Social Sciences

Social Science Department Philosophy

Loyola High School and the Social Science Department facilitate student analysis and understanding of social issues in historical context. We guide students to understand the scientific and interpretive methods for human behavior in societies. Our purpose is to have young men who understand the Jesuit value of empathy for others while seeking justice and becoming model citizens with a sense of civic duty.

Social Science Graduation Requirements (6 semesters starting sophomore year)

Students are required to complete at least six semesters of social sciences beginning sophomore year. Sophomores must take a full-year World History or AP World History.  Juniors must take a full-year course in United States History. Seniors must take two electives (one each semester), or a year-long course offerings from among the various social science electives.

Faculty

Social Science Department

Courses

World History

Department: Social Sciences
Open to: Sophomores
Length: 2 Semesters

Students will study the fundamental cultures and events that have been particularly significant in the development of major civilizations from the first millennium on. The first semester will emphasize European Feudalism, the development of Islamic Empires, the dynastic traditions of China, Imperial Japan, and Native American societies. In the second semester, students concentrate on a thematic study of global history, highlighting the process of developing global economic systems, imperialism, industrialization, revolutions in politics, modern warfare, and 20th century society.

AP World History

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Paige Burkholder, Jesse Carbajal, James Zucker '91
Open to: Sophomores
Length: 2 Semesters

AP World History is an advanced level course for sophomores. The class will cover various themes in history dating from antiquity to current global realities of the 21st century. The course emphasizes the political, economic, social, cultural, geographical, and technological principles that have contributed to the development of human civilizations around the world. Apart from knowing the basic chronology of events, students should form a strong relationship with the underlying themes of World History as well as an ability to analyze historical documents (both primary and secondary) and communicate a sophisticated knowledge in both written and oral expression. College Credit may be available to students who score 3 or better on the AP exam in May.

United States History

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Levi Line, Eduardo Diaz
Open to: Juniors
Length: 2 Semesters

United States history is a one-year course designed to introduce the student to the fundamental themes of American civilization from pre-Columbian times through today. major topics include pre- Columbian North American Cultures, Colonization, the American Revolution, the framing of the Constitution, the Early National Period, Westward Expansion, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization, Imperialism, Progressivism, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, the 1960’s and 1970’s.

AP US History

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: James Zucker '91, Christopher Perkins '07, Thomas Goepel
Open to: Juniors
Length: 2 Semesters

This accelerated two- semester class for Juniors explores the same themes, problems, and issues that are examined in the college prep survey course in American history. This course, however, will go into greater depth, place a stronger emphasis on primary source documents and expert historians’ writings. No formal textbook will be included. Students will make extensive use of American history websites. The homework load will be more challenging and the regular writing assignments will emphasize persuasive argument.

African-American Studies

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Jamal Adams '90
Open to: Seniors
Length: 1 Semester

This course will trace the African’s story from 3200 B.C. in their homeland, through present day America. Major emphasis will be given to slavery, the transition from slavery, and the assimilation of African Americans in modern day America. Students will be expected to fashion their own understanding and interpretation of African Americans from a variety of sources of information.

AP Art History

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Thomas Goepel
Open to: Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

This accelerated course is designed for Seniors interested in studying Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, and Photography. The two-semester course will encompass works from the cave art of pre-history through the contemporary art scene. Although major emphasis will be given to the Western tradition, the class will also focus on Art beyond the Western tradition (Africa, Asia, Latin America). There is no textbook. Power points and websites will instead be extensively used.

AP European History

Department: Social Sciences
Open to: Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

Advanced Placement European History is a college level course offered to students in their senior year. The goal of the course is for students to understand and explain the key events in European history from 1450 to the present. Apart from knowing the basic chronology of events, students should form a strong relationship with the underlying themes of Modern European History as well as an ability to analyze historical documents (both primary and secondary) and communicate a sophisticated knowledge of this history in both written and oral expression. College Credit may be available to students who score 3 or better on the AP exam in May.

AP Human Geography

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Christopher Perkins '07
Open to: Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

AP Human Geography is a yearlong course open to Loyola seniors. This class focuses on how the world’s populations interact with, utilize, and impact the earth’s resources, physical space, and diverse peoples. Topics include population growth, economic development, urbanization, resource allocation, land use, and geopolitics, and will build upon the related content learned in the freshman Human Geography course. Students also become well-versed in the vocabulary, methods, and tools geographers use in their science and practice. This senior course is an optional college-level course for students looking to challenge themselves in the senior year. In preparation for future courses at the college level, students are expected to develop an in depth understanding of the globe and its regions, an ability to interpret and apply maps and other spatial data, and critical thinking skills related to the economic, political, and cultural phenomena around the world. This course also strongly emphasizes college-level critical thinking skills focusing on independent analysis and writing. Much of the coursework will be centered on applying content knowledge and skills through a variety of independent and small group application activities and real-life scenarios.

