Requirements:

Seton Keough students must complete three credits in Social Studies to graduate.

The goals of the social studies department are to facilitate the development of responsible citizens who are knowledgeable about world geography, their Western cultural heritage, their governments (federal, state, and local), and non-Western cultures. Additionally, great care is taken to integrate the study of both women's issues and minority issues into all of our course offerings. Students are given opportunities to improve their listening, writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Emphasis is placed on those skills most usually associated with social studies, such as the analyzing of maps, charts, and graphs, and the interpretation of political commentary.

Grade Nine: World History or Honors World History

This course presents a chronological narrative of the emergence of major world civilizations. It focuses on political, economic, social, and religious characteristics of these civilizations, comparing and contrasting their characteristics. The course also offers students an opportunity to strengthen their reading skills by using topics and subtopics to organize their learning.

Grade Ten: United States History or Honors United States History

This course examines the development of the American nation from colonization to the present. Major political, economic and social trends in U.S. history are examined. Continued emphasis is placed on skills incorporated into World History in the freshman year.

Grade Eleven: American Government/Law/Economics or Honors American Government/Law/Economics

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the structure and functions of our government while relating to contemporary issues. It also introduces aspects of macro and micro economics as well as major economic theories. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and analysis.

Electives:

AP United States History
Psychology
Current Issues

Questions and Answers about the Social Studies Curriculum at Seton Keough:

How is my daughter's placement in Social Studies determined?
The Department looks at all aspects of a student's prior performance, including grades from seventh and eighth grade; HTS and other standardized test scores when available; letters of recommendation; and performance on the English Department's diagnostic essay for Honors.