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Social Studies

The goal of the social studies department is to help students develop a better understanding of the world around them, both past and present, including the various social, economic, and political systems that make up society.


 

Objectives

In the planning of curriculum, delivery of instruction, classroom interaction with students, and involvement in co-curricular activities, the department faculty strives to:

  1. Develop an ability to apply the core values of the Servants of Mary and Catholic Social Teaching to students’ studies and life experiences.

  2. Enhance students' critical thinking skills to help them think about the world, analyze complex issues, and develop logical arguments.

  3. Encourage civic engagement to become active citizens who are informed, responsible, and engaged in their communities.

  4. Help students appreciate and understand the diversity of cultures, customs, and traditions that make up our world.

  5. Assist the development of research skills, including the ability to locate and analyze primary and secondary sources.

  6. Inspire students to become life-long learners with the ability to synthesize and analyze information and to form educated opinions.

  7. Help the development of communication skills, including the ability to articulate ideas and opinions clearly, listen effectively, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

  8. Enable students to develop skills that will prepare them for careers in fields such as government, law, education, international relations, and more.

Requirements

Students are required to take six semesters of social studies classes and one semester of financial literacy coursework.

Courses Offered

View Our Curriculum

Social Studies Department Faculty

Katy Salzman

Katy Salzman

Chair, Social Studies
Chris Dziadus

Chris Dziadus

Teacher, Social Studies
Jessica Goodman

Jessica Goodman

Teacher, Social Studies
Amy McLeay

Amy McLeay

Teacher, Social Studies
Jake Moore

Jake Moore

Teacher, Business Electives & Asst Athletic Director
Craig Panning

Craig Panning

Teacher, Business Electives
Jillian Roger

Jillian Roger

Teacher, Social Studies
Tom Tvrdy

Tom Tvrdy

Teacher, Social Studies, Head Girls Basketball
Susie Sisson

Susie Sisson

Chair, English

Honor Societies

Rho Kappa National Honor Society

Rho Kappa is the only national honor society dedicated to recognizing the excellence of students in the field of social studies. The Marian Chapter of the Rho Kappa Society was the first chapter sponsored in the state of Nebraska. Only seniors are eligible for membership, which is earned by completing six semesters of social studies classes by junior year and registering to take a seventh semester. Students must also maintain a 4.0 GPA in the discipline of social studies and a 3.5 overall GPA.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

FBLA is a national career and technical organization for students i who are interested in business administration and education, management, finance and information technology careers. The organization grants students the opportunity to get involved with the business world through experiences involving field trips, speakers, state, regional and national conferences and community service projects.

Model Congress

Marian participates each year in one of the country's Model Congresses where students simulate the inner-working of the United States Congress.  By assuming the role of real-life congressmen, senators and members of government, students tackle a diverse array of complex issues and engage in debates, caucuses, trials, press conferences, testimonies and crises. Conferences attended in the past were the Harvard Model Congress held in Boston, MA and the Princeton Model Congress held in Washington D.C.

Model United Nations

The Model United Nations is an educational simulation where students learn about diplomacy, negotiation and international relations while deliberating over some of the leading and complex issues of our time. Acting as an ambassador of their assigned country, students tackle topics such as gender equality, climate action, global health and refugees.  In Spring 2023, Marian participated for the first time at the University of Chicago's Model UN. With plans to grow the Model UN program at Marian, a newly formed Model UN Club will prepare students to effectively and confidently engage with other delegates at this conference.

National History Day

National History Day engages over half a million students around the world in conducting original research on topics of interest through various academic programs. Marian has participated in National History Day contests since 2010. As part of a requirement for their United States history class, students choose a topic fitting the contest theme and compile their research in a project style of their choice. From there, teachers select projects to enter into the district competition.

Social Studies

teacher working with student in classroom on iPad