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.
Social Studies Department
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 Diploma | Humanities Honors Diploma | STEM Honors Diploma |
| 3 Social Studies Credits | 4 Social Studies Credits (2 Credits at Honors level) | 3 Social Studies Credits |
| Required: US History | Required: US History | Required: US History |