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

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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

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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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by learning from the past Although this department's purpose is to prepare stu- dents for life in a society of the future, its individual members realize that the past is equally important. Courses in World Cultures. American History, and Geog- raphy help students form the basis for adequate under- standing of social problems. World Cultures, the first course in the sequence, concen- trates on comparisons of the modern world's varying cultures. By tracing the history of each major civiliza- tion. students become familiar with the roots of present- day international relationships and internal problems. In addition, interested students are given many opportuni- ties to investigate each culture's significant technologi- cal. philosophical, and artistic contributions on an inde- pendent basis. In American History, the focus of the curriculum shifts to the development of the United States over the past century. The first few weeks of the course provide ample time for a sound review of United States history before the Civil War; at this time, the Constitution and its sup- porting documents are also analyzed. The remainder of the year is used to study American politics and thought from the post-Civil War period to the present day. As a supplement to these required courses, the social studies department offers an elective Geography course designed to increase students' familiarity with various locations. This course might also be considered an ex- tension of World Cultures, since many foreign peoples and their customs are studied. The past and the present often seem to merge when one is concerned with human society. In this sequence of social studies, both branches of knowledge bear equal importance; yet together they only contribute to the department's major objective; the training of the student for life in the world of tomorrow. BELOW: RONALD LEWIS American History: Geography; Junior Class Adviser. social studies 28