The Social Studies Department offers a wide selection of academic courses and experiences designed to help students acquire the knowledge and skills demanded by an increasingly interdependent world with an awareness of the diversity of people and the willingness to explore cultures outside of one’s own. Students are challenged to analyze, evaluate, and fully comprehend the many complicated factors that shape individuals and the larger communities to which they belong. We encourage our students to both respect tradition and continually seek opportunities to inspire positive changes locally and globally.

Within the Social Studies Department, we strive for our students to be able to:

• exhibit understanding and respect for all cultures and peoples.

• demonstrate an awareness of the global interdependence of all peoples and nations.

• competently evaluate social, economic, political, and cultural systems in the U.S. and other nations.

• possess knowledge, insight, and positive attitudes toward citizenship, change and community involvement.

The Social Studies department at Villa Maria seeks to graduate young women who understand that:

• diverse human civilizations are examined to reveal the ideals, beliefs, values, and institutions.
  humans create systems to resolve conflicts and create order. 

• continuity and change are uncovered through the analysis of political, social, and economic patterns.

• consideration of the past helps one connect to the present and evaluate future decisions. 

• different societies of our global community exhibit varying perspectives, challenges, and contributions.  

• progress is defined by cultural interpretation as people are affected by their environmental, economic, social, cultural, and civic concerns. 

• Historical Thinking is composed of ...

  • • 1. critical examination and evaluation of data is essential to make informed decisions.

      2. the research process which requires the use of a variety of resources to ensure validity.

      3. analytical questions which create a purpose for research.

      4. interpretation; historians can and do disagree.

      5. writing as a tool used for thinking, learning, and communicating.

      6. recognizing a diversity of viewpoints benefiting all.

Beginning with the Class of 2025, 3.5 credits of Social Studies over at least three years are required of our students for graduation.

World History 1  (311)

Grade 9 

Credit 1.0 

This is a survey course that emphasizes the origins and nature of civilization including the political, social, economic and cultural developments that define human history. Students are encouraged to investigate and analyze the events and influences from prehistory to the Renaissance and to identify common themes that influence the world of today. Combined with lecture and cooperative learning is instruction in organizational and study skills, geography and research process incorporating web search techniques.  Throughout the course, effective writing skills will be developed.

Honors World History 1  (321)

Grade 9 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: A student who scores in the 60th national percentile or above on the Reading and Verbal sections of the HSPT will be invited to sit for the Honors level qualifying essay.  A certain proficiency must be shown on the writing sample in order to secure placement in the course.   

This course will focus on a multitude of topics, ranging from the early ancient civilizations to the Renaissance. A heavy emphasis will be placed on higher order thinking skills, making analytical and evaluative aptitude critical. Students will use a wide range of texts and primary sources as well as literary pieces and cultural examples to enhance their knowledge. Daily reading and discussion will be critical. Effective writing skills will be developed. Technology will be a priority incorporating blogs, online forums, and geographic applications as part of the evaluative process. With a focus on critical analysis, this course is designed to prepare the student for requirements of the collegiate skill set while providing a more global view.  Throughout the course, effective writing skills will be developed.  

World History 2  (322)

Grade 10 

Credit 1.0 

This is a survey course that emphasizes the development of the world’s major civilizations since 1500. This course focuses on the role of economic, social, and political change throughout modern world history. Students will gain a greater appreciation of the interaction and interdependence of nations and cultures within the modern world.  Throughout the course, effective writing skills will be developed.  

Honors World History 2  (323) 

Grade 10 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: A student in World History 1 wishing to register for this Honors course must have earned in 1st semester assessments a grade of at least a 91%, and year-end cumulative grade in assessments of at least a grade of 91%, receive the recommendation of her current teacher, and show proficiency on a placement assessment. A student in Honors World History 1 must have earned in 1st semester assessments a grade of at least 85%, and year-end cumulative grade in assessments of at least a grade of  85% or higher and receive the recommendation of her current teacher to register for this Honors World History 2 course.   

Honors World History 2 emphasizes the development of the world’s major civilizations since 1500. This course focuses on the role of economic, social, and political change throughout modern world history. Students will gain a greater appreciation of the interaction and interdependence of nations and cultures within the modern world. A heavy emphasis will continue to be placed on higher order thinking skills, making analytical and evaluative aptitude critical. Students will use a wide range of texts and primary sources to enhance their knowledge. Daily reading and discussion will be critical. Effective writing skills will be further developed. With a focus on critical analysis, this course is designed to prepare the student for requirements of the collegiate skill set while providing a global view of the world.  Teacher approval required. 

AP World History  (320)

Grade 9, 10 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Students must have taken Honors World History 1, obtain current history teacher recommendation and further department approval, and show proficiency on a placement essay. Students in the Class of 2028 must have scored at the 60th national percentile or above on the Reading and Verbal sections of the HSPT. They will be invited to sit for the Honors/AP level qualifying essay. A high proficiency must be shown on the writing sample in order to secure placement in the course.  

