Social Studies

Social Studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic understanding and competence. Within our school’s academic program, social studies provides coordinated study of the various social sciences: anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world. 

Students in all social studies classes will be assessed on their understanding of the key elements of content knowledge of each subject area, as well as their ability to demonstrate competency in the areas of acquiring information, analyzing information, communicating information and connecting information. 

Requirement for Graduation:         3 credits 

Students at H-DHS are required to earn three credits of Social Studies for graduation. 

• Freshmen are required to take two semester courses, World History A and World History B, or a full year of Honors World History.

• Sophomores must take any two semesters of US History or a full year of AP US History. 

• Juniors must take one semester of both Civics and Economics or Honors Civics and Honors Economics, 

• It is highly recommended that Seniors take a social studies elective in their 4th year.