Social Studies
Materials
Our Mission
The mission of the Neuqua Valley Social Studies Department is to prepare students to become competent and caring citizens who will actively and critically think, participate and communicate.
Course Progression
Freshman Year
- World Geography World History (Honors)
- AP World History
- AP Human Geography
Sophmore Year
- American Society Block
- American Studies
- U.S. History
Junior Year
- American Society Block
- American Studies
- U.S. History
- U.S. History Online
- AP U.S. History
- American Government
Senior Year
- American Government AP Government and Politics (11-12)
Electives
- AP World History (9-12)
- AP Human Geography (9-12)
- AP European History (10-12)
- Military History (10-12)
- U.S. Geography (10-12)
- Sociology (11-12)
- Psychology (11-12)
- AP Psychology (11-12)
- AP US History (11-12)
- Adventure Studies (11-12) – not always offered
Graduation Requirements
Students must take two and a half years of Social Studies for graduation. Freshmen take yearlong courses. During Sophomore or Junior year, students must take a year of U.S. History, American Studies, American Society Block or A.P. U.S. History. Seniors must take a semester of American Government. Most four-year colleges in the state of Illinois require that a student take at least three years of social studies coursework. Students may take A.P. European History as an elective starting with their sophomore year. All other electives are available Junior or Senior year.
The Curriculum
The Social Studies curriculum is set up to provide students with a solid background in the Social Studies while addressing the need to improve student skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, researching, listening, speaking and participating. Resources We offer many opportunities and resources for students to receive help and guidance with specific assignments and general skills. Teachers are available before and after school on an appointment basis. The Reading and Writing Center is a fully staffed literary center, serving students on a drop-in basis and by appointment during the school day. The center is located just off the Commons in room D145.
Extracurricular Opportunities
There are a wide variety of clubs and organizations that provide opportunities for students to develop their citizenship skills. Social Studies teachers sponsor two extracurricular organizations (Youth and Government and Model United Nations) that help students to develop their specific law and political interests. Aspiring lawyers, government officials and diplomats will get an opportunity to write bills, argue court cases, and participate in mock state and international governments.