• Social Studies Department


     

    The goal of the Social Studies Department at Livingston High School is to study the decisions of the past in order for our students to become responsible citizens and participate in the formation of a better future. Through the study of history, our students will gain insight into the complexities of national and world issues and understand potential consequences of actions.  Each phase of our program offers students an extensive knowledge base, critical thinking skills, progressive mastery of oral and written communication, comprehensive geography skills, appreciation of artistic and cultural pursuits, and numerous opportunities to examine and discuss values and ethics of the global community and the American society.  In order for our democracy to continue to grow and become more inclusive, we need a participatory, educated, and responsible populace.


    College Preparatory (CP) courses are designed for students with average critical thinking, reading, writing, and oral communication skills. These courses are designed to enable students to increase their academic skills and performance.  Students, in these classes, will examine topics in depth with an emphasis on the analysis of historic events.  Assignments will be expected on a regular basis and may involve the application of advanced concepts and themes to contemporary situations.  Students will be expected to work independently on these assignments. Students will also be expected to compose written responses on formative and summative assessments.  The textbook and supplemental readings are selected to strengthen student reading and interpretation skills. Student success in this course may indicate success at a higher level course.


    Honors (H) courses are designed for highly-motivated students with above-average critical thinking, reading, writing, and oral communication skills.  These courses are designed to challenge students for future expectations in an Advanced Placement course. Students in these classes will examine topics in greater depth with an emphasis on the evaluation of historical events.  Assignments will be frequent and lengthy, and may involve the application of advanced historic concepts and themes to contemporary situations. Students will be expected to work independently. Student summative assessments may involve both objective and written sections.  The textbook and supplemental readings will be advanced and require students to have above-average reading comprehension skills.   A summer assignment is required for all Honors courses.


    Advanced Placement (AP) courses follow a national curriculum which presents college-level work to high school students.  The pace of these courses require above-average skills related to independent work, critical-thinking and reasoning skills.  Reading and written language skills should be above average in order for students to be successful.  At the conclusion of this course, students are encouraged to take the AP exam in the subject studied.  AP courses are very demanding and require strong self-advocacy skills on the part of the student. Reading and writing assignments should be expected on a daily basis. These assignments will require application of advanced historic concepts and themes. Student summative assessments will often include both objective and written sections which are expected to be completed during the class period. The textbook and supplemental readings will be lengthy and require college-level comprehension and interpretation. Students considering an AP course will need to meet departmental requirements prior to recommendation.  A summer assignment is required for all AP courses.


    There can be courses where students may have proficiency in the content from prior or out-of-school programs or experiences. If a student seeks to enroll in a course and has not taken the required pre-requisite at Livingston High School, the student must demonstrate his/her comparable proficiencies to the department supervisor. Students may not enter into a course without successful completion of a required pre-requisite or department supervisor approval. Upon supervisor approval, students will be notified if they are permitted to enter into the requested course.

     

    Mr. Charles Raphael 
    7 - 12 Supervisor
    Email: craphael@livingston.org
    Phone: 973-535-8000, x8049