Social Studies Department


Social Studies Faculty Information

Bringing the world a little closer to home.

The goal of the Hill-Murray Social Studies Department is to help students understand how both historical and current events affect their lives and the world culture in which we all live.

The Social Studies Curriculum

Middle School Requirements

Seventh graders will be introduced to basic social studies skills, including multi-cultural studies, geography, civics and economics.  These skills will be taught within the American history timeline of European exploration through the Era of Reconstruction.  Eighth graders will continue their historical journey into the 20th century.  Students will develop critical thinking skills and will apply them to such issues as the Holocaust, the Vietnam War, and the Civil Rights Movement.

Sophomore Requirement Course Options

World History

This course is a survey of major civilizations from the earliest times through the present day. Considerable emphasis is placed upon recognition of cultural, religious, economic and political interaction and change. Course requirements include short papers, presentations and a research project.

Honors World History

This course is a survey of major civilizations from the earliest times through the present day. Utilizing an advanced text, students will discern social, religious, political, and economic trends through the study of geography, people, societal structure, institutions, and events. Students will also develop disciplined reading, note taking and writing skills. Several papers and presentations will be required throughout the year as well as a major individual research project.

Junior Requirement Options

United States History

This course surveys the development of the United States from the beginning of the American Revolution to the present time. Historical events will be examined within a political, cultural, economic and social framework. Students will explore primary and secondary sources to discover the United States’ past and how it relates to the present. Students will gain the knowledge to become more active participants in the affairs of their country.

AP/Honors US History

This course offers a thorough survey of United States history from Pre-Colonial Era to the end of the Cold War. Using an advanced text supplemented with considerable outside reading, students develop a working knowledge of major patterns in American political, religious, social and economic development. Within the class, there is a strong emphasis on study and reading skills including note-taking strategies, reading comprehension, and writing skills for use in the social studies. There is also an emphasis on preparing for the Advanced Placement United States History Exam.

Senior Requirement Options

Government and Economics

This senior-level course is composed of one semester of government and one semester of economics. In the first semester students will study political theory focusing on the American republican form of government. The class will include a survey of government institutions, processes and policies, and specific emphasis will be placed on the Constitution and the three branches of government. The second semester will introduce students to the fundamental principles of micro- economics and macroeconomics. Students will study the operations of the free market, the roles of business and labor, and the financial markets. Students will examine the national economy and the impact of government policies on it.

Honors Government and Economics

This senior-level honors course is composed of one semester of government and one semester of economics. Students will examine the philosophical foundations of the U.S. republican form of government. They will also investigate the impact of public opinion, participation, and political parties on the policy-making process and will demonstrate their comprehension of this knowledge by writing a research paper on a particular public policy. Honors economics consists of a thorough analysis of the free enterprise system as well as a critique of the impact of economic decisions on social justice.

Semester Elective Courses

World Geography
Open to freshmen-seniors

This course is an introduction to geography and the study of people, places, and environment from a physical and cultural perspective. Spatial and environmental views of the world will be used to examine the influence that geography has had on the past and the present with special attention being paid to major cultural and economic centers, political units, and important physical features. This course includes hands-on activities, environmental labs, group work, and class participation.

History of the Universe
Open to freshmen-seniors

In this course students will take a historical and geographical look at the creation of the universe, our solar system and the earth. Students will learn how the universe has been studied from ancient times to NASA, including the history of the telescope, maps, calendar, G.P.S., satellites, and space shuttles. The students will take a look at the historical effects of the changing study of the universe and how it has affected mankind. Students will learn the composition and geography of each planet in our solar system as well as the Moon, Sun, and other celestial objects. This course will also take an in- depth look at the physical geography of the earth, including but not limited to, the atmosphere, climate, and formation of landscapes. Students will also study the history of NASA, including man’s future in space exploration and settlement.

Psychology
Open to juniors and seniors

This course is an introduction to psychology.Students will be provided with a greater understanding of human behavior, especially their own.  Topics include human development, gender differences, sensation and perception, adolescent behavior, stress and conflict, and states of consciousness.

Global Conflicts
Open to juniors and seniors

Global Conflicts is a one-semester elective course that will survey global conflicts in which the United States has played a role since the end of World War I. The class will seek to provide students with an understanding of current international conflicts by better understanding the historical, military, and political-economic context of the key actors and issues. Stu- dents should expect to not only broaden their knowledge base of historical and current conflicts, but also their ability to think critically about decision-making, conflict, and conflict resolution.

Human Behavior
Open to juniors and seniors

This one-semester Social Psychology course studies the powerful influences of social situations on the behavior of individuals and the significant role of individuals in choosing and creating the social situations that influence them. Topics will include conformity, obedience, group influence, aggression, fear, attraction, prejudice, altruism, personality theories, the general principles of learning, emotion and motivation, and the power of forgiveness. Theory will be applied to the 20th century historical events; including the rise of cults and hate groups in the United States, violent crimes, Adolf Hitler, the Holocaust and the genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda and Darfur.

Social Studies Faculty

Faculty	Bio
	Judy Bartel (at Hill-Murray since 1993) received her B.A. in Anthropology and History from Macalester College and her M.A.Ed from Hamline University.  She currently teaches eighth grade Psychology, Human Behavior and Geography. Judy is also the Regional Education Coordinator for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and received the Fox 9 News Top Teacher Award in 2010.
	Shane Rose (at Hill-Murray since 1998) Shane Rose (at Hill-Murray since 1998) received his B.A. in teaching Social Studies with an emphasis in Political Science and History from the U of MN-Duluth. Shane currently teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History, Government, Honors Economics, and Global Conflicts. Shane is a member of the Steering Committee for School Improvement, a member of the Curriculum Redesign Team, co-advisor for Amnesty International, and was selected as the 2011 Minnesota Council for the Social Studies High School Teacher of the Year.
	Renae Elert (at Hill-Murray since 1996) received her B.S. in Education and French from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, a broad field Social Studies degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and currently is enrolled in the M.A. in History program at St. Cloud State University. Renae currently teaches World History and World Cultures. She is the Speech Coach and a consultant for ABC-CLIO (a Social Studies publication company) in history and geography.
	Marty Mudek (at Hill-Murray since 2005) received his B.A. in History and Social Studies and his M.A. in Instruction from St. Mary’s University. Marty teaches seventh grade Social Studies and World History and is a coach in the boys’ basketball program.
	Don Blake (at Hill-Murray since 1999) received his B.S. in Social Sciences and History from the University of Minnesota, followed by his M.A. in Administration from the University of St. Thomas. Don currently teaches American History. He is a member of the Student Assistance Team.
	Mary Eileen Fitch (at Hill-Murray since 2001) received her B.A. in Philosophy and Political Science from St. Norbert College, followed by her M.A. in Instruction from St. Mary’s University. Mary Eileen currently teaches American History, Government, Economics and Honors Government. She is the Department Chair.