Academics

Moreau Honors World Cultures – #H13A/B  1 Credit Level 3 NCAA
This course is a thematic approach to world cultures designed to encourage the formation of students’ critical thinking skills needed to make objective judgments about historical and contemporary issues. It presents a global perspective of the forces and movements that have made the past continuous with, and relevant to, the present. A heavy emphasis is placed on activities designed to analyze, interpret, and evaluate the historical and cultural patterns of the world.  Requirements for placement: Previous record; signature of school counselor. 

World Cultures – #H12A/B     1 Credit Level 2 NCAA
This introductory course emphasizes reading, writing, note taking and study skills necessary for academic success. World Cultures is designed to provide students with an understanding of the ancient societies of the world with an emphasis on the culture, geography, and government systems. The course begins with Mesopotamia and extends through the ancient civilization of Rome.  Requirements for placement: Freshman status

AP United States History – #H34A/B 1 Credit Level 4 NCAA
In a College Board designed and approved curriculum students will learn how to use the AP Historical Thinking Skills and the AP Connecting Themes Students will work on AP Exam strategies in preparation to take the AP exam for potential college credit. Students will seek to understand the nine periods of United States history from pre-contact America to the modern era. As a Graduation requirement, students will write the Junior Research Paper during this course. Requirements for placement: Junior status: minimum overall average of 90% in all classes and signature of your second term World Cultures teacher.

Honors United States History – #H33A/B 1 Credit Level 3 NCAA
The Honors Level American History program is designed to help students develop historical thinking skills such as: depth of knowledge, analysis, evaluation, and critical thinking. The goal of the course is to build upon students' understanding of U.S. history and develop an appreciation of why history matters and how it affects us today.  The focus of the course's thematic approach will include the study of the United States from the Colonial Period to the 1960s with an emphasis on the social, political, and economic factors that have shaped the nation.  As a Graduation requirement, students will write the Junior Research Paper during this course. Requirements for placement: Junior status: minimum overall average of 85% in all classes and signature of your second term World Cultures teacher. 

United States History – #H32A/B 1 Credit Level 2 NCAA
This survey level course is designed to help students develop historical thinking skills such as: analysis, evaluation, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem solving.  The goal of the course is to build upon students' understanding of U.S. history and develop an appreciation of why history matters and how it affects us today.  An emphasis of this course’s thematic focus will be on the political, social, economic, geographic, and cultural factors that led to the development of the United States from a colonial territory to a world superpower.  As a Graduation requirement, students will write the Junior Research Paper during this course. Requirements for placement: Junior status. 

AP United States Government & Politics – #H44A/B 1 Credit Level 4 NCAA
Students will read, analyze, and interpret data, develop evidence-based arguments, and engage in an applied civics or politics research-based project. The goal of the course is to prepare the students for the Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics examination, which they will be offered to take in May. AP United States Government and Politics is a college-level introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will read and analyze U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions between political institutions and  behavior. As part of their senior service project, students are required to work a minimum of ten hours in a municipal, state, or national election campaign.  Requirements for placement: Minimum overall 90 average; senior status and signature of your second term US History Teacher. 

Honors American Government – #H43A   0.5 Credit Level 3 NCAA
The focus of this course is to help to build upon students high level historical thinking skills with a focus on civics and political based discussion, evidence based research, and analyzing fundamental documents. The goal of the course is to develop in students an understanding and appreciation of exercising their political responsibilities as thoughtful and informed citizens, as well as give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.   Emphasis is placed on how systems of government are founded, function, and impact individual, local, state, and national decisions.  As part of their senior service project, students are required to work a minimum of ten hours in a municipal, state, or national election campaign. Requirements for placement: Minimum overall average of 85% in all classes and signature of your second term US History Teacher. 

American Government – #H42A    0.5 Credit Level 2 NCAA
The focus of this survey course is to help to build upon students historical thinking skills with a focus on civics and political based discussion, evidence-based research, and analyzing fundamental documents. The goal of the course is to develop in students an understanding and appreciation of exercising their political responsibilities as thoughtful and informed citizens, as well as give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.  Emphasis is placed on how systems of government are founded, function, and impact individual, local, state, and national decisions.  As part of their senior service project, students are required to work a minimum of ten hours in a municipal, state, or national election campaign. Requirements for placement: Senior status.

