Social Studies

Social & Religious Studies Department

Overview
The Social and Religious Studies Department seeks to create leaders who are able to critically think, demonstrate empathy, and cultivate general intellectual curiosities about the world around them so they may become engaged, global citizens. We support excellence in education through a diverse, dynamic, and personalized academic environment that emphasizes engaged students and engaged learning. We educate students to embody holistic knowledge, inspire critical thinking, possess dynamic oral and written communications skills, and become global citizens. The meshing of these goals and ideals will equip students to make positive changes in the communities they live and serve in.

Social Studies

  • AP Government and Politics - Spring

    An alternative to Government and Open to seniors, students in this college-level one semester course taught in the fall will study concepts and theories that govern U.S. government and politics, understand typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences, and analyze and interpret basic data relevant to the American political system. Topics will include the constitutional underpinnings of our federal government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups and the mass media, and civil rights and civil liberties. The course culminates in the nationally-administered AP Exam in May. Students who perform well on this exam may receive college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college. This course is for the motivated historian who exhibits a passion for the subject area.  Placement is based on departmental approval.
  • AP Government and Politics -Fall

    An alternative to Government and Open to seniors, students in this college-level one semester course taught in the fall will study concepts and theories that govern U.S. government and politics, understand typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their consequences, and analyze and interpret basic data relevant to the American political system. Topics will include the constitutional underpinnings of our federal government, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties, interest groups and the mass media, and civil rights and civil liberties. The course culminates in the nationally-administered AP Exam in May. Students who perform well on this exam may receive college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college. This course is for the motivated historian who exhibits a passion for the subject area.  Placement is based on departmental approval.
  • AP Macroeconomics - Spring

    Advanced Placement (AP) Microeconomics and Macroeconomics consists of two semesters of introductory college-level economics. In the first semester, students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy. In the second semester, students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies. The course culminates in the nationally-administered AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics exams in May. Students who perform well on these exams may receive college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college. The course is for motivated students who exhibit a passion for the subject area. Placement is based on departmental approval.
  • AP Microeconomics - Fall

    Advanced Placement (AP) Microeconomics and Macroeconomics consists of two semesters of introductory college-level economics. In the first semester, students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like scarcity and markets; costs, benefits, and marginal analysis; production choices and behavior; and market inefficiency and public policy. In the second semester, students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies. The course culminates in the nationally-administered AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics exams in May. Students who perform well on these exams may receive college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college. The course is for motivated students who exhibit a passion for the subject area. Placement is based on departmental approval.
  • AP Psychology

    Open to AP-eligible 11th & 12th graders, Full Year Course From the College Board: The AP Psychology course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior, and social psychology. From the teacher: Students will learn through a variety of projects, discussions, individual exploration, and peer-learning. Be prepared for a high level of class participation.  This course is for the motivated historian who exhibits a passion for the subject area.  Placement is based on departmental approval.
  • AP U. S. History

    An alternative to regular U.S. History for juniors, this course requires motivation to do additional reading, analysis, and writing. It is a college-level course that uses college textbooks. In addition to a thematic development of United States history, students will be exposed to the different methodologies that historians use in order to practice their craft. There is a special emphasis on discussion and analysis. The course culminates in the nationally-administered AP Exam in May. Students who perform well on this exam may receive college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college. This course is for the motivated historian who exhibits a passion for the subject area.  Placement is based on departmental approval.
  • AP World History: Modern

    This course is about big ideas and concepts, not names and dates. The course surveys major themes and ideas in world history, including world religions, trade, and commerce, conquest and contact, the development of technology, gender, the impact of geography, and environment and art in societies. This college-level world history survey exposes students to a range of historical narratives. Comparative inquiry is emphasized. There are significant and challenging writing assignments that require the use of primary sources and often outside research; these assignments require deep analytical and synthetic thinking. This course is for the motivated historian. This course is for the motivated historian who exhibits a passion for the subject area.  Placement is based on departmental approval.
  • Economics - Fall

