Social Studies Department
Social Studies Staff
Social Studies Courses
Grades: 9, 10, 11 Credit: one
This course provides students with background information, key vocabulary, and basic concepts in preparation for taking World History and Geography 1. Course content includes map skills and geographic themes. This course is designed for ESOL Level 1 and 2 students. World Concepts is an elective and does not satisfy the state Social Studies requirements for graduation. This course may be repeated for elective credit.
Grades: 9 Credit: one
This is the first of a two-year, chronologically organized study of world history and geography. In this first year, students study the world from ancient times to 1500. The course highlights the relationship between the geography and history of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Students refine and expand critical thinking skills, practice decision making and problem solving, and formulate questions to guide research. World History and Geography 1 is required for graduation.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
Grades: 9 Credit: one/weighted +.5
This course is a chronologically organized study of world history and geography with an emphasis on the modern era devoted to the geography and history of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas from 1500 to the present. Students examine the relationship among social, economic and geopolitical developments across time and place. They use the processes of conceptual and critical thinking to analyze historical and contemporary issues. Students engage in intensive analytical reading, writing and discussion. This is the first of a four-year history and social sequence for IB history. Honors World History and Geography 2 meets the course requirements of World History and Geography 2.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
Grades: 10 Credit: one
This is the second of a two-year, chronologically organized study of world history and geography. In this second year, students study the world from 1500 through the contemporary era. The course weaves together the skills and content of both history and geography so that students may learn how history and geography affect each other and therefore gain a more complete understanding of the world around them, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Students continue to refine and expand critical thinking skills, practice decision making and problem solving, and formulate questions to guide research. World History and Geography 2 is required for graduation.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
Grades: 10 Credit: one
In this blocked class, students study program objectives from World History and Geography 2 and English 10. They examine the relationship between social and political developments and the culture of the period. Emphasis is placed on art, music, and literature and the role that each played in the development of world history. World Civilizations 2 is a blocked class in which students receive one credit in World History and Geography 2 (222100) and one credit in English 10.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
Grades: 10 Credit: one/weighted +.5 In this course, students study political philosophy and the structures and functions of local, state, and national governments. This course is intended for students in IB schools who wish to pursue an IB diploma. In addition, students will investigate the governments of the countries that they will study in their later IB history courses. Important elements of the class include congressional and judicial simulations as well as small and large group discussion and research on current political and economic issues. One additional feature of this course is that the students will have direct instruction in time management and study skills to help prepare them for the rigors of the IB program including IB History I and IB History II.
Grades: 11 Credit: one
Students examine the political, economic, social, and cultural growth of the United States, including the role of Virginia in this growth. Students study major historical developments and their impact on contemporary society and on the individual. Map and globe reading, critical thinking, writing, research, and group-process skills are refined. Virginia and United States History is required for graduation.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
Grades: 11 Credit: one/weighted +1.0
Students study political, social, economic and cultural history of the nations of the Western Hemisphere with an emphasis placed on the history of the United States and are introduced to history as a discipline, the nature and variety of historical sources, and the historian's methods. The historical narrative begins with the fifteenth century encounter by Europeans with American cultures and concludes with the entrance of the United States upon the world stage in the early years of the twentieth century. Topics for study include encounter and exchange, colonial institutions, collapse of imperial regimes, evolution of nineteenth century institutions, and the Americas in the industrial age. Students are expected to perceive past events and issues as they were experienced by people at the time, to acquire a comprehension both of diverse cultures and of shared humanity, and to understand the significance of the past to their own lives. IB History I together with IB History II prepares students to take the higher level exam.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.
Grades: 12 Credit: one
Students examine both the structure and function of American government at the national, state, and local levels. The course focuses on political decision-making, comparative political and economic systems, and the student's role as a citizen. Critical thinking, writing, research, and group-process skills are refined. Virginia and United States Government is required for graduation.
Grades: 12 Credit: one/weighted +1.0
Prerequisite: IB History I: History of the Americas
This course offers students an opportunity to study selected twentieth century topics in World History in an international dimension. Case studies of the major events and issues of the twentieth century are studied. Students read widely, acquiring the skills to evaluate, to interpret, and to use source material critically as historical evidence. These skills are specifically examined in the IB final. Additionally, students are expected to demonstrate an awareness of historical perspective and a consistently high level of critical analysis and handling of evidence in expository writing. A significant part of the final grade is an independent research project. Students are required to take either the standard level or the higher level exam. IB History II, together with IB History I, prepares students to take the higher level exam.
Grades: 11, 12 Credit: one/weighted +1.0
IB Geography SL is a thematic study of real-world issues of spatial analysis. In contemporary society, issues such as urbanization, population development and environmental quality are increasingly important. These and other related themes that express the major concerns of our times reflect the consequences of spatial decisions. Conducting its analyses at the local, regional, national and international scales, IB Geography examines the spatial processes and the perceptions of humans, as well as the interrelations between the human and natural environments. The questions 'where?' and 'why?' are central to the course. Students study five core themes: population dynamics, economic growth and development, human responses to natural hazards, agriculture and world food supply, and urban environments. Students learn to apply the tools and techniques of geographers. Students are required to take the standard level exam.
Grades: 11, 12 Credit: one
Students examine patterns and variations of human behavior and the process of individual human development. They identify and examine the emotional, intellectual, and physical factors which influence the development of the individual human being. Students distinguish among the major schools and systems of psychology and methods of investigation.
Grades: 11, 12 Credit: one/weighted +1.0
The IB Psychology standard level program is a one-year study of six of thirteen authors from four compulsory subject areas: developmental psychology, social psychology, cognition and learning, and personality. Each of these areas is approached through four themes: biological and physiological, behavioral, humanistic and phenomenological. Students are required to take the standard level exam or continue to the second year higher level course.
Grades: 10, 11, 12 Credit: one-half
This course provides students with an understanding of the tools with which to analyze the basic framework, concepts, terminology and principles of contemporary issues and events. Students will use various resources and technologies to examine topics and issues of local, state, national, and international significance.
Grades: 10, 11, 12 Credit: one-half
Students develop an understanding of economic principles and their applications by analyzing basic theories and concepts. They examine the role of both private financial institutions and the government in influencing the economy. They identify ways in which economic developments affect them as consumers and ways in which they as consumers affect the economic system.
Grades: 11, 12 Credit: one
This course provides practical information and problem-solving opportunities regarding the law. Students develop both knowledge of the law and skills necessary for survival in our law-based society. Students engage in active learning experiences such as mock trials, moot courts, role plays, case studies, simulations and small group exercises. Students explore the definition of law, citizen rights and responsibilities under the law, learn methods of dispute resolution, as well as identify and analyze public issues involving the law.
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