International Baccalaureate (IB)

Loading from Vimeo...

If you're looking for a rigorous, college-level course of study, community camaraderie and potential college credit, you'll find it all in the full IB Diploma Programme at Minnetonka High School; ​if not interested in pursuing the full IB Diploma Program, students can take individual IB courses. IB is ideally suited for motivated students who enjoy delving deeper into concepts and considering their global implications. IB students share a well-rounded academic experience that emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding and exposure to diverse viewpoints.

[1] Apply Now to express your interest

[2] Make an appointment with Ms. Herbst

Course Listing

To filter courses by grade level, please type your grade (Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12) into the search bar above and click "search."

IB Ab Initio – French 

Course: #IB524, Year 1, S1
Course: #IB525, Year 1, S2
Course: #IB526, Year 2, S1
Course: #IB527, Year 2, S2
Grade(s) offered: 10-12    
Credits: 2 (two-year course)
    .5 (per semester)    
Prerequisites: None

IB Ab Initio is a highly rigorous two-year program. It is designed to give students with little or no prior French language experience IB language acquisition credit.

Read More about IB Ab Initio – French 
IB Ab Initio German

Course: #IB534, Year 1, S1
Course: #IB535, Year 1, S2
Course: #IB536, Year 2, S1
Course: #IB537, Year 2, S2
Grade(s) offered: 10-12  
Credits: 2 (two-year course)
    .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: None

IB Ab Initio is a highly rigorous two-year program. It is designed to give students with little or no prior German language experience IB language acquisition credit.

Read More about IB Ab Initio German
IB Ab Initio Spanish

Course: #IB544, Year 1, S1
Course: #IB545, Year 1, S2
Course: #IB546, Year 2, S1
Course: #IB547, Year 2, S2
Grade(s) offered: 10-12    
Credits: 2.0 (two-year course)
    .5 (per semester)

IB Ab Initio is a highly rigorous two-year program. It is designed to give students with little or no prior Spanish language experience IB language acquisition credit.

Read More about IB Ab Initio Spanish
IB Biology SL & IB Biology HL

IB Biology SL & IB Biology HL
SL Course:
#IB300, S1 
SL Course:
#IB302, S2 
HL Course: #IB304, S1
HL Course: #IB306, S2
Grade(s) offered:    11-12    
Credits:  .5 (per semester, two-year course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry or Chemistry Honors for IB Biology SL course; IB Biology SL for IB Biology HL course

IB Biology SL will concentrate on cell biology, biochemistry, DNA and biotechnology, genetics, and evolution.

Read More about IB Biology SL & IB Biology HL
IB Computer Science HL

Course: #IB652, S1
Course: #IB653, S2
Grade(s) offered: 12
Credits: .5 (per semester) 
Prerequisites: AP Computer Science A or IB Computer Science SL

This course will allow students to become aware of how computer scientists work and communicate with each other and with other stakeholders in the successful development and implementation of IT solutions.

Read More about IB Computer Science HL
IB Computer Science SL

Course: #IB650, S1
Course: #IB651, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: 0.5 (per semester), 1.0 (year-long course)
Prerequisites: C or better in Higher Algebra, Higher Algebra Honors, or Instructor’s permission. 
Preferred
prerequisites: knowledge in programming language such as Java, Python, JavaScript, C++

This course will allow students to become aware of how computer scientists work and communicate with each other and with other stakeholders in the successful development and implementation of IT solutions.

Read More about IB Computer Science SL
IB Economics SL

Course: #IB212, S1
Course: #IB214, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: 1 (year-long course)
Prerequisites: None

This one-year course covers macroeconomics and microeconomics as well as development and international economics.

Read More about IB Economics SL
IB French HL

Course: #IB522, S1
Course: #IB523, S2
Grade(s) offered: 12    
Credits: 1 (year-long course)
    .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: IB French SL

IB French HL is the second year of study following SL. Students will continue to study of a variety of topics, including: cultural leisure activities, holidays, festivals, and traditions.

Read More about IB French HL
IB French SL

Course: #IB520, S1
Course: #IB521, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12    
Credits: 1 (year-long course)
    .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: French III Honors

In IB French SL, students will make connections to their lives and to the products, practices, and perspectives of French-speaking cultures.

