Thomas Stone High School Social Studies Department Overview of the discipline of Social Studies: The goal of social studies is to prepare students to be active citizens of their county, state, country, and world. To be an active citizen, students must be efficient writers, critical thinkers, knowledgeable of other cultures and tolerant of diverse and opposing points of view. Due to the variety of skills needed to reach the goal, Social Studies must be interdisciplinary in its scope. Subjects within the term "Social Studies" include Government, History, Economics, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology and how all of these disciplines interact with one another. Courses: In order to receive a Maryland High School diploma, students must complete the Student Service Learning (SSL) requirement and complete and pass the following courses: Local, State, and National Government (LSN), United States History, and World History. In addition to the required courses, Thomas Stone High School offers a variety of elective courses that incorporate the interdisciplinary nature of Social Studies. There are three levels of social studies course to meet the variety of needs and achievement levels of the student body. Each level requires different amounts of outside work. A Level courses are provided for the student who reads and writes at their respective grade level. Opportunities are provided for the further development of those who might be below grade level. Some supplementary research projects and reading are required. Honors courses are provided for students who have demonstrated the ability to move to an enrichment level in content and skill acquisition based on achievement and interest. Independent study, outside reading, and research projects are required. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are provided for students who have demonstrated a mastery of reading, writing, and critical thinking skills that is on par with college students. Advanced Placement courses require an above-average work ethic as they prepare to take the national exams offered by the College Board. Independent study, outside reading, and research projects are also required. Courses provided by Thomas Stone High School and their levels: Local, State, and National Government (A, Honors) United States History (A, Honors, AP) World History (A, Honors, AP) European History (AP) Human Geography (AP) Psychology (AP) Introduction to Psychology and Sociology Regional Geography African History African-American History You and the Law Micro and Macro Economics (AP) US Government (AP) Comparative Government (AP) Thomas Stone High School offers the most social studies elective and Advanced level classes in Charles County. The Social Studies Staff: The Social Studies department has a staff of 16. The staff is dedicated to Social Studies education and to their students. Staff members have accumulated 18 undergraduate degrees, 6 masters degrees, and combined total 110 years of teaching experience. The staff is active in many extra-curricular activities including Mock Trial, SGA, It's Academic, coaching, and after-school tutoring. Staff members are also active in professional academic societies and various historical societies.