Jefferson Township High School Social Studies Department

Mr. Gregory J. Currie - Department Supervisor
973-697-3535 x5814

Mrs. Marci Austin -  Sociology CP

Mr. Chris Eastman - US History 1, US History 2 CP

Ms. Kasey Farris - US History H; US History AP; US History CP

Ms. Ferguson - US History 2 CP; US History 1 CP

Mr. Brian Hough - World Geography; US History 1 CP

Mr. Michael Kalavik - World History H; World History CP

Mr. Edward Levens - World History CP, US History 2

Mr. Matt Levine - US History 1 CP; US History 2 H

Mr. Mark Schwarz - US History 1, Mass Media/Current Issues CP

Mr. Harry Shortway - US History 1, World History CP

Mission Statement:

The Social Studies Department seek to enlighten the students of Jefferson Township High School to the importance of both their civic and humanitarian duties to the community at large. We pride ourselves in helping to develop young men and women into responsible Americans with a desire to help the common good. The course of study offered at JTHS reflects a well-rounded Social Studies curriculum needed to ensure the students will be able to function with in the global community.

Course Descriptions:

 World Geography - Grade 9

The World Geography course at Jefferson Township High School is a required social studies course for all ninth grade non-academic students. Both physical and cultural geography will be emphasized in this course. Special attention will be placed on the interrelationship between man and his environment, as well as the five themes of geography (location, place, relationships within places, movement and regions). An emphasis on different cultures and their relationships to each other will afford the students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the reasons for these differences, why they are important and how they affect their individual interactions. The concepts of diversity and interrelationships, both physical and cultural, are emphasized.

 United States History  - Grade 10

United States History IR traces the development of the American way of life from its colonial beginnings through Reconstruction (1877). Students study the development of the Untied States politically, economically, socially, culturally and militarily. A strong emphasis is placed on the study of various ethnic groups and their contributions to the growth of the nation. Students understand the changing geography of the nation as it grew. Past and present events will be linked by studying current issues and events.

 United States History I CP

The content of U.S. History IA is based on a study of American History from the Colonial Period through post-Civil War Reconstruction. Teaching the unique American experience will focus not only upon major political events, but the contributions of individuals who encompass the kaleidoscope of the American population. Realizing the importance of relevancy, an effort is made to stress the lineage of our history to present-day political, social and economic situations. Throughout American history, it is clear that our unique location, topography, climate and resources have played a major role. Emphasis is placed upon the effect of the environment on history. To truly understand our history, a student must be given the opportunity to think critically and creatively and research and express opinion in writing. Each student is required to prepare an original research paper and express themselves personally through essays.

 United States History I Honors - Grade 10

The purpose of the United States Honors History Program is to present an enlightening and challenging study of our nation's past. The students are expected to acquire and apply a vast amount of information beginning with colonial times and concluding with the Reconstruction Period in 1877. Emphasis is placed upon analytical thought and extensive use of communication skills to express and implement the acquired knowledge, all leading toward the basic goal of making a positive contribution to our democratic society.

 United States History II  - Grade 11

The U.S. History II Regular course focuses on a study of our nation's history from the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1870 through to the present. It emphasizes the political, economic and social development of our country during this period as well as the challenges and changes in foreign affairs.

 United States History II CP - Grade 11

This course encompasses the history of the United States from the end of Reconstruction (1877) to the present. Key political, economic, social and cultural developments are studied and analyzed. Throughout the course, emphasis will be placed on the influence of geography, the role of women and minorities, the relationship of past to present and the development of critical thinking skills. A unit on New Jersey history is taught. Relevant current events, issues and career opportunities are an important facet of the program of studies.

 United States History II Honors - Grade 11

The content of the United States History II Honors course covers the period from the Industrial Revolution to the present. The development of the United States politically, economically, socially, culturally and militarily will be studied. Infused into the curriculum will be the study of minority group contributions to the U.S., geography and New Jersey history. The ongoing study of current events will help students relate the past to the present.

 United States History Advanced Placement - Grade 12

The course will be a comprehensive treatment of all major aspects of the history of the United States and its people. The emphasis will be on the political, constitutional, diplomatic, and military history, but also economic, social and cultural topics. A special effort has been made to incorporate material in the experience of native American Indians, blacks, women, immigrants and all social classes. Infused into the curriculum will be geography, New Jersey, the family, and current events.

 Sociology - Grade 12

The sociology course at Jefferson Township High School is an elective course for 12th grade academic students which encompasses the study of social life and social organization. The year long course emphasizes an introduction to sociology and its concepts as well as the research process. A marriage simulation is an exercise in practical application of acquired information. The course will deal with many topics which are important to students in their daily life. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between individual and society. It is hoped that through this course students will gain a better understanding of the world in which they live.

 Current Issues/ Mass Media - Grade 12

Current Issues/Mass Media at Jefferson Township High School is an elective course for twelfth grade academic students which introduces the issues and problems faced by Americans in today's society. Because of the uniqueness of the ever changing curriculum, the topics that are taught vary from one school year to the next within the paradigm of problems facing American society. The second half of the year is devoted to the methodology of the media as a tool of public persuasion. Students are expected to become active in the investigation of the problems facing the community and the nation throughout the school year.

Department Information

 Term Paper Info: Please check the link below to the MLA page to learn more about proper, up-to-date bibliographical information

 Honors Testing: The Honors/AP test will be given in March to those students who meet the minimum qualifications. Please see your Social Studies teacher for more info

Be sure to checkout these web pages as recommended by the JTHS Social Studies faculty.

www.newdeal.feri.org

www.njhistorypartnership.org

www.nara.org.

 memory.loc.gov

www.TheHistoryNet.com

www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/PCL/Map_collection/histus.html

www.besthistorysites.net/index.shtml

www.cnn.com

www.census.gov