Social Studies Department

 

 

The Social Studies department at Newtown High School encourages learning through exploration of sources and discussion of historical events. Teachers seek to improve student's critical thinking skills by hosting Socratic Seminars and teaching them how to craft strong arguments. 

 

All Social Studies teachers encourage social-emotional learning by checking in with their students periodically to discuss progress or allow for communication outside of school hours. 

 

Standard Course Sequence:

 

Freshman Year: Global History and Geography I (2 credits)        

• Global History and Geography is a two-year course. From the days of nomadic roaming tribes in 10,000 B.C.E. to the meeting of hemispheres throughout the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, Global I explores the impacts of civilizations gaining, consolidating and losing power in an increasingly interconnected world

 

Sophomore Year:  Global History & Geography II  (2 credits)

• Global II explores the impacts of power consolidation and power loss in an increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced world over 275 years from 1750 C.E. to the present.

 

Junior Year: US History (2 credits)

• This course will examine the political, economic and social events which shaped United States History from Colonial Times to the present.

 

Senior Year: Participation in Government (1 credit) & Economics (1 credit) 

• In the first part of the United States Government and Economics   course, you'll examine the historical forces that influenced the English and, later, American governments and the forms of government created.
• In the second part of the course, you’ll explore economics; the study of human choices in the face of limited resources. The course covers basic market concepts such as scarcity, supply and demand, government regulation, and trade.

• AP World History: Modern
• AP US History
• AP US Government and Politics