USCA's First Social Studies Day

On Friday, February 9, the university’s History, Political Science and Philosophy departments held the first Social Studies Day.

Social Studies Day was intended to provide local high school students an opportunity to learn about history while doing things they were interested in. Some activities provided to students were a mock trial murder mystery, led by Dr. Georgian and Dr. Thornburg; geocaching; and trivia focused on history and the US Constitution.

In total, the event brought in two schools, three teachers and over 80 students. The attending high schools were Dutch Fork High School (Irmo, SC) and Fox Creek High School (North Augusta, SC).

Peter Sasso, an AP World History and Comparative Politics teacher at Dutch Fork High School had over 30 students submit projects for the event.

“The campus was so inviting and welcoming…I let the students choose whatever topic interested them” - Sasso

Bethany Sanders, an AP European History teacher at Dutch Fork High School had her class of 21 students submit projects.

“I think our kids loved it…it was really cool to see them become passionate about a specific topic in history and produce such great projects” -Sanders

The event was intended to not only provide a fun educational experience for youth but to bring attention to these majors. Philosophy, History and Political Science are some of the least sought-after degrees at the university

“I think students often think social studies is just learning about boring, old, dead, white men…it’s exciting to see students write about what they’re passionate about.” -Dr. Sarah King, one of the faculty planners of the event.

Sanders and Sasso share that their students as well as themselves thoroughly enjoyed the event and will be attending in the future.

“I have not seen these kids more passionate about anything at school…getting to come on a field trip…they were really excited about getting their work out for other people to see.” -Sanders