Department Philosophy

Social Studies Department Philosophy Statement

The philosophy of the Social Studies Department is to facilitate the acquisition of historical knowledge and the intellectual and social tools necessary to enable young people to participate as well- rounded citizens in our local and global communities.

6th Grade Social Studies

This course begins with a focus on World Geography. The academic year continues as a survey on the beginnings of human society, early river valley civilizations and classical civilizations that developed and expanded into empires of unprecedented size and diversity.  The course concludes with an examination of the expanding exchanges and encounters of the Medieval period and how the rise and spread of new belief systems unified societies, but also became a major source of tension and conflict well into the 20th century. Throughout this couse of study, students will examine multiple perspectives on historical events, political ideas, and relationships among different socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and religious groups, as well as relations between men and women, all while developing the intellectual and social tools necessary to enable young people to participate as well-rounded citizens in our local and global communities. 

7th Grade Western Civilization

This course surveys early colonial empires, focusing on the formation of the 13 English Colonies, continuing with the American Revolution and with immediate post-Revolutionary America, then pivoting to a survey of Civics, including American governing structures.  It serves as a basis for all future work in history. Throughout this chronological survey of American history, students will examine multiple perspectives on historical events, political ideas, and relationships among different socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and religious groups, as well as relations between men and women, all while developing the intellectual and social tools necessary to enable young people to participate as well- rounded citizens in our local and global communities.  

8th Grade Comprehensive US History

This course surveys the development of the United States of America as a fully-fledged nation-state.  This course will begin with the Washington Administration, continuing through the War of 1812, the Monroe Doctrine, and ending with the American Civil War and Reconstruction.  Throughout this chronological survey of American history, students will examine multiple perspectives on historical events, political ideas, and relationships among different socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and religious groups, as well as relations between men and women, all while developing the intellectual and social tools necessary to enable young people to participate as well- rounded citizens in our local and global communities.