Social Studies Department

Social Studies education is a key factor in preparing students for a future of active participation in our nation’s democratic government.  It not only promotes acceptance and understanding of America’s past and present, but also advances a global perspective.  Learners are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking capabilities necessary to assist in leading America forward in current and future issues.

Students are required by state law to successfully complete a minimum of three years of social studies.  This requirement is met by earning credit in each of the following courses:  World History, United States History I and United States History II.  In order to graduate from high school, students are also required to demonstrate mastery of the following Core Curriculum Standards during their course of study.  Students are also encouraged to explore the Social Studies electives to further complement their educational perspective.

Core Curriculum Content Standards for Social Studies

All students will learn democratic citizenship and how to participate in the constitutional system of government of the United States.

All students will learn democratic citizenship through the humanities by studying literature, art, history and philosophy, and related fields.

All students will acquire historical understanding of political and diplomatic ideas, forces, and institutions throughout the history of New Jersey, the United States, and the world.

All students will acquire historical understanding of societal ideas and forces throughout the history of New Jersey, the United States, and the world.

All students will acquire historical understanding of varying cultures throughout the history of New Jersey, the United States, and the world.

All students will acquire historical understanding of economic forces, ideas, and institutions throughout the history of New Jersey, the United States, and the world.

All students will acquire geographical understanding by studying the world in spatial terms.

All students will acquire geographical understanding by studying human systems in geography.

All students will acquire geographical understanding by studying the environment and society.

Standard Courses in the Social Studies Department

US History I

US History II

World Cultures

Issues of Tolerance and Conscience in a Multicultural Society

Honors Courses

US History I

US History II

03 World Cultures

US History A

Philosophy

Advanced Placement Social Studies

European History Advanced Placement

Psychology Advanced Placement

Economics Advanced Placement

US History Advanced Placement B

World History Advanced Placement

United States Government and Comparative Politics Advanced Placement

Elective Social Studies Courses

Crime & Punishment

History through the Media

Sociology

Psychology

Contemporary Issues

Economics