Social Studies
All students are required to complete a minimum of 2 credits in U.S. History and 1 credit in World History in order to graduate.
Department PhilosophySocial Studies are crucial to the development of the critical thinking and writing, analysis, and decision-making skills essential for success in all academic disciplines and in life. Through their knowledge and appreciation of history, students become informed and responsible citizens of our nation and our world. Department courses explore content and theme through the use of both primary and secondary sources. Materials used present diverse cultural, racial, and gender viewpoints. Teaching approaches and assessment methods strive to connect with students of all learning styles. Faculty
Summer Reading List 2008CurriculumModern World History This course promotes appreciation of modern world civilizations. The emphasis is on cultural history
and interaction and the development of political and legal systems. Students work with both primary
and secondary sources. Assignments stress both factual knowledge and historical interpretation.
Current events are an important part of the curriculum. Modern World History Honors Students must take a placement test to qualify. In addition to the goals and concepts of Modern World
History Standard, this Honors course requires more independent reading and study, more essay
assignments, more class particpation, and emphasizes critical thinking and writing skills. U.S. History I The goals of this course are to familiarize the student with basic historical ideas and concepts, United
States history vocabulary, chronological thought, analytical thinking, and writing about historical events.
The course begins with the Colonial Period and ends with Reconstruction (the Compromise of 1877).
Themes emphasized throughout the year include the balancing of liberty and order in politics and society;
the growth of representative government; national versus state power; changing definitions of freedom
and equality; the roles and challenges of women, African-Americans, and Native Americans in American
history; the American reform tradition; America and the world. Students will work to improve their
reading, writing, and outlining skills in addition to gaining an appreciation of history and an understanding
of the duties of citizenship. U.S. History I [Honors] Students taking this course intend to take Advanced Placement US History as Juniors. In addition to the
goals and concepts of U. S. History 1 Standard, this Honors course requires more independent reading
and study, extensive critical and analytical writing, substantial class participation. A.P. U.S. History A.P. U.S. History stresses not only factual historical knowledge but analysis skills, critical writing
skills, and analytical reading skills. The course begins with the Colonial Period and ends with the
current time period and the pace is fast. The class requires independent study and extensive reading
and writing. Students will take the A.P. exam in May. Successful completion of this exam may
make the student eligible for college credit in history. U.S. History II The goals and themes of this course are the same as in U.S. History 1. The course begins with the
opening and settling of the West in the mid to late nineteenth century and ends with the current time
period. U.S. History II [Honors] In addition to the goals and concepts of U.S. History 2 Standard, this Honors course requires more independent reading and study, extensive critical and analytical writing, substantial class participation. Course Expectations US HISTORY HONORS I POLICIES (Mr. Welch) US HISTORY HONORS II POLICIES US HISTORY II POLICIES US HISTORY I POLICIES (Mrs. Pilla) WORLD HISTORY II POLICIES COURSE EXPECTATION/POLICY FORM Additional Documents:
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