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Department Overview

 Social Science Department
Amy Margulis, Social Science Department Chair
 
The Social Science Department, in accordance with the mission statement of Saint Anthony High School and Expected School Wide Learning goals established, is committed to the religious, academic, citizenship and development of our students. This will be accomplished through the department’s instructional belief that if students are to perform effectively as citizens in a democratic society, they need knowledge about central institutions and values in their own society and in other societies around the world.
 
Students need to understand the international context of contemporary life. There is a need for information and understanding concerning past civilizations and their links to present ones. Through the study of history and social sciences, students will acquire the analytical skills necessary to define problems and employ various kinds information to seek solutions to those problems. It will also aid in the development of acceptance and understanding of peoples from different cultures and backgrounds, making students more aware of their current world and future.
 
Preparation in social studies will also help them prepare for advanced work in history and social sciences, including economics, anthropology, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. We concur with the History-Social Science Framework of the California State Board of Education that emphasis must be placed on three curriculum strands: knowledge and cultural understanding, democratic understanding and civic values, and skill attainment, as well as social participation.
 
Expected School Wide Learning Results
The Social Science department has specific goals and standards that address Saint Anthony’s Expected School Wide Learning Results in regards to the area of Social Sciences. Below are those specific ESLR goals the Social Science department will meet along with California State Standards and other departmental standards.
 
Spiritual:
Raise and explore questions about policies, institutions, beliefs, actions, religions, and actions in an historical context. Compare and find correlations in History with the Christian gospel. Explain how religions and spirituality connects to or causes a larger trend or theme in society. Recognize historical religious events and their Christian implications in the world.
 
Academically Ready:
Interpret and apply data from original documents. Develop essay responses that include clear, defensible social studies thesis statement and supporting evidence. Critique and respond to arguments made by others.Evaluate diverse primary materials, such as historical documents, political cartoons, and first-person narratives. Evaluate secondary materials, such as scholarly works and statistical analysis. Organize materials for future study argumentatively and persuasively public speak
 
Intellectually Equipped:
Demonstrate comprehension of a broad body of historical and political knowledge. Express ideas clearly in writing. Write to persuade with evidence. Compare and contrast alternate interpretations of an historical figure, events, or trend Explain how historical events connect to or cause a larger trend or theme. 
 
Naturally Expressive:
Work with classmates to research political, economical, and social issues. Effectively argue a position on a political or social issue. Use humanities to display knowledge and apply creativity in an historical or social context. Being able to reflect and correlate historical content with students’ own histories experiences and goals to contribute in personal growth.
 
Technologically Prepared:
Demonstrate use of technology-based research. Present data and findings in a multimedia format.
Effectively use technology for the means of multimedia projects and presentations.
 
Socially Conscious:
Identify underrepresented historical viewpoints. Raise and explore questions about policies, institutions, beliefs, and actions in an historical context. Assess the historical significance and cultural impact of key literary works Globally conscious of current events.