Study of the cultural, political, geopolitical, economic, and religious factors involved in global events from the Age of Exploration and Conquest to the present day. Mastery of basic historical content, the ability to analyze and interpret both primary and secondary source materials, note-taking and research skills will be developed. Writing skills for the Social Sciences, including the development of a formal thesis, the defense of that thesis through in-class writing and a formal research paper, and identifying historical significance are a major focus. Students will also be able to trace the roots of global inequality and consider the major world events of the 20th century that continue to form our modern world.
Social Movements and Social Justice
This course is an introduction to the social movements of the “Long Sixties” (1945 – 1975), with emphasis on how the Freedom Movements of Black Americans, Chicano & Latinx/Lantiné communities, Asian-Americans, American Indians, Feminists, LGBTQ communities and other racial, ethnic or cultural communities worked toward freedom and equality. Students will identify and evaluate the core tenets of specific social movements including leadership, organization, strategies, accomplishments, and limits. Familiarity with US History is presumed. Students will also assess contemporary movements to ultimately define “freedom” for themselves. Course methodology includes: lectures, class discussion, films, group work, unit response papers land a final paper comparing and contrasting different social movements.
United States Histories and Cultures
United States Histories and Cultures examines the social, cultural, political, economic, religious and ideological movements and moments that constitute the American history. We will focus explicitly on the diversity of the American experience and the development, change, and perpetuation of structures of inequality in the U.S over time. Empowered with this knowledge, students will then analyze what unites us as Americans through our shared historical experiences, events. Students will examine, critique, and analyze historical narratives, focusing explicitly on tensions between historical events and the stories that have been written about them. This course focuses on building an understanding of knowledge production, critical research and writing skills, and college-level reading and analysis. Students will leave this course prepared to heed our school’s mission to respond to the challenges of our time by becoming active participants in their civic communities.
Social Science
REQUIREMENTS — Students are required to take at least six semesters of Social Science during their four years at St. Ignatius. The freshman requirement, Introduction to Ethnic Studies (one semester), is designed to develop a student’s understanding of identity formation and systemic inequalities. Sophomores will take Modern World History (one year course) which begins with the Age of Exploration and Conquest (late 1400s) and studies major world civilizations and events in the 20th century. In junior year, all students take U.S. Histories and Cultures for two semesters. Seniors may choose one or more of four Government Selectives, and they are highly encouraged to enroll in as many Government Selectives that interest them. In addition, juniors and seniors may take a variety of electives designed to introduce them to the wider world of the social sciences. Electives are currently offered in Social Cognitive Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Economics, and Social Movements and Social Justice.
Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to apply for Honors in any Social Science course. Designed for students with a demonstrated history of academic achievement, the Honors curriculum challenges students with college-level coursework (e.g. a college-level research paper) and real-world experiences (e.g. a city council meeting). Honors students receive honors weighting in SI weighted GPA and UC/CSU GPA calculations.
- Incoming juniors are invited to apply for honors courses in the spring of their sophomore year as part of the registration process
- Incoming seniors are invited to apply for honors courses in the spring of their junior year as part of the registration process
While the Social Science Department will not offer AP specific courses, students may sit for the following AP exams: Modern World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Psychology. Social Science courses will still provide partial preparation for those AP tests, depending upon the availability and willingness of the teacher. In addition, students may choose to participate in optional preparation programs offered by the Social Science Department outside of regular class time.
The Social Science department provides our students with a four-year experience of inclusive, relevant, and flexible courses. By the end of four years, students will be better prepared to live out our school’s mission statement and “respond courageously to the opportunities and challenges of our time.”