General Social Science

Teacher(s): Mr. Dean

TA: Mr. Aiden

Reflection

At the beginning of this year, my primary goal in General Social Science was to develop a comprehensive understanding of societal structures and enhance my critical thinking skills concerning various social issues. Beyond merely absorbing historical, geographical, and economic facts, I aimed to dissect problems from diverse perspectives and articulate my insights effectively, particularly through presentations and class discussions.

Throughout the year, I concentrated on honing my research skills by delving into topics such as cultural diversity, governmental systems, and economic challenges. I not only gathered information from multiple sources but also critically assessed its credibility and integrated it into well-supported arguments. This skill proved especially crucial when preparing for presentations, like the country presentations, which required a deep understanding of the subject matter to present confidently and informatively.

One of the most significant lessons I gained was appreciating the importance of viewing social issues through multiple lenses. This became particularly clear when I studied the MegaDrought and had the opportunity to step into the minds of different people affected by it. Preparing and delivering presentations on diverse cultures and political systems highlighted that social problems are intricate and necessitate open-mindedness and empathy for resolution. This awareness has fostered greater respect and curiosity for the varied experiences and opinions of others, enriching my perspective.

Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that I made some mistakes along the way. For instance, I occasionally underestimated the time needed to complete assignments or did not fully proofread my work before submission. These errors sometimes affected the quality of my projects and presentations. However, I view these moments as valuable learning opportunities that have helped me improve my time management, attention to detail, and overall academic discipline.

Among the many aspects of the course, my favorite was exploring cultural diversity and learning about different governmental systems. These topics broadened my understanding of how societies function and interact globally, and I particularly enjoyed the interactive presentations and discussions that allowed me to engage with classmates and hear diverse viewpoints. Conversely, my least favorite aspect was grappling with some of the more complex economic concepts, which I initially found challenging to grasp. Nevertheless, through persistence and additional study, I gradually improved my comprehension and was able to apply these concepts more confidently.

Building on my progress this year, I have set new goals to continue my growth in GSS. I aim to enhance my analytical writing skills to produce clearer, more concise, and well-structured essays that critically analyze social issues. Additionally, I plan to stay more actively informed about global and local social developments to connect classroom learning with real-world contexts. I also want to develop leadership skills by taking on more responsibilities in group projects and class discussions to build my confidence and collaboration abilities. Lastly, I intend to improve my time management by better planning and organizing my study schedule to avoid last-minute rushes and improve the quality of my work.

Overall, this year in General Social Science has been an enriching journey of academic and personal growth. I look forward to applying what I have learned to positively impact the world around me. Though minor mistakes were made within some of my assignments, projects, and presentations, I believe they are stepping stones to becoming a better student and thinker.

ANCIENT ROME TIMELINE