DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES
PHILOSOPHY
The SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT, through its courses, programs and projects aims to provide a Christian environment and perspective in which students can analyze and react to the events of the past and relate those events in the future. It is our goal to help students develop those social studies competencies essential in today’s complex, global society.
The department presents a course of study that reflects the Catholic/Christian worldview, and exercises freedom in the use of religious perspectives on history. The department focuses on the intellectual maturing of the student by developing his/her ability to express himself/herself through thinking, writing, reading and speaking in order to become an effective participant in a democratic society.
SOCIAL STUDIES COLLEGE 1: WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT
GRADE 9
This course is a survey of world geography and the culture of the Non-Western World. Geography, culture, technology, resources, the environment, land use, and developing countries will all be discussed. Students will focus on maps and map reading skills for each region. The culture and history of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Latin America will be studied in addition to the current status of these regions.
WESTERN CIVILIZATION HONORS WEIGHT: 5 1 CREDIT
GRADE 10
Pre-requisite: A in Social Studies and Administrative Approval with Teacher Recommendation
This course traces the development of Western Civilization from the prehistoric period to the present. It focuses on the significance of religious, political, economic, philosophical, social, scientific, and aesthetic thought in western civilization. Students will be given a global perspective and intercultural understanding. Specific honors level work, including outside reading and writing assignments will be assigned.
WESTERN CIVILIZATION COLLEGE 1 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT
GRADE 10
This course traces the development of Western Civilization from the prehistoric period to the present. It focuses on the significance of religious, political, philosophical, social, scientific, and aesthetic thought in western civilization. Students will be given a global perspective and intercultural understanding.
AMERICAN HISTORY A. P. WEIGHT: 6 1 CREDIT
HONORS WEIGHT: 5 1 CREDIT
GRADE 11
Pre-requisite:
AP: A in Western Civilization (B+ in Honors Western Civilization), Teacher Recommendation
Recommendation of department through writing sample and Administrative Approval
Honors: A- in Western Civilization (B in Honors Western Civilization) and Administrative Approval with Teacher Recommendation
Students develop knowledge of major events and trends, and an understanding of principal themes in American History from colonial times to the twenty-first century. Emphasis is put on the development of the student’s ability to identify, analyze, and make critical evaluations of the significant factors which contributed to the shaping of American History. There will be a major emphasis on outside readings and written expression. ALL students enrolled in the A.P. level will take the Advanced Placement Exam in American History.
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES (Con’t)
AMERICAN HISTORY COLLEGE 1 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT
GRADE 11
This course surveys American History from Colonial time to the twenty-first century. Major topics include: the American Revolution, the Constitution, the coming of the Civil War, the rise of the United States as an industrial power, the New Deal, and the emergence of the United States as a world power, its role in the World Wars, the Cold War and the Post-Cold War World.
GOVERNMENT – ECONOMICS HONORS WEIGHT: 5 1 CREDIT COLLEGE 1 WEIGHT: 4 1 CREDIT
GRADE 12
Prerequisite: Honors: A- in American History (B in Honors American History) and Administrative Approval with Teacher Recommendation
The Government section of this course investigates the American federal system. Emphasis is placed on the background of political philosophy as well as on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Students develop civic understanding of democracy and good citizenship skills. The State of Connecticut, for graduation, now requires one semester of Government.
The Economics section of this course covers the basics of both micro and macroeconomics. It is designed to provide the student with the background and skills necessary to function as an informed and economically literate citizen.
EUROPEAN HISTORY A.P. WEIGHT: 6 1 CREDIT
GRADE 12 (ELECTIVE)
Pre-requisite: B in A.P. American History (A in American History), Teacher Recommendation
Recommendation of the department through writing sample and Administrative Approval
This course is offered to students who have shown mastery and keen interest in social studies. It is an intensive course in college European History from the period 1500 to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on the emergence of the modern state system, the Renaissance and Reformation, the French Revolution, the World Wars, the Russian Revolution, the Cold War, and Post Cold War world. Major emphasis will be place on extended reading and writing assignments. ALL students enrolled in this AP course will be required to take Advanced Placement Exam in European History.
PSYCHOLOGY WEIGHT: 4 ½ CREDIT
GRADES 11, 12 (ELECTIVE)
Pre-requisite: Administrative Approval
This course will endeavor to investigate the basis of human behavior and the concepts of family systems. Emphasis will be given to the psychology of the adolescent. The presentation will include lecture, discussion, and group dynamics. Active participation in classroom activities is expected.
INTRODUCTION TO LAW WEIGHT: 4 ½ CREDIT
GRADES 11, 12 (ELECTIVE)
Pre-requisite: Administrative Approval
This course will deal with Constitutional Law, the Law of Torts, Contractual Law, the Dual Court System, and Trial Procedures including mock trials. Lectures, small group work, outside readings and classroom discussions will be the methods of instruction.