The Social Studies Department of St. Francis High School believes that an understanding of the human condition in the past and throughout the world today is the best preparation for concerned, responsible and active citizenship in a society of rapid change and high technology. Through the examination of other cultures, historical time periods, the changing role of government and economic development, students understand the importance of past events in relationship to future decisions. We believe that strong Christian values will help our students evaluate issues on the local, national and international levels. We urge students to foster a critical sense of what is permanent and meaningful, and reject superficial and transient values, through participating in the political process, government forums and volunteer service within their community. We promote sympathy, justice and peace in all human relations so that our students will act from a basis of love and conviction to make our world a better place to live.

Social Studies Course Sequence
For more information about Social Studies course offerings, visit the Course Catalog.

• World Geography and Non-Western Cultures
• World History
• United States History
• Honors United States History – Junior year
• AP U.S. History – Senior year
• Civics
• AP American Government and Politics – Senior year
• Economics

Facts about the Social Studies Program

• Each student is taught how to organize, research and write a term paper.
• Each year St. Francis students participate in Sacramento County History Day, entering at least ten papers. Entries consistently go on to compete at the state level.
• Every two years the school holds a Mock Election.
• Each senior Economics class participates in in-class debates relating to current issues.
• Each year St. Francis has at least one team participate at the Model United Nations debate held in Berkeley.

Diocesan Social Studies Competencies for High School Entrance

Students should be aware of the significance of national and state historical events and the importance of community in their own lives. They should demonstrate understanding, compassion and support for those of different races, ethnicities, economic backgrounds and religions. They must become leaders who value peace and service in the global community.

St. Francis High School expects entering students to have basic competencies in the social studies area. These competencies are in the areas of reading, writing, mapping skills, time references, understanding and use of primary sources, thinking skills, a basic understanding of early American history and the development of culture in other areas of the world.

Social Studies Skills Expected Prior to Admission

• Use longitude and latitude to find sites on a map or globe
• Locate the states of the Union and their capitals
• Use timelines to reference past events
• Read actively, take notes, organize information and draw logical conclusions from facts
• Correctly use grammar, spelling and punctuation in written work
• Know the elements of a well-constructed essay, including thesis statements, topic sentences and logically organized paragraphs
• Know importance of proper citation of print, media and internet sources used as references in written work
• Learn and apply rules of comparison and classification
• Show cause and effect

Department Chair:
Bonnie Roman
916.452.3461 ext. 188
BRoman@stfrancishs.org