Social Studies

Social Studies education in Lincoln Public Schools engages all students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be informed and active citizens, while also contributing to our diverse and interdependent world.

Students in Lincoln Public Schools will:

Know

  • How to become engaged participants in public life
  • Differences between democratic and nondemocratic political systems
  • Realities of global interdependence
  • Rights and responsibilities of citizens of a democracy
  • Historical and contemporary understandings of basic freedoms and rights

Understand

  • The human story across time at a local, national and global level
  • The role culture plays in human and societal development
  • Interactions between humans and their environment
  • The historical development of ideas of human rights
  • How they fit into their community, nation and world
  • How people organize for the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services

Be able to

  • Think flexibly about complex issues facing human societies
  • Apply decision-making and problem-solving skills to real world issues
  • Analyze causes and consequences of events and decisions
  • Apply research methods associated with historical and social science inquiry
  • Evaluate historical accounts made by others
  • Use historical thinking skills to interpret the past
  • Examine human thinking and behavior using multiple perspectives

High School students have the opportunity to continue to develop social studies skills through the in-depth study of a variety of disciplines over the course of four years. Freshman level required courses focus on developing citizenship and cultural awareness through the study of civics and geography. Sophomores and juniors conclude the chronological studies of world and U.S. history, respectively. Juniors and seniors experience courses in Economics and Psychology. Seniors conclude their social studies courses with the study of Government and Politics, emphasizing positive contributions to their communities by the completion of community service hours. There are also a number of alternative offerings, such as Advanced Placement courses and elective courses at the high school level. Please consult department chairs at individual schools for this information.