Social Studies Course Information

Social Studies

Graduation Requirement: Four Credits

The Social Studies program bases its goals and organization on threemajor assumptions: 1) there is a great need for responsible, well-informed American and Globalcitizens in the world today; 2) our student body needs and expects to be well prepared for collegeor university level work; 3) an enjoyment of, and an interest in, geography, history, politicalscience, and the other social sciences contributes to the quality and richness of life.Within this context, factual information is presented as an essential tool to successful participationin, and understanding of, the world today--not simply an end in itself. Thought and critical analysisare encouraged. Further, material is presented in a manner to foster sensitivity to various forms ofinjustice such as prejudice, ethnocentrism and greed.Basic skills such as reading, writing, speaking, and organizing are stressed in order to fosteracademic success as well as the ability and interest to participate in community, state, national,and international affairs. The Social Studies program also encourages both diversity ofpresentation and evaluation in hopes of stimulating and maintaining student interest.