Social Studies Department Class Descriptions »
Social Studies Department Faculty Biographies »
Knowledge of history, government and economics is the precondition of political intelligence. Without this knowledge, one cannot undertake any sensible inquiry into the political, economic, social or moral issues in today’s society. Studying the social sciences allows students to see their place in the stream of time and in the story of humankind. It allows students to understand other people of other cultures and other era, who have lived under different ideas and conditions from their own. It provides skills and knowledge that enable students in making important decisions as a public citizen and a private individual. The teachers are committed to produce informed citizens who are fully prepared for the challenges of the future by creating critical thinkers and lifelong learners. A fundamental understanding of our past helps guide our future.
Mr. Jerry Freedman
Social Studies Department Chair
| Courses | Instructors |
| American Government/ Economics AP Government AP U.S. History U.S. History Music in History, Contemporary Issues World History/Geography |
Mr. Ettinger, Ms. Hernandez Ms. Hernandez Mr. Freedman Mr. Ettinger Mr. Freedman Mrs. Sabins, Mr. Freedman |
Social Studies Course Descriptions
Modern World History and Geography
Grade 10
Meets graduation requirement • Length of course: 1 year
Prerequisite: None
Modern World History is based on the California Content Standards for History/Social Science: World History. Students study the major turning points that shaped the modern world, from early Greek and Roman times through the present. Students trace the rise of democratic ideas and develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues. Students develop an understanding of current world issues and relate them to historical, geographic, political, economic and cultural contexts.
U.S. History
Grade 11
Meets graduation requirement • Length of course: 1 year
Prerequisite: None
U.S. History is based on the California Content Standards for History/Social Science: U.S. History. The course offers students a thorough understanding of modern American history and traces the development of the United States from the Spanish-American War to the present. Students review the significant factors responsible for the emergence of the United States as a major world leader. Students examine the major turning points in American history in the 20th century.
AP U.S. History
Grade 11
Meets graduation requirement • Length of course: 1 year
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and qualifying grade on entrance exam
AP U.S. History meets the California Content Standards for History/Social Science: U.S. History. While preparing students for the AP exam in United States history, this course engages students in a detailed study of American history from its earliest origins to the present day. Emphasis is placed on understanding themes, cause/effect relationships and broad examinations of social, political, cultural and economic issues that have shaped our nation. This is an advanced course that emphasizes research, writing and discussion. Students are required to take the AP U.S. History exam in May.
American Government
Grade 12
Meets graduation requirement • Length of course: 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
American Government is based on the California Content Standards for History/Social Science: American Government. This course is an in-depth study of the principles of American democracy. The course focuses on the institution, processes, politics and policies that are critical to federal, state and local government. Students learn the importance and responsibility of citizenship. They examine America’s role in the global community and the American political, social, economic and legal systems.
AP American Government
Grade 12
Meets graduation requirement • Length of course: 2 semesters
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
This is an advanced course in History/Social Science: American Government that is based on the California Content Standards for American Government. Students undertake a thorough examination of the United States Constitution, fundamental rights, the political system and major governmental institutions. Students engage in critical analysis of contemporary political events and are encouraged to become involved in both social and political institutions. Students are required to take the AP American Government exam in May. Students enrolled in this class must take a semester of economics in addition to this course.
Economics
Grade 12
Meets graduation requirement • Length of course: 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
Economics is based on the California Content Standards for History/Social Science: Economics. This course focuses on fundamental national and international economic concepts such as scarcity, financial literacy, productivity, economic systems, economic institutions and incentives, stock market, supply and demand, competition and market structure, income distribution and the role of government. This course emphasizes international trade, factors that create poverty and wealth, inflation and deflation and government and big business fiscal and monetary policies.
Social Studies Department Faculty Biographies
Jerry Freedman, Chair
Mr. Freedman graduated from New York University with B.S. and M.A. Degrees. He took additional course work at U.C.L.A. He has taught high school Social Studies for the past 47 years and began teaching at Arts High in 1986. He has been Chair of the Social Studies Department for 20 years. He taught History and Economics at Queens College and New York Trade Technical College. He received awards as Teacher of the Year, from Los Angeles County, was named Education Hero by the Los Angeles Dodgers, was the first non-arts teacher to be a finalist for the Los Angeles County Music Center’s Bravo Award and earned Certificates of Recognition from the California State Senate and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. He has serverd as a consultant to the Grammy’s Leonard Bernstein Center education foundation and a teacher trainer at Hillel Academy. He was named by the Mayor and Los County Board of Supervisors as one of Los Angeles’ “Most Inspirational Teachers.” He was the first recipient of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Alumni Association’s Outstanding Educator Award. He is the recipient of the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award.
David Ettinger
Born in Inglewood, California, Mr. Ettinger grew up in Pasadena, California. After attending Pasadena public schools, he went on to San Diego State University for two years before transferring to the University of California at Santa Barbara. A graduate in Sociology in 1987, Mr. Ettinger explored a variety of occupational avenues ranging from restaurant management to real estate sales to pool cleaning and maintenance before returning to school to earn his teaching credential at California State University Los Angeles in 1994. Mr. Ettinger brings interests in politics, public policy, social issues and current events to teaching. Art involvement has included both piano and organ training at an early age. While in high school, he explored playing drums, cartooning and ceramics, as well as his still current interests in photography, jazz and animation.
Diana Hernández
Diana Hernández has been a Social Science teacher at Arts High since 2003. In addition to the social studies classes she teaches, she is the Leadership Advisor. Ms. Hernández was born in Mexico City, but she grew up in the San Fernando Valley, where she attended San Fernando High School. Ms. Hernández lived in Washington, DC for four years, where she pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Government and History, with a minor in Fine Arts. She is currently enrolled in UCLA’s Masters in Education program.
Marjorie Sabnis
Ms. Sabnis has been a teacher of world history & geography at Arts High since 1998. Ms. Sabnis holds an A.B. in the humanities from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.A. in educational technology & media studies from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona. Her areas of interest also include international & global studies, multicultural education, interdisciplinary curriculum, and the visual & performing arts.
