Social Studies is an academic discipline in which the demands
of contemporary life and problems which students will experience
in later life are studied. Implicit in the definition of social
studies is the conception of citizenship. In this rapidly changing
world, a proper balance must
be achieved between social stability
and social change. If students are to transmit our democratic cultural
heritage, they must be prepared to act as adults with initiative,
independence and with a willingness to accept responsibilities. They
must understand political processes, individuals’ relationships
with government and relationships between individuals and
groups in a democratic society. They must understand the unique ways
in which American government has evolved and the ways in which it
works and can be made to work.
Through inquiry, students identify problems, such as humans’ relationship
with the environment, which are of considerable concern to them and
society. Today there is growing emphasis on ecology and a more geographical
approach to social studies than there was in the past. While the
acquisition of knowledge is important in the social studies curriculum,
the use
of knowledge and how to apply it to new situations
and problems is a critical goal for students in these courses.
The graduation requirements for social studies are: 1 credit in US
History, 1/2 credit in economics, 1/2 credit in global studies, and
1/2 credit civics Students will satisfy the global studies requirement
by passing Global Studies, Current Issues, Modern World History,
or Honors Contemporary
Problems.
Students will satisfy the civics requirement by passing Civics or
the American Government/Practical Law course.
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