Social Studies at Watchung Hills Regional High School
Info
SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT CURRICULUM
2008 SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS
HONORS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Complete and submit to your teacher by Friday, September 5, 2008
About
Social Studies educators are entrusted with the responsibility of educating America’s youth with the knowledge, skills and perspectives to be responsible, civic-minded citizens. Through the study of history, political science, economics and geography, we model and promote conflict resolution skills, creative and ethical decision-making, communication through writing and speech, and the imperative to take part in the social order in a proactive, positive manner.
Our staff is committed to continuous professional growth and is now engaged in a five-year cycle to revise, reevaluate and implement our core curriculum. All incoming ninth graders take World Cultures as a requirement for graduation. In this “area studies” course, students examine variables critical to the definition of culture: geography, native populations, traditions and customs, exploration, colonialism, nationalism, independence and interdependence, modern problems and economic systems.
In the sophomore year, 80% of our students elect to study Modern European History as a full-year elective. Others embark on a hands-on study of civics and government.
Eleventh grade students begin their study of United States History by examining the era from European exploration through the turn of the 20th century. Our senior year course focuses entirely on the twentieth century, and asks students to consider important questions regarding the present public policy of the United States and solutions for problems facing the United States and the world in the future.
The elective program is rich and vibrant, with emphasis on civics, government, public policy, law, the arts, literature and multiculturalism. We seek to develop a progressive, international curriculum that integrates language, science, mathematics and information technologies.
The Social Studies Department has been dedicated to professional development to enliven the classroom environment with challenging ideas and worthwhile activities. Leadership in the field of Social Studies has become an integral part of the department's professional activities.
Evan Oftedal, David Hache, Erin Hodge, Kathie-Erin Singer, Ken Karnas and Greg Biniukow have taken part in federal Teaching American History(TAH) grant programs, which require summer residency and participation. Jamie L0tt-Jones and Rebecca Zeek have taken part in training provided by Facing History and Ourselves. Nancy Koppel has taken part in the Save Ellis Island immigration program and taken part in a two-year seminar on Holocaust Studies at Rutgers University. Dr. Sean DiGiovanna recently concluded his term as President of the Middle States Division of the American Association of Geographers. Jamie Lott-Jones serves as a executive committee member for the Diversity Council of Kean University.
If you would like to learn more about the social studies curriculum or would like to support our efforts to give students worthwhile learning experiences, please contact the department supervisor.