Nazareth Area High School - Comet Yearbook (Nazareth, PA)

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BELOW: Students in a Problems of Democracy class discuss a film on campaign practices. Audiovisual devices hold an important position in presenting a complete picture of national and world events to all Social Studies classes. Besides working in their required Problems of Democracy classes, a limited number of seniors are permitted to take History Seminar, an activity directed by Miriam Zell. Andrew Sauerzopf presents his report on a research project to other seminar members. MIRIAM ZELL. Department Chairman American History: History Seminar: Honor Society Adviser. social studies 26

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BELOW: JAMES R. EVANKO Sophomore English: Junior English. ABOVE: MARIE VORONKEVICH Junior English. LEFT: JANICE S. LEWIS Sophomore English; German I. 25 english

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preparing for a successful future ... In any formilized study of society, the instructor func- tions basically as the student's guide through his person- al observations. At Nazareth Area Senior High School, the members of the social studies department are well aware of this fact, conducting their classes according to the needs of the students. This department's requirements for graduation are rela- tively rigid. A minimum of three social studies credits must be earned by each student following a sequence of World Cultures in his sophomore year. American History in his junior year, and Problems of Democracy in his se- nior year. Although more credits are required in this area than in most others, the regulation is made in proportion to the courses' universal importance; rather than provid- ing specialized training, the social studies department proposes to help every student understand himself through an understanding of society. To facilitate research and individual study, many sources of reference are made available. The large num- ber of films and filmstrips shown before entire classes are designed to stimulate original thinking. In addition, such publications as the American Observer and Ameri- can Heritage magazines, as well as library sources, are used on all levels to increase students' opportunities for their explorations of social science. These materials help the teacher place a major emphasis on academic self-re- liance. A prime example of a social studies course in which a student must depend on his own resources is Problems of Democracy. Although students and teachers conduct thorough classroom discussions on various topics, the individual is expected to complete relevant questions on his own. As supplementary material, daily news reports are required in several classes: prepared outside the classroom, these strengthen the student's understand- ing of current problems which may affect his future. Whether classroom participation or outside research is concerned, the student himself must assume the major responsibility for a successful study. ABOVE; QUENTIN ZELL Problems of Democracy. TOP: NEIL SHOOK Problems of Democracy: American History; Political Club Adviser. 27 social studies