    This non AP version of Economics at TMI will focus on bringing economic policies, theories, and ideas to life.  Students will learn the elementary principles of economics; the economic problem, theory of demand, theory of production, theory of supply, and the role of international trade and foreign currency in the world.  The course will also inspire students to think about the larger public issues of our time such as minimum wage, renewable energy, and a declining worldwide birth rate.  The goal of the course will be for students to walk away with not only a firm understanding of economics but also the power of economics.
  • Economics - Spring

    Economics of public issues will focus on bringing economic policies to life.  It will inspire students how to think about public issues like an economist.  Most of the topics in this course will focus on the issues of our times.  The goal of the course will be for students to walk away with not only a firm understanding of economics but also the power of economics.
  • Europe in an Age of Extremes, 1900-2016 - Spring

    The twentieth century in Europe has been called an age of extremes. It was a period of dramatic change in almost every field of human experience. New political ideologies, like Communism and Fascism, reshaped the public sphere. Meanwhile, developments in sciences and the arts challenged basic conceptions of reality. To give one example amongst millions, a person born in Budapest in 1900 who lived until the age of 100 would have been born at the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, lived through the two World Wars, the rise and collapse of Nazism and Soviet Communism, before finally seeing her country embrace what proved to be a fragile democracy.  This discussion-based course is an attempt to enter into her surprise and explore the fascinating and often alarming worlds of Europe in an age of extremes.
  • Foundations of World Cultures

    This year long sixth-grade course seeks to educate and engage students as global citizens by examining the relationship between ancient history, geography, and religion. Students are introduced to the great early civilizations of the world and discover how these ancient cultures continue to influence the modern world. Honing in on their historical thinking skills, students begin to develop an understanding of the individuals and groups who have shaped significant historical and religious changes in our world. Research and writing skills are emphasized through the analysis of primary sources and the integration of project-based learning.
  • Global Studies I

    In the first year of this two-year Global Studies course, students will combine the study of ancient history with geographic, and cultural topics, to include key skills. Using both a chronological and thematic approach, the course investigates the development of ancient, classical and post-classical societies. The historical scope of the course begins with pre-history and ends with a study of cross-cultural interactions to 1450 CE. Students focus on the similarities and differences among the world’s faith traditions, the impact of technology and demography, societal systems of structuring authority and gender, and cultural and intellectual interactions within and among societies. The goals of instruction include helping students to see global patterns over time, sense where and why change has occurred, develop the capacity to compare and contrast societies, understand the variety of faith traditions across the world, develop an awareness of human similarities and differences, and understand the unique historical contexts that have contributed to culturally diverse ideas and values of our globe.
  • Global Studies I Honors

    In the first year of this two-year Global Studies course, students will combine the study of ancient history with geographic, and cultural topics, to include key skills. Using both a chronological and thematic approach, the course investigates the development of ancient, classical and post-classical societies. The historical scope of the course begins with pre-history and ends with a study of cross-cultural interactions to 1450 CE. Students focus on the similarities and differences among the world’s faith traditions, the impact of technology and demography, societal systems of structuring authority and gender, and cultural and intellectual interactions within and among societies. The goals of instruction include helping students to see global patterns over time, sense where and why change has occurred, develop the capacity to compare and contrast societies, understand the variety of faith traditions across the world, develop an awareness of human similarities and differences, and understand the unique historical contexts that have contributed to culturally diverse ideas and values of our globe. This course is for the motivated historian who exhibits a passion for the subject area. This course is for the motivated historian who exhibits a passion for the subject area. Placement is based on departmental approval.
  • Global Studies II

    Global Studies II focuses on comparative history and culture from 1450 C.E. to the present. The goals of this second year of Global Studies are similar to those of the first year and, as students progress in their study, they organize new information within the thematic and chronological framework introduced in Global Studies I. Students will study how societies after 1450 C.E. – Today interacted via trade, war, and diplomacy; how each historical era consisted of both change and continuity; how both technology and demography impacted societies; how various faith traditions impacted societies across time; how societies structured status and gender; how intellectual and cultural characteristics defined various eras, and how nation-states have emerged. These themes are the basic threads of the two-year Global Studies course and provide students the concepts and detailed facts requisite for developing a global perspective.
  • Government - Spring

