World Geography

This introductory course serves as a foundation upon which subjects of World and U.S. History may be built. World Geography focuses global climates and environments, external and internal forces of the earth, vegetation, animals and the cultures and characteristics of the humans that inhabit various regions.

World History

World History provides an overview of the entire history of humankind. The major emphasis is on the study of significant people, events, and issues from the earliest times to present day. Traditional historical points of reference are identified as cadets analyze important events and issues in western civilization and beyond. Cadets evaluate the causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th century. They also examine the impact of geographic factors on major historical events, identify the historic origins of contemporary economic systems, and analyze the process by which democratic-republican governments evolved as well as ideas from historical documents that influenced that process. They will trace the historical development of important legal and political concepts and examine the history and impact of major religious and philosophical traditions. Additionally, they will analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and the growth of industrial economies, and use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret and use multiple sources of evidence.

U.S. History

This course focuses on the political, economic and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. constitution, challenges to the early republic, westward expansion, sectionalism, The war Between the States and Reconstruction. Content is also focused on the events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold War and Post-Cold War eras. Cadets use critical thinking skills to explain and apply different methods that historians use to interpret the past, including points of view and historical context.

U.S. Government

This course is a study of the functions of the various branches and the different levels of government. This course includes a look at elections, political parties and interest groups. U.S. foreign policy and national security are also studied.

Economics

The purpose of this course is to help cadets understand and deal with the major economic forces that affect their lives. Topics to be discussed are production, savings, investment, insurance, national income, accounting and membership in labor and business organizations.

Government DE

As a dual enrollment course, cadets will earn college credit through the University of Texas system that may be transferrable to other institutions of higher learning. This course offers an introduction to the theory and practice of politics and government in America at the national, state and local levels with special attention to Texas. Topics include political theory, the American and Texas Constitution, Federalism, political participation and elections, the institutions of government and domestic and foreign policies. In addition, cadets will be exposed to the origins of American political thought and will research a current federal policy area such as energy, education or defense.

Chinese Culture

An overview of Chinese culture, encompassing history, the arts, literature, religion and philosophy, political events, science, and contemporary lifestyles. This course is designed to give Chinese nationals practice in describing and explaining their own country and culture to outsiders, and to give students who are not Chinese an in-depth view of all that makes modern China what it is.

Honors and Advanced Placement Courses

Our social sciences honors classes involve a more in-depth study of various topics through the use of advanced readings and research.

AP classes emphasize not only on learning content material, but on acquiring and using critical thinking and analytical writing skills. These courses follow the College Board Advanced Placement Program and prepare cadets to take the AP exam for college credit.

Dr. Jada Thacker

Department Chair
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 742
Email: thacker@MMA-TX.org
        
Jada Thacker is an MMA alumnus from the class of 1971 and a former MMA Teacher of the Year. He earned his master’s degree at Texas A&M University, his doctorate from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and holds a U.S. Coast Guard Masters License with Auxiliary Sail endorsement. He is an award-winning teacher, having been included numerous times in Who's Who Among America's Teachers and National Honor Roll's Outstanding American Teachers. He is the author of the novels, Finally, The Pawn and Choosers of the Slain and has recently completed an innovative U.S. History textbook, Dissecting American History: A Theme-Based Narrative. He served as a combat infantryman in Vietnam and is also a graduate of Naval Aviation Schools Command. He is a former naval officer and a current member of the United States Power Squadrons, holding advanced certification.

Erasmo Molina
Teacher, Social Sciences
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext.732
Email: molina@MMA-TX.org

Erasmo Molina has been a teacher and coach for the past 33 years. He has taught in numerous school districts throughout the valley, serving as a history/government teacher as well as basketball coach with over 350-recorded wins. The Edinburg, Texas native graduated from Pan American University with a Master of Educational Administration, but after teaching for one year, was drafted into military service during the Vietnam War. He served with the U.S. Army in Germany where he attained the rank of Sgt(E-5). He credits these experiences for providing invaluable lessons in the classroom.

Outside of the classroom, the seasoned basketball coach has written numerous published articles and has lectured in several basketball clinics. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Texas High School Coaches Association for four years, and has been nominated to coach the Texas High School South Basketball All-Star team four times.

Additionally, he serves as special assistant coach to the Rio Grande Valley Silverados, a professional CBA basketball team, which has proven both rewarding and beneficial, especially when working with high school athletes.

Joe A. Sousa
Teacher, Social Sciences
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 758
Email: sousa@MMA-TX.org

Joe A. Sousa is a native of Portugal, but grew up in California. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from UCLA, a Master of Business Administration from City University, and is a graduate of the Air Force Air Command and Staff College. Upon graduating from UCLA, he received an Air Force commission, and in 1982 began a 22-year career as an Air Force pilot. During his time in the Air Force, he accumulated over 3000 flying hours as a B-52 pilot, and aircraft commander, and as a T-38 and T-37 flight instructor. His other Air Force experience included a tour as a planner on the Pacific Air Forces staff in Hawaii, and as an academic instructor at the Air Force Joint Warrior School in Las Vegas. Mr. Sousa retired from the Air Force in 2003.

Tom Morton
Teacher, Social Sciences
TEL: 956.423.6006 ext. 551
Email: tmorton@MMA-TX.org
        
A graduate of Texas A&I University, and former Atlanta Falcon football player, Mr. Morton has taught for over 37 years — 34 of which have been at MMA. He served as MMA's Athletic Director from 1978-1993 and from 1998 until the spring of 2010. He has coached for over 33 years — 29 of which were at MMA — in a variety of sports including football, basketball, baseball, track and cross-country.