Social Studies

Salesianum's Social Studies curriculum challenges students to analyze historical events and appreciate the diversity and commonality of the world. Students are encouraged to broaden their perspective and contextualize historical trends and patterns through common themes.

AP Human Geography

The AP Human Geography course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students learn to employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human socioeconomic organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their research and applications. Case studies are drawn from all world regions, with an emphasis on understanding the world in which we live today. Historical information serves to enrich analysis of the impacts of phenomena such as globalization, colonialism, and human-environment relationships on places, regions, cultural landscapes, and patterns of interactions. Students are required to sit for the AP Examination in May. Additionally, students will complete a summer reading assignment. Prerequisite: Departmental approval and counselor/teacher recommendation.
AP Microeconomics

AP Microeconomics provides a college-level introduction to key microeconomics concepts, principles, models, and interactions that apply to the functions of individual economic decision makers, such as scarcity and markets, costs, benefits, and marginal analysis, production choices and behavior, and market inefficiency and public policy. Students utilize course concepts and models to describe, predict and explain key situations. This course makes important use of several chief models, of which the students learn to construct, label, manipulate, and interpret each. Students are required to sit for the AP Economics Examination in May. Prerequisite: Department approval.
AP Psychology

AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Students are required to sit for the AP Examination in May.

Prerequisite: Department approval.
AP U.S. History

AP US History is a college level course that will extend from the birth of our nation to the twenty-first century. This course stresses political, social, and economic development and touches upon intellectual and cultural development and foreign affairs. There will be supplementary readings along with the textbook. Students are required to sit for the AP Examination in May. Available to Grade 11 if space is available. This course may be eligible for college credit through Dual Enrollment
AP United States Government

AP US Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students study US foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. Students also engage in disciplinary practices that require reading and interpreting data, making comparisons and applications, and developing evidence-based arguments. In addition, students complete a political science research or applied civics project.Students are required to sit for the AP Examination in May. Prerequisite: Department approval.
AP World History

AP World History surveys world history from c. 1200 CE to the present day. World History requires the development of thinking skills using the processes and tools that historians employ in order to create historical narratives. Students in this course are challenged to view history thematically and thereby discern patterns in human society across regions and over time. This course emphasizes historical analysis through a focus on several key historical thinking skills and writing development. AP courses are designed to be college-level courses offered to highly motivated high school students. AP World History provides students with the skills and information needed to take and pass the AP exam. Students are required to sit for the AP Examination in May. Prerequisite: Department approval.
World History-CP

World History explores events from the start of human civilization to modern day, using several overarching historical themes including Geography and the Environment, Empire and Conquest, Political Ideology and Change, Trade and Economics, Impact of Science and Technology, and Human Rights. Specifically, students will develop the basic skills of a historian – including source analysis, critical reading and writing ability, evidence-based argumentation, and geographic, economic, and cultural analysis. As such, students will analyze dominant narratives and strive to counter-balance these with more diverse perspectives and historical voices. Additionally, the course strikes a balance between breadth and depth in historical study through structured class discussions, project-based learning, and independent student research. This course will also explore social justice issues using a Salesian perspective in accordance with the school’s mission. The universal themes, skills, and concepts explored in this course will provide a necessary foundation for further study during students’ completion of future World and U.S. history courses.
World History-AC

World History explores events from the start of human civilization to modern day, using several overarching historical themes including Geography and the Environment, Empire and Conquest, Political Ideology and Change, Trade and Economics, Impact of Science and Technology, and Human Rights. Specifically, students will develop the basic skills of a historian – including source analysis, critical reading and writing ability, evidence-based argumentation, and geographic, economic, and cultural analysis. As such, students will analyze dominant narratives and strive to counter-balance these with more diverse perspectives and historical voices. Additionally, the course strikes a balance between breadth and depth in historical study through structured class discussions, project-based learning, and independent student research. This course will also explore social justice issues using a Salesian perspective in accordance with the school’s mission. The universal themes, skills, and concepts explored in this course will provide a necessary foundation for further study during students’ completion of future World and U.S. history courses.
World History-HN

