Social Studies

Our comprehensive Social Studies curriculum is vital to students as empathetic, active participants in our democratic society and the ever-changing global community. A depth of literacy in the social sciences will enable learners to connect current events to historical antecedents in meaningful ways. Classroom experiences facilitate the development of reasoning ability from concrete to abstract. These are key in student development as informed, reflective decision-makers who are able to take and defend diverse positions.

Our continued focus on reading, writing and communication, supported by research, interpersonal and technology skill development, promotes student success. Towards these goals we will explore open-ended, essential questions throughout our curriculum.

The chart below shows the sequential social studies graduation requirement and all elective offerings. The electives are open to all junior and senior students. All students are required to take one year of Global Connections, one year of United States History, and one year of electives.

College bound students should be aware that social studies courses are required by colleges and universities for many undergraduate degrees. Furthermore, in order to prepare for professional degrees, many students choose social science majors as their undergraduate program of study. It is recommended that high school students take academically challenging social science and history courses.

Social Studies Sequence Chart

  • Grade 9: Global Connections OR Global Connections/English I Interdisciplinary
  • Grade 10: United States History or Advanced Placement United States History
  • Grade 11 & 12: See electives below

History Electives

  • Ancient and Medieval History
  • Modern World History
  • AP U.S. History
  • AP European History

Social Studies Electives (* meets Civics Requirement)

  • American Government*
  • U.S. Foreign Policy*
  • AP Macroeconomics
  • AP Microeconomics
  • AP U.S. Government and Politics*
  • Contemporary American Issues
  • Essentials of Geography
  • Personal Economics
  • Law in American Society*
  • Issues in World Culture Geography
  • Multicultural Studies*

Behavioral Science Electives

  • Anthropology
  • Psychology
  • AP Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Sociology of Gender

Information

Department Chair
Michael Roethler

Department Administrative Assistant
Pamela Bialk

Department Office
Room 225
630-795-8240

Equity & Social Studies - Mandates, Standards, District Vision and Teaching Practices

2023-24 Academic Planning Guide

2024-25 Academic Planning  Guide

Accelerated Placement for US History


Staff

Justin Ashton

Faculty

Erin Moore

Faculty

Amy O'Dell

Faculty

Karyn Pearson

Administrative Assisant

Mary Ricklefs

Faculty

Michael Roethler

Social Studies Department Chair

Dennis Rogala

Faculty

Thomas Saam

Faculty

Sara Temple

Faculty

Milanka Vasilic

Faculty

John Wander

Faculty