Social Studies
The St. Pius X Catholic High School Social Studies Department aims to integrate and model Catholic teachings while providing a strong foundation in history, geography, government, economics, and behavioral sciences. Our approach enhances critical thinking, reading, writing, speaking, and research skills. We foster an environment that promotes tolerance, understanding of diverse cultures and theologies, and integrates knowledge from various disciplines. Our goal is to develop students into informed, thoughtful, and participatory citizens who contribute positively to democracy and embody Christian values in a secular world. Through understanding historical events and current issues, students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful discussions.
CORE COURSES
World History
Survey course covering political, social, cultural, and economic heritage from 1000 CE to
present. Focus on evidence-based writing, research skills, and historical analysis.
United States History
Covers significant periods in U.S. history from colonization to present. Develops historical thinking, writing skills, and includes a major research paper.
American Government: The Political Process
Study of the American political system, Constitution, and branches of government. Emphasizes citizenship rights, responsibilities, and policy-making process.
Economics
Meets Georgia graduation requirements, covering micro and macroeconomics, personal finance, globalization, and international trade.
AP-LEVEL CORE COURSES
AP Government and Politics: Comparative
Advanced study of governments and politics in six major countries. Includes analysis of political systems and economic development.
AP Government and Politics: US
Advanced study of U.S. government and politics, covering democracy, Constitution, institutions, policy-making, civil rights, and civil liberties.
AP Microeconomics
Advanced study of microeconomic principles, including supply, demand, pricing, and markets.
AP Macroeconomics
Advanced study of macroeconomic principles, including GDP, inflation, business cycles, and economic policies.
AP United States History
Advanced survey of U.S. history from 1491 to present. In-depth use of primary and secondary sources, essays, simulations, and debates.
AP World History
Advanced course with a global, non-western focus, covering Neolithic Period to present. Emphasis on analytical and writing skills.
ELECTIVE COURSES
Current Issues and Political Speech
Analyzes current social and political issues, teaching various speaking styles and critical evaluation. Includes written and oral assignments.
Genocide and the Holocaust
Examines history of genocide and the Holocaust, focusing on human behavior, events leading to Hitler's rise, and European Jewry from 1933-1945.
Psychology
Survey of modern psychology, covering historical milestones, current theories, and human behavior.
Sociology
Study of human society, social systems, and interactions, with emphasis on social problems and solutions.
AP Human Geography
Explores global economic, social, political, and environmental issues through geography.
AP Modern European History
Survey of European history from 1450 to present. Emphasizes intellectual, cultural, political, and economic developments.
AP Psychology
Systematic study of behavioral processes, including biological bases, development, disorders, and therapy.
For more information, see the Course Catalog. [Page 23]
