Social Studies Mission Statement
Social studies is the study of political, economic, cultural, and environmental aspects of societies in the past, and in the present. It is also, the integrated study of the social studies and humanities to encourage civic responsibility, and to provide a framework for lifelong participation in the community.
A democracy requires educated citizens who can make informed decisions. Social studies helps students understand and participate in the democratic process. As our society becomes more culturally diverse and we live in a more interdependent world the social studies provides students with the knowledge and understanding of the past necessary for coping with the present and planning for the future. It helps explain their relationship to other people, and to social and political institutions.
Our purpose is that students not only learn information but also how to learn so that they can continue to seek the knowledge that will allow them to reach their full potential and be productive members of society.
Social Studies Department Faculty
Winnie Schmidt
Department Chairperson
(U.S. History I, CP U.S. History II)
 LeRae Kinney (CP U.S. History II, U.S. History II, American Gov. & Court System) |
 Zachary Powers (CP U.S. History I, Applied U.S. History |
 Mark White (CP World History, American Gov. & Politics) |
 James York (CP U.S. History I, World Geography) |
Social Studies Course Descriptions
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY I
(1 Credit)
Grade 10
This course is the first of a two-year sequence that will help students cultivate the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and issues in U.S. History. AP US History prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by offering them the opportunity to develop college-level study skills. It will also offer an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in an essay format. Students will begin to develop strategies for analyzing document-based questions (DBQ). The course will begin with the 13th century American Continent.ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. HISTORY
Grade 11; Grade 12 by permission only
AP U.S. History cultivates the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and issues in U.S. history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by offering them an opportunity to develop college-level study skills. Students will learn to assess history, determine its relevance to a given interpretive problem, measure its reliability, and judge its importance. Students will also learn to weigh evidence and judge interpretations presented in historical scholarship. AP U.S. History will offer an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in an essay format. Students who attain the required score on the AP U.S. History exam at the end of the course may earn college credits. Students who register for AP U.S. History in the spring may be provided with a summer reading list.AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
(1 Credit)
Grade 12
This course is designed to give college preparatory seniors an understanding of the development and operation of all phases of federal, state, and local government. It also examines current issues and Unites States’ positions in world affairs.AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND THE COURT SYSTEM
(1 Credit)
Grade 12
(Previously Students and the Law)
This course is designed to give the non-college bound student a basic understanding of the American legal system. Both criminal and civil law are studied, and legal obligations of contracts are addressed. Related current events and their potential effect on students are discussed.CP U.S. HISTORY I
(1 Credit)
Grade 10
This course is designed for the college preparatory student and is a survey of past historical events. The first quarter focuses on the major documents developed by the founding fathers. This is followed by the expansion and industrialization periods of American history and continues through World War I, the Twenties and the Great Depression. Assignments will include outside readings as well as individual and group projects. Current events are incorporated when they relate to the curriculum.CP U.S. HISTORY II
(1 Credit)
Grade 11
CP U.S. History is designed for the college preparatory student and is a survey of past historical events. The first quarter will focus on the study of historical concepts important to the understanding of the growth of the United States and its role in today’s world. A more in-depth study will focus on twentieth century America and current world problems beginning with World War II. Assignments include outside readings as well as individual and group projects.CP WORLD HISTORY
(1 Credit)
Grade 9
CP World History begins with the development of the earliest civilizations and religions. It follows the path of western civilization through the feudal ages, the Renaissance and the age of discovery. Course content also covers the growth of nationalism leading to World War I.CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY
(1 Credit)
Grade 12
This course is designed for students who have not previously taken World Geography. Students will gain a deeper understanding of geography, and will explore various regions and their cultures. The scope of the course is broad, encompassing areas of study from the coast of Maine to Tibet! Beyond the textbook, the curriculum includes the use of novels, film, Internet, guest speakers and other activities.U.S. HISTORY I
(1 Credit)
Grade 10
This course is designed for the non-college bound student. It examines the great documents and their impact on America. U.S. History I surveys expansion, industrialization, World War I, the Twenties, and the Great Depression. Current events are incorporated when they relate to the curriculum.U.S. HISTORY II
(1 Credit)
Grade 11
United States History is designed for non-college bound students and is a survey course beginning with World War II. The course includes an analysis of current world problems and how they affect the United States and the rest of the world. Student placement in specific sections of these courses will be made if learning difficulties are indicated.WORLD GEOGRAPHY
(1 Credit)
Grades 9
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the variety of human cultures and physical environments on Earth. Students gain a deeper understanding of geography. The five themes of location, place, people-environment/relationships, movement, and region will be studied. Students will evaluate and analyze information as they master geography skills and concepts. This course will help students understand the challenges of providing for people and preserving the planet.For additional information on courses and graduation requirements, please refer to the PIHS Program of Studies handbook, available in PDF format.
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Last updated February 10, 2006