Mater Dei's Social Studies Department

This course examines major turning points in the shaping of the modern world from the 15th to the 20th centuries. With an emphasis on Western civilization, the course begins with the Absolutism and culminates with the Global War on Terror. Students will examine the political, social, economic, intellectual and cultural developments of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. 

This course is a survey of the political, social and cultural movements in American history, beginning with the Civil War and Reconstruction, with an emphasis then on twentieth century events, then culminating with the twenty-first century and the War on Terror. Geographic concepts and skills are developed throughout the course.

This course is a study of economics on a global scale. Students will examine the economic problems and institutions of the nation and world in which they live. Students will learn how to make reasoned decisions on economic issues as citizens, workers, consumers, business owners and managers, and members of civic groups. Fundamental Economic Concepts, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and the study of comparative economic systems operational in the world today will be covered. Measurement concepts and methods will be developed as well.

This course examines the theory and practice of the United States Constitution, with application to the operation of the national and local governments today, including the role and ideologies of political parties, the process of voting and elections, the role of each of the three branches of government, as well as the influence of PAC’s, interest groups and the media. An emphasis is also placed on current events as they shape American society, economics and politics.

This course for academically talented freshmen combines the study of physical and cultural environments with the hands-on work of representing nations at Model United Nations conferences. Here the student will develop an understanding of current world problems and the research, speaking, writing and thinking skills needed to represent a nation effectively in interscholastic competitions. 

Cultural Geography MUN Honors counts as an Elective towards Mater Dei High School Graduation. It counts as a Social Science course for UC/CSU A-G and NCAA Eligibility.

(1)  For Students currently enrolled in Cultural Geography/MUN Honors:

1. An “A” or “B” in Cultural Geography/MUN Honors
2. An “A” for the first semester of college-prep freshman English (or “B” or better in Honors English 1)

(2)  For students NOT currently enrolled in Cultural Geography/MUN Honors:

3. Minimum overall GPA of 3.60
4. An “A” for the first semester of college-prep freshman English (or “B” or better in Honors English 1)

This class is for academically talented sophomores with an interest in diplomacy, international relations, and current world issues. Students will examine the political, social, economic, intellectual, and cultural developments of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, beginning with Absolutism and culminating with the Global War on Terror. Students will develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to their historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts. In order to serve as delegates of their assigned countries at required Model United Nations conferences, students will read extensively beyond the textbook and will engage in frequent in-depth investigations to find, organize, analyze, synthesize, and present their work at these local conferences.

1. Students who earned at least a “B” for both semesters of Honors World History/ MUN Honors and a cumulative GPA of 3.6 are automatically qualified to enroll in Honors United States History/MUN
2. Students enrolled in College -Prep World History must meet the following requirements: Cumulative GPA of 3.6.
1. An “A” in both semesters of World History
2. An “A” in both semesters of English II OR a ”B” or better of both semesters of Honors English.

Honors United States History/Model United Nations: This class is for juniors with an interest in diplomacy, international relations, and current world issues. Students will examine the political, social, economic, intellectual, and cultural developments of the United States of America beginning with a review of the Civil War and Reconstruction, an emphasis on twentieth century events, culminating with the twenty-first century and the War on Terror. In order to serve as delegates of their assigned countries at required Model United Nations conferences, students will develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to their historical, geographic, political, economic, and cultural contexts by reading extensively beyond the textbook and engaging in frequent in-depth investigations to find, organize, synthesize, and present their work at these local conferences. Geographic concepts and skills are developed throughout the course.

(1) Students enrolled in College-Prep English I (Literary Forms & Composition) or Honors English I must meet the following requirements:

1. Cumulative GPA of 3.6 
2. An “A” in both semesters of College-Prep English I (OR a “B” or better in both semesters of Honors English I.) 
3. Passage of the AP Qualifying exam in the spring with a minimum score of 70% on both sections of the exam.

This course begins with an overview of the Middle Ages, then continues with an in-depth study of events ranging from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance through the post-Cold War Era and the unification of modern Europe. This course is a preparation for the national Advanced Placement Examination in European History, and all students are required to take this examination. Parents and students are required to sign a contract specifying the student’s obligations in this class. The expenses involved in this course include the purchase of a text, a workbook, and a materials fee (approx. $150), as well as an AP Test fee. NOTE: Students must maintain a “B” in both semesters and a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.6 in order to be eligible for AP American History the following year.

(1)  Students who have at least a “B” in both semesters of AP European History and a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.6 are automatically qualified to enroll in AP United States History.

(2)  Students enrolled in College-Prep World History or Honors World History MUN must meet the following requirements:

3. Cumulative GPA of 3.6.  
4. An “A” in both semesters of World History/Honors World History MUN. 
5. An “A” in both semesters of English II (OR a “B” or better in both semesters of Honors English II.)
6. Passage of the AP Qualifying Exam in the with a minimum score of 70% on both sections of the exam.

This course begins with an overview of New World exploration and continues with an in-depth study of events ranging from the Colonial Era through to the post-Cold War Era, including the fall of Communism and the Gulf War. This course is a preparation for the national Advanced Placement Examination in American History, and all students are required to take this examination. Parents and students are required to sign a contract specifying the student’s obligations in this class. The expenses involved in this course include the purchase of a text, a workbook, and a materials fee (approx. $160), as well as an AP Test Fee. NOTE: Students must maintain a “B” in both semesters and a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.6 in order to be eligible for AP Government the following year.

(1) Students who have at least a “B” in both semesters of AP United States History and a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.6 are automatically qualified to enroll in AP Government. 

(2) Students enrolled in College-Prep US History must meet the following requirements: 

3. Cumulative GPA of 3.6.
4. An “A” in both semesters of US History. 
5. An “A” in both semesters of English III or a “B” or better in both semesters of Honors English III. 

This course examines the theory and practice of the United States Constitution, with application to the operation of the national government today. Students will examine the sources of political power/authority, the relationships between state, society and citizens as well as political institutions and frameworks. This course is a preparation for the national Advanced Placement Examination in American Government and all students are required to take this examination. Parents and students are required to sign a contract specifying the student’s obligations in this class. The expenses involved in this course include the purchase of a text, a workbook, a monograph, and a materials fee (approx. $150), as well as an AP Test Fee. Your required third year of Social Studies is fulfilled with this course.

(1) Students who have at least a “B” in both semesters of AP United States History are automatically qualified to enroll in AP Macroeconomics.  

(2) Students enrolled in College-Prep US History must meet the following requirements:

3. Cumulative GPA of 3.6
4. An “A” in both semesters of US History.

This college level course will prepare the student to take the AP Macroeconomics examination, offered in the month of May. Following an introduction to the basic elements of economics, students will then study microeconomics, including market theory. The students will then study macroeconomics, which includes the study of national economic performance, the analysis of national income, price determination, and many other macroeconomic models. Lastly, the students will investigate international economics and developmental economics so that they will have an awareness of the internationalism of economics and be able to have a better understanding of the global economy.  Your required third year of Social Studies is fulfilled with this course. An AP Exam Fee applies.