Social Studies

The Social Studies department at New Town High School is committed to creating scientifically literate citizens by providing the fundamental principles that will lay a foundation upon which to build lifelong learning. It is our goal to inspire students to give serious consideration to careers in the social sciences based on their experiences in our classrooms.

American Government

This course focuses on the three branches of the U.S. Government as well as public policy and the influence of the media. American Government is a full year course that satisfies 1 of the 3.5 social studies credits students must have to graduate. In addition, students must pass the Government HSA prior to graduation from New Town High School.

World History

This course focuses on cultures around the world from 1,000 A.D. to the modern era. Students will examine world religions, customs, traditions, and cultures. This course satisfies 1 of the 3.5 social studies credits needed to graduate.

U.S. History

This course picks up where students left off in eighth grade, at the end of the Civil War. Students examine American culture, policy, events, and people that shaped the United States for the last 150 years. This course satisfies 1 of the 3.5 social studies credits needed to graduate.

PFET

This course is an introduction to economics, both micro and macro. Students learn key information about the economy as a whole as well as one’s individual economy. Students complete a range of projects and activities that prepare them to handle their own finances as a young adult. This course satisfies .5 of the 3.5 social studies credits needed to graduate.

History of the Americas IB (1 credit

Theory of Knowledge IB (1 credit

Psychology
(.5 credit)

IB Psychology (1 credit)

Film and History (.5 credit)

History through Sports (.5 credit)

African American History (.5 credit)

IB Global Politics (1 credit)

AP African-American Studies (1 credit)

Advanced Placement social studies courses are scheduled whenever they are justified by enrollment. Students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses are eligible for GT credit. Each Advanced Placement course includes a study of major social science concepts, principles, and unifying themes, and includes the development of research skills.

Model United Nations

Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an extra-curricular activity in which students roleplay delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees. Delegates must act in the interest of their countries and work with other delegates to solve world problems.  This activity takes place at MUN conferences, which is usually organized by a high school or college MUN club. At the end of most conferences, outstanding delegates in each committee are recognized and given an award certificate.


Questions? Contact Mr. Richard Kline, Social Studies Department Chair ([email protected])

Kelsea Collins
Kelsea Collins: American Government

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Hello Titans! My name is Kelsea Collins and I have grown up in Maryland my entire life. I received my BA from Towson University in History Secondary Education, and my MA from Loyola University in Educational Technology. I previously was a teacher at Windsor Mill Middle School for the first seven years of my career before joining New Town High School. I am excited to be part of the New Town Community!
 Todd Dunn Todd Dunn: PFET, World History
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Abigail Horah  
Abigail Horah: AP US History, US History

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Sherkiara Johnson  
Sherkiara Johnson: PFET, Films & History, Juvenile Justice, History Through Sports

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 Anjum Khan
Hajira Khan: World History, IB Global Politics 1

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Born in India but raised in Columbia, Maryland, I am a proud product of the Maryland public school system. I attended the University of Maryland (go TERPS!) for my undergraduate degree and UMBC for my graduate school degree. I knew I wanted to be a teacher as early as elementary school so I could get the summers off! My parents worked and summers were no fun for a latchkey kid. Reading, especially my favorite genre historical fiction, became my outlet into the world.

My history teachers at Oakland Mills High inspired me to become a history teacher. I had never had teachers teach with such passion and committed to us learning history that was “ugly, painful, and truthful.” They did not want to dumb it down for us. Instead we learned how all civilizations, nations, people are complex and learning from their mistakes is an important way to better ourselves. From the 11th grade onwards, I knew I would teach history.

I have taught for 9 years in private schools with a very diverse population, learning much about the world through my students. I am starting my 4th year at NTH (go Titans!) and BCPS. I am also an avid traveler having gone to 10 countries,17 states and counting!

 Richard Kline
Richard Kline, Social Studies Department Chair: Psychology 1 IB, Psychology 2 IB, AVID 11

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Hello Titans! My name is Richard Kline and I am the Social Studies Department Chair and this is my first year as a Titan. I have been teaching for almost 20 years, all in Baltimore County. I have taught just about every course in Middle and High School but my specialty is in European History. I was born in Pennsylvania and still live there with my wife, two kids, a cat, and a bird. My hobbies include spending time with my family, reading, and anything history. I am excited to be a part of the best high school in Baltimore County! Go Titans!

 Joven Maranan
Joven Maranan: Psychology, US History

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Shanell Middleton
 
Shanell Middleton: AP African-American Studies, African-American Experience, American Government

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Born & raised in the City of Miami where I received my undergrad degree from Florida International University (FIU). Relocated to Baltimore to complete my Masters at Morgan State University.

 Nick Ricks Nick Ricks: PFET, World History
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Nadine Seeney  
Nadine Seeney: American Government, US History

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Payton Tibbo  
Payton Tibbo: American Government, US History, World History

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 Elizabeth Ward  
Elizabeth Ward: American Government, US History
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Hello everyone. My name is Elizabeth Ward. I will be teaching American Government and AVID 10th -11th Grades. I grew up near Ocean City, Maryland and have lived in Baltimore County the last 4 years. After graduating from Towson University with a B.S. in History I started on my career path into education with plans of earning my Master degree in the near future. This is my first year at New Town High School. Last year I taught in the Virtual Learning Program for Baltimore County teaching English, Science, and AVID. I am looking forward to working with everyone to help students reach their goals. Some things I like to do are going to the movies, reading books, baking new concoctions, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

 Joe Willard
Joe Willard: IB History of the Americas 1, IB History 2

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I am originally from Baltimore City. Now, I am from many different places. After high school, I set out to find my path by serving my country and seeing the world. I joined the United States Marine Corps. I turned 18 in basic training boot camp. After four years of military service, I had some direction and decided that I needed a college education. At the University of Maryland Baltimore County, I embraced my studies. This is when I was drawn to the study of history. After earning my Bachelors, I had to find a way to make a living with my history degree. One thing led to another. I started teaching social studies in Baltimore County Public Schools in the Fall of 1998. What a career! I have enjoyed continuing my studies and sharing in the learning with my students. I appreciate all the opportunities the New Town High School staff, students, and community have given me. I will continue to search for ways to give back.