Social Sciences and History
Faculty
Courses
Conspiracy Theories and Historical Mysteries
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
Ever wondered about the truth behind famous conspiracy theories or unsolved historical mysteries? In this class, we’ll dive into some of history’s most intriguing and puzzling events, exploring the clues, theories, and hidden stories that have left people questioning what really happened. Get ready to challenge what you think you know about history!
Exploring Musical Theatre
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
This trimester course is designed to be a fun exploration of musical theatre. We will explore a wide range of musical theatre performances. From Wicked to Hamilton students will be exposed to different themes, musical composition, and talent. This course will look at musical theatre from a cultural lens and explore its impact on modern society. This course will include a performance piece as a midterm and a final.
Exploring Oklahoma
Tris: 1 | Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
Exploring the land that would become the 46th state, students will visit capitals, grasslands, sacred grounds, and ghost towns on day trips throughout Oklahoma. In class, we will identify destinations worthy of exploration and make plans to visit them. We will read works by Oklahoma poets past/present and songwriters with distinct Okie voices. Guided by the cultural heritage of the five civilized tribes of Oklahoma, we will examine the cross-cultural bridges that unite the people who call this state their home. Finally, the elective will invite students to experience an off-grid weekend. Camping out under the stars (with the goal of leaving no carbon footprint) students will better appreciate their state and what it means to be a responsible 21st century resident. - Must be 16 years old and in good academic standing
Government
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen | Prerequisites:
Government isn’t just something you read about — it’s something that affects your life every day. In this class, you’ll dive into how our government works, from voting and laws to the rights and responsibilities we all share as citizens. You’ll learn how the choices made in Washington impact everything from your school to your future. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to make your voice heard in shaping the world around you.
History Through Film
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
Understanding How Pop Culture Influences Our Perceptions of History: Have you ever thought about how movies and TV shows shape the way we see and understand history? In this class, we'll explore how films and pop culture influence our perception of real events and people. From action-packed battles to everyday moments, discover how the media changes the way we think about the past!
Holocaust Studies
Tris: 1 | Open to: Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
This trimester course focuses on the impact of inhumanity throughout the early 1900s till the end of World War II. This one trimester course will trace the history of antisemitism throughout the world and the impact these events have had on policy and overall societal tolerance. The course will have a primary focus on the inhumane behavior displayed in Nazi Germany before and during World War II. The class will initially study the roots of anti-Semitism in Europe. This will be followed by a study of the philosophy, literature, propaganda and economic circumstances that conditioned the German populace for acceptance of anti-semitic policies. After intensive study of this event, the course will demonstrate that genocide has occurred in multiple places throughout the world in the modern era.
Introduction to Classical Studies
Tris: 1 | Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
This twelve-week course will focus specifically on Greco-Roman history and the western tradition. Students will read translations of an array of primary sources, will engage with tangible secondary sources, and will choose a topic that interests them to research independently. The course will also include various exercises, several assessments, and an independent reading project.
Law & Society
Tris: 1 | Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
This is a deep dive into our legal system. Students will dissect landmark cases, learn how our judicial system works, try their hand at lawyering, and maybe even go observe court. Guest speakers may include area attorneys and professors of law. At the end of the trimester, students will engage in a mock trial.
- Junior and Senior course — sophomores only with teacher permission
Mystics, Heretics, and Witches: Alternative Religious Traditions in World History
Tris: 1 | Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
This twelve-week course will focus on minority/alternative religious traditions from around the world. Students will gain an appreciation for a multitude of perspectives they may not be familiar with. They will read translations of an array of primary sources, will engage with tangible secondary sources, and will choose a topic that interests them to research independently. The course will also include various exercises, several assessments, and an independent reading project.
Native American History
Tris: 1 | Open to: Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites: Government, Oklahoma History
This elective course provides a general introductory overview of Native Americans within the fields of history, anthropology, literature, and political science. This course introduces students to the diverse perspectives concerning Native Americans and promotes a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding indigenous rights, culture, and histories.
Oklahoma History
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen | Prerequisites:
Oklahoma history is more than just dates and events — it’s the story of the people and cultures that shaped this unique state. In this class, we’ll explore the fascinating history of Oklahoma, from Native American tribes and early settlers to the state's modern-day growth. You’ll discover the key moments that defined Oklahoma’s identity and how its history connects to your life today. By the end, you'll have a deeper understanding of the state you call home!
Revealing Lies in History
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
This elective course explores the relationship between the creation of personal and collective memory and the production of history. The seminar will examine the tensions between memory and history, using some of the most acclaimed recent history books. Students will think critically about memoirs and autobiographies, oral histories and personal reminiscences, festivities and holidays of commemoration, historical memory in popular culture, and family lore and stories. What receives the privilege of being remembered and what gets deliberately forgotten constitutes the essence of what we know as history.
The 1960s
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
As the Beatles sang in 1968, “You say you want a revolution we–ell you knoww we all want to change the world,” the 1960s became a time of pushing back against authority and conformity. Vietnam, the early Cold War, the continuation and evolution of the Civil Rights movement, the counterculture revolution, and more. Study this decade of revolution and change through film, short stories, music, and primary documents and texts. Students will have reflective writing assignments, small group and class-wide discussions, and an independent writing project.
The Cold War
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
Espionage, Propaganda and Global Tensions Explore the exciting and tense world of the Cold War, where the U.S. and Soviet Union battled for power without fighting directly. From secret spies and space races to huge world changes, learn how this period shaped the world we live in today. Join us to uncover the stories behind this thrilling time in history!
US History
Tris: 2 | Open to: Sophomores | Prerequisites:
Starting in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, the class will study how the country rebuilds and continue through the ensuing decades, studying key figures, events, and eras of thought. The class will track the experiment of the United States and how through each era there has been a continual redefining of what “freedom” means and to whom it applies, what our Constitution guarantees, and how the country balances between different ideologies, beliefs, and geographies.
World History
Tris: 2 | Open to: Juniors | Prerequisites: Government, Oklahoma History, US History
The purpose of this course is to give the student a better understanding of the complex global community that we live and participate in on a daily basis. Throughout this two trimester course, students will be looking at many aspects of our global community as they relate to political, economic, historical, geographical, religious, and cultural themes as they relate to global studies.
World War I
Tris: 1 | Open to: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors | Prerequisites:
Focusing on the Great War students will spend the trimester exploring the perspectives of World War I. Ranging from soldiers' stories from the trenches to an understanding of the social upheaval caused by the conflict, students will gain valuable skills of research, writing, and critical thought. Some other topics included are the Russian Revolution, Tulsa Race Massacre, Right to Vote for Women, Child Labor Laws, and Segregation in Schools.