IB Individuals and Societies

IB Individuals & Societies

History, Psychology, Global Politics, Business, and Environmental Sustainability

IB Group 3 courses explore how people think, act, govern, build economies, and interact with the environment. You’ll analyze real-world issues through history, psychology, global politics, business, and sustainability—learning to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and communicate insights with clarity.

Whether you choose a one-year Standard Level (SL) course or the two-year History HL sequence, you’ll practice the skills that colleges and employers value most: critical thinking, research, and problem solving grounded in real data and global perspectives.

Open to: Grades 11–12 Dublin City Schools students
Course length: SL = 1 year (1 period daily) • HL = 2 years (1 period daily)
Transportation: Free shuttle between home high schools and Emerald Campus
Enrollment: Prior social studies coursework; readiness for independent research and analysis
Cost: Free • Optional IB exam fee for official IB Exam participation
Recognition: Weighted 5.0 credit • May earn college credit based on IB exam performance and university policy
Contact: Home school counselor or IB Coordinator (Snodgrass_Sondra@dublinschools.net) for guidance and next steps

Overview

Group III: IB Individuals and Societies Courses Overview

Group 3 courses develop a critical understanding of human behavior and experience; the physical, economic, and social environments we live in; and the history of social and cultural institutions. You’ll identify, analyze, and evaluate theories, concepts, and arguments—building deeper insight into both historical and contemporary issues.

Participation Options

Choose a one-year SL course (Business, Global Politics, Environmental Systems & Societies, Psychology) or the two-year History HL sequence for a more in-depth experience.

Credit Summary

SL: 1 year • 1 HS credit (weighted 5.0)
HL: 2 years • 2 HS credits total (weighted 5.0 each year)

Students completing official IB assessments may qualify for college credit or advanced standing depending on scores and university policies.

Eligibility & Enrollment

Open to juniors and seniors with strong interest in inquiry, argumentation, and research. Prior success in social studies and writing is required.

Who Should Participate

A great fit for students curious about how societies function and change—those considering business, law, public policy, journalism, psychology, environmental studies, or international affairs.

Things to Note

IB History HL spans two years and includes a student-designed historical investigation and can satisfy the US History graduation requirement.
IB Global Politics SL and IB History HL can satisfy the US Government graduation requirement.
IB Environmental Systems & Societies SL may count as Group 3 or Group 4 for IB Diploma students.

IB Assessments (at a glance)

Business SL: Internal business project or case study; written exam on concepts, analysis, and decision-making.
Environmental Systems & Societies SL: Fieldwork or investigation; written exam on environmental science and sustainability in society.
Global Politics SL: Research and analysis of a global political issue; written exam on theories, case studies, and evaluation.
History HL: Independent historical investigation; written exams analyzing sources, events, and themes.
Psychology SL: Student-led experiment or study; written exam on theories, research methods, and applications.

Course Information

IB Individuals and Societies Course Options

IB Business SL — (Code: 503)

Grades 11–12 IB SL — 1 Year

Analyze how organizations operate and make decisions. Apply business tools to case studies and propose solutions grounded in data and ethics.

IB Environmental Systems & Societies SL — (Code: 525)

Grades 11–12 IB SL — 1 Year

Investigate environmental issues through both scientific inquiry and societal context. Conduct fieldwork and analyze sustainability challenges and trade-offs.

May satisfy Group 3 or Group 4 for IB Diploma students.

IB Global Politics SL — (Code: 587)

Grades 11–12 IB SL — 1 Year

Examine power, human rights, development, and conflict through case studies. Research a global political issue and apply theory to real contexts.

Can be used to satisfy the US Government graduation requirement.

IB History HL — Year 1 (Code: 529) / Year 2 (Code: 530)

Grades 11–12 IB HL — 2 Years

Investigate key events and themes using primary and secondary sources. Design an independent historical investigation and build advanced historical thinking skills.

Can be used to satisfy the US Government graduation requirement.

IB Psychology SL — (Code: 527)

Grades 11–12 IB SL — 1 Year

Study behavior through biological, cognitive, and sociocultural lenses. Design or analyze a simple experiment and apply research to real-life questions.

For the most up-to-date course information and descriptions, see the Academic Programs and Pathways resource.

