Social Studies

Students will engage in a rigorous and in-depth examination of the American political system and the democratic values that enable citizens to participate effectively in civic and economic life. Students will examine fundamental constitutional principles, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the political culture, the policy-making process at local, state and national levels of government, and the operation of the United States market economy. Emphasis will be placed on historical research and writing through the use of primary and secondary sources. Students will continue to use historical and geographical analysis skills to explore the events, people and ideas pertinent to the study of American government. Personal character traits that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in the civic life an increasingly diverse democratic society will be emphasized throughout the course. See Guidelines for Placement of Students in Honors/AP/Dual Enrolled Classes.

Students will engage in a rigorous and in-depth examination of the historical development of American ideas and institutions from the Age of Exploration to the modern era. Knowledge of American culture through a chronological survey of major issues, movements, people, and events in United States and Virginia history will be connected by focusing on political and economic history. Students will use historical and geographical analysis skills to explore the events, people, and ideas that fostered our national identity and led to our country’s prominence in world affairs. Emphasis will be placed on research and writing skills through the use of primary and secondary sources and document based questions and essays. Students may earn college credit through the Advanced Placement (AP) United States History exam given at the end of the year. Students may be tested at the end of this course on the Virginia and United States History standards of learning. See Guidelines for Placement of Students in Honors/AP/Dual Enrolled Classes.

This course offers an approach that lets students “do history” by guiding them through the steps a historian would take in analyzing historical events and evidence worldwide. It will begin in 1200 CE with students covering civilizations in Africa, the Americas, and Asia and continue into the modern age. The purpose of this course is to develop a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in different types of human societies. See Guidelines for Placement of Students in Honors/AP/Dual Enrolled Classes.

Students will examine history and geography from 1500 A.D. (C.E.) to the present, with emphasis on Western Europe. Geographic influences on history will continue to be explored, but increasing attention will be given to political boundaries that developed with the evolution of nations. Significant attention will be given to the ways in which scientific and technological revolutions created new economic conditions that in turn produced social and political changes. Noteworthy people and events of the 19th and 20th centuries will be emphasized for their strong connections to contemporary issues. Students will continue to use their historical knowledge and skills to write essays, answer document based questions and conduct research. Students may be tested at the end of this course on the World History and Geography 1500 C.E. to present standards of learning. See Guidelines for Placement of Students in Honors/AP/Dual Enrolled Classes.

Students will explore the historical development of people, places and patterns of life from prehistory to ancient civilizations until 1500 A.D. (C.E.). Geographical analysis including the study of human interaction and the environment, cultural characteristics and economic development will be emphasized as students explore people, places and events. Students will engage in historical and chronological thinking through the examination of primary and secondary sources. Students will use their historical knowledge and skills to write essays and answer document based questions. Students will be tested at the end of this course on the World History and Geography to 1500 C.E. standards of learning. See Guidelines for Placement of Students in Honors/AP/Dual Enrolled Classes.

This course examines man in his surroundings and how he can adapt to various situations. The course is composed of units on psychology, marriage and the family and general sociology. Class discussions and role playing will comprise a major portion of this course.

Students will explore the American political system and the democratic values that enable citizens to participate effectively in civic and economic life. Students will examine fundamental constitutional principles, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the political culture, the policy-making process at local, state and national levels of government, and the operation of the United States market economy. Students will continue to use social studies skills to explore the events, people and ideas pertinent to the study of American government. Personal character traits that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in the civic life of an increasingly diverse democratic society will be emphasized throughout the course.

Service Learning is designed for students with a special interest in politics and government. During the first semester students explore the American political system and the democratic values that enable citizens to participate effectively in civic and economic life. Students will examine fundamental constitutional principles, the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, the political culture, the policy-making process at local, state and national levels of government, and the operation of the United States market economy. During the second semester, students spend a portion of their class time in local government agencies applying the knowledge and skills they have acquired in the classroom to solving community problems. Selection criteria include teacher recommendations, academic standing, parent permission and a letter of reference from an individual in the community. Selection is made by a committee including the course instructor, principal and guidance counselor. See Guidelines for Placement of Students in Honors/AP/Dual Enrolled Classes.

Students will examine the historical development of American ideas and institutions from the age of exploration to the modern era. Basic knowledge of American culture through a chronological survey of major issues, movements, people, and events in United States and Virginia history will be connected by focusing on political and economic history. Students will use social studies skills to explore the events, people, and ideas that fostered our national identity and led to our country’s prominence in world affairs. Students may be tested at the end of this course on the Virginia and United States History standards of learning.

Students will examine history and geography from 1500 A.D. (C.E.) to the present, with emphasis on Western Europe. Geographic influences on history will continue to be explored, but increasing attention will be given to political boundaries that developed with the evolution of nations. Significant attention will be given to the ways in which scientific and technological revolutions created new economic conditions that in turn produced social and political changes. Noteworthy people and events of the 19th and 20th centuries will be emphasized for their strong connections to contemporary issues. Students will engage in historical and chronological thinking through the examination of primary and secondary sources. Students may be tested at the end of this course on the World History and Geography 1500 C.E. to present standards of learning.

Students will explore the historical development of people, places and patterns of life from prehistory to ancient civilizations until 1500 A.D. (C.E.). Geographical analysis including the study of human interaction and the environment, cultural characteristics and economic development will be emphasized as students explore people, places and events. Students will engage in historical and chronological thinking through the examination of primary and secondary sources. Students will be tested at the end of this course on the World History and Geography to 1500 C.E. standards of learning.