World History explores events from the start of human civilization to modern day, using several overarching historical themes including Geography and the Environment, Empire and Conquest, Political Ideology and Change, Trade and Economics, Impact of Science and Technology, and Human Rights. Specifically, students will develop the basic skills of a historian – including source analysis, critical reading and writing ability, evidence-based argumentation, and geographic, economic, and cultural analysis. As such, students will analyze dominant narratives and strive to counter-balance these with more diverse perspectives and historical voices. Additionally, the course strikes a balance between breadth and depth in historical study through structured class discussions, project-based learning, and independent student research. This course will also explore social justice issues using a Salesian perspective in accordance with the school’s mission. The universal themes, skills, and concepts explored in this course will provide a necessary foundation for further study during students’ completion of future World and U.S. history courses.
US History-CP

US History analyzes the past through the use of case studies and major themes, which include Westward Expansion, Immigration & the American Dream, American Identity, and Equality. While the course acts as a survey of US History, it will not cover all of national history chronologically. Instead, it will emphasize in-depth analysis of pivotal events across various periods of US history (1700s to the present) and diverse perspectives in the historical record. The course also encourages exploration of social justice issues using a Salesian perspective, which aligns with the school’s mission. A significant emphasis will also be placed on skill-building through rigorous independent research, source analysis, evidence-based historical interpretations, collaborative work, and academic writing.
US History-AC

US History analyzes the past through the use of case studies and major themes, which include Westward Expansion, Immigration & the American Dream, American Identity, and Equality. While the course acts as a survey of US History, it will not cover all of national history chronologically. Instead, it will emphasize in-depth analysis of pivotal events across various periods of US history (1700s to the present) and diverse perspectives in the historical record. The course also encourages exploration of social justice issues using a Salesian perspective, which aligns with the school’s mission. A significant emphasis will also be placed on skill-building through rigorous independent research, source analysis, evidence-based historical interpretations, collaborative work, and academic writing.
US History-HN

US History analyzes the past through the use of case studies and major themes, which include Westward Expansion, Immigration & the American Dream, American Identity, and Equality. While the course acts as a survey of US History, it will not cover all of national history chronologically. Instead, it will emphasize in-depth analysis of pivotal events across various periods of US history (1700s to the present) and diverse perspectives in the historical record. The course also encourages exploration of social justice issues using a Salesian perspective, which aligns with the school’s mission. A significant emphasis will also be placed on skill-building through rigorous independent research, source analysis, evidence-based historical interpretations, collaborative work, and academic writing.

Prerequisites: For HN, Honors English recommendation and/or department approval.
U.S. Government-CP

U.S. Government & Civics analyzes the formal and informal structure and processes of the federal government, with a special emphasis on how students can fulfill civic duties. The course aims to prepare students to play an active and informed role in civic society. Topics will include the following: the foundational principles of the U.S. government, federalism, the Constitutional roles and responsibilities of the three branches, the function and structure of political parties, the electoral process, and civil rights and liberties.
U.S. Government-AC

U.S. Government & Civics analyzes the formal and informal structure and processes of the federal government, with a special emphasis on how students can fulfill civic duties. The course aims to prepare students to play an active and informed role in civic society. Topics will include the following: the foundational principles of the U.S. government, federalism, the Constitutional roles and responsibilities of the three branches, the function and structure of political parties, the electoral process, and civil rights and liberties.
U.S. Government-HN

U.S. Government & Civics analyzes the formal and informal structure and processes of the federal government, with a special emphasis on how students can fulfill civic duties. The course aims to prepare students to play an active and informed role in civic society. Topics will include the following: the foundational principles of the U.S. government, federalism, the Constitutional roles and responsibilities of the three branches, the function and structure of political parties, the electoral process, and civil rights and liberties.Prerequisite: For HN, Honors English recommendation and/or department approval.
Modern Global History-CP

Modern Global History examines the consequences of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of three major international themes: Globalization, the question of Human Rights, and the impact of and reactions to the role of the West, particularly the United States, in the post-Cold War environment. The collapse of the Soviet Union is marked as a key turning point in world history. This course uses a thematic approach to content delivery and relies heavily on inquiry and analysis of primary and secondary source documents. Learning from a variety of perspectives is a major focus of this course.
Modern Global History-AC

