Social Studies at Schechter

The primary purpose of social studies is to help students develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.

Today's world changes quickly and is increasingly complex.  We also are becoming a progressively more global society.  Social studies helps students understand and function in the ever-changing world in which we live. 

Social Studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities leading to an understanding about the world we live in.  We provide our students a body of content in current events, economics, geography, world history, American history, Jewish history, government, citizenship, and sociology, including cultural differences and  the contributions of women and minorities.  Our teachers foster problem-solving and critical thinking that will help students become responsible and responsive citizens.

The program provides coordinated and systematic study, drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, sociology, and humanities.  Students learn to:

·        Understand the significance of the past as it relates to their own lives and to society.

·        Distinguish between important and inconsequential information, to develop the “discriminating memory” needed for judgment.

·        Prepare to live with uncertainties, realizing that not all problems have easy solutions.

·        Appreciate the often tentative nature of judgments about the past, and avoid the temptation to seize upon particular “lessons” of history as cures  for present ills.

·        Communicate effectively in spoken and written language.

·        Collect and logically interpret information on problems of public concern.

·        Describe political-legal decision-making processes.

·        Justify personal decisions about controversial issues and use strategies to present those thoughts.

·        Discuss one's own concrete experiences and those of others in ways that contribute to resolution of personal dilemmas.

·        Use selected technical skills, including map and chart reading, as they are required to understand data, concepts, and contrasts.