Social Studies

As teachers committed to preparing students for college, the Social Studies department strives to facilitate students in strengthening their critical thinking skills through a diverse curriculum based on 21st Century skills.

The goal of the social studies is not only to present the longterm effects of historical events, the importance of economic decisions, the development of our government and the varied perspectives of the country and world, but also to provide students with tools necessary in developing strong and ethical decision-making skills. Through a combination of self-guided projects, class presentations, in-depth reading assignments, and persuasive writing, students in the Social Studies will enhance their ability to develop alternatives, consider varied perspectives, and articulate their findings with supportive evidence.

In compliance with the rigor of the Ohio State Social Studies standards, social studies programs have a responsibility to prepare young people to better identify, understand, and work to solve the difficult questions our increasingly diverse and interdependent world faces today. We are committed to challenging each student’s heart and mind in the Holy Cross tradition with the goal of becoming a compassionate individual and a lifelong learner.

Internship Opportunities

History Majors

History Majors in Library Sciences and Special Collections

Akron-Summit County Public Library (Main Branch Downtown)

Archaeology

McCool Center

Museum Studies

FRESHMEN

WORLD CIVILIZATIONS

WORLD CIVILIZATIONS

World Civilization students will study the history, culture and geography of Central and South America, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Current issues will be a key component of the class. Students will develop important social studies skills such as historical research, analytical writing, and informational presentations in both digital and non-digital formats. Geography skills will also be developed. Students will gain a greater understanding of how the past helps us understand the world today through a wide variety of assessments and activities.

One Semesters (Grade 9 and 10) Credit ½ Unit Course No: 050102

WESTERN CIVILIZATIONS

Students will study the history, culture and geography of Europe from the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, through to the early 20th century, examining the many different eras of European history, and how they have impacted the world. Comparative analysis of current issues will also be a key component of the class. Students will develop important social studies skills such as historical research, geographical skills, analytical writing, and informational presentations in both digital and non-digital formats. Students will gain a greater understanding of how the past helps us understand the world today through a wide variety of assessments and activities.

One Semesters (Grade 10) Credit ½ Unit Course No: 050203

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

Advanced Placement European History examines the cultural, economic, political and social events that have been fundamental in shaping the Western world. Students study European history from the Renaissance to modern times, including European interaction with global events. The goals of the class are to assist the students (a) in developing an understanding of principle themes in modern European History, (b) in developing the cognitive abilities to analyze and interpret primary source materials and events, while (c) articulating their historical understanding through analysis of primary source documents and essay writing. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May. Prerequisite: Application required.

Two Semesters (Grades 10, 11 and 12) Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 050801

JUNIORS

UNITED STATES HISTORY

This course develops the student’s knowledge of the people and events that helped to shape the social, political, economic, and religious institutions in America. Students, through the process of analysis, will gain a better understanding of how history affects the decisions and decision-makers of today. A basic goal of this class is to make students aware of the importance of being active participants in our democratic society. Geography will be taught in conjunction with the concepts of Manifest Destiny, Imperialism and the emergence of the United States as a world power.

Two Semesters (Grade 11) Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 050301

AP UNITED STATES HISTORY

Advanced Placement United States History is designed to help students analyze America’s political, economic and social structures, and the people and policies that shaped the modern world. Students study American history from the Age of Exploration to the present. The course will take an in-depth view of America’s role in international affairs past and present. Students will study how the policy makers of today are shaping America’s future. Students will utilize and develop critical thinking skills, primary source analysis and essay writing skills. Students are encouraged to take the AP exam in May. Prerequisite: Completed application required.

Two Semesters (Grade 11) Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 050302

CCP UNITED STATES HISTORY

College Credit Plus United States History focuses on developing the student’s knowledge of the people and events that helped to shape the social, political, economic, and religious institutions in America. Through reading and analyzing primary source documents they will better understand how history affects the decisions and decision makers of today. Students develop primary source document analysis and analytical writing skills. A basic goal is for students to become aware of the importance of being active participants in our democratic society. Geography, in conjunction with the concepts of Manifest Destiny, Imperialism and the emergence of the United States as a world power will be taught. The first semester looks at Colonization to the end of the Civil War and is available for three college credits. The second semester focuses on the Era of Reconstruction to the Modern Era and is also available for three college credits per semester. Students have the opportunity to earn college credit through the College Credit Plus Program (CCP) at Mount Union University. To earn the CCP credit, students and parents must complete a sequence of application and approval steps through Mount Union University and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). The State of Ohio will cover the cost of the credits earned if the steps are completed within the timelines established by the university and ODE. CCP credits are automatically accepted by Ohio’s public universities, and are accepted by many other universities. Check transfer credit requirements with each university regarding their policies.

