Overview

The primary objective of the social studies program is to prepare students to become thoughtful individuals whose academic background and skills will enable them to function successfully in an increasingly complex, multi-cultural, and changing world. The social studies program must provide students with an intellectual framework of knowledge, the skills necessary to process information, and the capacity to understand and appreciate people from backgrounds and cultures different from their own. Further, the program is intended to develop an informed, discriminating citizenship essential to effective participation in the democratic processes of governance and the fulfillment of the nation's democratic ideals.

While history forms the foundation for social studies, it is understood that concepts from other social sciences, including geography, political science, economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, must be integrated through the department's courses to provide students with a firm understanding of their principles and methodologies. To assist students in understanding the interrelationships among branches of knowledge, the interdisciplinary inclusion of other subject matter with social studies is also encouraged. It is further understood that students can only learn history by "doing" history, that is to say, students must be active participants in the educational process, examining primary and secondary data, debating, role-playing, identifying and considering critical questions and drawing their own conclusions through a process of critical thought. The desired end: to draw our students out into the world community, providing them with the capacity to live effective personal and public lives.

Guided by the philosophy outlined above, the department has set the following objectives for all of its students.

• Students will explore the history and culture of societies throughout the world, gaining an understanding of the unity and diversity of world history, geography, institutions, traditions, and values.
• Students will gain a geographic and chronological knowledge to provide a sense of place and relationship in time for historical and current events.
• Students will study political traditions, institutions, ideals, and values.
• Students will consider domestic and international economic systems.
• Students will examine humane values and human achievements in a range of cultural endeavors, including religion, literature, the arts, philosophy and music.

• Students will acquire, evaluate, and assess information that will help them understand the forces that have shaped the modern world.
• Students will develop skills in the areas of reading comprehension, analysis, and interpretation.
• Students will develop writing and oral communications skills.
• Students will become both independent and cooperative learners, developing problem solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
• Students will conduct research using primary and secondary sources, incorporating technological as well as more traditional resources, where appropriate.
• Students will develop the ability to think independently and critically.

• Students will develop greater self-respect and respect for others.
• Students will recognize and appreciate the basic values of our democratic, pluralistic society.
• Students will develop an understanding of the interdependent nature of the world and an appreciation of ways of life different from their own.