Concepts

This course is designed for ESOL, level A students.  The course provides students with background information, key vocabulary, and basic concepts, preparing them for mainstream social studies content courses with an emphasis on ancient World History and Geography.

World History and Geography I

This is the first of a two-year, chronologically organized study of world history and geography.  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.

World History and Geography II

This is the second of the two year chronologically organized study of world history and geography. Students study the world from 1500 through the contemporary era.  This course weaves together the skills and content of both history and geography to enable students to learn how history and geography affect each other.  This enables students to gain a more complete understanding of the world around them, including North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. 

United States/Virginia History

Throughout this course, students examine the political, economic social and cultural growth of the United States, including Virginia’s role in the process.  Students study major historical developments and their impact upon contemporary society, as well as the individual.  Geography, critical thinking, writing, research and group-process skills are refined, as students progress through the course. 

Government

The course focuses on political decision-making, comparative political and economic systems, and the student’s role as a citizen.  Students examine the structure and function of the American government at national, state, and local levels. Critical thinking, writing, research and group-process skills are refined. 

Psychology

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.