"Through Three Lenses”
Seeing Social Sciences through the mission of Milken
Torah – Sharp Minds
Few disciplines better prepare students for life in the complex world of the 21st century than history and social sciences. Trends, movements and forces working for years, decades and centuries have shaped the modern world in all its complexity. A strong grounding in history and the habits of mind of history enhance students’ ability to weigh these trends and participate actively in the business of citizenship. A strong grounding in social sciences can develop students’ quantitative skills and enhance the development of rational, evidence-based thinking. In an age of rapid, sometimes bewildering change, strong roots are as essential as a desire to reach for the stars!
The history curriculum gives students a solid foundation in world history from the end of the European Middle Ages (approximately 1300 CE) through our contemporary world. This foundation is built during the ninth and tenth grade years in a program integrating the history and narratives of the Jewish peoples with broader stories.
The Grade 11 curriculum shifts focus from world and Jewish narratives to American ones. The Social Sciences department offers students a number of different foci to explore the story of the American people. Our comprehensive and rigorous AP United States History program is the flagship program in US History. Students may also enroll in American Studies, which integrates US History Honors with programs offered by the English and Jewish Studies departments, Honors or our 20th century college preparatory program.
The social sciences offerings are quite broad. Programs are offered in government, economics, and psychology at the college preparatory and AP levels. In addition, a variety of other electives are offered, including Art History, AP Art History ,and Philosophy.
Lastly, in their final semester as seniors, all students enroll in Israel Seminar. This course helps students develop an understanding of the history of Israel and to be able to rationally argue their personal positions regarding the issues surrounding Israel’s history and its position in the contemporary world.
Avodah – Generous Hearts
At Milken, Avodah is broadly defined or translated as orientation or direction (kavanah). Central to Milken’s philosophy is the notion that students must develop their own Aggadah (personal narrative). This personal story helps students develop a sense of grounding, a “hereness” that helps them explain their actions to themselves and to others. A student’s orientation gives a sense of meaning to their direction.
The Social Sciences Department facilitates the student’s development of his or her Aggadah by helping them recognize patterns, trends, and purposes in the history of the Jewish people, the American people and the nations of the world. Just as there are many ways to express one’s Jewish identity, there are myriad ways to express one’s American identity and to be situated within global narratives of personhood. The programs in Social Sciences help students understand how race, ethnicity, gender, and religion play formative roles in the development of personal identity and national character. During their four years at Milken, students are exposed to the tools archaeologists, anthropologists, art historians, economists, historians, political scientists, psychologists, sociologists, and theologians use to impart structure and meaning to the story of humanity.
Gemilut Chasadim – Kind Souls
Narrative without action has limited constructive purpose. At Milken, Gemilut Chasadim can be broadly translated as ethical action. Mindful of the responsibility to treat all human beings as B’etzelem Elohim (made in the image of God), the programs of the Milken Social Sciences Department foster student understanding of the other. The programs regularly expose students to notions of fairness, forgiveness, ethics, judgment, and compassionate critique.