Modern United States History – #HH2B 0.5 Credit Level 2 NCAA
This survey level course is designed to build upon students historical skills such as: analysis, evaluation, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem solving. The goal of the course is for students to be able to identify and understand key themes from America’s recent past becoming more aware, appreciative, and respectful citizens. This class will have an emphasis on key stressors that are left over from the Cold War era and be able to connect them with the events of 9/11 and beyond.  Requirement for placement: Senior status: Please note seniors enrolled in Level 4 US Government and Politics and/or have taken US History L4 will be exempt from this course.   

Honors Modern United States History – #HH3B  0.5 Credit Level 3 NCAA
The Honors Level American History program is designed to build upon students’ historical skills such as: analysis, evaluation, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem solving.  The goal of the course is for students to be able to identify and understand key themes from America’s recent past becoming more aware, appreciative, and respectful citizens.  The course will focus on key events during the past 50 years of American history with an emphasis on how they affected the political, cultural and social makeup of the country.  Requirement for placement: Minimum overall average of 85% in all classes and signature of your second term US History; Please note seniors enrolled in Level 4 US Government and Politics  and/or have taken US History L4 will be exempt from this course.  

SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES

Psychology –  #H72A/B  0.5 Credit Level 2 NCAA
This course is an introduction to the behavioral sciences that will emphasize 3 major skill areas: communication, critical thinking, and self-introspection. The course will focus on the systematic understanding of our thoughts and how these thoughts affect us. Students will be encouraged to take what they learn in class and apply it to their lives. The topics of mindfulness as well as human performance will be explored in great detail.  Requirements for placement: Junior or senior status.

Antisemitism and the Holocaust – #H62A     0.5 Credit Level 2 NCAA
A development of historical thinking skills through an in depth look at antisemitism and the Holocaust focuses on the transferable practical application of examining the world around us. As a chronological and thematically based course, students will investigate the origins of antisemitism and its connection to Christianity. An important focus is on the historical context of Germany to understand the effects of World War 1 in perpetuating a discriminatory atmosphere towards European Jews. This analysis seeks to create an understanding of the events leading up to, contributing to, and after the Holocaust to allow a more modern investigation of present-day antisemitism and political extremism in the world.  Requirements for placement: Junior or senior status.

AP African American Studies –  #H95A/B  1 Credit Level 4 NCAA
AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. Given the interdisciplinary character of African American Studies, students in the course will develop skills across multiple fields, with an emphasis on developing historical, literary, visual, and data analysis skills. This course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African diaspora. In addition, this course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement African American Studies exam in May. (Students that take the AP Exam are required to complete an Individual Student Project which counts as 10% of their final AP score.) Requirements for Placement: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior status; Recommended overall average of 90%; Signature of Social Studies Department member.

American Military History – #HH6A 0.5 Credit Level 2 NCAA
This course will help students develop historical thinking skills such as analysis, evaluation, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem solving.  The goal is to help students gain a better understanding of how the U.S. military has helped to shape American history through the strategy and tactics used on the battlefield. It is designed to examine the American military experience from the American Revolution to the Vietnam War. Some key battles that we will be examining will be Yorktown, Gettysburg, Belleau Wood, Normandy, Iwo Jima, Battle of the Bulge, and the Tet Offensive. In addition, we will also examine the technological advances in weapons and the improvements in military organization and operational planning. Finally, we will also look at the diplomatic, social, political, and economic impact that war has had on the United States. Requirements for placement: Sophomore, junior, or senior status.

Introduction to Business – #U01A 0.5 Credits Level 2
Introduction to Business provides students with a foundational understanding of how businesses operate within local, national, and global contexts. Through the study of core business concepts,including entrepreneurship, management, finance, marketing, economics, operations, and ethics,students explore how organizations create value, make decisions, and serve stakeholders.

Emphasizing real-world application, students analyze local and global businesses, develop mission and vision statements, examine ethical dilemmas, and explore how profit, innovation, and social responsibility intersect. The course builds essential skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and financial literacy while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset grounded in Notre Dame High School’s mission of integrity, leadership, and service to the common good.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation  – #U04A 0.5 Credits Level 2
Entrepreneurship & Innovation challenges students to think creatively, strategically, and ethically as they explore how new ideas are transformed into viable business ventures. Students examine the entrepreneurial process from idea generation to implementation, including opportunity recognition, value creation, funding strategies, market analysis, and innovation ecosystems.

