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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 time though the present day. Considerable emphasis is placed upon recognition of cultural, religious, economic and political interaction and change. Among the course requirements are two short papers, a group presentation and an individual presentation.
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 trough the study of geography, people, societal structure, institutions, and events. Students will also develop disciplined reading, note-taking, and writing skills. Several papers, projects, and presentations will be required throughout the year. All students will complete a History Day project.
Junior Requirement Options
United States History
This course surveys the development of the United States, from the first Americans and European exploration, through the 1990’s. Political, cultural and social history will be explored, with a strong emphasis on the 20th century, including the Civil Rights Movement, Holocaust history and immigration. Students will explore primary sources, including documents, diaries, and photographs to discover just what it means to be an American.
Honors United States History
This course provides a balanced, thorough survey of American history from the first Americans and the Era of Colonization, through the 1980’s. 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 in preparation for the Spring Advanced Placement Examination in United States History. This course requires and instills tremendous reading and writing skills and discipline. Among the course requirements are a group presentation, a major research paper and an individual presentation.
Senior Requirement Options
Senior Social Studies
One semester of government and one semester of economics make up this senior level course. Students will study the theory of democratic government, political parties, the Constitution, as well as Federalism and political process. The fundamentals of economics are studied during the second semester. Concepts such as scarcity, opportunity cost, and supply and demand will be studied.
Honors Senior Social Studies
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 United States republican form of government. They will also investigate the impact of public opinion, participation, and political parties on 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. Among the requirements for this course are independent reading assignments, and a major research paper.
Full Year Elective Courses
World Cultures
Open to all students (grade 9-12)
This geography class examines countries in Africa, Asia, South America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.Students will explore physical characteristics, cultural aspects, and current events. The five themes of geography will be the tools used to analyze an area to answer the where, why, and how questions that constitute geography. This course will include hands-on projects, class presentations and several field trips.
Semester Elective Courses
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
This course examines the role of the United States in recent events. In particular, the course seeks to explain this country’s political, social and military responses to recent events. Included are the Vietnam and Gulf wars; revolution; terrorism; and geostrategic issues such as the collapse of the Soviet Union; the powder keg that is the Middle East; and relations with China. The influence of the media, technology, and other influences upon the making of foreign policy will also be examined. Among the requirements of this course are participation in several panel discussions, an individual position speech, and two short papers.
20th Century Human Behavior
Open to juniors and seniors
Within the historical context of the Holocaust and other 20th Century genocides, including Armenia, Rwanda, Cambodia, and Bosnia, students will examine human reaction to crisis. The psychological and cultural basis of racism and discrimination, bystander responsibilities, and social justice will be dominant themes.Course requirements include research, class presentations, participation in class discussion, and several short papers.
Social Studies Faculty
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Faculty |
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Judy Bartel (at Hill-Murray since 1993) received her B.A. in Anthropology and History from Macalester College, followed by her M.A.Ed from Hamline University. Judy currently teaches Psychology, Human Behavior, and eighth grade Social Studies. She is the organizer and leader of the Experience History trips and the annual middle school trip to Washington D.C. In addition, Judy is the author of Lost Words: The Holocaust, and the Regional Educational Coordinator for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Judy is the National Honor Society advisor as well.
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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 Honors American History, Government, Honors Economics, and Global Conflicts. Shane is a member of the School Improvement Plan steering committee, the senior class advisor, and a member of the Curriculum Task Force. |
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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John Cleaveland (at Hill-Murray
since 2008) received his B.A. in History and Social Science from the U of
MN-Morris. John currently teaches Honors World History and Government and
Economics. In addition to being the National Honor Society advisor, he is the JV
Football Defensive Coordinator, a Varsity Assistant Football Coach and a coach
in the Boys Basketball program.
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