Weequahic High School - Legend Yearbook (Newark, NJ)

Page 29 text:

For those who demonstrate the ability and desire to do advanced work in the field of social studies, an honors course is available. The same topics are studied in this as are in the regular program, but the coverage is more intense, with an emphasis on voluntary reading of the works of authorities on the various subjects. Through the classroom and through its extra-curricular organ, the Contemporary club, the Social Studies department strives to inform as to not only our way of life but the ways of others, both in theory and in practice, past and present, that we may be better equipped to combat the problems confronting us.

Page 28 text:

Social Studies Department: The aims of the Social Studies department are to acquaint pupils with the rich heritage of history and to teach students to analyze critically the current happenings in the world. In light of these, freshmen and sophomores may elect to study World History for a year, while juniors and seniors can choose Economics and International Relations. Every pupil is required by law to take a two-year course in United States history. Beginning with the colomzation of America and concluding with a study of the major systems of government, as well as propaganda, labor, and so forth, the course stresses democratic principles. 24

Page 30 text:

26 Study: As the second bell rings, a small group of stragglers disperses, as each student dashes to his auditorium seat. The period starts, the laborious period of watching the clock tick on and on until, forty minutes later, the passing bell will ring again. Study. Some students use this time constructively for finishing homework, reading the N. Y. Times, or cramming for next period’s test. Others stare out the window into the courtyard or try to see their friends in near-by classrooms. The more courageous and agile souls grab surreptitious bites of the sandwiches they had brought for lunch. Friends, separated by rows of seats, communicate by passing secret notes. As the period nears its end, two people in the back start talking, then two in the front, and so on, until the room becomes filled with the conglomerate noise of a roomful of whispers.” In exasperated tones, the teachers uniformly worn everyone to be quiet. For those students who are bored with auditorium or room study, there is the dangerous cut” to be spent in the toilet, or the opportunity to spend the period in the library is provided. In filling out the little white library slip, the student takes upon himself the obligation to use both his time and the library facilities constructively. At times, however, even this alternative does not satisfy a student. For other possibilities, under Mr. Epstein’s new policy, Honor Society members may decide for themselves how they will spend this period: they may go to the labs, art rooms, or non-scheduled classes. During the senior year, most students flock to get appointments in the College Office.