    This course explores the structure and dynamics of American national government through watching and analyzing political films, providing an introduction to the ideas and institutions that shape politics in the contemporary United States. Students will examine how motion pictures create a window into political life to develop a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the forces that shape American government and politics so that he or she may be both a more discerning student and critic of the system and a more informed and reflective participant in it.
  • Government-Fall

    This course explores the structure and dynamics of American national government through watching and analyzing political films, providing an introduction to the ideas and institutions that shape politics in the contemporary United States. Students will examine how motion pictures create a window into political life to develop a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the forces that shape American government and politics so that he or she may be both a more discerning student and critic of the system and a more informed and reflective participant in it.
  • Herstory, Theirstory, Ourstory, History - Fall

    The main focus of this course will be women, minorities, and their societal advancement with an emphasis on American history. Discussion of the status of women and minorities from a more global perspective will occur. Women and minority studies examine the experiences and contributions of diverse groups of people and their often underrepresented effect on the course of world history. This course will discuss the difficult subject matter of topics like oppression, slavery, discrimination, and social marginalization. This content at times will be emotionally difficult to process and requires intellectual maturity on the part of the student. We will be using primary and secondary sources to investigate authentic experiences that will focus on multiple perspectives, as well as the nature of revisionism in history. It will also elaborate on their involvement in areas such as global social history, health, science, economics, war, human rights, and political activism. The course will also provide knowledge about gender and minority stereotypes, historic discrimination, oppression, and how this affects the course of human history. 
  • Imperial Identities - Fall

    In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, much of the world’s people lived within a few major empires. These empires were ruled by Europeans, but most of the people living there were not European. The relationship between these colonies and their colonizers continues to shape our world today: there is a reason why almost half of the world’s countries have English or French as an official language. This seminar class seeks to explore what life was like both for the colonizers and the colonized. We will examine the perspectives of people from areas as diverse as North Africa and the South Pacific. We will read essays, interviews, short stories, and poetry, watch films, and look at artworks and photographs. Above all, we will discuss how people thought and felt about their diverse positions living under Empires.
  • Intro to Business & Entrepreneurship - Spring

    This course is designed to introduce students to the world of business ownership and management. This course will build students' skills in the knowledge of types of business ownership, legal issues, accounting, business finance/start-up costs, business trends, site selection, marketing, pricing strategies and the development of a business plan on the students' product/service of choice. This hands-on course will involve students in a variety of activities that will provide them with the skills necessary to be successful in a constantly changing workplace.
  • Intro to Business & Entrepreneurship -Fall

    This course is designed to introduce students to the world of business ownership and management. This course will build students' skills in the knowledge of types of business ownership, legal issues, accounting, business finance/start-up costs, business trends, site selection, marketing, pricing strategies and the development of a business plan on the students' product/service of choice. This hands-on course will involve students in a variety of activities that will provide them with the skills necessary to be successful in a constantly changing workplace.
  • Texas History - Fall

    Seventh-grade requirement, this is a one-semester basic survey course of early Texas history. Major topics include: native Texans, European exploration of Texas, missionaries, Spanish colonization and settlement, the struggle for independence, Texas as a republic, annexation into the United States, the Mexican War, and the emergence of the Texas cattle industry. Basic research and writing skills are emphasized.
  • Texas History - Spring

    Seventh-grade requirement, this is a one-semester basic survey course of early Texas history. Major topics include: native Texans, European exploration of Texas, missionaries, Spanish colonization and settlement, the struggle for independence, Texas as a republic, annexation into the United States, the Mexican War, and the emergence of the Texas cattle industry. Basic research and writing skills are emphasized.
  • The Holocaust: History and Historians - Fall

    The murder of six million European Jews by the Nazis and their allies during the Second World War remains one of the 20th century’s most haunting and most significant events. In this one-semester course, students will be introduced to Holocaust history and historiography, including the origins of modern Antisemitism, German politics of the interwar years, the structure of the Nazi dictatorships, and more. Along the way, students will be asked to engage with historians’ arguments about the nature of decision-making within the Third Reich, when what we now call the Holocaust or the Shoah began in earnest, and the culpability of the German population. Students who request this course should maintain an active interest in 20th century history, a desire to read widely, and a commitment to historical thinking.
  • The Legal Environment of Business- Fall