Modern Global History examines the consequences of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of three major international themes: Globalization, the question of Human Rights, and the impact of and reactions to the role of the West, particularly the United States, in the post-Cold War environment. The collapse of the Soviet Union is marked as a key turning point in world history. This course uses a thematic approach to content delivery and relies heavily on inquiry and analysis of primary and secondary source documents. Learning from a variety of perspectives is a major focus of this course.
Modern Global History-HN

Modern Global History examines the consequences of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of three major international themes: Globalization, the question of Human Rights, and the impact of and reactions to the role of the West, particularly the United States, in the post-Cold War environment. The collapse of the Soviet Union is marked as a key turning point in world history. This course uses a thematic approach to content delivery and relies heavily on inquiry and analysis of primary and secondary source documents. Learning from a variety of perspectives is a major focus of this course.
US History Research: Culture-AC

All students in research courses engage in an iterative research process. Students consider research framing and questions, thesis development, source analysis and evaluation, research organization and writing. The research process also prioritizes revision, peer-editing and presentation to an authentic audience.

US History Through Culture utilizes history, sociology, anthropology, and political science in an examination of formal and informal athletic competition and its role in illuminating and expanding students’ understanding of United States history. Beginning with a comparative study of how sports are positioned by societies and governments, the course initially focuses on the role of athletic competition in democratic and undemocratic societies. The course then studies how athletics and sports journalism intersect with flashpoints in United States history, including equality and civil rights movements, migration and urbanization, labor relations, globalization, and the changing nature of media.
US History Research: Culture-HN

All students in research courses engage in an iterative research process. Students consider research framing and questions, thesis development, source analysis and evaluation, research organization and writing. The research process also prioritizes revision, peer-editing and presentation to an authentic audience.

US History Through Culture utilizes history, sociology, anthropology, and political science in an examination of formal and informal athletic competition and its role in illuminating and expanding students’ understanding of United States history. Beginning with a comparative study of how sports are positioned by societies and governments, the course initially focuses on the role of athletic competition in democratic and undemocratic societies. The course then studies how athletics and sports journalism intersect with flashpoints in United States history, including equality and civil rights movements, migration and urbanization, labor relations, globalization, and the changing nature of media.
US History Research: Regional-AC

All students in research courses engage in an iterative research process. Students consider research framing and questions, thesis development, source analysis and evaluation, research organization and writing. The research process also prioritizes revision, peer-editing and presentation to an authentic audience.

Regional History examines the people that have lived in and around the Delaware region, their contributions to society, and the role they played in shaping the development of the United States. There is much to learn about the world in students’ own backyard. Students study the pre-Columbian people that lived along the Delaware River, colonial life, statehood, abolitionists, and the Underground Railroad, industrialization, as well as local and national politics.
US History Research: Regional-HN

All students in research courses engage in an iterative research process. Students consider research framing and questions, thesis development, source analysis and evaluation, research organization and writing. The research process also prioritizes revision, peer-editing and presentation to an authentic audience.

Regional History examines the people that have lived in and around the Delaware region, their contributions to society, and the role they played in shaping the development of the United States. There is much to learn about the world in students’ own backyard. Students study the pre-Columbian people that lived along the Delaware River, colonial life, statehood, abolitionists, and the Underground Railroad, industrialization, as well as local and national politics.
World History Research: Cold War Conflicts in Asia-AC

All students in research courses engage in an iterative research process. Students consider research framing and questions, thesis development, source analysis and evaluation, research organization and writing. The research process also prioritizes revision, peer-editing and presentation to an authentic audience.

Cold War Conflicts in Asia takes a multidisciplinary approach to examining the living legacy of the Korean War through primary documents, memoir, literature, and popular culture. In the United States, the Korean War has been called "the Forgotten War" and is notably absent from our collective memory, overshadowed by other 20th century conflicts like World War II and the Vietnam War. This three-year conflict, however, set the stage for the ensuing tensions between the Soviet Union, the United States, China, North Korea, and South Korea, many of which have yet to be resolved. Further, the war was far from forgotten on the Korean peninsula and its legacy continues to play a major role in both geopolitics and the creative life of Koreans from Squid Game to award-winning graphic novels to literary fiction from both sides of the 38th parallel.
World History Research: Cold War Conflicts in Asia-HN

All students in research courses engage in an iterative research process. Students consider research framing and questions, thesis development, source analysis and evaluation, research organization and writing. The research process also prioritizes revision, peer-editing and presentation to an authentic audience.