Read More about IB French SL
IB German HL

Course: #IB532, S1
Course: #IB533, S2
Grade(s) offered: 12    
Credits: 1 (year-long course)
    .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: IB German SL

Students will work to comprehend and express sophisticated ideas in both written and oral discourse in the German language.

Read More about IB German HL
IB German SL

Course: #IB530, S1
Course: #IB531, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12    
Credits: 1 (year-long course)
    .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: German III 

Students in the IB program will work to comprehend and express sophisticated ideas in both written and oral discourse in the German language.

Read More about IB German SL
IB Spanish GLobal Politics

Course: #IM264, S1
Course: #IM265, S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 1.0 (year-long course)
Prerequisites: K-10/11 enrollment in Spanish Immersion

*This is a year-long social studies elective course which can be applied to the 12th grade required social studies credit.
**Students who have already completed IB Global Politics through the Vantage International Relations strand are NOT eligible for this course.

This course aims to develop international mindedness and an awareness of multiple perspectives while studying contemporary political issues around the world.

Read More about IB Global Politics SL (Spanish Immersion)
IB Spanish GLobal Politics

Course: #V800
Grade offered: Grade 11, Grade 12
Credits: 1.0 (year-long course)

*This is a year-long social studies elective course which can be applied to the 12th grade required social studies credit*
*Students who have already completed IB Global Politics in Spanish are NOT eligible for this strand.

This course is offered as part of the VANTAGE International Relations track. For details about taking IB Global Politics SL through VANTAGE, visit the VANTAGE page of the Skipper Log.

Read More about IB Global Politics SL (VANTAGE)
IB History HL

Course: #IB200, Year 1, S1
Course: #IB202, Year 1, S2
Course: #IB204, Year 2, S1
Course: #IB206, Year 2, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12    
Credits: 2.0 (two-year course)    
Prerequisites: AP U.S. History, Contemporary U.S. History, American Studies 10 Honors

This course is a two-year introduction to contemporary world history. The first year of the course begins with units that include the Industrial Revolution in Britain, Europe, and Japan as well as a study of Imperial Russia, revolutions and the emergence of the Soviet State.

Read More about IB History HL
IB Language and Literature SL

Course: #IB100, S1
Course: #IB102, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)

Prerequisites: Any English 10 or English 11 course

Students examine how language impacts the world, shapes identity and is used in the media, including newspapers, magazines, the Internet, social networking, mobile telephony, radio, and film.

Read More about IB Language and Literature SL
IB Language and Literature SL, Language A (Chinese Immersion)

Course: #IM116, Year 1, S1
Course: #IM117, Year 1, S2
Course: #IM118, Year 2, S1
Course: #IM119, Year 2, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11 (year 1); 12 (year 2)
Credits: 2.0 (two-year course)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Chinese Immersion AP Language and Culture and Chinese Humanities Honors

This two-year course represents a new way of looking at the Chinese language, examining how language develops in specific cultural contexts and how it impacts the world.

Read More about IB Language and Literature SL, Language A (Chinese Immersion)
IB Language and Literature SL, Language A (Spanish Immersion)

Course: #IM216, Year 1, S1
Course: #IM217, Year 1, S2
Course: #IM218, Year 2, S1
Course: #IM219, Year 2, S2

Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: 2.0 (two-year course)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish Immersion AP Language and Culture and Hispanic Humanities Honors

This course represents a new way of looking at the Spanish language, examining how language develops in specific cultural contexts and how it impacts the world.

Read More about IB Language and Literature SL, Language A (Spanish Immersion)
IB Literature and Performance SL

Course: #IB104, S1
Course: #IB106, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester)  
This course fulfills the Arts credit requirement.    
Prerequisites: Any English 10 or English 11

In this course, students will experience a unique synthesis of language and theater study and explore the dynamic relationship between the two.

Read More about IB Literature and Performance SL
IB Literature HL

Course: #IB108 Year 1, S1
Course: #IB110 Year 1, S2
Course: #IB112 Year 2, S1
Course: #IB114 Year 2, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: 2 (two-year course), .5 (per semester)    
Prerequisites: Year 1: Any English 10 Course; Year 2: IB Lit HL Year 1

This course encourages students to read literature in a deep, focused, interpretive manner, while also fostering confidence in individual insights and thoughtful reflection.
 