The AP World History course focuses on developing students’ understanding of world history from approximately 1250 C.E. to the present. The course has students investigate the content of world history for significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in three historical periods, and develop and use the same thinking skills and methods (analyzing primary and secondary sources, making historical comparisons, chronological reasoning, and argumentation) employed by historians when they study the past. The AP World History is designed to be the equivalent of the second semester of an introductory college or university world history course. AP World History follows the curriculum set out by The College Board in order to prep for the AP World History Exam in May. Due to the nature of the course, a college level atmosphere of scholarly articles, independent work, research, and seminar style discussion are used throughout the course. Additional reading assignments will be given throughout the course of the year. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.  Teacher approval required.

United States History  (332)

Grade 11 

Credit 1.0 

This is a survey course in United States History from the Age of Discovery to the present day. The influence of geographical, social, cultural, and economic factors is considered at the appropriate time. Special attention is given to the Colonial and Revolutionary eras, to the writing and establishing of the Constitution, to the Civil War, Industrialization and United States international involvement.  Throughout the course, effective writing skills will be developed.  

Honors United States History  (331) 

Grade 11 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: A student in World History 2 wishing to register for this honors course must have earned in 1st semester assessments a grade of at least 91%, and year-end cumulative grade in assessments of at least a grade of 91%, receive the recommendation of her current teacher, and show proficiency on a placement assessment.  A student in Honors World History 2 must have earned in 1st semester assessments of a grade of at least 85%, and year-end cumulative grade in assessments of at least a grade of  85% or higher and receive the recommendation of her current teacher to register for this Honors U.S. History course.   

This course is intended for the academically competent student who is able to pursue an in-depth study of United States History from its beginning to the present day. The student must be willing and able to spend extra time outside of class working independently. This includes reading and analyzing primary and secondary sources as well as the ability to express this in historical writing.  Effective writing skills will be further developed.  Teacher approval required. 

AP United States History  (330) 

Grade 11 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Students must have taken Honors World History 2 or AP World History and must obtain current history teacher recommendation and further department approval. Students in Honors World History 2 seeking placement in AP U.S. History must also show proficiency on a placement assessment. Exceptional students may enroll without the above prerequisites by invitation only.  

In AP U.S. History, students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change. The course also provides eight themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and social structures. AP U.S. History follows the curriculum set out by The College Board in order to prepare for the AP U.S. History Exam in May. Due to the nature of the course, a college level atmosphere of scholarly articles, independent work, research, and seminar style discussion are used throughout the course. Additional reading assignments will be given throughout the course of the year. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.  Teacher approval required. 

United States Government  (343)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 0.5 

This semester-long course is designed to provide students with a background in United States Government and its function. Students will study the Constitution and the theories it contains. The three branches of government and the electoral process will be explored. Current events will be incorporated to promote student comprehension of the governmental process.  This course may be taken concurrently with U.S. History/Honors U.S. History/AP U.S. History or in Senior year. 

AP U.S. Government & Politics  (350) 

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Completed or concurrent study of Honors or AP U.S. History. Students must obtain current history teacher recommendation and further department approval. Exceptional students may enroll without the above prerequisites by invitation only.  

AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.  Teacher approval required. 

Economics  (344)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 0.5 

This semester-long course studies the concepts underlying economic theory and practice. Economics is the study of how individuals, businesses and societies make decisions regarding their limited resources and the effects of those choices. The economics curriculum aims to help students understand what economics is, how it plays a part in their daily lives, and how it affects the world around them. Students will learn the basics of the Stock Market, through the Stock Market game and how current events affect the Market. Students will also gain insight into how to manage their money by learning about personal finance topics such as budgeting, credit and savings. The curriculum also has the students research market types and business organizations, with a segment on marketing. The semester culminates with a study of Entrepreneurship and the development of a product. Classes are conducted in seminar style, with guest speakers, in simulations, in games and finally a group project and presentation.   

AP Microeconomics  (370)

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Students must obtain current history teacher recommendation and further department approval.  

AP Microeconomics is a college-level course that introduces students to the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.  Teacher approval required. 

AP Psychology  (360) 

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 1.0 

Prerequisite: Students must obtain current history teacher recommendation and further department approval.  

The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. Students are required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May. Class size maybe limited to one class and may be large lecture-style depending upon enrollment.  Teacher approval required. 

Global Issues (353) 

Grade 11, 12 

Credit 0.5 

This semester-long survey course covers physical, human, political geography, multi-cultural studies, and global awareness across the seven continents. Major topics include: the physical layout of the earth, political boundaries, world climates, weather patterns, land forms and oceans, water and soil, vegetation and animal life and current geographic problems. The historical and present development of human cultures and societies is analyzed, as are current events and issues impacting the global community. Sample issues we will explore include the loss of the Amazon rain forest, Brexit, and the political breakdown in the Middle East. This course requires a lively interest in the past, present, and future of our planet and the diversity of its inhabitants. Class size is limited to one section.