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Social Studies DepartmentThe Social Studies Department provides an integrated study of the social sciences to promote civic competence. Citizen participation in public life is essential to the health of our democratic system. To accomplish this goal Ursuline’s social studies program helps prepare young people who can identify, understand, and work to solve the problems that face our increasingly diverse nation and interdependent world. Because Ursuline High School is a Catholic school, theses subjects are rooted in the values of justice, love, community, and faith as expressed in Catholic social teaching. Through instruction in the social sciences, students will gain a greater awareness of the global community, an understanding of past events and decisions, and the impact of individual and collective choices on the lives of other human beings and nations. Hopefully, Christian awareness will lead to a deeper sensitivity toward, respect for, and understanding of the human community and the challenges inherent in creating a just world. All students at Ursuline are required to earn three credits in social studies prior to graduation. The following is the normal sequence at each grade level: sophomores are required to take American History I & II; juniors are required to take American Government and one elective and seniors are required to take one credit of electives. There is no required social studies course for freshmen. Advanced Placement courses are offered in American History and American Government. Faculty Mr. Matthew Sammartino – Department Chairperson  Sr. Mary Ellen Dean, O.S.U. ‘54  Mr. Sean Durkin, ‘88  Mr. James Maughan, ‘60  Mr. Dan Reardon Course Descriptions
CIVICSGRADE 9 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit This semester course introduces students to the role and powers of government on the local, state, and national level, various aspects of political responsibility, and the rights and responsibilities that flow from citizenship in a democratic society.
AMERICAN HISTORY IGRADE 10 REQUIRED 1/2 credit This is a semester survey course beginning with the Progressive Era and concluding with the events of World War II. The course will provide a context for exploring the major political, social, and economic issues of the time and America’s relationship to other nations and cultures.
AMERICAN HISTORY IIGRADE 10 REQUIRED 1/2 credit This survey course deals with Post World War II America. The course will require students to critically examine the dynamic changes (political, social, economic, technological) that transformed the United States into a post-industrial, information driven society characterized by great cultural diversity.
AMERICAN LAWGRADES 10-12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit This elective course is an introduction to the American legal system. Topics will include the origins of law, the court system, criminal law and juvenile justice, liability and torts, consumer and housing law, family law, and individual rights and liberties.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENTGRADE 11 REQUIRED 1/2 credit The course will focus on the foundations of American government, political behavior in the United States, and the function of the Executive and Legislative branches of government. Students will also explore how they can become actively involved in the American political system. The course will include an introduction to basic economic theory and terminology, an overview of the geography of the American continent, and an analysis of how capitalism functions in America. PREREQUISITE: AMERICAN HISTORY I and II
AP U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (HONORS)GRADE 11 ELECTIVE 1 credit The course is recommended for those students who have both the aptitude and interest in exploring politics and government from a critical perspective. The course will include the study of general concepts used to interpret politics in the United States and the analysis of specific case studies, institutions, groups, beliefs, and philosophies that make up the reality of American politics. Students will explore the Constitution, political beliefs represented by political parties, special interest groups, the institutions of government, public policy, and civil liberties. Students will be prepared to take the AP U.S. Government exam by which they may obtain college level credit if they achieve a passing score on the exam. PREREQUISITE: "A" average in AMERICAN HISTORY I and I
WORLD HISTORY IGRADE12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit This traces the evolution of political, social, cultural, religious and economic institutions during the modern era. It explores the major movements of the Enlightenment, Industrialization, Immigration, and the French Revolution. STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT PASSED THE SOCIAL STUDIES SECTION OF THE OHIO GRADUATION TEST WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ASSIGNED TO THIS COURSE.
WORLD HISTORY IIGRADE 12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit This course will explore World War I, World War II, the Russian Revolution, Globalism, and the political, social and economic issues that have shaped the world since 1945. STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT PASSED THE SOCIAL STUDIES SECTION OF THE OHIO GRADUATION TEST WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ASSIGNED TO THIS COURSE.
ECONOMICSGRADES 11-12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit This semester course introduces students to basic macroeconomic and microeconomic theories. Topics include supply and demand, scarcity, the American economic system, prices, competition, the Federal Reserve, the money supply, employment, poverty, business cycles, and taxation. The students will apply economic principles through several hands-on projects. PREREQUISITE: AMERICAN HISTORY I and II AND AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
PSYCHOLOGYGRADES 11-12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit The psychology course provides students the opportunity to explore human behavior. Students will gain a better understanding of themselves and others by exploring personality theory, consciousness, altered states of consciousness (sleep, dreams, meditation, hypnosis, and drug reactions), learning theory, intelligence, memory, sensation and perception, stress, social psychology, and psychological disorders. Significant and regular participation is required during class discussions, experiments, and simulated activities.
AP AMERICAN HISTORYGRADE 12 ELECTIVE 1/2 credit This semester course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement exam in United States History. It will build on the factual knowledge students have obtained from their study of American History I and II and will provide students with the analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in United States history. Students will learn to assess historical materials and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. The course will specifically examine the major political, social, and economic changes throughout American history. PREREQUISITE: "A" in AMERICAN HISTORY I and II AND COUNSELOR APPROVAL |
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