Social Studies

Philosophy


 

The world of students includes local and personal relationships such as their families, their community, and their memberships in various organizations. The social studies are more than the study of history; they are the study of human interaction and the whole experience of being human. Through study of United States history, students will gain an understanding of the unique characteristics of American society, the historical development of its social structure, its economic system, and its political organization. A crucial emphasis of instruction in the social studies is the historical development of world cultures, which provides students with the understanding and skills necessary to interpret their world and act effectively as informed and responsible citizens.
In this age of globalization, students should recognize the relevance of events, whether they happened recently or hundreds of years ago, locally or thousands of miles away. Students should recognize how and why other cultures and their experiences are important to our society.
As students begin their development into effective and responsible adults, their success will be determined largely by their abilities to read critically, analyze information including primary and secondary sources of all types, and form original conclusions. Achievement in these skills for all students is a primary focus of the Social Studies Department.

 

Please see our Program of Studies for more information