Social Studies
The goal of the Social Studies Department of Villa Maria Academy is to contribute to the development of the whole student by fostering community consciousness and the growth of the person within community.
Our curriculum stresses intellectual understandings of why and how, cause and effect, relationships among events and the significance of them. Further development of Christian attitudes, value formation, and direction to action are viewed as outgrowths of this curriculum
The Social Studies curriculum at Villa Maria Academy requires students to study World History in their freshman and sophomore years, and U.S. History in their junior year. The requirement in the senior year is Government and an elective.
REQUIREMENTS: World History 1 & 2, US History, Government and General Psychology, Psychology AP or Child Psychology.
GANNON UNIVERSITY ARTICULATION AGREEMENT: Upon matriculation at Gannon University, students can earn 3 credits in History (LHST 111) when they earn a B (85%) or better in the following classes: World History 1 H, World History 2 H, US History H or AP, Psychology AP and Government H.
WORLD HISTORY 1 H # 1814
WORLD HISTORY 1 A # 1824 Grade level: 9 Credit: 10
This course will integrate the history of the east and west in a survey course covering the time period beginning with 3000 B.C.E up to the 1700's. The focus will be on themes that serve as unifying threads, helping students to see what is peculiar about each time period and providing ways to make comparisons of these ideas over time. The themes include but are not limited to: The impact of interaction among major societies; the relationship of change and continuity over time; the impact of technology on people and the environment; systems of social and gender structure; cultural and intellectual developments; and growth of states and political identities.
WORLD HISTORY 2 H # 2814
WORLD HISTORY 2 A # 2824 Grade level: 10 Credit: 1.0
This course will integrate the history of the east and west in a survey course covering the time period beginning with the Scientific Revolution up to modern times. The focus will be on themes that serve as unifying threads. helping students to see what is peculiar about each time period and providing ways to make comparisons of these ideas over time. The themes include but are not limited to: The impact of interaction among major societies; the relationship of change and continuity over time; the impact of technology on people and the environment; systems of social and gender structure; cultural and intellectual developments; and growth of states and political entities.
Prerequisite for World History 2 H: 85% in World History 1 H or 93% in World History1 A, and Department approval.
US HISTORY H # 3844
US HISTORY A # 3834 Grade level: 11 Credit: 1.0
This history course covers our American heritage from colonial times to the present. Notetaking and essay skills are refined in the course. In addition to the material covered in US History A, the Honors class adds analysis of events, additional reading and essay writing, and a research paper.
Prerequisite for H: 85% in World History 2 H, or 93% in World History 2 A and Department approval.
US HISTORY AP # 3874 Grade level: 11 Credit: 1.0
United States History taught on the AP level will provide students with a learning experience equivalent to an introductory college level course. A chronological approach is taken to the social, economic and political aspects of our history. Students will be challenged to deal critically with historical materials to analyze the problems of the past and make informed conclusions. Extensive writing and reading will be required in this course. The United States History AP exam may be taken in May. The fee for this exam is approximately $90.
Prerequisite: 93% in World History 2 H and Department approval.
GOVERNMENT # 4812 Grade level: 12 Credit: 0.50
This required course for seniors discusses the foundations of our governmental system and provides an in-depth examination into the three branches of government. The roles of the federal, state, and local levels are examined. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge by taking an active role in our system. Students taking this course for Honors credit will sign a contract during the first week of class explaining the requirements which include three research papers.
CHILD PSYCHOLOGY # 5832 Grade levels: 11-12 Credit: 0.50
The purpose of this course to examine human development from infancy to adolescence. The field of Child Psychology (also known as Developmental Psychology) focuses on a broad range of topics including physical, emotional, and social development of the individual. The class will feature social theories in the areas of problem solving, moral development, language acquisition, and personality development. The class will also introduce students to different physical and mental disabilities that affect children today. Students taking this course for Honors credit will sign a contract during the first week of class.
GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY # 5822 Grade levels: 10-12 Credit: 0.50
This course relates theories of behavior to practical life situations. Topics will include: learning theories and behavior shaping, development and motivation, normal and abnormal behavior. College credit is not available for this course. Students taking this course for Honors credit will sign a contract during the first week of class.
Prerequisite for Sophomores: Biology
PSYCHOLOGY AP # 5834 Grade levels: 12 Credit: 1.0
An entire introductory college-level course in Psychology will be taught, covering such topics as the historical development of the field, development, learning theories, sensation and perception, testing, motivation and emotion, and abnormal behavior. Only those willing to do college level work should elect this course. The Psychology AP exam may be taken in May. The fee for this exam is approximately $90.
Prerequisite: 85% in US History AP, 93% in US History H or 97% in US History A and Department approval.