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Social Studies
The Social Studies Department seeks to develop students’ curiosity about and understanding of the political, social, economic and cultural development of today’s society. The department believes that the study of the past must be meaningfully connected to present events, problems and trends. The goal of the department is to prepare students to navigate and shape a world that is dynamic, laden with information, and globally interdependent. To this end, students develop the analytic, investigative and communicative skills on which knowledge is built, shared and critiqued within social sciences disciplines. Students are trained to critically consume information, pose thoughtful and complex questions, effectively locate, evaluate and synthesize information and communicate learning using a variety of media. Instructional strategies are designed to be highly participatory and to maximize the strengths of each student.
Bradley Bergey is the Social Studies Subject Area Leader.
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World History: Ancient Civilizations
During October our course will focus on the emergence of the earliest cultures and societies. We will study hunter-gatherer societies and the migration of early man. The course will focus on early technology and advances in that technology that led to the establishment of settled communities. Students will study the emergence of farming and agriculture and its effect on early society. We will include a study of primitive art and cave paintings found in Europe and other continents. Also in October World History, we will cover ideas about cultural development that allow for art and expression. Finally, students will begin to study the cultures of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt.
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The course:
Students will be studying world history from 1500 until 1914.We will look at major historical trends, events and personalities from around the globe during this period. During the historical survey world religions and geography will also be taught. In addition to history, students will learn about current events in preparation for a Model United Nations conference. Another focus will be on improving writing, oral speaking, and other academic skills.
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This year we will be studying American history. Topics will include life and thought in colonial America, revolutionary ideology, Constitutional development and US government, Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracy, and Manifest Destiny (expansion of the country from coast to coast). Other topics will include the Civil War, Reconstruction, immigration, industrialism, Populism, progressivism, The Jazz Age, the Great Depression, The New Deal, the Cold War, Post Cold War and current events. I have chosen to leave out the World Wars and other international events that will be covered in greater depth in other courses to be able to better focus on more modern American history. This course will cover key events and people in America’s transformation from a English colony to a political, economic, and cultural superpower.
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Comparative Government September 2007
Information for students and parents -
Comparative Government is an Advanced Placement class for students interested in political science and current events. Taking this elective will make you an expert in the study of government and politics. It will also provide you with a deep understanding of world events, while working on various academic skills at a collegiate level.
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The AP European History course is designed to permit students to complete college level work while still in high school. The course covers the political, social, and economic history of Europe from 1500 to the present. The first semester will cover the Middle Ages through the Romantic Period.
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Dear Parents,
My name is Patrice MacPherson and I will be teaching philosophy to your son or daughter this year. I have been teaching at Benjamin Franklin for eight years and have settled permanently in Barcelona. Below you will find some information about the course as well as contact information in case you need it.
Content to be covered
Philosophy is a course designed both as an elective for all students and as a preparatory course for students taking the Spanish university entrance exams. The course focuses on the philosophers required for study and sets them in an historical context.
Important concepts to be taught
The course will begin with an introduction to philosophy and an analysis of Plato and Aristotle as well as other ancient philosophers. The course then continues with the middle Ages, the Rise of Christianity and the 19th Century. It finishes with existentialism and an evaluation of a few Spanish philosophers, such as Ortega.
In general, the 11th grade course focuses on Ancient Greece through Continental Rationalism and the 12th grade course covers British Empiricism through 20th Century thought. Selectividad candidates then spend three weeks reviewing in preparation for the Spanish university entrance exams.
At the end of the semester the student will be able to Students will be able to understand the major concepts of the required philosophers evaluate them, and set them in their historical context.
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NAME OF COURSE: Philosophy 11/12
Dear Parents,
My name is Patrice MacPherson and I will be teaching philosophy to your son or daughter this year. I have been teaching at Benjamin Franklin for eight years and have settled permanently in Barcelona. Below you will find some information about the course as well as contact information in case you need it.
Content to be covered
Philosophy is a course designed both as an elective for all students and as a preparatory course for students taking the Spanish university entrance exams. The course focuses on the philosophers required for study and sets them in an historical context.
Important concepts to be taught
The course will begin with an introduction to philosophy and an analysis of Plato and Aristotle as well as other ancient philosophers. The course then continues with the middle Ages, the Rise of Christianity and the 19th Century. It finishes with existentialism and an evaluation of a few Spanish philosophers, such as Ortega.
In general, the 11th grade course focuses on Ancient Greece through Continental Rationalism and the 12th grade course covers British Empiricism through 20th Century thought. Selectividad candidates then spend three weeks reviewing in preparation for the Spanish university entrance exams.
At the end of the semester the student will be able to Students will be able to understand the major concepts of the required philosophers evaluate them, and set them in their historical context.
Assessment Practice for this semester
As the entrance exam is in essay format, writing is a key skill for the students to develop. Therefore all tests will be in essay format. Grades will be determined by a combination of essay tests, external essays, and class participation. Students are expected to contribute to the class discussion at least once every week.
Work is to be handed in on time. Late work will lose one grade per day it is late.
Student responsibilities
Students are expected to attend class on a regular basis and be on time and prepared. They should have completed their assignments and have with them a pen and a notebook. Work is also to be handed in on time. Late work will lose one grade per day it is tardy.
Contact Information
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
934242380
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Psychology
Readings for Development Unit
Linguisic Development: Due Feb 6
Cognitive Development: Due Feb 20
- Psychology,
pp. 134-138
- Forty Studies,
“Out of Sight but Not Out of Mind” pp. 132-140 (see email)
Moral Development Due Feb 27
- Psychology,
pp 138-139
- Forty Studies,
“How Moral Are You?” pp. 199-206 (see email)
- Choose one:
Social Emotional Development: Due March 5
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