Cold War Conflicts in Asia takes a multidisciplinary approach to examining the living legacy of the Korean War through primary documents, memoir, literature, and popular culture. In the United States, the Korean War has been called "the Forgotten War" and is notably absent from our collective memory, overshadowed by other 20th century conflicts like World War II and the Vietnam War. This three-year conflict, however, set the stage for the ensuing tensions between the Soviet Union, the United States, China, North Korea, and South Korea, many of which have yet to be resolved. Further, the war was far from forgotten on the Korean peninsula and its legacy continues to play a major role in both geopolitics and the creative life of Koreans from Squid Game to award-winning graphic novels to literary fiction from both sides of the 38th parallel.
World History Research: Genocide Studies-AC

All students in research courses engage in an iterative research process. Students consider research framing and questions, thesis development, source analysis and evaluation, research organization and writing. The research process prioritizes revision, peer-editing, and presentation to an authentic audience.

Genocide Studies analyzes the causes, key events, and legacies of the Holocaust as a foundational case study for comparison. Dr. Gregory Stanton’s “Ten Stages of Genocide” also serves as a lens for analysis of global genocides from the 19th century to the present. Students will be exposed to historiographical interpretations of the Holocaust and Salesian approaches to genocide prevention before engaging in their own research. Frequent seminar discussions and independent interdisciplinary research are essential components of this course.
World History Research: Genocide Studies-HN

All students in research courses engage in an iterative research process. Students consider research framing and questions, thesis development, source analysis and evaluation, research organization and writing. The research process prioritizes revision, peer-editing, and presentation to an authentic audience.

Genocide Studies analyzes the causes, key events, and legacies of the Holocaust as a foundational case study for comparison. Dr. Gregory Stanton’s “Ten Stages of Genocide” also serves as a lens for analysis of global genocides from the 19th century to the present. Students will be exposed to historiographical interpretations of the Holocaust and Salesian approaches to genocide prevention before engaging in their own research. Frequent seminar discussions and independent interdisciplinary research are essential components of this course.
Accounting-AC

The Accounting course presents an introduction to the elements of accounting. The topics covered include the use of journals and ledgers, preparation of financial statements, adjusting and closing procedures, control of cash and inventory, payroll procedures and promissory notes. This course uses Microsoft Excel (Google Sheets) to allow the student to make the transition from manual to computer-based accounting, as used in the business world.
The Brain and the Science of Happiness-AC

Introduction to the Brain and the Science of Happiness Course is an introduction to mental health course where students explore neurocognitive frameworks, current research, and therapeutic interventions in order to gain a deeper understanding into the teenage mind. Students have the opportunity to apply specific research-based wellness practices throughout the course and learn the science behind how to live a good life.
Death & Dying-AC

Death and Dying uses a seminar format to study the psychological, cultural, and religious responses to death and the dying process. Topics include understanding personal loss and the fear of death, social and cultural attitudes toward death and dying, the care of terminally ill patients, near-death experiences, euthanasia, suicide, and religious and secular funeral rituals and practices associated with death with an emphasis on Catholic faith and beliefs. Class format emphasizes class discussion and participation based on assigned reading, as well as practical projects related to preparing students for the most difficult and challenging times of life: the loss of loved ones and mortality.
Economics-CP

Economics is an introductory survey course in economic theory and practice. This course covers the following topics: how economic decisions are made, opportunity cost, the rationing of resources, the role of supply and demand in the economy, the function of the price system, government intervention in the marketplace, causes of inflation and unemployment, measuring economic growth, and economic systems. Special emphasis is placed on microeconomic concepts. Graphs are used to illustrate these concepts. The class discusses how to use economic indicators to explain how consumers, producers, and the government interact with one another for the betterment of society. The class also studies and discusses current economic conditions, problems, and events.
Economics-AC

