Fast Facts about the Notre Dame Social Studies Department

• Our graduation requirement is three and a half years of social studies 
• Freshmen can start the Social Studies program at the honors level 
• 40% of Freshmen have been invited to join the Global Studies Honors course
• In order to qualify for Honors Global Studies course incoming freshmen need to have:
  • scored in the 85th  percentile (or above) on the High School Placement Test and 
  • a 10th grade reading level (or above) on the HSPT

• Course offerings in the Honors/AP program include: Global Studies Honors, World History AP, United States AP, Government AP and Psychology AP.
• Our elective program is open at the senior level. Course offered are as follows; Economies, Conflict in the Modern World, Contemporary Social Issues and Advanced Placement Psychology.
• Students create blogs, podcasts and multimedia presentations.
• Students graduate with strong writing, reading, critical thinking, study skills which prepare them for the college academic rigor.
• We extend our learning outside of the classroom with the following:
  • Field trips - The social studies classes have visited the Tech Museum, MACLA and local art museums (ICA and SJ Museum of Art), Martin Luther King Library and City Hall

Education for Justice and Leadership 
Students engage in the material in the Social Studies classroom through not only an academic lens, but with consideration for ethical and social justice issues.  This integration occurs continually through all the SS courses as well as through the Facing History and Ourselves and Race and Membership Programs at the 9th-12th grade levels.

• Personal Responsibility - Social Studies students examine historical and contemporary issues at the local, national and global level.  They identify the root causes of problems and analyze the impact on national and international level.  The students also recognize the power of the individual in addressing these issues.  
• Solidarity - Besides having an academic understanding of issues, the classes seek to foster a sense of solidarity with their local, national and global community.  
• Stewardship - Social Studies students consider their relationship between the natural environment and human actions when viewed through the lens of conflict, globalization and genocide.
• Advocacy - Juniors and seniors are encouraged to find their own voice in the civic community.  As they explore the political process and gain understanding of the institutions of government, they also participate in grassroots activism, community service, mock elections, and letter writing to government officials.