Social Studies 6 focuses on the study of the origins of human beings in Africa and the rise of early Mediterranean Civilizations throughout the fall of the Roman Empire. Emphasis will be placed on the study of religions, governments, trade, philosophies, and innovations that originated in these civilizations. The powerful impact that the ancient world had on the course of world history will be evident throughout the study. Students in Social Studies 6 will continue to develop their map skills, construct and interpret time lines, distinguish between secondary and primary sources, apply their understanding of cause and effect with respect to explaining historical events, analyze ways of interpreting archaeological evidence, and develop and apply concepts relating to civics, government, and economics. A variety of learning modalities will foster the student’s content comprehension and skill development. In addition writing across the curriculum includes persuasive, expository, and narrative writing opportunities.

Social Studies 7 focuses on the study of World Geography. A regional approach to the study of cultural geography will be embedded in the five major geographic themes: location, place, human interaction with the environment, movement, and regions. Additionally content emphasis will include the history, political structure, economics, and current affairs of each region. Students in Social Studies 7 will continue to develop map and globe skills, interpret a variety of map forms and projections, compare and analyze demographic statistics, create and use graphs and charts to convey information, and apply proper geographic terminology. Students will master and evidence their comprehension of course content through a variety of learning activities. There will be at least one project each term. Projects will include research and reporting about current events, countries and cultures, and biographies of historical figures. In addition students will have the opportunity to further develop their writing skill through an interdisciplinary research project. Oral communication skills will be emphasized throughout the year.

United States History I focuses on the period from Exploration through the Civil War surveying economic, political, social, and cultural aspects of development. Exploration, the Colonial Experience, the American Revolution, the Constitution, and the Civil War are studied in depth. Students in Social Studies 8 will continue to develop map skills, interpret and construct time lines, charts, and graphs, distinguish and use primary and secondary sources, further develop their understanding of the relationship between cause and effect, interpret historical events in the context of the period, and distinguish historical fact from opinion. Independent student research of content-related topics will be required to complete four term projects. Coordination with the English Department will enhance student research and essay writing skills and include an interdisciplinary project based on a Colonial Period novel. Students should expect to spend, on average, four hours per week outside of class on course-related assignments.