Social Studies
Social Studies
The Social Studies program at ACS Athens embraces the American educational philosophy, principles and values while concurrently promoting international-mindedness rooted in the ethic of service and global citizenship. The diversity of our school community enriches the planning and delivery of the topics, which are designed so as to challenge our students academically, intellectually, socially and ethically. Social Studies encourages learning about the interconnectedness of multiple disciplines, with special emphasis in the interdisciplinary Grade 9 and Grade 10 courses, which have a team-taught integrated English and Social Studies curriculum.
Courses are designed with the aim of promoting a culture of learning, responsibility and innovation, while also providing strong foundations in reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. These skills are aligned throughout the program so that topics are studied thematically, which encourages students to make connections and develop transferable, real-world skills to help prepare for the challenges we face today and in the future.
The Social Studies program promotes:
The development and application of curiosity in reference to how we understand the past, and the implications this has on the present and future.
The acquisition of the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research while demonstrating independence in learning.
The analysis of historical and current events from multiple perspectives, rooted in personal experiences as well as in academic scholarship.
The examination of concepts, ideas, and issues that have local and global significance aiming to develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines (History, Economics, Business, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science).
The ability to exchange ideas and synthesize viewpoints, both from within and outside of their own cultures, through the development of active listening and respectful exchange of opinions.
The understanding of learning as a lifelong process, and the development of skills which will be useful throughout the students’ lives, both within and beyond academia.