Social Studies

Social Studies Department

The OLP social studies department encourages students to understand human history through walking in the footsteps of others.

The study of history is, nevertheless, a construct that changes depending on the questions we ask and the sources we use to answer them. Thus, we train our students to evaluate sources, think critically, recognize bias, and utilize multiple perspectives in evaluating their own and other cultures. Students are taught to found their ideas on careful analysis of oral, textual, and material evidence and to be aware of the flaws and gaps in the information we use. After conducting careful research, young historians are expected to organize their data, reflect, test their opinions, and write convincingly in support of their conclusions.

While committed to teaching rigorous academic skills, our teachers believe in the hands-on learning of social studies. In addition to reading and writing, OLP students engage in historical and government simulations, participate in debates and socratic seminars, create art, design museum displays, and engage with experts. In designing our projects and assignments, we integrate our work with that of other departments, especially English, to teach our students the necessary application of skills across the curriculum.

Course Offerings:

• World History
• AP World History
• US History
• AP US History
• US Government
• AP US Government
• Economics
• Economics Honors
• American Identity
• Herstory
• Trending Topics
• Psychology
• AP Psychology