Social Studies Department

Understanding Ourselves and Our World

The Social Studies Department develops capable citizens who are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make informed and responsible decisions in a diverse and interdependent world.

Department Goals and Objectives

As a result of participating in the SJNA Social Studies program, students will be able to:

  •  Independently participate actively and effectively as an informed citizen of a democracy
  • Critically appraise historical and contemporary claims, decisions, and issues
  • Respect diverse cultures and honor equality and human dignity
  • Apply lessons of the past in order to anticipate and prepare for the future
  • Analyze the complex interactions between humans and the environment
  • Apply economic principles to solve complex problems

Study Abroad in France and Switzerland

March 14 – 24, 2024

Join Mr. Bennett and a group of SJNA students and faculty members as they travel across France and Switzerland for 10 days and visit some of the most iconic and historical places of World War II. The vast majority of the trip will be in France. In the beautiful region of Provence in southern France, we will visit Avignon, with stops at Avignon, Nimee Amphitheater, Pont du Gard. We will then travel towards Nice and visit the World War II Rhone American Cemetery, and continue our travels to Monaco where we will witness how the French had constructed the Maginot Line. We will then shift our travels north to witness the beauty of the French and Swiss Alps and visit the city of Lausanne, where students will have the opportunity of tobogganing. Finally, we will end up in Paris and venture out to see the battlefields of World War I (Belleau Wood) and visit the city of Reims. A trip to Paris would not be complete without a nighttime journey to the Eiffel Tower and on our last night in Paris we will enjoy a dinner cruise on the River Seine with live music. 

Europe Trip Tour Tentative Itinerary

Social Studies Course Selections

Middle School

Geography

American History

Standard College Prep

World History

American Government

World Cultures & Religions

US History

Sociology

Psychology

Economics

Honors and AP

World History Honors

AP Human Geography

US History Honors

20th Century History Honors

AP European History

Dual Enrollment College Credit

History of the US: Columbian Exchange to Civil War

History of the US: From the Era of Civil War to Present

Early Modern Civilizations 1511 – 1815

Modern Civilizations: 1815 – Present

See Our Curriculum Guide for Course Descriptions

Graduation Requirements

College Prep DiplomaHumanities Honors DiplomaSTEM Honors Diploma
3 Social Studies Credits4 Social Studies Credits (2 Credits at Honors level)3 Social Studies Credits
Required: US HistoryRequired: US HistoryRequired: US History