SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Through the social studies course offerings, students
are led to an appreciation of the interaction and
relative importance of geography, human relationships,
and other factors in the development of human society.
The examination of the physical environment is essential
to developing an understanding of cultural and social
characteristics. Students examine the relationships
of culture and individuals in the building of nations
and the relationships of nations and cultures in
the building of the world.
In freshman year, students approach a variety of
cultures to gain an appreciation and understanding
of global diversity and similarity. Sophomore students
apply this new sensitivity to the examination of
our complex, diverse society and nation.
Rooted in these core areas, upper class students
may pursue further aspects of the creation of the
modern world through electives in American government
and history, and international relations.
The social studies program seeks to cultivate critical
thinking and expression through the development
of reading, writing, and study skills. At each level
of study, the social studies department provides
appropriate expectations, instruction, and resources.
WORLD CULTURES
In freshman year, World Cultures strives to focus
the student’s first year of historical studies
through reading development, essay writing, and
special projects which draw upon the skills of
the
individual student. Throughout the year, vocabulary
development, note taking skills, and essay writing
are honed. Current events are tied thematically
through the year to historical events. The goal,
finally, is to build critical and creative skills
that can be used in the later studies
of American Cultures and other department offerings.
AMERICAN CULTURES
The American Cultures course provides sophomores
with a survey of the history and cultural development
of the United States using a multi-cultural approach.
With an emphasis on the major events which helped
shape our nation, this course attempts to engender
in the students an understanding and appreciation
of America and all its people. In the process, students
learn and use a variety of techniques meant to enhance
the critical thinking skills necessary for understanding
and participating in our pluralistic society.
AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM
The A.P.S. course has two basic objectives. The
first goal is to prepare young people to become
active citizens of local, national, and global communities
by providing the body of information on the history
and workings of American politics and government.
The other objective is to develop responsible citizens
able to make rational decisions consistent with
basic democratic values. It is
expected that in achieving these objectives, students
will cultivate critical thinking along with improved
writing skills.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
The intent of the International Affairs course
is to give the student an understanding of the
inter-relationship
of nations on the regional and global level. There
is a three-level program of concepts and terminology,
historical highlights, and current developments.
Through this program, students
will develop critical thinking and expression along
with advanced reading and writing skills.
ADVANCED AMERICAN HISTORY
Advanced American History seeks to provide the
student with a college-level survey course of the
development
of the American nation from the founding of Jamestown
to its present position of world influence. Throughout
the course, pedagogically speaking, the student
is trained in the inquiry approach to analyze,
synthesize
and interpret historical data in a creative and
critical methodology. At the end of the program,
seniors should be able to make informed judgments
based on rational and intuitive deductive processes.
To that end, emphasis is placed on those historical
events and trends that seem most important for
understanding
our own time. The student should appreciate democratic
America’s humanitarian role as but one cultural
heritage among the many of the planet.
A. P. HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
A.P. Human Geography is an elective course open to juniors and seniors. Following the College Board A.P. Syllabus, A.P. Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. All Students will take the A.P. exam in May.
A. P. EUROPEAN HISTORY
A.P. European History is an elective course for seniors. Following the College Board A.P. syllabus, A.P. European History provides students with an academic experience equivalent to an introductory college survey of Western Civilizations. The course is specifically designed to provide students with an in-depth study of European history from the 15th century through the modern day. As students study course content, A.P. European History is specifically designed to enhance their analytical skills through critical thinking, document analysis, interpretive reading, information organization and synthesis, participation in a seminar format class discussion, and research and essay writing.. Students successfully mastering this course material may earn college credit by passing the annually administered AP European history exam. All students will take the A.P. exam in May.
