History & Social Studies
History / Social Studies
Department Head: Tristan Williams
The Social Studies department presents core academic content, concepts, and skills in history and social sciences that are essential to the study of democracy and to the development of educated and responsible citizens. In an effort to foster informed and reasoned adherence to the ideals of a free society the department will follow the ten guiding principles as enumerated in the Frameworks. The central ideas, events, people, and works that have shaped our world, for good or ill, are not at all obsolete. Instead, the quicker the pace of change, the more critical it is for us to study and understand them. Without this knowledge, citizens remain helpless to make wise judgments about that which secures or endangers personal freedom.
By becoming skillful and competent in history and social science, students understand ideas central to the vision of the 18th century founders that hold us together as a nation. They know how democratic ideas have been turned into institutions and practices. This knowledge coupled with an understanding of the current condition of the world and how it got that way, prepares one to act upon the challenges to democracy in our own day.
The graduation requirement in this history and social science program is the completion of three major courses (4.50 credits) in grades 9-12. Those requirements include one year of World History and two years of United States History. There are multiple paths students can take to meet these requirements. In addition, all students are required to complete two Civics Action Projects, one in 8th grade, and one in 11th grade. This project is a non-partisan, student-led project in which students will evaluate and analyze political institutions and policies, and take informed and intentional action with the goal of systems change. In addition to the graduate requirements, students are encouraged to continue to enhance their critical thinking skills by enrolling in a variety of electives offered by the department.
Students will be asked to develop a variety of skills, such as interpretation and construction of historical timelines, maps, charts and graphs; distinguishing historical fact from opinion, and intended from unintended consequences. Further emphasis will be placed on the development of the student’s reading, writing, speaking and research skills.