The Walla Walla Catholic Schools Social Studies Department guides students to understand the past and be aware of their present place in the local, state, national and global communities, as well as to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to fulfill their intellectual potential and become informed and active citizens within a democratic society.  Toward this end, we educate students to acknowledge the role of God in human history; to appreciate the diversity of human experience over time; to consider how context and culture shape individual lives and societies as a whole; to read and evaluate both primary and secondary sources critically and actively; and to make convincing arguments both orally and in writing.  The knowledge and skills we seek to foster within students will better prepare them for college, for their career, for civic involvement, and for lifelong learning. 

Profile of a DeSales Social Studies graduate 

Sequence Order

Contemporary World Problems

(FRESHMAN, one semester, offered yearly)
»» sample CWP syllabus coming soon
Contemporary World Problems examines current issues of global import while building oral communication and presentation skills. Using a unit-based approach, students will become aware of what are the most pressing social, political, and economic conflicts in a variety of regions, and work both individually and together on identifying and presenting the roots of such conflicts and potential solutions. Students will learn about how problems are addressed by multilateral and non-governmental organizations, what role they themselves have in building a better world, and how rhetoric shapes our perceptions of pressing issues. Topics will change yearly in order to remain up to date. »» Download sample CWP syllabus.

Northwest History  
(FRESHMAN, one semester, offered yearly)
»» Download sample NW History syllabus
Northwest History is a semester class that surveys major historical developments in the Pacific Northwest from the late 1700s to the present. It examines relations between whites, Native Americans, and other groups, changing relationships between people and the environment, and relations between the region and international and national political, economic, and social developments.

United States History/AP United States History 
(JUNIOR/SENIOR, year-long, alternates with European History)
»» Download sample U.S. History syllabus
»» sample AP U.S. History syllabus coming soon
This is a one-year survey course of American History from the Colonial Period and American Revolution through the 20th Century, with an emphasis on the major social, political, economic, and military changes throughout the time period. The course will analyze the causes and effects of historical events through critical thinking of assigned readings, supplemental primary and secondary sources, and documentaries. Students will be expected to work individually, in small and large groups to write, present, and discuss critically the conventional accounts of history.

European History/AP European History 
(JUNIOR/SENIOR, year-long, alternates with U.S. History)
»» Download sample AP Euro History syllabus
Students cultivate their understanding of European history from the Renaissance to modern day, through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments. They will explore concepts like the interaction of Europe and the world; economic and commercial developments; religious, cultural, and intellectual developments; the role of states and other institutions of power; the ability of individuals to make major impacts; social organization and development; national and European identity; and technological and scientific innovation.