Two Semesters (Grade 11) Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 050307

SENIORS

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

The course explores the development of American government including an analysis of political theories and competing interests represented in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Students will analyze political behavior, governmental institutions, the rule of law, the role of compromise in group decision making and political, personal and civil rights.

One Semester (Grade 12) Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 050401

CCP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

College Credit Plus U. S. Government will provide students in-depth knowledge of the American political system. The course will explore the development of the American governmental system including a deep analysis of political theory and of special interest groups in the political scene stemming from the Albany Plan of Union of 1754 through the Declaration of Independence, to the Constitution of the United States. Students will study our modern political institutions, the importance of political compromise, as well as the practicality of applying the role of liberty, freedom, and equality to a modern Democratic government. CCP Government builds upon concepts learned in the United States History course. Three college credits are available for CCP US Government students. To earn the CCP credit, students and parents must complete a sequence of application and approval steps through Mount Union University and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). The State of Ohio will cover the cost of the credits earned if the steps are completed within the timelines established by the university and ODE. CCP credits are automatically accepted by Ohio’s public universities and are accepted by many other universities. Check transfer credit requirements with each university regarding their policies.

One Semester (Grade 12) Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 050403

ECONOMICS

In this class, students examine the origin, growth and decline of various economic systems. Students gain an understanding of basic economic concepts and theory through the study of economists and economic schools of thought. Students learn the key concepts of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and the financial institutions which make up our current economic system. Through the study of economics, students can gain an understanding of the hidden forces that keep our economy running, obtain a better understanding of how the global economy works and learn how to be more financially responsible. The course includes a financial literacy unit that aligns with ODE requirements, college and career readiness, and the characteristics of a literate person.

One Semester (Grade 12) Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 050402

ELECTIVE COURSES

ARCHAEOLOGY

The focus of Archeology is the importance of archeological work in uncovering the past as well as engaging the class in current archeological digs through fieldwork and research. The class will study archeology of the ancient world (Greece, Rome, North Africa and China) and then examine both pre-European and post-European archeological work in the United States. Students conduct interviews and hold in-depth conversations with leading archeologists in Ohio and across the country to learn about current dig sites as well as current technology used in conducting archeological research today. After preparing an in-depth field analysis report, the class will spend a month excavating the Sumner Farm Archaeological field site on the Hoban campus.

1st Semester Course, One Semester (Grade 12) Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 050802

CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN SOCIAL STUDIES

The Center for Independent Research in Social Studies is an opportunity for Juniors or Seniors to complete scholarly research, compose an academic paper, conduct interviews of scholars, professors, authors and professionals in the field, and present their work to their peers. Social Studies courses available for independent research opportunities include European History (satisfactory completion of AP European History or Western Civilizations and approval of the teacher), United States History (satisfactory completion of CCP US History, AP US History, or CP US History and approval of the teacher), Archaeology (satisfactory completion and approval of the teacher or current student in the course), United States Government (satisfactory completion, or current student in CCP US Government or CP US Government, and approval of the teacher, Global Issues (satisfactory completion of International Politics I and II, and approval of the teacher), and Museum Studies (satisfactory completion of Museum Studies and approval of the teacher). Students will select a faculty advisor and will meet weekly at the discretion of the advisor, select a topic, and develop a research question. The faculty advisor will prepare a bibliography of academic sources for your tp read on the topic selected. For each source used, formal reading notes will be written. The faculty advisor will instruct you on completing these. Students are required to write a 5-10 page academic paper which will be presented to your peers. Students will also have the opportunity to attend either a lecture by a college professor, author, or professional in the field at a college or university. This could include an online or in-person lecture or participation in an internship opportunity approved by your faculty advisor.

