Social Studies Department
Social Studies’ focus is on man and the values that man has developed in building his country, culture and society. The model most often used to illustrate cultural values and social organization is the United States. However, the values of other countries in regard to politics, economics, society and morality must be studied if understanding is to increase among the various cultures of the world.
The student of social studies must be given the opportunity to discuss and debate, rather than be led to all conclusions. Therefore, reading across a number of opinions and viewpoints, referring to original sources, discussing conflicting interpretations of the facts, and reaching conclusions which the student can support with evidence that has been classified and authenticated will be the academic discipline that the Social Studies Department seeks to impart.
Courses
World Geography
AP Human Geography
World History
U.S. History
American Government
Psychology
Contemporary History
Introduction to Philosophy
AP American Government
Economics
Human Relations
Family Issues
Teachers
Stories from Social Studies
Students take part in Borlaug Scholars program at UNL
Pius X had eight students named Borlaug Scholars this year, based on their participation through the Nebraska Youth Institute for The World Food Prize.
Field trip highlight organic farming and robotic manufacturing
Students in AP Human Geography (taught by Shiela Sievert) and AP Environmental Science (taught by Lori Watson) visited Green School Farms and Kawasaki earlier this
Local lawyers present stories of inspiration on Law Day
May 1 is Law Day, a national day established by President Eisenhower to celebrate the rule of law. This year’s law day theme is Cornerstones
Students take on congressional debate challenge at national qualifier
Four students from Pius X competed in a national qualifying event for the Congressional Debate Tournament sponsored by the National Speech & Debate Association. Representatives
Course Descriptions
World Geography
Grades: 9
Length: Semester
This required freshman social studies course prepares students to use cultural, physical and political geography. The course begins with basic geographical principles and broadens into the application of these principles to people in different cultures.
AP Human Geography
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: Year
This full year course will introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. Methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice will be studied. This course will meet the Social Studies elective and the World Geography requirement.
World History
Grades: 10
Length: Year
This course gives the student an overall view of mankind and his culture and life-style from age to age. It includes events from the early ages of man, the Roman and Greek cultures, Christianity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, Political and Industrial Revolutions as well as the causes of the two World Wars.
U.S. History
Grades: 11
Length: Year
This course is a chronological study of U.S. History from its beginnings until present day. This survey course emphasizes the synthesis of historical concepts and how we might learn to relate present problems to the lessons experienced by past Americans. This course is required for all juniors. There is an AP section of this course which is available with Teacher Permission.
American Government
Grades: 12
Length: Semester
Required of all seniors not enrolled in AP American Government, this course will explore the philosophical underpinnings of our Constitution as well as the structure and responsibilities of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the United States government. Contemporary political and policy issues will also be studied with the goal of preparing the student to be an active, informed and responsible participant in our democracy.
Psychology
Grades: 12
Length: Semester
Students will receive a broad introduction to the science of psychology, from the history of the field and its major advances, to the latest research on topics such as perception, memory, language, and personality. The class will also explore the tools and methods psychologists use to investigate the mind in a dynamic and exciting atmosphere. This course will meet the Social Studies elective.
Contemporary History
Grades: 12
Length: Semester
This course provides an in-depth historical analysis of the modern era, relating the culture of the time periods to the events that are significant from this time of history. This will not be a survey course of history moving from 1945 to the present; rather, this course will break topics down into areas of study and spend more time exposing students to a variety of topics. This course will meet the Social Studies elective.
Introduction to Philosophy
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Length: Semester
This course will introduce students to the principles of philosophical thinking with a focus on humanity. Since philosophy and critical thinking occur in language, we will use the semester to grow in our ability to engage in real discussion. Through logic we will discover what constitutes a rational argument and how to avoid fallacies; through metaphysics we will explore first principles as a way to discuss both the nature of things and how change occurs; and through ethics we will apply what we have learned to the topics of virtue, friendship, and happiness. This course will meet the Social Studies elective.
AP American Government
Grades: 12
Length: Semester
This course is designed to help students gain a critical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that make up the American political system. This course will fulfill the senior social studies requirement and is designed as an Advanced Placement course.
Economics
Grades: 12
Length: Semester
This course will give students a greater understanding of economics ranging from the viewpoint of the individual consumer to the global economy. Students will study the law of supply and demand, forms of business, and influences on the economy, prices and competition. Students will examine current economic issues and relate them to past events and current movements in politics. This course will meet the Social Studies elective.
Human Relations
Grades: 11, 12
Length: Semester
This course prepares students to understand the nature, function, and significance of human relationships within the family/individual units. This includes instruction in the concepts and principles related to various family living conditions, the establishment and maintenance of relationships, and the preparation for marriage and family life. Instruction emphasizes the uniqueness of families and individuals, the development and socialization of the individual, and meeting the needs and interest of individuals and family members. This course will meet the Social Studies elective.
Family Issues
Grades: 11, 12
Length: Semester
The student will develop the communication, reasoning, and coping skills necessary to resolve recurrent issues within families. Students will gain an understanding of crisis within families and the best courses of action to deal with crisis situations in a healthy and productive manner as well as develop empathy for both the individual and family unit. Students will learn about different family structures and functions and investigate the changes in the family over the past 300 years. This class will involve research into a student’s own family history to understand how economic, political and cultural changes affect families. This course will meet the Social Studies elective.