Dell Rapids Public School

• Advanced Psychology, grades 9-12
• Contemporary World Issues, grades 9-12
• Economics, grade 10
• Great Tragedies in History
• Modern US History, grade 11
• Modern World History, grade 10
• Profound Events in History, grades 1-12
• Psychology, grades 9-12
• Sociology, grades 9-12
• US Government, grade 12
• World Geography, grade 12

Instead of the normal chronological approach to history, this course is built around a single concept, tragedy. Many of our best tests as a nation have resulted from often unforeseen events that have captivated us and would also help to define us as a people. The first unit will center on more of a local or regional basis. Students will research such topics as the Rapid City flood, Governor Mickelson plane crash, Spencer Tornado, or the Wounded Knee massacre. Unit two will center more on research in the area of assassinations. We will find out what makes a murder an assassination. With no shortage of choices, most students choose to learn more about the death of JFK, RFK, Dr. King or, Lincoln. A third unit will center on tragedies of war including such topics as the Bataan Death March, Hitler's death camps, or the D Day Invasion. A fourth unit will center more on the sadly increasing number of terrorist activities plaguing our world such as Oklahoma City, Columbine, and 9-11. Our fifth unit will center on natural disasters including such topics as Hurricane Katrina, the World Series/California Earthquake of 1989, and the Mount Saint Helens eruption of 1980. Our final unit will center on a potpourri of titles of famous defining moments in history such as the Titanic, Apollo 13, the Hindenburg, or the Great Chicago Fire.