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Curriculum

Social Studies

The mission of the Social Studies Department is to provide the student with an understanding of the human relationships that form the world in which he lives, including his own historical and political background. The student is required to take four courses in the following areas: World History, United States History, and United States Government/Economics. Advanced Placement courses are offered in Government, Economics, World History, Human Geography, Psychology, United States History, and European History to challenge the more advanced students. Through the Social Studies curriculum, courses weave together the disciplines of geography, history, economics, political science, anthropology, and sociology to develop students’ cultural understanding. In each course, emphasis is placed on developing the students’ critical thinking, writing, and reading.

World History I - 411

This course is an introductory course in the history of major world civilizations. It begins with the emergence of the earliest hominids and concludes with an analysis of early 20th century world events.
Hon World History I - 415

This course is designed to challenge the advanced freshman. Historical analysis begins with the emergence of early hominids and concludes with the Renaissance in 1450.
World History II - 423

This course is the sophomore companion to World History 413, continuing the same content and scope of the regular sophomore course. It shapes its focus to meet the needs of students who need additional development of their language arts skills.
AP World History - 425

This course traces the development of world history from the Norman conquest of England to the present. Special emphasis is placed on the analytical and writing skills necessary to complete successfully the World History A.P. Examination.
U.S. History - 431

This course follows a chronological narrative of American history from the War of 1812 to the present . Particular stress is placed on the many cause and effect relationships that have shaped our nation’s history.
AP US History - 435

A part of the extensive A.P. Program at Calvert Hall, this course is designed to prepare students to complete successfully the A.P. Exam in United States History and receive appropriate college credit.
Amer Govt./Econ - 441

This course is divided into two sections, American Government and Economics.
AP Government - 445

A part of the extensive A.P. Program at Calvert Hall, this course is designed to prepare students to compete successfully the A.P. Examination in American Government and Comparative Politics and receive appropriate college credit.
AP European History - 455

A part of the extensive A.P. Program at Calvert Hall, this course is designed to prepare students to complete successfully the A.P. Examination in European History and receive appropriate college credit.
AP Economics - 465

A part of the extensive A.P. Program at Calvert Hall, this course is designed to prepare students to complete successfully the A.P. Examination in Economics. It gives high-ability students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills concepts.
AP Psychology - 470

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts and principles.
Psychology - 471

This course is a senior elective designed to provide the student with an introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The course covers the biological influences on human behavior, developmental processes and human growth.
AP Human Geography - 475

The purpose of the AP course in Human Geography is to introduce students to the impact of geographic elements on the development of societies, population, cultural patterns and processes, political organization of space, & agricultural and rural land use.
Big History - 476

Welcome to Big History at Calvert Hall College HS. This course invites you on an immense journey through time to witness the first moments of our universe, the birth of stars and planets, the formation of life on Earth, & the dawn of human consciousness.
Econ/Amer Govt - 442
Hn. U.S. History - 436
Hon Amer. Govt/Econ - 446

This course is divided into two sections, American Government and Economics. Students will use a broader, more thematic approach to examine the political aspects of government with special attention to the constitutional powers and duties of government officials and agencies. In Economics, students will use critical thinking skills to understand basic terminology of economic thought, the important concepts of both macro and microeconomics, and the application of economic principles to economic problems.
International Studies and Diplomacy-487
Introduction to Philosophy - 195
Introduction to Philosophy - 495
Positive Psychology - 472A

This course is a junior/senior half credit elective designed to provide the student with knowledge and understanding of how to handle the day to day stresses of their lives. The course will help build optimism, motivations, and character which allow them to succeed in life. Positive Psychology was developed by Dr. Martin Seligman former President of the American Psychology Association. The course is now taught at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard. Anyone interested in psychology, future leaders, and students experiencing stress will benefit from this course. This will be a blended course with 2 in-class and one online meeting.

Note: Students must be enrolled in courses totaling 6 credits in addition to this course.
(This is a full year, 1 credit course taken as an elective in addition to the required junior/senior courses).

Faculty

Matthew Radebaugh

Department Chair

radebaughm@calverthall.com
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After graduating from Mt. St. Mary's in 2002, Mr. Radebaugh spent two years teaching English at Southern High School in Harwood, MD. In 2004, he returned to teach Social Studies at Calvert Hall. Mr. Radebaugh teaches US History, US Government and AP Government. Mr. Radebaugh enjoys working with his colleagues and students in an ever-evolving learning environment.
Laurel Bassett

bassettl@calverthall.com
Philip Bressler

bresslerp@calverthall.com
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Mr. Phil Bressler is a graduate of Baruch College in NYC. He left the business world to pursue a teaching career. He spent the last twenty plus years teaching in the Baltimore County Public School System. Mr. Bressler is excited to be teaching AP Economics and government at Calvert Hall.
Ted Buch

bucht@calverthall.com
Ryan Cox

coxr@calverthall.com
Thomas Fan

Assistant Principal - Academic Affairs

fant@calverthall.com
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Tom Fan has taught at Calvert Hall for over 15 years and has taught AP World History and Personal Finance for over 10 years. He holds a Master's Degree in Education from Loyola University. Mr. Fan serves as the Director of the Br. Tom Miller Honors Program, he is Faculty Advisor for the School's Cardinal Branch and is the Head Coach of the Rugby Program. The most enjoyable thing about teaching at CHC is being part of the culture that is Calvert Hall.
Aidan Flannery

flannerya@calverthall.com
Julia Miller

millerj@calverthall.com
Louis Miserendino

miserendinol@calverthall.com
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Mr. Louis Miserendino, who is also an alumnus, earned a Marion Burke Knott Scholarship to attend Loyola University Maryland, where he graduated summa cum laude with a double major in history and economics. He teaches Advanced Placement United States History as a member of the Social Studies Department. Mr. Miserendino has written on urban economic issues for the Maryland Public Policy Institute and the Institute for Justice. His articles have appeared in The Baltimore Sun and The Buffalo News.
Brian Rowe

Assistant Athletic Director - Operations

roweb@calverthall.com
Brendan Ryan

ryanb@calverthall.com
Joshua Shank

shankj@calverthall.com
Peter Susko

suskop@calverthall.com
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Mr. Susko earned his B.A. in Political Science at the University of Mary Washington and his M.A. in Communication at George Mason University. He is currently working on his Ph.D. at George Mason in Political Communication. Mr. Susko teaches Presentation Skills and American Government at the Hall. He is also the Director of the Speech and Debate Team. Mr. Susko enjoys the enthusiasm and energy each student brings to the classroom, sports, and clubs here at Calvert Hall.
Jason Toy

toyj@calverthall.com

8102 La Salle Rd
Baltimore, MD 21286-8022
(410) 825-4266

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Curriculum

Social Studies

Faculty