Read More about IB Literature HL
IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL Year 1

SL Course: #IB400, S1
SL Course: #IB402, S2
HL Course: #IB404, S1
HL Course: #IB406, S2
Grade(s) offered: 10-12
Credits: 1.0 (year-long course)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Honors Pre-Calculus or a B+ or better in Pre-Calculus. For HL successful completion of SL.

This course is designed for students who enjoy developing their mathematics to become fluent in the construction of mathematical arguments and develop strong skills in mathematical thinking. They will explore real and abstract applications, sometimes with technology.

Read More about IB Math Analysis and Approaches SL or HL Year 1
IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL or HL Year 1

SL Course: #IB408, S1
SL Course: #IB410, S2
HL Course: #IB412, S1
HL Course: #IB414, S2
Grade(s) offered: 10-12
Credits: 1.0 (year-long course)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of FST or Precalculus. For HL successful completion of SL. 

This course is for students who are interested in developing their mathematics for describing our world, modeling and solving practical problems using the power of technology.

Read More about IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL or HL Year 1
IB Music SL 

Course: #IB660 S1
Course: #IB661 S2
Grade(s) offered: Grade 11, Grade 12  
Credits: 1.0 (year-long course)
Completion of both courses fulfills the Arts required credit
Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in Concert Choir, Treble Choir, Wind Ensemble, Concert Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra or Symphony Orchestra. Theory pre-test, AP Music Theory, or pre-approved piano performance background.

This course will examine the major style periods of Western music and explore the diversity of music throughout the world. Comparisons and observations will be made about art, society, and world events as they relate to the music style.

Read More about IB Music SL 
IB Physics SL

Course: #IB308, S1
Course: #IB310, S2    
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: .5 (per semester, full-year course)
Prerequisites: Chemistry 

IB Physics SL is a fast-paced course that covers a broad range of physics concepts including mechanics, waves, electricity, magnetism, energy production, atomic physics, and astrophysics. 

Read More about IB Physics SL
IB Psychology SL

Course: #IB208, S1 
Course: #IB210, S2    
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: 1.0 (year-long course)
Prerequisites: None

IB psychology examines the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behavior.

Read More about IB Psychology SL
IB Spanish HL

Course: #IB542, S1
Course: #IB543, S2
Grade(s) offered: 12    
Credits: 1.0 (year-long course)
    .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: IB Spanish SL

In Spanish IB HL, students will continue to comprehend and express sophisticated ideas in both written and oral discourse in the Spanish language.

Read More about IB Spanish HL
IB Spanish SL

Course: #IB540, S1
Course: #IB541, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12    
Credits: 1.0 (year-long course)
    .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: Spanish III Honors or Spanish 3 with recommendation from instructor

Students in the IB program will work to comprehend and express sophisticated ideas in both written and oral discourse in the target language.

Read More about IB Spanish SL
IB Theory of Knowledge

Course: #IB216, S1 (IB Diploma course)
Course: #IB218, S2 (IB Diploma course)
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: 1 (year-long course)
    .5 (per semester)
Prerequisites: enrollment in full IB Diploma Programme

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a course that is about the process of knowing, rather than about learning a specific body of knowledge.

Read More about IB Theory of Knowledge
IB Visual Arts HL

HL Course: #IB602, S1 Year 1
HL Course: #IB603, S2 Year 1
HL Course: #IB604, S1 Year 2
HL Course: #IB605, S2 Year 2    
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: 2 credit course, .5 (per semester)
This course completes 2 Arts credits
Prerequisites:  None

Students learn to use several media to create a unique portfolio of work based on research while documenting their process.

Read More about IB Visual Arts HL
IB Visual Arts SL

SL Course: #IB600, S1 
SL Course: #IB601, S2
Grade(s) offered: 11-12
Credits: 1 credit course, .5 (per semester)
This course completes 1 Arts credit
Prerequisites: None

Students learn to use several media to create a unique portfolio of work based on research while documenting their process. 

Read More about IB Visual Arts SL
happy students at MHS