Social Studies

Civics and Economics will examine the roles citizens play in the political, governmental, and economic systems in the United States. Students will examine the Constitutions of Virginia and the United States, identify the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens, and describe the structure and operation of government at the local, state, and national levels. Students will investigate the process by which decisions are made in the American market economy and explain the government’s role in it. Personal character traits, such as patriotism, respect for the law, willingness to perform public service, and a sense of civic duty that facilitate thoughtful and effective active participation in the civic life of an increasingly diverse democratic society will be emphasized throughout the course. Emphasis will be placed on the intellectual and practical skills required for responsible citizenship. SOL tested course

Students will continue to use social studies skills as they examine American history since 1865, from the Reconstruction era to the present. Students will continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography within the context of United States history. Political, economic, and social challenges facing the nation reunited after civil war will be examined chronologically as students develop an understanding of how the American experience shaped the world’s political and economic landscapes. Emphasis will placed on intellectual skills required for responsible citizenship.

Students will use social studies skills to explore the early history of the United States and understand ideas and events that strengthened the union. The standards for this course relate to the history of the United States from pre-Columbian times until 1865. Students will continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography as they study United States history in chronological sequence and learn about change and continuity in our history. They also will study documents and speeches that laid the foundation for American ideals and institutions and will examine the everyday life of people at different times in the country’s history through the use of primary and secondary sources. The study of history will emphasize the intellectual skills required for responsible citizenship. Students will practice these skills as they extend their understanding of the essential knowledge defined by all of the standards for history and social science.