Social Studies

The Social Studies Department at Sussman implements a rigorous curriculum that focuses on argumentative writing using the DBQ system, the CATCH method of annotations, and AVID strategies including Cornell Notes. Students will study the CA State Standards using the New CA Framework.

6th Grade

Ancient Civilizations including Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome

7th Grade

Medieval History including Europe, Middle East, Africa, China, Japan and pre-Columbian America

8th Grade

American History including the Constitution and Civil War

There are also elective classes such as Mock Trial and History Day. Mock Trial is a class preparing students for participation in a mock criminal trial in a courthouse in front of a real judge. History Day involves students creating projects to present to real historians in a competition that starts with LA County and continues to the state finals. Stauffer sent students to the state level three times.