Social Studies

The Social Studies Department offers a variety of courses to meet the 3.5 semester credits necessary for graduation. We also offer electives to pique your interest in many topics and issues that are relevant to the world today. Courses include human geography, U.S. civics, economics, U.S. history, world history, European history, politics, psychology and sociology. Choose from a variety of levels and formats, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Spanish Immersion, Chinese Immersion, VANTAGE, and online. Learn about and understand the world around you with courses that prepare you for critical thinking, discussion, and analysis skills necessary for post-secondary education and beyond.

VANTAGE Options

VANTAGE Options

VANTAGE is Minnetonka High School’s advanced professional studies program. Through experiential learning, VANTAGE offers a unique opportunity for students to apply their coursework in real-world settings.

Connect your interest in social studies to future career opportunities by taking a VANTAGE course:

Global Business
Explore business functions from a global perspective, learning fundamental concepts from economics and research best practices to persuasive techniques, public speaking and effective communication. This year-long, three-credit track includes AP Seminar (one English credit), IB Business Management SL or HL (one elective business credit) and AP Microeconomics (one social studies credit).

Global Sustainability
Study the environment and global economics through the lenses of physical, biological and information sciences. From corporate sustainability, food science, food security, and food safety to water systems, waste systems energy conservation and more, engage in real-world experiences in the fields related to global sustainability. This year-long, two-credit track includes Global Studies and Economics (one social studies credit) and AP Environmental Science (one elective science credit).

Health Sciences
Explore health sciences fields and develop an understanding of psychology and the human system, including a generalist view of the many professions available as a prospective health care professional. This year-long, 2.25-credit track includes AP Psychology (one social studies credit), Human Anatomy (one elective science credit), Medical Sciences (.25 elective science credit) and the opportunity to earn certification as a nursing assistant registered or emergency medical responder.

International Relations
International Relations is an introductory course on international politics and the relations between actors in the global political system. The overarching goal of this course is for students to critically engage with diverse and opposing perspectives to better understand the changing world and their role as citizens. This year-long, two-credit track includes IB Global Politics SL (one social studies credit) and College Writing (one English credit).

Public Policy
Explore the professional world of public policy formulation, including national, state, and local government; public relations, public interest organizations, issue-advocacy organizations, political parties, and more. This year-long, two-credit track includes AP Seminar (one English credit) and CIS (College in the Schools) American Democracy in a Changing World (one social studies credit). You will also earn 4 University of Minnesota credits through the CIS (College in the Schools) program.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VANTAGE COURSES