Social Studies @ OA

Welcome to the Orinda Academy Social Studies Department. The philosophy of the department is to provide a broadly humanistic approach to the ideas, events, peoples, and extraordinary individuals that have shaped the world in which we live. Through courses in eighth grade U. S. History, ninth grade World Geography, tenth grade Modern World History or Western Civilization, eleventh grade U.S. History, eleventh and twelfth grade psychology / sociology, and twelfth grade Civics and Economics students are exposed to a wide variety of traditionally based yet progressively tempered methods of instruction. The ultimate goal is to promote each individual’s critical thinking skills and to instill a passion and appreciation for the rich variety of past and present experience and the multiplicity of ways in which they connect to and illuminate one another.

Jeff Quittman
Head of Social Studies Department

U.S. History (8th Grade):
Teacher: Elaine Chu

This course will cover the beginnings of American history from the first Native American civilizations to the present day.  Major areas of study include the colonial period, the Revolutionary War and the development of our Constitution, Sectionalism and the Civil War, American involvement in the two world wars, and the Civil Rights movement. Throughout the year we will examine the social, economic, and political ideals affecting American life. Students will be exposed to differing perspectives of events through primary and secondary source readings.  We will also work on fine-tuning reading comprehension, note taking, presentation, critical thinking, and writing skills.

Geography:
Teacher: Elaine Chu

This course is dedicated to the study of the world around us.  The class begins with an introduction to geography, in which students will explore the features that define the earth, climate patterns, and how to use various geographic tools.  Students will look at the physical features (land, climate, and types of vegetation) of countries from every continent.  Each country or region will also be addressed in terms of its culture, which includes studies of population patterns, history, government, and cultures/lifestyles. We will also study current living conditions, news events, and how people around the world are currently interacting with their environment.

Modern World History:
Teacher: Elaine Chu

This is a thorough (one semester) survey course covering modern times in both western and non-western worlds. Topics include: the French Revolution, the growth of nationalism, imperialism, the industrial revolution, and the two world wars. Postwar problems and recent developments are also studied. Students will recognize and explore the contributions of ethnic and gender groups to past and present societies in contexts of accommodation and resistance. Students will also develop skills in reading primary and secondary sources, analyzing historical documents, and writing critical responses to a thematic question. On a regular basis, we will discuss the relevance of historical events to our contemporary world.

Western Civilization:
Teacher: Jeff Quittman

A year long course on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual history of the West, with particular emphasis placed upon  cultural and intellectual history. The course begins with a brief introduction to human history and then proceeds to an in depth examination of Greece and Rome. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are covered in the context of the classical world and within the unit on the Middle Ages. Europe during the Renaissance (13th – 16th centuries) is followed by units on the history of England and France (1500 – 1914). The course concludes with a look at late 19 th and early 20 th century European culture. Continuity and change over 2500 years is a major thematic focus that provides unity to this wide ranging course.

U.S. History (11th Grade):
Teacher: Jeff Quittman

A year long broad survey course (pre colonial history to about 1975) of American political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual history punctuated by more in depth examination and analysis of certain key themes and events which provide unity and continuity throughout the course. The progression of this course also integrates with units in English 3 and Honors American Literature.

Civics:
Teacher: Jeff Quittman

A one semester course (Fall) that examines the classical, English, and colonial origins of our political system followed by an in depth examination of the Constitutional Convention and the Constitution itself, including landmark Supreme Court decisions. Special topics include the history of women and African Americans in their respective struggles for political freedom and equality. Weekly integration of current events provides the basis for class discussions, presentations, and debates concerning our continuing experiment in representative government.

Economics:
Teacher: Jeff Quittman

A one semester course (Spring) that examines the origins, evolution , nature, strengths and weaknesses of capitalism and the free market system. Students acquire the fundamental terminology and concepts of economics within a broader historical, political, and cultural context. Biographical profiles of thinkers ranging from  Smith to Marx to Friedman provide an additional human dimension. Topics for discussion and debate include economic growth  and environmental concerns, globalization, and  the Federal budget.