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SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
WHAT ARE THE SOCIAL STUDIES? The National Council for the Social Studies defines the Social Studies as “the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence.” The National Council further includes the following academic disciplines within the Social Studies framework: Anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, psychology, religion, and sociology. Moreover, the National Council proposes that appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics and the natural sciences be incorporated into the Social Studies curriculum.
DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY The role of the Social Studies within the academic curriculum is to provide students with an understanding of their position as citizens of the world. This understanding may be achieved through the inculcation of an appreciation and respect for both their own culture and cultures which differ from their own. It is the responsibility of the Social Studies Department to nurture an awareness of and admiration for the past, and to prepare students to fulfill their societal roles as Christian women and as viable citizens of their country and world. Each student is encouraged to become an active participant in her society and, through that participation, to leave her society a better place. Each student is encouraged to identify significant political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of a society which cause that society to be unique. Each student is encouraged to develop her written and oral skills through individual participation, group participation, oral and written reports, as well as other classroom activities. Critical thinking skills must be honed so that students may evaluate historical evidence, compare viewpoints, and become skilled in decision-making. It is the responsibility and task of the Social Studies Department members, therefore, to foster within each student an appreciation of the past through various approaches to cultures. It is through this deepening awareness that students will become contributing citizens of their culture and of their world. Students will gain an awareness of the holistic view of civilizations. To the ends described above, the Social Studies Department is guided by the mission and philosophy statements of the Academy, the California Council for the Social Studies and the National Council for the Social Studies. Further, the California State History-Social Science Content Standards Grades K-12 are used as guidelines for the Department in the pursuit of curricular excellence. The Social Studies Department, therefore, is seen to reflect the Expected School Wide Learning Results: Each student is seen to possess the ability and the desire to become a citizen of the world, to be prepared to lead wherever her future might take her, and to do so with the values and in a manner expected of one who is motivated and guided by the Gospel message.
DEPARTMENT GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS I. All students are required to take a minimum of six semesters (30 units) of Social Studies. Of these, four semesters must be taken in the Junior and Senior years. II. All students are required to take two semesters of Western Civilization, two semesters of U.S. History, one semester of U.S. Government, and one semester of Economics. III. All courses offered by the Social Studies Department fulfill the California Education Code required for graduation. IV. All courses offered by the Social Studies Department fulfill the University of California Social Science entrance requirement. V. Elective courses offered by the Social Studies Department fulfill the University of California “G” requirement regarding electives. VI. All courses offered by the Social Studies Department fulfill the California State University requirements regarding the Social Sciences.
DEPARTMENT SCOPE AND SEQUENCE More Info The Social Studies Department requires that six semesters (30 units) of Social Studies coursework be taken prior to graduation. The sequence of those classes is as follows: Required for graduation: 11th Grade, Two semesters 12th Grade, One semester each Electives offered by the Department 11th Grade, One and Two semesters 12th Grade, One semester
WOMEN IN THE SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM An all-girls Catholic school engenders unique perspectives concerning the study of women. The study of women, famous, infamous and anonymous, is interwoven into the Social Studies curriculum. Women’s learning modalities and their leadership styles are presented in Social Studies classes. Women involved in contemporary issues are studied and discussed. Works of literature, art, music, etc., are presented when applicable. Other primary and secondary sources related to women are used when appropriate. Various media related to women during specific historical epochs are available in the library and are used when appropriate. All attempts are made to emphasize the roles and contributions of women throughout history and the evolving roles of women in modern society. Comparisons of women’s historical roles and expectations are contrasted to contemporary roles.
COURSE SYLLABI The Social Studies curriculum is guided by thoughtful reflection based upon current Social Studies research. Further, it is expected that the Social Studies curriculum allows students to demonstrate their competence and expertise through various means. Students are expected to hone observation skills, their decision-making skills and have an understanding of democratic principles that are amplified by actual participation within the democratic process. Social Studies teachers are expected to possess both scholarship and expertise within the Social Studies discipline. It is further expected that the Department members will apply both theory and practice while implementing the Department curriculum. High standards are set for students and it is the responsibility of the Department members to help students achieve those standards.
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