Social Studies

FACULTY - Office Hours

7:30 to 8:00am - 2:40 to 3:30pm

Julie Curtis- Instructional Coach and Department Leader

Alyssa Urban- Personalized Learning Teacher

John Kipp

Lee Barnett

Jason Barney

Eric Gildemeister- Grade 9

Dante Napolitano- Grade 9

David Szabo- Grade 8 Voyagers

Ariel Meyer- Grade 8 Dream Team

Benjamin Green- Grade 7 Firebirds

Brooks Sturtevant- Grade 7 Extreme

Essential Learning Behaviors for the social sciences:

Gather and critically evaluate information from various sources.

Effectively express ideas and findings through written, verbal, and visual communication.

Demonstrate an understanding of democratic values and civic responsibility.

Recognize, respect, and appreciate human diversity and multiple perspectives.

Use critical thinking and collaboration to identify and solve problems.

The Social Studies program at MVU is based on the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards. These national standards require students to demonstrate the skills needed for independent, lifelong learning through inquiry and problem solving skills, and personalized, real world understandings of civics, economics, geography, and history.

To create the best educational pathway within these requirements, each student, with the advice of their parents, counselors, and teachers, should consider the following:

9th & 10th Grade:

9th and 10th graders are encouraged to challenge themselves within their Global Studies and US History courses by opting to complete the honors credential. A variety of elective options offer students the opportunity to further explore social studies and

GLOBAL STUDIES

Gr. 9 - 1 period - 2 semesters - 1 credit

U.S./VERMONT HISTORY I and II

Gr. 10 - 1 period - 2 semesters - 1 credit

11th & 12th Grade:

Our Social Studies courses offer students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the world and their place within it. Through subjects like history, geography, civics, economics, and psychology, students can explore how societies function, how cultures evolve, and how individuals and communities shape the world around them. These courses encourage critical thinking, informed citizenship, and a broader awareness of global issues - skills that are essential for success in both academics and life beyond school. Whether examining modern governments, local history, or human rights, Social Studies empowers students to make connections between the past and present while preparing them to actively engage in the future.

Several of our Social Studies offerings include options for college credit (such as AP or dual enrollment) and are designed to help students develop the analytical, communication, and research skills they’ll need for college success and life after high school.

Required Courses

Elective Options

Global Studies: 9th

US History: 10th

Economic Citizenship: 12th

Abenaki and Local History

AP US Government

AP US History

AP/DE Psychology

DE College Civics

Humanities in Action

Social Studies Through Media

Vermont History

History Courses:

ABENAKI AND LOCAL HISTORY

Gr. 11-12 1 period 1 semester ½ credit

HISTORY OF WAR, MILITARY & COMBAT

Gr. 11-12 1 period 1 semester ½ credit

HUMANITIES IN ACTION

Gr. 11-12 1 period 1 semester ½ credit

Career and College Prep Courses:

HUMANITIES IN ACTION

Gr. 11-12 1 period 1 semester ½ credit

DEBATE, CURRENT EVENTS, AND MODEL UN

Gr. 9-12 Once a week after school, 3-4:30 October-April ½ credit

MVUNITY LEADERSHIP

Gr. 9-12 Once a week after school ½ credit

Courses that fulfill both HISTORY & CAREER AND COLLEGE PREP requirements:

COLLEGE CIVICS

Gr. 11/12 1 period credit 2 semesters 1 credit

AP PSYCHOLOGY

Gr. 11/12 1 period 2 semesters 1 credit

AP UNITED STATES HISTORY

*Rotating every other year*

Gr.10-12 1 period 2 semesters 1 credit

AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

*Rotating every other year*

Gr.11/12 1 period 2 semesters 1 credit

REQUIRED SENIOR CAPSTONE:

ECONOMIC CITIZENSHIP

Gr.12 1 period 1 semester ½ credit