Social Science Course Descriptions

World Geography - The subject of World Geography acts as the introduction to the subject field of social studies at the Marine Military Academy. The eight strands of essential knowledge and skills for social studies are intended to be integrated for instructional purposes. This course is designed for Eighth Grade understanding, and acts as the necessary foundation upon which the subjects of World History and US History may be built. World Geography builds in the Cadets mind the global map; its climates and environments, external and internal forces of the Earth, vegetation, animals, and the cultures and characteristics of the humans that inhabit the various regions of this Earth. From this learning foundation, the Cadet is able to follow the efforts of man throughout the world as he attempts to bring about and improve civilization in all regions of the earth during the study of World History. Once an understanding is gained of the lands and the peoples of those lands who immigrated to this country, then the Cadet is qualified to enter the study of history in our great nation through US History. It is the excellent knowledge and understanding of US History, which truly distinguishes the Marine Military Academy graduate.

The Marine Military Academy also offers an honors world geography course.

World History - World History Studies is the only course offering Cadets 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 the present. Traditional historical points of reference in world history, are identified as Cadets analyze important events and issues in western civilization as well as in civilizations in other parts of the world. Cadets evaluate the causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th century. Cadets examine the impact of geographic factors on major historic events and identify the historic origins of contemporary economic systems. Cadets analyze the process by which democratic-republican governments evolved as well as the ideas from historic documents that influenced that process. Cadets trace the historical development of important legal and political concepts. Cadets examine the history and impact of major religious and philosophical traditions. Cadets analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and the growth of industrial economies, and they use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, and use multiple sources of evidence.

U.S. History - U.S. History focuses the Cadet 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 to 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.

Political Science/Government (DE) - The Political Science/Government Dual Enrollment (DE) gives the motivated social studies student the opportunity to earn college credit at MMA. 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.

E-mail Academics (academics@mma-tx.org)