Social Sciences

Social Studies classes provide students with a new lens through which to view the current world around them. Through the study of History, Government, Economics, Criminal Justice, Psychology and Sociology students are exposed to a broad range of ideas that will help them to understand and make wise choices within our contemporary world.

9^th graders do not take a Social Studies class due to the fullness of their schedule and the value in being exposed to a variety of disciplines. Students benefit from their experiences with foreign language, computers and health, in addition to their core classes, as they explore concepts and gain skills in our department. This cross-curricular benefit is found in the alignment of curriculum for sophomores and juniors; Sophomores study World Literature and World History, Juniors study American Literature and American History.

The sincere wish of the Social Studies Department is that students will be exposed to a variety of learning opportunities and challenges that enable them to see a little clearer their place in God’s world.

Faculty

Erin Masen – Curriculum Supervisor: masenbishopfoleyorg
Monica Katharopoulos: katharopoulosbishopfoleyorg
Chad Merricle: merriclebishopfoleyorg
Mark Valinski: valinskibishopfoleyorg

Social Studies Courses:

Beginning sophomore year, students have four different opportunities to take Advanced Placement programs and earn college credit if they perform well on the national Advanced Placement tests in the spring. All students must take the equivalent of three full years of Social Studies. Government and Economics are required by the state of Michigan to graduate. Government is required senior year to coincide with students nearing voting age to help them understand the political process and the importance of their civil responsibility and voice.

• Grade 10 : World History OR Advanced Placement World History
• Grade 11 : United States History OR Advanced Placement United States History
• Grade 12 : Government OR Advanced Placement Government
• Grade 11 or 12: Economics

Electives:

• Grade 11 or 12 : Sociology
• Grade 11 or 12 : Psychology (10th with English teacher recommendation)
• Grade 11 or 12 : Criminal Justice
• Grade 11 or 12 : Advanced Placement Psychology

Close Up Program:

• Grade 11 or 12 (10th with teacher recommendation)
• The Close Up Program provides students with a firsthand opportunity to examine the American system of government through a week-long trip to Washington, D. C.
• The program involves an additional expense and requires a minimum number of students

For more information contact Erin Masen or visit www.closeup.org.