AP Economics

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Brian Held '93
Open to: Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

This course will prepare student for both the AP Microeconomics and the AP Macroeconomics exams. The purpose of these courses as published by the College Board is: The purpose of the AP course in Microeconomics is to give the students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equality in the economy.

The purpose of the AP course in Macroeconomics is to give the students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a course places a particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination, and also develops student’s familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics.

AP Psychology

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Michael Porterfield '73
Open to: Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

This course is designed to introduce the students to the systemic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. Students also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

AP US Government

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Paige Burkholder
Open to: Seniors
Length: 2 Semesters

This course begins with a review of the basic types of principles of governments through history. It examines the needs, purposes and functions of various governments and political philosophies. The course will focus mainly upon an analysis of the fundamentals of American government: a review of the three branches of the federal government, analysis of federalism, and an analysis of the changing relationship of the federal government and the states in recent American history.

Economics

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Jamal Adams '90
Open to: Seniors
Length: 1 Semester

This course introduces the students to the study of various economic philosophies and systems. Attention is devoted to the study of goods and services, the consumer, labor, public finance and the role of government, money credit and banking, and the United States and the world economy.

General Psychology

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Michael Porterfield '73
Open to: Seniors
Length: 1 Semester

This is an introductory course in psychology designed to acquaint the student to the definition, history and goals of this rapidly evolving field. The class presents an understandable, yet thorough and accurate, picture of the major findings, methods and applications of psychology. Topics covered include; learning theory, memory formation, hemispheric separateness, perception, motivation, emotions, altered states of consciousness, developmental theory, stress, personality theory and abnormal behavior, as well as the work of major psychologists. Psychology is shown as a rigorous and comprehensive science whose fundamental aspects apply to the individual and society.

History of Los Angeles

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Eduardo Diaz
Open to: Seniors
Length: 1 Semester

This course is a multidisciplinary, critical analysis of Los Angeles with a foundation in the history, culture, ethnicity, political environment, literature, art, architecture and film of and about Los Angeles. Special emphasis is given to the expanding role of Los Angeles as a global city that serves as a destination for diverse immigrant populations and a center of international commerce.

History of World War II

Department: Social Sciences
Teachers: Levi Line
Open to: Seniors
Length: 1 Semester

The History of World War II is a one semester senior elective that covers 1918 to the present, with an emphasis on 1939-1945. The course begins with the rise to power of the Italian Fascists, German Nazis and Japanese imperialists. Topics include the role of new military technology, social effects on civilians, impact of the war on the post-war Europe and Asia, and the development of the Cold War. Students examine primary documents from the era and focus on military strategies for the European and Pacific theaters including specific tactics and outcomes of battles. They also address domestic issues and the Jewish Holocaust.

Social Studies Teacher Aides

Teachers: James Zucker '91
Open to: Seniors
Length: 1 Semester

This course is designed to give seniors, interested and talented in Social Studies, an opportunity to aid freshmen, sophomore, and junior Social Studies teachers in their classes. Activities include leading group discussions, tutoring students, and assisting the teacher in correcting exams. Prerequisite: Students must have a 3.0 GPA in Social Studies, a willingness to accept the responsibility of reading assigned literature, preparing small group discussions, helping to correct homework and exams, planning course materials, and working in the classroom every day. Permission of the instructor and department chairperson is required.

Social Science Directed Study

Department: Social Sciences
Length: 1 Semester

This course is designed for serious and competent students who are interested in pursuing learning on their own. Students who apply for this course must detail in writing the nature of their study, which includes the topic, the objectives, the procedures, the readings and the assignments, and the method of evaluation for the course work. A selection of students will be made by the Social Studies Department (in April for the fall semester; in November for the spring semester), and the students will sign a Directed Study Contract Agreement assuming full responsibility for the completion of their projects and their activity during the program. Because of the great demands made by this program, each teacher will be allowed only one Directed Study student per semester. Prerequisite: permission and approval of the department chairperson and the Directed Studies instructor.