Social Studies
Old Colony's Social Studies department offers a four year program.
Freshmen and sophomores study World History. Juniors take United States History: Colonial through the Civil War, and Reconstruction through the Modern Era. Seniors are enrolled in the American Government course.
There is also an elective course in News Analysis that involves using CNN Newsroom and Worldwide, as well as online programming.
- Grades 9 & 10 - World History
- Grade 11 - United States History
- Grade 12 - American Government
Mrs. Darcy |
Mr. Oldham |
Social Studies: Scope and Sequence
Freshman:
In U.S. History I, students examine the historical and intellectual origins of the United States during the Revolutionary and Constitutional eras. They learn about the important political and economic factors that contributed to the outbreak of the Revolution, as well as the consequences of the Revolution, including the writing and key ideas of the U.S. Constitution. Students also study the basic framework of American democracy and the basic concepts of America government such as popular sovereignty, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights. Students study America's westward expansion, the establishment of political parties, and economic and social change. Finally, students will learn about the growth of sectional conflict, how sectional conflict led to the Civil War, and the consequences of the Civil War, including Reconstruction.
Sophomores:
In U.S. History II, students analyze the causes and consequences of the Industrial Revolution and America's growing role in international relations. Students study the goals and accomplishments of the Progressive movement and the New Deal. Students also learn about the various factors that led to America's entry into World War I and World War II as well as the consequences of World War II for American life. Finally, students study the causes and course of the Cold War, important economic and political changes during the Cold War, such as the Civil Rights movement, and recent events and trends that have shaped modern-day America.
Juniors:
In World History II, students study the rise of the nation state in Europe and the economic and political roots of the modern world, including the Industrial Revolution, 19th century political reform in Western Europe, and European imperialism in Africa, Asia, and South America. They also examine the causes and consequences of the great military and economic events of the past century, including World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the Russian and Chinese revolutions, the rise of nationalism, and the continuing persistence of political, ethnic, and religious conflict in many parts of the world.
Seniors:
Civic Education provides a framework for understanding personal finance including setting goals, creating a financial plan, making the most of your money, understanding debt, using credit wisely, protecting the assets you have and doing what matters most in selecting a career path. Students will also understand economic decisions and the global economy. Finally, students will learn about entrepreneurship and small business management. There is also a strong emphasis throughout the program on oral communication and presentation.