Department Information Page

  • Welcome to the Hellgate High School Social Studies webpage!  

    What is social studies?
    Social studies is a subject that deals with human relationships and the way society works.  In our department, we offer a number of different courses to help explain this interesting area of study, including U.S. History, World History, American Government, Psychology, Sociology & Criminology (1 & 2), Human Geography, History of Human Rights, History of Rock and Roll, IB Philosophy, IB History of the Americas, IB 20th Century History, AP Geography, AP Government, and AP World History.  To see more information about our awesome courses, please check out our course descriptions by clicking on the left navigation pane!

    What is this?

    This is a webpage to introduce you to our amazing staff, share the courses we have available in the Social Studies Department, and give you important contact information!

    Who are we?

    We are the outstanding Social Studies department at Hellgate High School in Missoula, Montana.  Go Knights!  Our department includes Department Chair Jeff Waniata, Natalie Hymes, Rachel Lunde, Matt Shedlock, Courtney Christopher, Velita Rholl, Kim Woodbridge, Juliana Arechaga, and Lindsay Thompson.

Courses Offered

  • AP Comparative Government - Following a nationally approved curriculum, students explore the governments of other nations.  In May, students can choose to complete a national exam for college credits. 1 year.  Grades 11 or 12
     
    AP Human Geography - This subject takes fields of study like physical geography, politics, culture, economics, and even food, and ties them all together for a more complete picture of the world in which we live.  Students will explore the relationships between human activities and the spaces they occur.  Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12
     
    AP World History - a study of the entire history of humanity with a distinctly non-Western focus. To manage the scope of a course of this nature the AP World History course is composed of six chronological periods viewed through the lens of related key concepts and course themes, accompanied by a set of skills that clearly define what it means to think historically. 1 year.  Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12
     
    Human Geography - Surveying world regions, students learn physical and cultural geography while increasing geographic skills.  1 year. Grades 9, 10, 11 or 12
     
    History of Human Rights - The study of human rights is a story of hope, determination, and justice. This class will allow students to empathize and relate to different countries, religions, genders, races, and the similar needs that all people share. We will explore the beginnings and evolution of human rights worldwide and in our country, how and why they changed and the people who fought for them. 1 semester. Grades 10, 11 or 12 
     
    History of Rock and Roll - a study of where rock music started, how it evolved, its highs and lows, its outlaws and visionaries, and how it changed social history by combating racism and challenging the establishment with alternate lifestyles and fashions. 1 semester. Grades 10, 11 or 12
     
    IB History of the Americas (Part 1 of 2) With an emphasis on analytical thinking and writing, students review U.S., Latin American, and Canadian development through the 20th century.  They explore 3 themes in depth to prepare them for assessments senior year.  1 year.  Grade 11
     
    IB History 20th Century Topics (Part 2 of 2) With emphasis on analysis and writing, students study 20th Century global topics (causes and effects of wars, WWI, WWII, and the Cold War).  Students investigate a historical topic of their choice, and prepare for internal and international assessments. 1 year.  Grade 12
  • IB Philosophy - a systematic critical inquiry into profound, fascinating and challenging questions: What is it to be human? Do we have free will? What do we mean when we say something is right or wrong? These abstract questions arise out of our everyday experiences, and philosophical tools such as critical and systematic thinking, careful analysis, and construction of arguments provide the means of addressing such questions.  1 year.  Grades 11 or 12
     
    IB Theory of Knowledge - explore and reflect on the nature of knowledge and the process of knowing. Students reflect on the knowledge, beliefs and opinions that they have built up from their years of academic studies and their lives outside the classroom. The course is intended to be challenging and thought-provoking—as well as empowering—for students. The course centers on the exploration of knowledge questions, which are a key tool for both teachers and students. 1 semester. Grades 11 or 12
     
    Modern World History - Studying major events in development of the modern world from the late 18th century to the present, students also explore current issues.  1 year. Grades 9, 10, 11, or 12. 
     
    Psychology through Film - Students examine human development, cognition, personality, assessment, mental health, and the socio-cultural and biological bases of behavior.  1 semester.  Grades 10, 11, or 12
     
    Sociology & Criminology 1 - Students will learn about how society works by looking at culture, race, class, gender, deviance, and the differences between groups in our first quarter (Sociology).  They will also explore crimes and the criminal mind in our second quarter (Criminology)!  1 semester.  Grades 10, 11, or 12
     
    Sociology & Criminology 2 - Students will learn about how society works by looking at the family, social institutions, and aging in our first quarter (Sociology).  They will also explore laws, corrections, law enforcement, and the court system in our second quarter (Criminology).  1 semester.  Grades 10, 11, or 12
     
    U.S. Government & Political Economy -  Students learn about how government functions through study, investigation, and discussion of the Constitution, institutions of government, U.S. economic system, and major political processes of the American system. 1 semester.  Grade12
     
    U.S. History - Quarter 1 students review America’s evolution through the Civil War era. Quarters 2, 3, and 4, students study U.S. history from the 19th through the early 21st Century. 1 year. Grade 11