Academics: Social Studies
The Social Studies department at St. Francis DeSales stands out for many reasons. For one, we offer students an exciting array of classes, including Advanced Placement classes in European History, US Government & Politics, and Psychology, as well as introductory classes in sociology, economics, world history, and psychology. Our students also receive an excellent grounding in the social studies with our four credit requirement which must include classes in Global Studies, American History, and American Government. We also encourage students to participate in department-sponsored clubs such as Mock Trial, History Club, and Model UN. Other exciting opportunities include department sponsored study trips to Eastern Europe and Washington DC.
Global Studies
This required freshmen course is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding our world in the 21st century. It combines the studies of world geography, world cultures, and world economic systems.
American History
The thematic focus for this required sophomore course is the period beginning with Reconstruction through the present. The course puts emphasis on the causes, effects, and events that most affect our country and its role in the world today and the effect of world events on our history.
AP United States History
Concentrating on the time period from the pre-Columbian era to the present, this course will focus on the social, political, religious, intellectual, technological, and economic developments throughout this time period in history. Students will have the opportunity to take the AP Exam and receive college credit.
World History
This course traces the development of civilizations throughout the world from 1490 to the present. An importance is placed on US involvement and viewpoints in world affairs.
AP European History
Concentrating on the time period from 1350 to the present, this course will focus on the social, political, religious, intellectual, technological, and economic developments throughout this time period in
history. Students will have the opportunity to take the AP European Exam and receive college credit.
American Government
Fulfilling the requirement for senior government, this full-year course is a study of the government and political process of the United States, including its historical and philosophical development, its organization, and its function today, as well as the Constitutional principles on which it is built. This course emphasizes the role of citizens in our democracy and the importance of being informed and active citizens, as well as individual rights and responsibilities.
AP U.S. Government & Politics
This full-year course, which satisfies the senior government requirement, gives students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. Topics include the Constitutional underpinnings of our government; political beliefs and behaviors; political parties, interest groups, and mass media; institutions of national government: the Congress, the Presidency, the bureaucracy, and the federal courts; public policy, civil rights and civil liberties.
Introduction to Psychology
This semester course is an introduction to Psychology, including research methods, sensation and perception, learning, developmental psychology from infancy to old age, anatomy of the brain, self and personality, abnormal behavior and therapy.
AP Psychology
An in-depth approach to Psychology, this class follows the American Psychological Association’s national standards for the teaching of high school psychology. The five content areas are research methods, biopsychological (biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception motivation and emotion and stress), cognitive (learning, memory, thinking and language, states of consciousness), developmental and sociocultural (psychological disorders, and treatment). Students have the option of dual enrollment through Ohio Dominican University.
Economics
Economics is for seniors interested in politics, marketing, business, and the science of economics. The course compares different economic systems, discusses basic microeconomic and macroeconomic principles, and examines the economic problems of developing nations.
Introduction to Sociology
This course provides students with the understanding of theories, methods, and approaches to the study of human social and group interactions.
