Social Sciences

Founded in 2011, the Social Sciences department (formerly called the Political Science & Forensics department) is home to courses from four distinct disciplines: forensics, political science, philosophy, and psychology. Our forensics courses offer something for everyone interested in public speaking and argumentation, whether you’re hoping to get more comfortable speaking in front of groups or looking to master the art of oratory. Our political science courses include introductory classes in both United States government and international relations, as well as a wide range of advanced electives. We even offer a variety of philosophy courses, covering such diverse topics as ethics and epistemology.

The department is also home to the Upper School’s world-class Model United Nations and competitive speech and debate programs. Our students have held leadership positions at some of the most prestigious MUN conferences in the world, won and been top speaker at the National Tournament of Champions in the United States, advanced to the International Public Policy Forum finals three times, reached elimination rounds of the National Speech and Debate Tournament in the United States, and won gold in every IASAS Cultural Convention event. Yet we also seek to give each and every student a chance to participate in these activities, regardless of their goals or current abilities. So please be sure to contact us to learn more about the wide range of opportunities that are available!

Social Sciences Course Chart

A Tradition of Excellence

Course Offerings 2022-2023

 

 

2018 International Public Policy Forum: Elite 8
International Public Policy Forum: Round of 64
Duke National High School Moot Court Tournament: Elite 8
Duke National High School Moot Court Tournament: Sweet 16
Duke National High School Moot Court Tournament: Round of 32
Nanke International Forensics Tournament: Champions in Varsity Lincoln Douglas Debate, Varsity Impromptu Speaking, and JV Impromptu Speaking
2017 International Public Policy Forum: Elite 8
National Tournament of Champions: International Bracket Champions
National Tournament of Champions: 2nd Place International Speaker
Duke National High School Moot Court Tournament: Round of 32
2016 National Tournament of Champions: Top International Speaker (2nd Overall)
National Tournament of Champions: Semifinalist
National Tournament of Champions: Quarterfinalist
National Tournament of Champions: Octafinalist
IASAS Gold: Extemporaneous Speaking
2015 International Public Policy Forum: Sweet 16
IASAS Gold: Extemporaneous Speaking & Impromptu Speaking
Stanford National Forensics Invitational: Quarterfinalist (Original Oratory)
2014 International Public Policy Forum: Elite 8
International Public Policy Forum: Sweet 16
IASAS Gold: Debate, Original Oratory, & Oral Interpretation
2013 International Public Policy Forum: Round of 32
National Speech & Debate Tournament: Round of 60 (Original Oratory)
National Speech & Debate Tournament: Round 8 (Lincoln Douglas Debate)
IASAS Gold: Extemporaneous Speaking & Original Oratory
2012 International Public Policy Forum: Round of 32
IASAS Gold: Extemporaneous Speaking
Nanke International Forensics Tournament: Debate Champions
2011 International Debate Educational Association Mixed Team Tournament: Member of Championship Team

Department Chair

Darby  Sinclair
Contact Department Chair