receptive skills. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to understand and communicate in American Sign Language with increased fluency. Level 2 course instruction is conducted substantially in the target language and students will be expected to use it. Language use will increase as the course progresses. Native signers considering this course should consult with an instructor to determine the appropriate level of placement.
American Sign Language 3
Intermediate
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: American Sign Language 2
Length: 2 semesters
ASL 3 is a year-long course in which students work to further internalize American Sign Language and understand Deaf culture, building mastery on previously learned material. Students will begin working with the more advanced elements of the language to create and interpret complex expressions of thought in ASL. Students also will concentrate heavily on developing and strengthening ASL expressive and receptive skills.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to communicate abstract thoughts based on various topics in American Sign Language. Level 3 course instruction is conducted almost exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it. Language use will increase as the course progresses. Native signers considering this course should consult with an instructor to determine the appropriate level of placement.
American Sign Language 4
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: American Sign Language 3
Length: 2 semesters
ASL 4 is a year-long course in which students continue to obtain greater proficiency in the core skills of communication in American Sign Language. Students will enhance and apply their language skills with a strong emphasis on non-verbal communication through guided discussions, debates, projects and presentations related to cultural and historical topics. This class is conducted almost exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it in class. Native signers considering this course should consult with an instructor to determine the appropriate level of placement.
French
French 1
Introductory
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters
French 2
Intermediate
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: French 1
Length: 2 Semesters
French 3
Intermediate
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: French 2
Length: 2 Semesters
Level 3 French is a year-long course in which students work to further internalize the language and understand its culture, building mastery on previously learned material. We will begin working with the more advanced elements of the French language to create and interpret complex expressions of thought in both written and spoken language. We will concentrate heavily on developing and strengthening the reading and writing skills. Level 3 course instruction is conducted almost exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it. Language use will increase as the course progresses, with an end goal to use it in class 95% of the time or more. Heritage speakers considering this course should consult with an instructor to determine the appropriate level of placement.
21st Century Issues
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
The 21st Century Issues course gives students the opportunity to pursue their passion and create their own project. Students will examine some of the dramatic and controversial topics facing our rapidly changing world and create their own original action plan to learn and share their findings.. All projects will be problem-based and solution oriented with a global or local emphasis..
French 4
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: French 3
Length: 2 Semesters
Level 4 French is a year-long course in which students build on their developing written and spoken language skills and expand their cultural knowledge to increase their meaningful fluency. They do this through guided and cooperative exploration of relevant cultural themes based on authentic texts, including prose, poetry, fiction, film and music. The course includes study of grammar and vocabulary to support communication. This class is conducted nearly exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it in class 95% of the time or more.
AP French Language & Culture
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: French 4
Length: 2 Semesters
AP French Language & Culture is a year-long course in which students have a language learning experience equivalent to that of a third year college course. Students will actively develop communicative and cultural proficiency through extensive written and spoken work with a variety of authentic texts, based on relevant cultural topics. This work will prepare students to take the AP French Language Exam, given in the spring. Students enrolling in this course should be willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum. Please refer table of contents for important AP information.
German
German 1
Introductory
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters
German 2
Intermediate
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: German 1
Length: 2 Semesters
German 3
Intermediate
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: German 2
Length: 2 Semesters
Level 3 German is a year-long course in which students work to further internalize the language and understand its culture, building mastery on previously learned material. We will begin working with the more advanced elements of the German language to create and interpret complex expressions of thought in both written and spoken language. We will concentrate heavily on developing and strengthening the reading and writing skills. Level 3 course instruction is conducted almost exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it. Language use will increase as the course progresses, with an end goal to use it in class 95% of the time or more. Heritage speakers considering this course should consult with an instructor to determine the appropriate level of placement.
21st Century Issues
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
The 21st Century Issues course gives students the opportunity to pursue their passion and create their own project. Students will examine some of the dramatic and controversial topics facing our rapidly changing world and create their own original action plan to learn and share their findings. Projects will problem-based, solution oriented, and have either a global or local emphasis drawing from the social sciences
AP German Language & Culture
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: German 3
Length: 2 Semesters
AP German Language & Culture is a year-long course in which students have a language learning experience equivalent to that of a third year college course. Students will actively develop communicative and cultural proficiency through extensive written and spoken work with a variety of authentic texts, based on relevant cultural topics. This work will prepare student to take the AP German Language Exam, given in the spring. Students enrolling in this course should be willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum. This class is conducted nearly exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it in class 95% of the time or more. Read the section “Advanced Courses: Advanced Placement” for more information.
German 5
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: AP German Language & Culture
Length: 2 Semesters
Level 5 German is a year-long course in which students build on their developing written and spoken language skills and expand their cultural knowledge to increase their meaningful fluency. They do this through guided and cooperative exploration of relevant cultural themes based on authentic texts, including prose, poetry, fiction, film and music. The course includes study of grammar and vocabulary to support communication.
This class is conducted nearly exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it in class 95% of the time or more.
Spanish
Eastern Carver County Schools Spanish Sequence
Spanish 1
Introductory
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: None
Length: 2 Semesters
Spanish 2
Intermediate
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: Spanish 1
Length: 2 Semesters
Spanish 3
Intermediate
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: Spanish 2
Length: 2 Semesters
Level 3 Spanish is a year-long course in which students work to further internalize the language and understand its culture, building mastery on previously learned material. We will begin working with the more advanced elements of the Spanish language to create and interpret complex expressions of thought in both written and spoken language. We will concentrate heavily on developing and strengthening the reading and writing skills.