Economics is an introductory survey course in economic theory and practice. This course covers the following topics: how economic decisions are made, opportunity cost, the rationing of resources, the role of supply and demand in the economy, the function of the price system, government intervention in the marketplace, causes of inflation and unemployment, measuring economic growth, and economic systems. Special emphasis is placed on microeconomic concepts. Graphs are used to illustrate these concepts. The class discusses how to use economic indicators to explain how consumers, producers, and the government interact with one another for the betterment of society. The class also studies and discusses current economic conditions, problems, and events.
Economics-HN

Economics is an introductory survey course in economic theory and practice. This course covers the following topics: how economic decisions are made, opportunity cost, the rationing of resources, the role of supply and demand in the economy, the function of the price system, government intervention in the marketplace, causes of inflation and unemployment, measuring economic growth, and economic systems. Special emphasis is placed on microeconomic concepts. Graphs are used to illustrate these concepts. The class discusses how to use economic indicators to explain how consumers, producers, and the government interact with one another for the betterment of society. The class also studies and discusses current economic conditions, problems, and events.
Media Industries and Society-HN (UD Dual Enrollment)

This course explores the relationship between media and society. Specifically, students will examine the history, functions, and industries of mass communication-print, broadcast and digital. Students will acquire a broad understanding of how the mass media affect and interact with individuals and society and how, in turn, they shape media to their own purposes. The course is presented in an online, asynchronous environment.
Personal Finance-AC

Personal Finance provides students with financial literacy skills that prepares them for the future. It covers personal finance topics such as careers, planning, budgeting, savings and investing, credit, banking services, transportation issues, and risk protection.
Changing the World and Public Policy-HN (Dual Enrollment

This course explores “Going Green,” the haves and have nots, relevant politics - all huge contemporary issues. Can you get a job AND make a difference? Public policy addresses such issues and begins with you. Examines basic policy concepts/strategies used by citizens, government and other societal institutions. The course is presented in an online, asynchronous environment.
Introduction to African American Studies-HN (Dual Enrollment)

This course Assesses the status of Black America in the modern technological order through an
examination of the major spheres of institutional life, including employment, education,
politics, criminal justice and the military. The course is presented in an online, asynchronous environment.
Principles of Leadership-AC

This course explores the fundamental principles of leadership and their application in various contexts, with a particular focus on the world of sports. Students will examine multiple leadership theories and test their utilization, especially in peer coaching and group management. The course will cover topics such as motivation, communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and ethical leadership. Students will develop self-awareness, interpersonal communication, and critical thinking skills to effectively lead and inspire others. Students will engage in a comprehensive peer-to-peer coaching project, applying the concepts learned in class to real-world situations. This project enables students to test leadership skills and demonstrate the ability to motivate, inspire, and guide others. Students are responsible for planning, organizing, and leading a full class period as part of the project. They will be evaluated based on leadership efficacy, communication skills, delegation of responsibility, and a post-practice reflection.
Roman History & Culture-AC

This course will explore the history and culture of the Roman state as it shifted from Republic to Empire. Rather than only following the “great men” who often “make” history we will also dive into the social, economic, and religious process that drive the actors of the period. In order to achieve this we will read substantial amounts of Roman literature in translation and interact with art and architecture of the Roman Republic and Empire. The class will have an interdisciplinary approach to ancient history incorporating art historical, archaeological, and philological approaches to the Roman world. Assessments will be conducted by socratic seminars, short essays, and exams.
Sports Management-AC

Sports Management is designed to teach students best management practices for sports organizations. Skills learned include coaching principles, business development, organizational structure types, and an overall understanding and ability to manage successful sports teams. Upon completion of this course, students have a better understanding of how the sports industry operates from youth to professional sports.
Sports Psychology-AC

Sports Psychology-AC is intended for students who wish to establish a basis for college-level study in the social sciences. The course emphasizes the study of human behavior in the athletic environment. Topics for discussion range from the history of the profession to the psychological factors that influence individual athletic performance, such as anxiety, motivation, concentration, relaxation, and personality traits. Selected intervention techniques for enhancing athletic performance are also discussed.

Connect with Us

Salesianum Crest

Our Academic Program

Explore Our Departments

Social Studies

Salesianum School

Connect with Us