Social Science & History

Academics have argued that the Jews have as significant a contribution to the invention of the concept of history as the Greeks. The radical notion that events, including human experience, moved in a complex but ultimately linear sequence flew in the face of older beliefs that everything in nature was part of a cycle, or the belief that there was no discernible causal connection between any two phenomena in the ongoing lives of people.

To whatever extent that this theory is true, it is indisputable that the Jewish people have highly valued the importance of history and its lessons. Furthermore, Jews have played prominent roles in the development of most of the other major social sciences, from psychology to economics, and from anthropology to sociology. Continuing in that tradition, Cardin students are required to obtain at least three years of social studies credits through their junior year, and are encouraged to take more classes in this department in their senior year. Furthermore, all Cardin students must pass a basic U.S. Civics and Citizenship test in order to graduate. Classes in this department currently include (but could be expanded with student interest to include Economics, Special Topics in Jewish History, or Philosophy):

History 9: Western Civilization I (Honors or Standard)
History 10: Western Civilization II (Honors or Standard)
History 11: U.S. History or AP U.S. History
Social Science 12: Psychology, AP Psychology, or Civics