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Social Studies

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The Social Studies Department
Our department is dedicated to helping students understand the complexities of history, geography, economics, and civics.  We aim to provide the tools and perspectives necessary for students to engage thoughtfully with the world arond them.

As a key part of the school, we focus on fostering critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential for academic success and informed citizenship.  We are committed to supporting each student's educaitonal growth and achievement.

Curriculum and Courses:

9th Grade: United States History
This course examines United States history from 1929 to the present. Unit topics begin with the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War and continue through the end of the twentieth century to today. The focus is on economic, social, and political issues and emphasizes a critical approach to primary sources and evidence in general.


9th Grade: United States History Honors
In an honors level history course, students are expected to understand the broad conceptual ideas that connect different eras of history. An ability to recognize point of view, bias, and patterns of history are critical for success at this level. This course examines United States history from 1929 to the present. Unit topics begin with the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War and continue through the end of the twentieth century to today. The focus is on economic, social, and political issues and emphasizes a critical approach to primary sources and evidence in general.

10th Grade: World History 
Through the lens of conflict and compromise, this course provides a comprehensive exploration of significant periods and events that have shaped global history from the Renaissance to contemporary conflicts in the Middle East. Students will explore key developments such as the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and democracy, revolutions’ impact on nationalism, the era of imperialism and nationalism, decolonization movements, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Through discussions and readings, students will develop critical thinking skills, historical analysis, and an understanding of the interconnectedness of global history.

10th Grade: World History Honors
In an honors level history course, students are expected to understand the broad conceptual ideas that connect different eras of history. An ability to recognize point of view, bias, and patterns of history are critical for success at this level.  Through the lens of conflict and compromise, this course provides a comprehensive exploration of significant periods and events that have shaped global history from the Renaissance to contemporary conflicts in the Middle East. Students will explore key developments such as the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and democracy, revolutions’ impact on nationalism, the era of imperialism and nationalism, decolonization movements, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Through discussions and readings, students will develop critical thinking skills, historical analysis, and an understanding of the interconnectedness of global history.

11th Grade: Civics and Government
This course is designed to introduce students to the major structures and processes of the American political system. Students will apply knowledge and understanding of civics and government to explore national and global problems. They will also analyze a variety of viewpoints and perspectives on topics related to the study of government. Engagement in activities that promote the development of research, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills will be a part of the inquiry process.

11th Grade: AP Government and Politics
This course is a rigorous, college level class that is designed to introduce students to the major structures and processes of the American political system. Students will gain an analytical perspective on U.S. government and politics. This course requires students to do extensive and careful reading of primary and secondary sources, as well as significant writing and critical thinking about the issues studied. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics exam in the spring.  All students enrolled in AP courses must take the end of year exam.  Financial assistance is available if needed.

Electives:
Introduction to Psychology (11th and 12th grade)
This course examines the interaction among the biological, mental, and social behavioral aspects of our personality. Besides preparing students to succeed in a college psychology course, a major focus is the practical application of this course to everyday life. Problems of procrastination, goal-setting, motivation and achievement  are explored. Practical application of psychology to handling everyday problems as well as goal setting and achievement will be stressed.

Introduction to Criminal Law (11th and 12th grade)
This course explores criminal law, courts, and the rights and responsibilities of young people. Activities center around an examination of legal procedures, courts, law enforcement and corrections.

Introduction to Sociology (11th and 12th grade)
Sociology is the study of how human actions are influenced by the societies they live in and how people are shaped by their surroundings.  This course is designed to offer insight into our complex and dynamic social environment and introduce students to current topics that are critical to understanding today’s diverse world.  Some of the topics include, but are not limited to, culture, subcultures, social institutions, collective behavior, social change, social deviation, the family, religion, racial and ethnic minorities, poverty, and crime.  Note- This course is offered with the honors challenge.

Sports and American Culture (10th, 11th, 12th grade)
This course examines the history and culture of sports and its relation to identity, race, gender, and capitalism. While this course largely concentrates on the late 20th century and the 21st century, students will learn how sports have developed with regards to different issues. Students will explore the athlete as a popular cultural hero and examine the extent to which debates within the sporting world have changed over time. This course will also prepare students for the Junior Portfolio Exhibition through the use of various assessments, school- wide rubrics, and reflections.

African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Studies: (10th, 11th, and 12th grade)The course is an opportunity for students to explore accomplishments, struggles, intersections, perspectives, and collaborations of African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino people in the U.S. Students will examine how historical movements, legislation, and wars affected the citizenship rights of these groups and how they, both separately and together, worked to build U.S. cultural and economic wealth and create more just societies in local, national, and international contexts. Coursework will provide students with tools to identify historic and contemporary tensions around race and difference; map economic and racial disparities over time; strengthen their own identity development; and address bias in their communities.  Note - This course is offered with the honors challenge. 

Faculty and Staff:

  • Staff Directory

    • Diana Rizzo

    • Chris Zawadski

    • Michael Meizies

    • Emily Russell

    • Rachel Shook

    • Melissa Hagewood

  • Program Chair

Student Opportunities:

    • Debate Club: Students debate topics and engage in games to hone their rhetorical skills.

    • Interact Club: “Service Above Self” to better the Morgan School and Clinton Community.

    • The department tries to offer relevant and engaging field trips tied to the curriculum at least one to two times per year.  In the past these have included a visit to The Kate to see Harlem on My Mind and a visit to the Middletown Courthouse where students meet with a judge, prosecutors, and sit in on arraignments and trial motions.

    • The department offers students opportunities to experience guest speakers such as a Holocaust survivor, prosecuting attorneys, court investigators and members of the Clinton Police Department.


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