Welcome to the Social Studies Department Home Page!

The Social Studies department has a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary approach to social and historical education, preparing our students for the challenges they will face in high school, college and beyond. We prepare our students for the NYS Regents Exams in Social Studies through rigorous academic coursework which includes in-class debate and discussion, analysis of primary source documents, presentations, research papers and the usage of multimedia. While it is essential that our students excel in their Regents examinations it is equally important to us that they develop a broad worldview and a sense of tolerance of other cultures. Additionally it is expected that our students hone their critical thinking skills in order to make informed and socially responsible decisions as they continue with their education and begin their careers.

We include the study of architecture from a historical and social perspective in all Social Studies courses here at the Williamsburg High School for Architecture and Design. By doing so we ensure that our students are constantly being enriched and educated in historic preservation, architecture and engineering. The study of historic preservation and architecture can be incorporated into our social studies curriculum in many unique and interesting ways, and many of our staff members are well-versed in the field of the study of architecture from a historical perspective.

Included below is some brief information about the various social studies courses all students must take at our school.

9th Grade (Freshman Year): Global Studies and Geography I and II. By the end of 9th grade the students will have covered material ranging from pre-historical times to the Scientific Revolution.

10th Grade (Sophomore Year): Global Studies and Geography III and IV. This course begins with the Renaissance and concludes with modern-day global issues. Students take a NYS Regents Exam covering Global I, II, III and IV.

11th Grade (Junior Year): U.S. History I and II. This course begins with early Native American civilization and concludes with current issues facing the United States. Students take a NYS Regents Exam covering U.S. History I and II.

12th Grade (Senior Year): U.S. Government and Economics. Each course is completed in one semester.

If there are any questions feel free to contact any teacher in the social studies department via e-mail.
More to come soon, including staff pictures!