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SOCIAL STUDIES

The foundational philosophy of Social Studies courses at The Academy is that academic discussion and personal reflection allow students to understand and interpret the human experience.

The curriculum requires that students develop a personal consciousness and active sense of civic duty through an in-depth exploration of history and global affairs, developing a conscience more suited to the multicultural world in which they live.

YOUR Social Studies TEACHERS

Faculty & Staff
Timothy Tynan
Timothy Tynan

Faculty • Social Studies

Tim Tynan has taught history at The Academy since Fall of 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and English Literature from Loyola University of Chicago, as well as a Master of Arts in English Literature and an Illinois teaching certificate in Secondary Education from Northeastern Illinois University.

Mary Kettering
Mary Kettering

Faculty • Social Studies

Mary Kettering, a Humanities Department faculty member since 2018, brings a global perspective to her teaching of subjects like World History and Sociology, drawing from her academic background in political science, history, and Women and Gender Studies from institutions in Montana and Ireland.

YOUR Social Studies CLASSES

  • AP Art History

    Art History examines art's role as a reflection and driver of culture from prehistory to the present, exploring its societal, political, and global contexts through analysis, research, and museum visits, with AP preparation included if applicable.

  • World History

    World History explores the origins, development, and legacies of global civilizations, emphasizing cultural, political, and economic concepts while fostering historical thinking and analytical skills.

  • U.S. History

    United States History examines the nation's evolution from a European colony to a world power with nuanced detail, encouraging critical thinking and curiosity while avoiding bias or myth-making.

  • Global Affairs

    Global Affairs explores 21st-century challenges like globalization, global health, human rights, and terrorism, inspiring students to become informed global citizens and address issues impacting the world.