Social sciences

The Social Sciences department above all seeks to nurture each student’s enjoyment of history, ethics, politics, philosophy, psychology and economics. We teach a body of knowledge, to hone skills in research and writing, and to advance critical thinking. The department encourages students to reflect on motive forces in history, to investigate their own questions about the meanings of the past, and, from those pursuits, to cultivate a sense of social concern and engagement for the wider society in which they live.

In the 10th grade, students are introduced to American history, Ethics, and Mexican history as well as to political concepts through the study of current and historical issues in America and the world. 11th grade, students continue their study of Mexican history and are introduced to economics and leadership. Seniors are offered courses in world history, geopolitical conflict, politics, philosophy, economics, and psychology. In their philosophy class, they discuss basic philosophical issues and its curriculum is consistent with the demands of an AP history class.

Readings include works by classic authors such as Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Machiavelli, Rousseau, Nietzsche, and Freud, as well as selections from more modern and contemporary writers. In addition to writing essays and responses to the readings, students engage one another in class discussion, learning from their peers and honing their own thinking and understanding in every social science class.