    TMI Episcopal, in conjunction with a pilot rollout of a new business and entrepreneurship pathway program, will be introducing a new course titled “"The Legal Environment of Business." The course will be designed to offer students profound insights into the intricate legal landscapes and ethical considerations inherent in the business world. This course will delve into managerial decision-making and ethical resolutions, focusing on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the broader legal issues encountered by business owners and managers. Participants will explore various real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding of legal concepts and their applications in daily business operations. This course promises a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, preparing students to face the challenges of the business world with informed perspectives and ethical integrity. It is a golden opportunity for aspiring young minds to acquaint themselves with the legalities of the business environment and to cultivate sound decision-making abilities.

    Prerequisite: Completing or Concurrent enrollment in Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship
  • The Legal Environment of Business- Spring

    TMI Episcopal, in conjunction with a pilot rollout of a new business and entrepreneurship pathway program, will be introducing a new course titled “"The Legal Environment of Business." The course will be designed to offer students profound insights into the intricate legal landscapes and ethical considerations inherent in the business world. This course will delve into managerial decision-making and ethical resolutions, focusing on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the broader legal issues encountered by business owners and managers. Participants will explore various real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding of legal concepts and their applications in daily business operations. This course promises a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, preparing students to face the challenges of the business world with informed perspectives and ethical integrity. It is a golden opportunity for aspiring young minds to acquaint themselves with the legalities of the business environment and to cultivate sound decision-making abilities.

    Prerequisite: Completing or Concurrent enrollment in Introduction to Business and Entrepreneurship
  • The Second World War - Spring

    The Second World War is a survey course on the 20th century’s single most important and consequential event. In this one semester elective, students will be introduced to an overview of the war’s origins, its key battles, life on the homefronts of belligerent nations, the experiences of frontline soldiers, the war’s most significant legacies, and more. Students who request this course should maintain an active interest in 20th century history, a desire to read widely, and a commitment to historical thinking. No purchases are required; readings will be provided by the instructor.
  • U. S. History

    This two semester survey course introduces eleventh-grade students to the political, economic, diplomatic, and social development of the United States. The two semesters will consist of thematic units such as identity, expansion, foreign affairs, immigration, civil rights, and politics over the course of American history from colonial times through to present day.  Students will work to draw lessons for life in modern America from the wealth of history the country has already undertaken. There is considerable emphasis on writing and research skills. 
  • U.S. Studies

    This year-long eighth-grade course is designed to provide the historical foundation essential for an understanding of the political, social, cultural, and geographical forces that shape modern society. The course begins with an examination of the historical origins of community, nation, and government and connects these roots to our modern democracy. A review of units on colonization, revolution, and independence is followed by a more detailed exploration of the founding of our nation, principles of the United States Constitution, western expansion, social reform movements, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. Skills for thinking, inquiry, and participation in a democratic society are emphasized.
  • Why War - Spring

    War is a recurring and ubiquitous human phenomenon that has existed throughout history. In order to understand why humans have been unable to coexist harmoniously, we will question what exactly war is and examine how warfare is practiced.  Why do societies resort to war over diplomacy? Blood, battles, and brutality historically have been romanticized throughout history, but how effective are military exploits at accomplishing goals? How and why do empires rise and fall?  This course will examine warfare in the ancient and modern world, requires student maturity due to the difficult nature of the topics, and emphasizes why war happens. To understand war, this course will use a cross-cultural approach to the study of war throughout history using both archaeological and textual sources. This class for is students in 10th  – 12th  grade, will have a heavy focus on battle simulations, historical gaming, and the methodology of all war.

Departments

Department Faculty

MISSION: TMI provides an exceptional education with values based on the teachings of Jesus Christ that challenge motivated students to develop their full potential in service and leadership.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
TMI Episcopal admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, religion, and physical ability to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex, religion, and physical ability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
TMI Episcopal
20955 W. Tejas Trail
San Antonio TX 78257
phone (210) 698-7171
fax (210) 698-0715