Philosophy/Objectives

The Social Studies Department is committed to the goal of providing our students with a solid foundation in history and social sciences. The state of Pennsylvania requires three years of Social Studies. The Social Studies Department at Oakland Catholic High School requires four years. The members of the Social Studies Department feel that it is essential that all students have the fourth year to pursue academic challenges in Social Studies that will help them to prepare for the demands of post-secondary education.

As for the younger students, the focus of our curriculum is to present them with a global perspective as they study history. Our department is committed to teaching our students history/social sciences from multiple cultural perspectives.

It is paramount for our students to pursue learning by thinking critically, by speaking intelligently, and by writing credibly. These are the goals of every member of this department.

Course Offerings

Freshman year

• World History I- Offered on a College Prep and Honors level (1 credit)

Sophomore year

• World History II- Offered on a College Prep and Honors level (1 credit)

Junior year

• American History - Offered on a College Prep, Honors and AP level (1 credit)

Senior year

• Economics/American Government - Offered on a College Prep and Honors level (1 credit)
• AP U.S. Government and Politics (1 credit)
• AP World History (1 credit)
• Interdisciplinary Research Paper Requirement (.25 credit)

Electives: (Junior and Senior)

• Introduction to Philosophy (.5 credit)
• Introduction to Psychology (.5 credit)
• Psychology II (.5 credit)
• Introduction to Sociology (.5 credit)

Instructors

Mr. Dennis DeFilippo is the chair of the Social Studies Department. Mr. DeFilippo earned a B.A., M.A. and state teaching certification in Social Studies from Duquesne University. In addition, Mr. DeFilippo has an Instructional Technology Specialist certificate from the state of Pennsylvania that certifies him to act as a technology resource advocate for other teachers who wish to incorporate technology into their classes. Mr. DeFilippo also co-coordinates the senior research project with the English Department.

Mr. Jeff Flohr received his undergraduate degree in history and education from LaSalle University. He also received his master’s degree in Theology from LaSalle University. Mr. Flohr received a second master’s from Duquesne University in History. Mr. Flohr has and continues to use his travel experiences to enhance his classroom instruction. He and his students have been locally and nationally recognized for successful completion of academic projects. Mr. Flohr’s enthusiasm and energy in the classroom serve his students well.

Mrs. Catherine Fratto teaches World History and American History at Oakland Catholic. She received her B.A. in History from the University of Virginia, her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Languages/Foreign Lanuages from West Virginia University, and her post-baccalaureate teaching certification in 7-12 Social Studies from Carlow College. A member of the National Consortium for the Teaching of Asia, Mrs. Fratto also has done extensive research on Italian immigration patterns to western Pennsylvania for the Heinz History Center, and speaks Italian fluently.

Mr. Patrick Finnegan earned his B.A. in Journalism from Duquesne University with magna cum laude honors. He minored in history as an undergrad and pursued his M.S. Ed in Secondary Education earning a Social Studies certification in 2006. Mr.Finnegan is currently teaching Sophomore World History II, Freshman Honors World History and Junior American History.

Ms. Karen Lehman received her undergrad degree in History from LaRoche College. She received her M.E in Social Studies from Shippensburg University. Ms. Lehman also has a Secondary Administration Certificate as well as a Spiritual Direction Certificate. Ms. Lehman is also involved in a number of student support programs at Oakland Catholic High School. Ms. Lehman teaches Introduction to Psychology in our department as well as several freshman religion classes.

Ms. Cindy McNulty teaches American Literature Honors, World History II Honors and AP World History and received both her B.S.Ed and Master of Liberal Studies from Duquesne University with additional graduate work at Duquesne and the University of Pittsburgh. Cindy has been awarded two NEH Fellowships, the Fulbright-Hays Fellowship, two All-Star Educator awards and the World Affairs Council’s George C. Oehmler Award.

Mr. George Rudolph received his undergrad degree from the University of California in Political Science. Mr. Rudolph received his M.A. in Social Studies Education from Humboldt State University. Mr. Rudolph is the area director for a student ambassador program that provides the opportunity for students to participate in educational travel. Mr. Rudolph continues to use his own travel experiences in Europe and Asia to enhance his teaching content and methodology. In addition, Mr. Rudolph is Athletic Director and track and cross-country coach at Oakland Catholic High School.