Social Studies
Mission Statement
The primary purpose of the Dr. Susan S. Mckinney Secondary School of the Arts Social Studies Department is to promote an understanding of the world, human interaction, cultural diversity, and cultural heritage. We also aim to equip students with the knowledge and understanding of the past, which is essential for coping with the present and planning for the future. Students in the Social Studies program will develop an understanding and an appreciation of the contribution of diverse civilizations and cultures. Students will study contemporary geographic, social, political and economic issues that shape the world our students live in today.
The emphasis in the Social Studies Department will be to enhance our classroom experience with a wide variety of educational opportunities including field studies, community projects, speaker programs, and other student's interactive projects. On completing the Social Studies course of study at Dr. Susan S. Mckinney Secondary School of the Arts students will have developed the academic, critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills that will assist them in becoming responsible and productive citizens in their communities.
Our Curriculum
Grades 9 and 10: Global History
This curriculum provides students with the opportunity to explore what is happening in various regions and civilizations at a given time. In addition, it enables students to investigate issues and themes from multiple perspectives and make global connections and linkages that lead to in-depth understanding. As students explore the five social studies standards, they are provided with multiple opportunities to explore the content and intellectual skills of history and the social science disciplines.
Grade 11: United States History
The basic principles and core values expressed in the Declaration of Independence became the guiding ideas for our nation's culture.n Students study the factors that led to the birth of a new nation and the application of the core values developed as the nation grew over the years. We analyze the important events in the evolution of our nation and how we grew in strength and influenced the shaping of the wider world.
Grade 12, Semester 1: Government
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of the necessity for establishing governments; the governmental system of the U.S. and other nations; the U.S. Constitution; the basic civic values of American constitutional democracy; and the roles, rights, and responsibilities of citizenship, including avenues of participation. This is a hands on course where students use current issues in government and politics to critically analyze the concepts.
Grade 12, Semester 2: Economics
Throughout their lives, students will encounter various economic concepts, principles, and issues. From personal income and property taxes to automobile loans to retirement investments, students will need to apply the basic economic concepts, understandings, and skills included in this curriculum. We examine these concepts through the current financial and economic issues.
Raquel Duenas (Middle Grades Humanities)
Email: rduenas@mckinneyssa.com / rduenas@schools.nyc.gov
Phil Hutton (Upper Grades Social Studies)
Email: phutton3@mckinneyssa.com / phutton3@schools.nyc.gov
Nordia Reynolds-Roye (Middle Grades Humanities)
Email: nreynol@mckinneyssa.com / nreynol@schools.nyc.gov
Percy Stephen (Upper Grades Social Studies, Department Chair)
Email: pstephen@mckinneyssa.com / pstephen@schools.nyc.gov