Visit the new American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Be prepared upon your return to school to discuss and write about how three different artists commented on one of the following themes: Land, Industrialization, Race, Gender, or Class. Be sure your artists are from different periods ranging from 1800-1900. Try to obtain hard copy reproductions of the works you would like to discuss, AND take detailed notes of the work. Try to discuss as many as 6 pieces of work in total.

At the start of school you will share your findings and write an in-class essay which will be your first test of the school year. Be sure to have your notes available for the first few days of class.

The Museum asks people to pay what they can/want to pay so everyone can attend. We want you to turn in a receipt of your trip to the museum upon your return to school and well as the button you wore.

Have fun exploring the new wing and all the great artwork.

The Social Studies Department is proud to announce that Julia Schlesinger’s paper on Emma Goldman won 1st Prize in the History Day Competition (senior division).  She will present her paper at the state competition in Cooperstown.  Madeline Charne won 3rd Prize (senior division) for her paper on P.T. Barnum.

Congratulations to Owen S. Mittenthal, grade 7, who has qualified to represent Hunter College High School and participate at the state level of the National Geographic Bee to be held April 3, 2009 in Albany.  One winner from each state will advance to the national competition which will be held in Washington DC in May.

The Social Studies Department congratulates Sam Telzak and his teacher David Joffe on the publication of Sam Telzak’s 11th grade research paper on Executive Order 9981 in the Spring 2009 issue of THE CONCORD REVIEW.  The paper analyzes the progress in integration led by President Truman and the US military. Pearson Miller’s research paper was published in the Fall issue.  (TWO PAPERS PUBLISHED IN THE SAME ACADEMIC YEAR!!!)

The Social Studies curriculum is designed with a number of goals in mind. By graduation, Hunter students should have a basic understanding of the cultural tradition and history of different regions of the world. They should be familiar with the historical roots of current events and issues. They should have an understanding of the foundations and traditions of a liberal democratic society.

In addition they should have an understanding of the history of the United States, which enables them to function as citizens of this nation and citizens of the world. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, reading, writing, discussion, and research skills.