Level 3 course instruction is conducted almost exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it. Language use will increase as the course progresses.
21st CENTURY ISSUES
Advanced
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 Semester
The 21st Century Issues course gives students the opportunity to pursue their passion and create their own project. Students will examine some of the dramatic and controversial topics facing our rapidly changing world and create their own original action plan to learn and share their findings. Projects will problem-based, solution oriented, and have either a global or local emphasis drawing from the social sciences.
SPANISH 4
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: Spanish 3
Length: 2 Semesters
Level 4 Spanish is a year-long course in which students build on their developing written and spoken language skills and expand their cultural knowledge to increase their meaningful fluency. They do this through guided and cooperative exploration of relevant cultural themes based on authentic texts, including prose, poetry, fiction, film and music. The course includes study of grammar and vocabulary to support communication. This class is conducted nearly exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it in class.
Spanish 5
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: Spanish 4
Length: 2 Semesters
This year-long course will continue building skills learned in Spanish levels 1-4 and is designed to help students obtain greater proficiency in the core skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing in Spanish. Students will get a comprehensive grammar review with emphasis on the subjunctive mood and compound tenses. Students will enhance and apply their language skills with a strong emphasis on oral communication through guided discussions, debates, projects and presentations related to cultural, historical and literary topics. This class is conducted nearly exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it in class.
AP Spanish Language & Culture
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: Spanish 4 OR Spanish 5
Length: 2 Semesters
AP Spanish Language & Culture is a year-long course in which students have a language learning experience equivalent to that of a fifth semester college course. Students will actively develop communicative and cultural proficiency through extensive written and spoken work with a variety of authentic texts based on relevant cultural topics. This work will prepare students to take the AP Spanish Language & Culture Exam, given in the spring. Students enrolling in this course should be willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum. This class is conducted nearly exclusively in the target language, and students will be expected to use it in class. Read the section “Advanced Courses: Advanced Placement” for more information.
AP Spanish Literature & Culture
Advanced
Grade: Per sequence
Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language & Culture
Length: 2 Semesters
Spanish Literature & Culture is designed to provide students with a learning experience equivalent to that of an introductory college course in literature written in Spanish. One of the objectives of this course is to help students see the connections between literature and art works produced in different times and places, as well as the connections between these works and students’ own experiences.
This course is conducted exclusively in Spanish and students are encouraged to think critically about the readings in the broad context of the five major course themes, as well as in the specific historical, social, and cultural contexts they represent. This work will prepare students to take the AP Spanish Literature & Culture Exam, given in the spring. Students enrolling in this course should be willing to accept the challenge of a rigorous academic curriculum.
Dual Immersion Program
Registration Tips, Reminders, and Considerations
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Two courses will be offered: a Spanish Immersion 4 class and a content area class
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The Spanish Immersion 4 class will earn elective credit
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The prerequisite for Spanish Immersion 4 is Spanish Immersion 3 and/or teacher recommendation based on a Spanish language assessment.
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In grade 10, dual immersion students will take the STAMP test in all four modalities (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking). Based on their proficiency, students may earn either the state bilingual gold or platinum seal. The bilingual seal was created by the State of Minnesota for language proficiency in addition to English. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (Minnesota State) will award free college semester credits to graduating high school students who receive bilingual and multilingual seals and world language proficiency certificates. Students must request the college semester credits within three academic years of graduation from high school and upon enrollment in a Minnesota State college or university.
9th Grade: Spanish immersion 4
Intermediate
Grade: 9
Prerequisite: Spanish Immersion 3
Length: 2 Semesters
Spanish Immersion 4 is a year long course created for students in the dual immersion program. It will provide students a continuation of their Spanish academic and social language to improve their bilingual proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening. We will look at students in terms of their full linguistic ability and potential as a bilingual learner and help students increase their metacognition in both languages, helping to bridge the language. This course will include cultural, historical and literary topics. The class is conducted nearly exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it in class.
10th Grade: Spanish immersion 5
Intermediate
Grade: 10
Prerequisite: Spanish Immersion 4
Length: 2 Semesters
Spanish Immersion 5 is a year long course created for students in the dual immersion program. It will provide students a continuation of their Spanish academic and social language to improve their bilingual proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening. We will look at students in terms of their full linguistic ability and potential as a bilingual learner and help students increase their metacognition in both languages, helping to bridge the language. This course will include cultural, historical and literary topics. This course will also embed AP themes to help support students who are interested in the Spanish AP track. It will also help prepare for the STAMP proficiency assessment. The class is conducted nearly exclusively in the target language and students will be expected to use it in class.
10th Grade: Content area course
Intermediate
Grade: 10
Prerequisite: Spanish Immersion 4
Length: 2 Semesters
The other course offered to our 10th grade Spanish dual immersion students is a content area course. The course will be a replacement course for one of the required content area courses (math, science, or social studies). This course will use the same Minnesota state standards as the English content area course with the exception of the target language being Spanish.
SPANISH IMMERSION WORLD HISTORY
Advanced
Grade: 10
Prerequisite: Spanish Immersion 4
Length: 2 Semesters
World History is the study of how the past, present and future connect. In this course, we’ll study people, ideas, cultures, and philosophies that influenced the past and continues to impact us today. Course goals:
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Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity
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Identify, describe and evaluate the historical and cultural relationships of the world past, present and future
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Identify, describe and evaluate relationships of physical environment to world civilization and culture.
The class is conducted nearly exclusively in the target language of Spanish and students will be expected to use it in class.