Chairperson: Lawrence Gasda

Overview

Social Studies has been defined as "the integrated study of the social sciences and the humanities to promote civic competence." The Social Studies department at East Stroudsburg High School South believes that their curriculum is integral to helping students understand the world they live in and their responsibilities as American citizens. All students are required to take World Cultures I and II, a study of the Eastern Hemisphere, and US History II and III which covers the last two centuries of our nation's past. Students can also elect to take courses in Psychology, Sociology, Government and Current World Issues.

Whether a student completes only the required courses or takes several electives they will be exposed to a variety of academic disciplines. Economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, religion, psychology and sociology are all appropriate elements of the curriculum. The study of the social sciences promotes knowledge of and the involvement in civic affairs. When students have a strong background in the social studies they can carry this understanding over to other areas of study.

The Social Studies teachers form a dedicated and veteran department. Only two members have been teaching less than ten years and four others are in their third decade in the classroom.

It is the goal of the Social Studies department to provide the students with more than the facts. When citizens have the knowledge to understand the events that occur around them they will improve their lives and the society they live in as well.

Goals

1. Increase the number of students enrolled in Social Studies elective courses.
2. Plan for the expansion of elective course offerings for the 2006-2007 school year by developing one or two new courses.
3. Continue the implementation of the revised Social Studies at the tenth grade level with World Studies II.
4. Maintain collegiality among department members and communication with feeder schools to facilitate articulation and implementation of the K-12 scope and sequence for Social Studies.
5. Encourage greater participation in social studies-oriented activities, such as the Model United Nations, essay contests, and other competitions.
6. Collaborate with other departments to promote the development of cross-curricular activities, including those that support the skills and concepts included in the Pennsylvania Assessment Anchors and eligible content that support improved performance on the PSSA Assessment Anchors and eligible content that support improved performance on the PSSA Assessment.
7. Expand the use of technology to enhance instruction to support the goals of the Social Studies Curriculum.

Teachers