Social Studies

Social Studies The Social Studies Department at Presentation encourages students to apply their understanding of the past to better understand our present world. Students learn about themselves and society by analyzing connections between people, eras and events.

Our lower division World and United States History courses encourage students to think like historians by assessing and interpreting documents and applying them to the social, political and economic context of the times. Our upper division courses enable students to analyze and understand contemporary issues, develop informed opinions, become engaged citizens and navigate the complexity of human and global issues.

Democracy Up Close Every four years, a group of Presentation students attends the Presidential Inauguration, a journey that highlights the strengths of the American democratic system. Students also serve on student advisory councils for local politicians, create political involvement projects and volunteer to work the polls on Election Day.

Hands-On History In U.S. History, students have the unique opportunity to view and touch artifacts from World War II, items that would otherwise be under glass in museums. Artifacts include an original pilot’s map from the Pacific theater of war, a flag from the USS Intrepid, a pilot’s helmet and goggles, and handwritten letters.

Diverse Perspectives Presentation takes a multi-faceted approach to history by exposing students to a variety of perspectives. History classes are enriched and enhanced by guest speakers including internment camp survivors, political candidates, and representatives from the Islamist Speakers Bureau.

Me at 23 During this interactive real-world project, students get excited about their future while learning to anticipate and cope with tough realities. Students plan and finance college, research student loan options, get a job, budget their salary and calculate taxes and expenses. As a result, students identify the budgetary effects of their life choices and develop an appreciation for sound financial management.

Contemporary Issues Upper division electives help students understand and analyze the complexity of human issues and take an informed stance on them. Sociology of Media surveys the interaction between society and popular media, including how consumers of mass media are affected by content. Global Women’s Issues explores the impact of political, economic, religious and social institutions on the role of women throughout the world, as well as an in-depth look at current gender inequity issues.

Standard Course of Study

Freshman Year • World History • Honors World History*

Sophomore Year • U.S. History • AP U.S. History

Junior and Senior years Required

• Civics • or Economics • or AP Macroeconomics • AP American Government

Upper-Division Electives • Psychology • Global Women’s Issues • Modern History • Sociology of Media • AP Psychology

*Placement is determined by performance on High School Placement Test.

Faculty Perspective

Andrea Duwel Social Studies Teacher & Academic Scheduling Coordinator

“As teachers in the Social Studies department, our goal is to empower students to be informed citizens. We provide students opportunities to think critically about the world around them and to participate in discussions about topics such as: race in America, the polarization in politics and America’s role in the global economy. Our diverse curriculum provides students the tools they need to better understand themselves and their place in the world.”