Social Studies

Courses in our Social Studies Department provide an understanding of the social, political, economic, religious, and intellectual structures and movements of the present. The understanding of our accumulated experience enables us to construct a better society. The students will develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity, realizing our common heritage and values, rights and responsibilities. Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School is committed to providing a curriculum that will direct the development of reflective, competent and concerned citizens. Our courses seek to develop the students’ ability to reason and write, to discern opinion from fact, and to appreciate the difference between the two.

 

The mission of Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School’s Social Studies Department is to direct the development of reflective, competent, and concerned citizens while developing an understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity, most especially the dignity of the human person, to the salvific action of Jesus Christ, realizing our common heritage, values, rights, and responsibilities. Through critical analysis of secular and divine context, social studies courses provide a comprehensive understanding of the world. Using this information, students will be better able to use their Catholic values when making informed decisions impacting their own lives, families, local communities, countries, the global community, the Universal Church, and their paths to sainthood.

 

4 credits are required

 

Required Courses:

• World History or AP World History
• European History or AP European History
• U.S. and Virginia History or AP U.S. History
• U.S. and Virginia Government or AP U.S. Government and Politics

Elective Courses:

• History of the Catholic Church
• AP Human Geography
• DE Personal Finance
• Criminal Justice
• DE Psychology
• AP Comparative Government & Politics