Quick Links

Quick Links & Resources

Future Pathways

IB Individuals & Societies courses—including Psychology, History, Business Management, and Economics—help students understand how people and societies interact, make decisions, and influence change. These courses build critical thinking, data interpretation, and global awareness essential for leadership in any field involving people, systems, or organizations.

After High School or 2-Year College

Students completing IB Individuals & Societies courses often continue their exploration of human behavior, economics, and culture in college. IB credits may apply to general education or introductory social science requirements. Possible next steps include:

Pursue majors in psychology, sociology, economics, business, or political science.
Participate in leadership or civic engagement programs on campus.
Seek internships in education, government, research, or community service.
Continue with dual-degree or study abroad programs that connect social science with global learning.

After 4-Year College or University

IB Individuals & Societies courses prepare students to analyze complex systems and human behavior—skills valued across many professions. Graduates often continue into fields such as:

Law, policy, or public administration.
Business, management, or entrepreneurship.
Research, analytics, and data interpretation.
Education, psychology, or counseling.
International relations, nonprofit work, or global development.

Career & Professional Readiness

Through inquiry and analysis, IB Individuals & Societies students learn to evaluate evidence, form balanced arguments, and communicate effectively. These skills translate directly into success in:

Business strategy, marketing, and consulting.
Public service, law, and advocacy.
Data analysis, research, and policy development.
Leadership roles in education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.

Entrepreneurship & Personal Growth

Students gain insight into how individuals and societies make choices, inspiring leadership and innovation. IB Individuals & Societies graduates often:

Launch community initiatives or startups addressing social and economic challenges.
Apply global perspectives to careers in media, sustainability, or human rights.
Use research and reflection to lead teams, projects, and organizations with empathy and purpose.

Student Experience

International Baccalaureate (IB) Student Experience

Video: The IB Advantage

The IB program at Dublin City Schools provides students with a competitive advantage in our increasingly connected global economy. Built on a cohesive, multi-faceted approach that develops students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically, the IB Diploma is recognized worldwide for rigorous coursework and highly trained educators. Whether a student takes one IB course or pursues the full Diploma, every IB learning experience at Emerald Campus is aligned with global standards used in over 147 countries.

What Every IB Course Offers

Global Awareness & Internationalism

Courses emphasize global perspectives and intercultural understanding.

International Standards

IB students and teachers use a globally consistent curriculum recognized in 147+ countries.

Preparation for College

IB graduates are well prepared for college-level work and often receive preferential admission consideration.

Unique Assessments

Students show learning through labs, performances, portfolios, and research papers in addition to final exams.

Interdisciplinary Learning

Diploma students connect ideas across subjects, integrating knowledge through thematic study.

Research Skills & Inquiry

Inquiry-based learning builds advanced research and analytical thinking skills.

Research & Outcomes

IB students’ university acceptance rates are 22% higher than the general population.
IB acceptance at Ivy League institutions averages 13% higher than overall rates.

What Universities Say

“One of the advantages of an IB curriculum is its structure and quality… We know the quality of IB courses, and we think the IB curriculum is terrific.”

— Christoph Guttentag, Duke University

“IB is well known to us for excellent preparation. Success in an IB programme correlates well with success at Harvard.”

— Marilyn McGrath Lewis, Harvard University

“Send us prepared students a la IB… It is the best high school prep curriculum an American school can offer.”

— Marilee Jones, former MIT Admissions Director

Alumni Perspectives

“Unlike other accelerated programs, IB builds a close-knit community and prepares you for global collaboration.”

— Alex Vompe, Class of 2015

“IB creates lifelong friendships and prepares students for success in college.”

— Emma Robinson, Class of 2020

“It allowed me to grow in an exponential way. I feel more equipped for the college workload because I took IB.”

— Maxly Gasca, Class of 2020

“IB let us dive deeper and explore different cultures and literature. It truly broadened my view.”

— Helena Von Sadovszky, Class of 2020

“The IB community of students and teachers is a true support system that encourages collaboration.”

— Misha Lee, Class of 2020

“IB prepares students well for managing multiple responsibilities — a key to college success.”

— Riley Hoover, Class of 2020