The Social Studies Department combines the study of world history, world geography, and American history and geography with the intellectual, intuitional, political, socio-economic, artistic, and cultural development of the human race from antiquity to the information age.

The department’s curriculum is designed to reflect the diversity and multicultural dynamics of human history and culture by providing a contextual approach to the events, ideas, experiences, and significant institutions that shape human history. Selected topics ranging from the rise and fall of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome to American Slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and the Persian Gulf War are studied in the context of the cultural forces that shape significant historical events. In addition, special emphasis is given to the role of the US government in world events and the history of the District of Columbia as the setting for key historical events.

Objectives

The Social Studies curriculum is designed to provide the students with a body of knowledge about the economic, political, and cultural dynamics of human society. The natural integration of the arts and history is strongly emphasized throughout this department. The courses, academic enrichment programs, and extra-curricular activities within the department provide the students with the skills and experiences that will assist them in becoming analytical thinkers, communicators, and global citizens.

To assist our faculty members in meeting the department’s objectives, we have developed partnerships with various universities, cultural foundations, law firms, and civic organizations. These partnerships provide the students with an additional wealth of expertise and professionalism. Such partnerships also give our students the opportunity to stimulate and advance their knowledge of the world around them through discussions and experiences outside the actual classroom.

Listed below are several major partnerships that we will continue to develop with a view towards creating sustainable programs and opportunities for our students.

1. Georgetown University/Dickstein, Shapiro, Morin & Oshinsky (DSMO) Street Law Course

   This course is taught by a Georgetown University law student and at least three practicing lawyers from DSMO.
   
   

2. American University—Constitutional Law

   This course is taught by two law students from American University Law Center. The students are eligible to participate in the annual William H. Karchmer Creative Arts Competition. This competition is sponsored by the Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project.
   
   

3. George Washington University—Student Voices Civics Program

   This program is incorporated in a US government course at Ellington. It is designed to enhance students’ knowledge and awareness of their civic responsibilities.
   
   

4. Johns Hopkins University (School of Advanced International Studies)—Model United Nations Team/Student Outreach Crisis Simulation

   Graduate students from Johns Hopkins University work with a small but intense group of ninth and tenth graders interested in world affairs. In the past, our team members represented Japan, Turkey, and the Philippines at the Model UN conference.
   
   

5. Dickstein, Shapiro, Morin & Oshinsky—The Roundtable Discussion Sessions

   Since 2002, a dedicated group of lawyers from this law firm have facilitated the lunchtime Roundtable Discussion Session with a core group of juniors and seniors. The students and lawyers discuss and debate current national and international issues. The firm also offers paid summer internships for graduating Ellington seniors.
   
   

6. Close-Up Foundation

   The Social Studies Department continues its involvement in the Close-Up civics/government program. Several Close-Up participants now work as a team on community service action initiatives.
   
   

7. The Ralph Bunche International Program

   Several Ellington students participated in the 2003 Ralph Bunche International Summer Program. In 2004, one Ellington student participated in the Arab-Israeli Friendship Program while another received a paid summer internship with the US State Department.
   
   

8. The Washington Post

   The Social Studies Department receives about 100 copies of The Washington Post daily throughout the school year. This media source is an invaluable teaching tool and a great resource for students. In addition, students may receive community service hours for the management and delivery of the newspapers.

Goals

• Provide experiences for students to strengthen analytical, writing, listening and presentation skills.
• Provide experiences for students to work toward becoming lifelong learners and participatory citizens in a global environment.
• Provide opportunities for students to explore and discover topics using library media services, technology, primary sources, museums, and monuments.
• Provide opportunities for students to integrate social science skills and knowledge with their art form.

SOCIAL STUDIES SEQUENCE OF COURSES

* ½ credit courses.
Electives: Street Law, Constitutional Law

SYLLABI

AP US History, Melbrough

Constitutional Law, Heather/Elizabeth

History & Government, Chandler

Principles of US Government, Chandler

US History, Melbrough

World Georgraphy, Bruford

World History & Geography I, Chamberlain

World History & Geography I, Moore

World History & Geography II, Bruford

World History & Geography II, Chamberlain