SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Courses in the Social Studies Department enable students to critically evaluate past and current events while utilizing knowledge to discuss the lessons learned from history. Through debates, group projects, and simulations, students develop an understanding of and respect for different opinions and cultures. Through a variety of interactive activities, students are aided in their academic growth through lectures, note taking, citizenship activities, bias identification, exploration and evaluation of primary and secondary sources, and written essays. Students in Social Studies courses are encouraged to think as global citizens and to get involved in local political opportunities. Contemporary World Issues Level: 9-12 Semester 5 credits UC/CSU Approval: Yes, as a G Elective Prerequisite: None Description: The Sisters of Mercy have identified five critical concerns of social justice that must be addressed in the world today: Earth, Immigration, Nonviolence, Racism, and Women. This class will examine each of the five concerns through readings, discussions, documentaries, essays, and current events. The class will culminate in an action project where each student identifies a current issue within the five concerns and presents a report on solutions for building a better future. World History Level: 10 Year 10 credits UC/CSU Approval: Yes Prerequisite: None Description: World History is designed to deepen the student’s understanding of major world civilizations from the Enlightenment to modern times. Students analyze political, social and economic changes in western nations in the 1st semester and then analyze similar elements in non-western nations in Asia, Africa, India/Pakistan, Latin America, and the Middle East in the second semester. Students will begin the research 15
