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Hicksville Public Schools

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies is the integrated study of history, geography, economics, government and civics. More importantly it is the study of humanity, of people and events that individually and collectively have affected the world. A strong and effective Social Studies program helps students make sense of the world in which they live, it allows them to make connections between major ideas and their own lives, and it helps them see themselves as members of the world community. It offers students the knowledge and skills necessary to become active and informed participants on a local, national and global level.

Our goal as a social studies department is to instill in our future generations the story of our past. The department strives for a humanities-based approach to teaching history which allows students to experience and feel history through the study of art, music and literature. In so doing, we hope that the muse of history, Clio, one of Zeus' nine daughters, will beckon students with her siren call. In answering her call, students will embark on a noble quest which will reap many rewards along the way.

The Social Studies program must also help students understand, respect and appreciate the commonalities and differences that give the U.S. character and identity. The complexities of history can only be fully understood within an appreciation and analysis of diversity, multiple perspectives, and interconnectedness of people and places across time and cultures. Thus, we want to help our students become critical and empathic thinkers as they make their way in our globally interdependent world.

Dr. Teresa McGrath

Supervisor of Science, Social Studies, and FACS

  • Membership for a student in the SSNHS is conferred in the last two years of secondary school education.

    In addition, the following qualifications must be met and maintained:

    • A member must be a senior or a junior.
    • A member must have and maintain an 85 non-weighted grade point average.
    • The member must also have a non-weighted average of 85 in all social studies honor/AP courses, and/or a non-weighted average of 93 in all social studies regents level courses.
    • A junior member must be enrolled in at least one AP social studies course during the current year and have taken at least one Pre AP or AP class prior to his/her 11th-grade year (Pre AP World History, AP World History, AP Human Geography or AP Psychology)
    • A senior member must be enrolled in at least one AP social studies course during his/her 12th-grade year and have completed one prior OR have completed TWO AP social studies courses prior to his/her 12th-grade year.
    • All members must attend all meetings, one chapter sponsored lecture/event and be willing to participate in peer tutoring

    SSNHS Objectives

    • Encourage and recognize historical analysis and intellectual thought
    • Advance the students’ knowledge of classical and modern history
    • Communicate with the social studies community
    • Aid the civic community with its comprehension of social studies
    • Encourage students to participate in community service and in turn, encourage a dedication to the pursuit of historical knowledge that benefits all humankind

  • Hicksville School District will be participating in the New York State Education Department’s Seal of Civic Readiness Initiative. The purpose of this program is to recognize student proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset and civic experiences. Additionally, the Seal of Civic Readiness has been approved as a +1 civics graduation pathway for graduating seniors.

    Earning the Seal of Civic Readiness demonstrates to universities, colleges, and future employers that a student:

    • understands the commitment to participatory government; civic responsibility and civic values;
    • has completed an action project in civics; and
    • recognizes the value of civic engagement and scholarship.

    In order to obtain the Seal of Civic Readiness, a student must complete all requirements for a New York State local or Regents diploma and earn credits based on the completion of class projects, service learning projects, elective courses that promote civic engagement, extra-curricular participation or work-based learning experience.

    The combination of these skills, mindsets and projects may culminate with your child being awarded a Seal of Civic Readiness, a special distinction on his/her diploma and high school transcript.

  • At the high school level, the Social Studies department offers many elective courses to capture the interests of our students. Below is a list and description of our High School electives.

    AP Psychology

    This one year course covers the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Students will study the following topics: neuroscience and biology, personality and psychological disorders. Research will be a very important component of this class and students will learn how psychologists use the scientific method to study behavior and mental processes. Acceptance in this course is based on several criteria: academic achievement and a strong work ethic which includes an 85 average or above in social studies honor classes or a 93 average or above in regular social studies classes. In addition, teacher recommendation is very important. Students are expected to register for and take the AP exam in May. Enrollment is open to 10-12th grade students.

    New York State of Mind

    We have lived all our lives on Long Island and yet we know little about the place we call home. Why for example does the north shore look different from the south shore? Do Native Americans still live on Long Island? Did you know that George Washington fought the British on Long Island? Why is Mitchell Field considered an important landmark for aviation? How has Hicksville changed in the last 100 years? If you want to know the answers to these questions and many more then take New York State of Mind social studies elective. Enrollment: 9-12th students.

    Youth & the Law

    Do your rights end at the schoolhouse door? Why do teens join gangs? Should minors be considered for the death penalty? MDMA,PCP,THC- What do these mean to you? If you want to know the answers to these questions then Youth & the Law is the right social studies elective for you! You will learn about gangs, students' rights, different and dangerous drugs, drug laws and many other issues that affect teens today. Enrollment:10-12th students.

    Psychology

    Psychology helps us to understand why we do the things we do. Have you even wondered about the meaning of your dreams? Are those strangers in your dreams really strangers? Why are anxiety and depression the most common mental issues? What are you most afraid of and why? How come men and women have trouble communicating? Explore the answers to these questions and many more. Learn about gender differences, consciousness, personality theories and behavior disorders. Take psychology and learn about yourself. Enrollment: 10-12th students.

    Roots of Oppression

    This course is designed to introduce students to various forms of oppression and assist them in discovering their ability to create positive change in their own world. Students will critically analyze various social movements related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and class. Students will also explore and discuss how these concepts influence human understanding, relationships, and behavior for centuries. This course will encourage students to think critically and expansively about the social world and the conditions of humanity. This course will provide a foundation for students to explore social justice concepts, issues, and remedies, thereby developing the necessary analytical tools and information to see inequality and injustice and address historical and contemporary issues relevant to students’ present day lives

    Historical Research

    Would you like to participate in National History Day? Do you enjoy writing about various topics in history, psychology, economics and politics? Are you self-motivated? This class is for you. With guidance from your teacher, you will participate in many different contest opportunities. You can work alone or in groups and pursue the many topics that interests you. Enrollment:9-12th students

    Criminal Law

    This is a course for students interested in learning about the American judicial system. Crime, police work, trial proceedings and penalties are investigated. Students conduct debates and hear presentations by criminal law experts. Current controversial issues are investigated and a field trip to a Suffolk County jail is scheduled each term.

    International Law

    Are you interested in world politics and debating issues such as the war on terrorism and improving human rights? Then this elective is for you. You will learn about the birth of the United Nations and debate issues heard by the International Court of Justice. You will also be represent the interest of a particular country to participate in a mock United Nations. The class will help you to understand the world from the many different perspectives of world citizens. Enrollment: 11th-12th grade students.

    Lessons for Life: Moral Dilemmas at the Movies

    Have you ever watched a movie and been moved by the experience? Movies have the power to transport us to a different place and time. Movies can help us understand or confront our own ideas and beliefs. In the movie, Remember the Titans, viewers feel the tension between black and white players on the team, as well as between black and white members of the coaching staff. In the case of the Titans, can differences be put aside and friendships forged? How would you react in a similar situation? In this class, students will explore these and other moral dilemmas or choices that test their values. Remember the Titans, Apollo 13, Fat Man and Little Boy, and Mr. Holland’s Opus are just a few of the films that show characters facing moral choices.  This class is open to 9th - 12th grade students.

  • Social Studies State Standards and Assessments

    Test Prep