The course emphasizes experiential learning through pitch development, case studies, design-thinking activities, and collaborative projects that mirror real-world entrepreneurial environments. Students refine leadership, adaptability, and risk-assessment skills while learning how innovation can address economic, social, and global challenges.

Grounded in ethical entrepreneurship and responsible leadership, this course prepares students for advanced capstone experiences within the Signature Program and equips them with transferable skills applicable to business, engineering, technology, and social-impact pathways.

Personal Finance and Life Skills - #U20A 0.5 Credits Level 2
Personal Finance and Life Skills is a one-semester, skills-based course for sophomores at Notre Dame High School that develops financial literacy, career readiness, and responsible decision-making and leadership skills essential for successful adult life. The course emphasizes practical application, ethical judgment, and personal responsibility within real-world situations. Students learn through simulations, case studies, short direct instruction, budgeting/investing labs, discussion, and project-based application

Students will study foundational financial concepts including earning income, interpreting pay stubs, understanding employee benefits, budgeting, saving, investing, taxes, credit, insurance, and financial risk. In addition, students will develop essential life skills such as writing a résumé, evaluating job opportunities, understanding workplace responsibilities, managing personal obligations, and making informed choices related to independence and long-term planning.

Applied Artificial Intelligence for College & Career Readiness - U25A  0.5 Credit Level 2
This semester-long certification course designed for seniors in their last semester at Notre Dame introduces students to applied artificial intelligence through a business and academic lens. The course emphasizes responsible AI use in academic and professional contexts, including research support, written communication, productivity, data interpretation, and business problem-solving. Instruction is delivered through a guided online curriculum with in-class facilitation, discussion, and applied practice. There are many providers of this on-line platform allowing for specific focus. The teacher serves as a coach and ethical guide, supporting reflection, accountability, and real-world application. Assessment is portfolio-based, culminating in a Capstone AI Portfolio that demonstrates ethical, informed, and purposeful AI use. Portfolio artifacts may include academic or business-focused applications, annotated examples of AI-supported work, reflections on bias and limitations, and a personal AI use policy for college and career settings.

IB Individuals and Societies

IB History of the Americas (HL) I

The emphasis of the course is on specific historical inquiry that enables the student to develop and apply the skills of a historian by selecting and analyzing a range of source material and considering diverse perspectives. The goal of the course is to develop historical thinkers based on key concepts such as change, causation and significance.  United States History will be a primary focus with comparative cases from other countries in the region.  Main topics will include: US Civil War: causes, course and effects (1840–1877), Emergence of the Americas in global affairs  (1880–1929), and The Great Depression and the Americas (mid 1920s–1939).  Students will also be required to complete a historical investigation into a topic of their choice.  Requirements for placement: Must be enrolled as an IB student.

IB History of the Americas (HL) 2

This course is a continuation of IB History of the Americas (HL) I and continues to develop high level historical thinking skills such as comprehension, critical thinking, analyzing, and evaluating evidence.  The goal of the course is to develop an understanding of the past, which leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of humans and of the world today. World History will be a primary focus with comparative cases from countries around the world. Main topics will include: Causes and effects of 20th century wars, The Cold War: Superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century), and The struggles for rights and freedoms in the mid-20th century. Students will prepare for IB external assessments for May of senior year.  Requirements for placement: Must be enrolled as an IB student.

IB Psychology (SL) 

IB Psychology teaches students to develop an understanding of how psychological knowledge is generated, developed, and applied and will allow them to have a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human behavior. The course teaches students to develop and apply an understanding of the biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors affecting mental processes and behavior and to understand diverse methods of inquiry and the importance of ethical practice in psychological research. Students will complete an Experiment component of the Internal Assessment and prepare for the IB External Assessment given in May.  Requirements for placement: Must be enrolled as an IB student.  

The mission of Model UN is to provide an opportunity for Notre Dame students to understand the real functioning of the United Nations and to gain a greater awareness of member states and the value of peaceful diplomacy to resolve international problems (real-world issues).Students in our Model UN club use 21st Century skills.  They research, debate, use critical thinking skills, collaborate with others, communicate, and use leadership skills. Students frequently attend Model UN conferences to engage with students from other schools. 

The RRPDC is meant to bring together students for lively conversation about current events and topics of interest.