Social Science
Our primary objective is to help students cultivate an understanding of their place within the breadth of human experience
As students learn to interpret historical themes and events, they develop a keen appreciation of the trends of the past and a greater insight into the vital issues of the 21st century. Small class sizes and a collaborative learning approach engender engaged and opinion-filled classroom discussions.
Social Science courses are designed to provide students with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and the analytical tools needed to make sense of that knowledge. We encourage students’ understanding of the past by addressing where and when history unfolded and by examining the all-important “why” questions in historical evolution.
"OUr focus is on developing skill sets: reading primary sources for historical content, reading secondary sources for historical interpretation, working collaboratively and presenting findings in a professional manner. We have an intense focus on research methodology so students can learn to write good academic papers and EXCEL IN THEIR projects. Our GOAL is TO OFFER courses thAt show students different perspectives on the world, and that they'll be intrigued by those courses and learn more about their place within that world."
- Dr. Lisabeth Robinson, Social Science Department Chair
Spotlight Course
exploring global foundations
This course provides freshmen an introduction to topics relating to the origins and developments of today’s global societies. While reviewing great civilizations through various lenses, students will build essential seminar skills of reading critically, asking insightful questions, presenting and speaking gracefully, and writing effectively. Our approach will encourage students to understand seminal texts—religious, philosophical, political, and literary—as an expression of universal human aspirations and cultural development. The seminar format will encourage students to find their voices and express their views on the questions the course will pursue. Students will work collaboratively to understand the foundations of the past that shape our world today, as well as the responsibilities of global citizenship.
The Path
Freshmen
Students take a seminar course, Exploring Global Foundations, which focuses on world religious traditions and the ancient cultures of Greece and China.
Sophomores
Students take an intermediate seminar, Building the Modern World, where they study the emergence of modern political and economic systems and where they undertake an individual major research project that culminates in a paper.
Juniors
Juniors take US History. A College Level (CL) option is available for those recommended by their previous teacher. Juniors who enroll in CL US History take part in National History Day, producing a project that explores the theme offered by that organization.
Electives
CL Economics, CL Philosophy, CL Frederick Douglass, CL History of the US Civil Rights Movement: Marching Towards Justice, CL Art History: From the Renaissance through Post- Modernism, United States Government & Politics, Art History: West & East Innovation: From the Renaissance to Ukiyo-E, Art History: Paint, Build, Shoot, A World of Wonders: Archaeology and World Heritage, Introduction to Arabic and Arab Cultures, Middle East Studies, Represent: Modern Black Activist Movements, Teaching Cleveland: An Urban Studies Seminar, Ain’t I a Woman? Spotlighting Women of Color in American History, Globalization and International Relations, Space Race-Fighting Cold War on New Frontier, Vietnam: Humbling a Superpower, The Swinging Sixties: A Decade of Change, The 1970s: Planting the Seeds of Contemporary America, American Presidency, Global Health, Global Mental Health - Historical Trauma & Recovery, Native American Heritage & Culture, History of Hudson and WRA, East Asian History, Introduction to Geography, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Psychology 1, Psychology 2, Music History, Mock Trial, Introduction to Law
Around Campus:
Extracurriculars such as Model UN and Mock Trial are organized by the Social Science Department.
Graduation Requirements
3 full credits in social science including US History and Government
View our complete course offerings list and read descriptions of each Social Science class in our Academic Course Descriptions 2022-23.
