The ASFG Social Studies Department seeks to help students understand ongoing historical patterns and the interconnectedness of the human experience. The department strives to provide students with the historical background and analytical tools necessary to comprehend and evaluate social, political, religious, intellectual, technological, and economic events and patterns. Through the lessons of core history and elective courses, the Social Studies Department provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective and responsible citizens of the world. In all courses students are expected to develop a capacity for critical thinking. Students will learn necessary skills that include questioning, cooperative learning, listening to others, conducting independent research, and evaluating information, ideas, and opinions. Instructors in the department make every effort to create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning, to implement a variety of instructional methods as to reach students of varying learning styles, and to design assignments that provide students with opportunities to showcase the learning goals set forth by ASFG High School.