One Semester (Grades 11, 12) Credit ½ Unit Course No:

CCP CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Students in the Center for International Studies will acquire critical skills to understand the events and trends that shape the world in which they live. International Studies students will possess the abilities necessary to excel in their career paths and work collaboratively to navigate our global society. Students will become globally competent citizens by analyzing world affairs, synthesizing Information from diverse sources and perspectives, communicating ideas effectively, interacting with experts in the field, engaging in problem-based research, practicing intercultural communication, and acting on issues of global significance.

Students in grades eleven through twelve are eligible to enroll. The course of study will include International Politics I, International Politics II, and the completion of a collaborative research project through the Kent State Department of Peace and Conflict Studies

Students will participate in a semester-long research project with students from various countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, sponsored by Kent State University. The project can be completed for CCP credits (Kent State Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, Course #35095) or Hoban Independent Study Credits. Research topics can relate to a broad range of career areas including Arts and Culture, Education, Peace and Conflict Studies, International Business, International Development, International Relations, and Human Rights. Cohort groups will present their research to Kent State faculty at the end of the semester for which they are enrolled.

One Semester (Grades 11, 12) Credit ½ Unit Course No:

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Entrepreneurship provides students multiple opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Beyond going through the process of starting a business, the class will teach students to seek problems, explore innovative solutions, research whether a solution is marketable and ultimately form a business venture. Other topics to be explored will be modern leadership, marketing, licensing, public speaking, negotiation skills and team building. Outside the classroom, students will also have opportunities to shadow or intern with local entrepreneurs, network with area businesses and ultimately develop and pitch a product in a Shark Tank-style competition.

One Semester (Grades 11, 12) Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 110904

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS I

Students in International Politics I will acquire critical skills to understand the events and trends that shape the world in which they live. International Politics I challenges students to analyze world affairs from varied perspectives and develop global competency skills. Themes include war vs. peace, democracy and authoritarianism, human rights and development issues. Students will have unique opportunities to interact with experts in various specialities related to International Relations. Assessments are project-based. The goal is to build an understanding of world events that allow students to develop reasoned solutions to complicated scenarios.

One Semester (Grades 10, 11, 12) Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 050902

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS II

Students will build on the skills of International Politics I through research, in-depth debate and discussion and crisis simulations. International Politics II students will explore career opportunities in public policy, international relations and international business. Assessments are project-based. Students in International Politics I and II have the option to earn credit for participation in the Archbishop Hoban Model UN team. Students in International Politics II are eligible to complete their course of study by enrolling in the Center for International Studies with the potential to earn 3 college credits.

One Semester (Grades 10, 11, 12) Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 050903

LEADERSHIP

This course is designed to help students understand how to lead others through influence as opposed to through a position. Students will learn techniques for self-improvement, connecting with others, leading others and enacting institutional change. Techniques such as embracing and casting a vision, setting priorities, team building and strategic planning will be developed. Prerequisite: Completion of the Leadership Institute Junior year.

One Semester Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 110901

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

MUSEUM STUDIES

Museum Studies is hands-on research, analysis and presentation course with a focus on historical research, first-person interpretation, writing and museum display creation. Students will research a local Revolutionary War veteran and create a historical interpretation of that individual who they will be portraying during the Revolutionary War Living History Day. A wide variety of technological tools will be utilized in preparing an electronic portfolio and museum display. Students wanting to participate in the Revolutionary War Living History Day Program are required to take this course.

2nd Semester Course, One Semester (Grade 10, 11, 12) Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 050305

PSYCHOLOGY

This survey course studies human behavior and examines the six contemporary psychological perspectives: biological, cognitive, humanistic, psychoanalytic, learning and socio-cultural. Major areas covered are personality, learning, memory, emotions, mental illness, psychotherapy and social psychology. Students will also be introduced to modern techniques in building self-awareness through mindfulness and meditation.

One Semester (Grades 12) Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 050803

SPORTS HISTORY

Students learn about the development and growth of the major sports in our society through various historical perspectives. There will be an emphasis on understanding the inner relationship that sport has on social, economic and cultural forces that are at work in the United States. Students will examine the historical context as well as the significance of gender, race, ethnicity and social class through reading primary sources, audio and visual materials and class discussions.

One Semester (Grade 11, 12) Credit: ½ Unit Course No: 050602

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