CORE COURSES:
World History and Geography I
World Civilization I Pre-AP Block
World History and Geography II
World Civilization II Pre-AP Block
AP World History
Virginia and U.S. History
American Civilization Pre AP-Block
AP U.S. History
Virginia and U.S. Government
AP Government
AP Combined United States and Comparative Government


ELECTIVES:
World Religion/Philosophy
Political Science/Economics
Psychology
AP Psychology
Sociology
AP European History
Current Affairs

WORLD HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY I
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 I is required for graduation. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.)

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WORLD CIVILIZATION I PRE-AP BLOCK
For general information on the Honors curriculum at Westfield, click here
Grades: 9-10
Credit: two

Students examine eras of world history from early ages to 1500 CE in this academic course. They examine the relationship among social, economic, and geopolitical developments in the times and places in which they occurred. They use the processes of conceptual and critical thinking to analyze historical and contemporary issues. Students are encouraged to think independently while developing group process, writing, and technology skills. World Civilization I Pre-AP is a blocked class in which students receive credit for Pre-AP Civilization I and Pre-AP English 9 .

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WORLD HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY II
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 omplete 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 II is required for graduation.
(This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.)

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WORLD CIVILIZATION II PRE-AP BLOCK
Pre-AP English 10 (114038)
Pre-AP World Civilization 2 (237568)
Grades: 10 Credit: two

Students examine eras of world history from 1500 CE to modern times in this academic course. They examine the relationship among social, economic, and geopolitical developments in the times and places in which they occurred. They use the processes of conceptual and critical thinking to analyze historical and contemporary issues. Students are encouraged to think independently while developing group process, writing, and technology skills. World Civilization II Pre-AP is a blocked class in which students receive credit for Pre-AP World Civilization II and Pre-AP English 10 . Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test.

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AP WORLD HISTORY
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course, click here
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one

Advanced Placement World History is designed to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. Focused primarily on the past thousand years of the global experience, the course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage prior to 1000. (All students are required to take the Advanced Placement World History exam.) This course meets the graduation requirement for 10th grade social studies.

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VIRGINIA AND UNITED STATES HISTORY
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. (This course has an end of course Standards of Learning test.)

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AMERICAN CIVILIZATION PRE-AP BLOCK
Pre-AP English 11(115038)
Pre-AP USVA History (236038)
Grades: 11 Credit: two

Students study program objectives from Pre-AP Virginia and United States History and Pre-AP English 11. Integrating art, music, literature, and other aspects of the humanities in the curriculum broadens students’ understanding of the American experience. By completing this course, students meet graduation requirements for one credit in Pre-AP Virginia and United States History and one credit in Pre-AP English 11.

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course, click here
Grades: 11
Credit: one

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination in American History for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is made. Students develop the factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal with the issues and problems of American history. They do in-depth analysis of major developments; become familiar with primary sources; assess historical materials, evidence, and interpretations; and learn to write research papers. The course is equal to a full-year introductory college course. Completion of this course fulfills the graduation requirement for one credit in Virginia and United States History. (All students are required to take the Advanced Placement United States History exam.)

Mr. Pringle Room A119
Ms. Blizzard Trailer 8

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AP COMBINED UNITED STATES AND COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT
Grades: 12
Credit: one/weighted +.5

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take both the Advanced Placement examination for United States Government and Politics and the Advanced Placement examination for Comparative Government for which college credit and/or placement may be given if qualifying scores are made. The course includes a study of comparative government as well as American government and politics. In the study of American government, students interpret national, state, and local government and politics through a study of both general concepts and specific case studies. In the study of comparative government, emphasis is placed on understanding the world's diverse political structures and practices, as well as on interpreting and analyzing the key political relationships found in national governments. Completion of this course fulfills the graduation requirement for one credit in Virginia and United States Government. Students in this course must take at least one of the two AP Government exams and may take both.

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VIRGINIA AND UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
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.

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT GOVERNMENT
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course, click here
Grades: 12
Credit: one

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the
Advanced Placement examination for which college credit and/or
placement may be given if a qualifying score is made. In
Advanced Placement Government, schools may offer a full year
of American government and politics, or they may offer a
course that includes a study of comparative government as well
as American government and politics. In the study of American
government, students interpret national, state, and local
government and politics through a study of both general
concepts and specific case studies. If students study
comparative government, emphasis is placed on understanding
the world's diverse political structures and practices, as
well as on interpreting and analyzing the key political
relationships found in national governments. Students should
select either the American government or the comparative
government exams, or both, depending on the scope of the
course. Completion of this course fulfills the graduation
requirement for one credit in Virginia and United States
Government. (All students are required to take the Advanced
Placement United States Government exam.)

Advanced Placement Government

Welcome to A.P. United States Government! It should prove to be a very exciting year. The Presidential elections are coming up along with all the House of Representatives seats and approximately one third of the Senate seats. There has not been a better time to understand the foundations on which this great country was built.

A.P. U.S. Government is taught at the college level and is a difficult and demanding course for many high school students. The main objective is to improve student comprehension and writing skills. FCPS recognizes the significantly higher expectations placed on students in an A.P. course by awarding an additional .5 to the grade at the end of the year if the student has taken the A.P. exam. Students will be expected to analyze and evaluate significant political data and trends. Students who successfully complete the course will have a good chance of passing the Advanced Placement U.S. test in May and thus may receive college credit for the course.

There are two options for students to sign up for A.P. Government:

Option One – AP United States Government only (no comparative component) – you are required to take the AP United States Government Exam (morning test) in May in order to receive the .5 added to your GPA and do not take the AP Comparative Government Exam (afternoon test the same day as the AP United States Government Exam) in May.

Option Two – AP United States and Comparative Government (combo) – you are required to take the AP United States Government Exam (morning test) in May in order to receive the .5 added to your GPA and are expected (not required) to take the AP Comparative Government Exam (afternoon test the same day as the AP United States Government Exam) in May.

For your summer assignment for A.P. Government (both options), you are required to do the following:

Purchase a copy of American Government: Readings and Cases - Peter Woll - Pearson Longman (any edition from the 14th through 17TH editions) and prepare for an assessment on the articles in Chapters 1 and 2. The assessment will be given during the 2nd week of school in September.

If you have any questions about the assignment during the summer, please contact Walt Addie at Walt.Addie@fcps.edu

Who should take A.P. Government?

1. Students who have succeeded in A.P. U.S. History and A.P. American Civilization are strongly urged to take this course. These students will find themselves well prepared and well aware of the stringent course dictates of an A.P. course.

2. Students who have excelled in U.S. History should be able to succeed in A.P. Government and these students should discuss their placement into A.P. with their History teachers.

3. Students need good study and work habits and good attendance to succeed in A.P. Government.

If you have questions about the appropriateness of this course for you, please see Mr. Addie, Mr. Downes or, Mr. Mackmin to discuss and preview books & materials.

Why should I take A.P. Government?

1. It's fun! Politics and government can be topics of great interest as you prepare to enter the adult world. Discussion and debate are lively and interesting in A.P. because your fellow students share your interest & your level of preparedness.

2. This class will prepare you to take the A.P. exam that could qualify you for a semester of college credit.

Course requirements

1. Students will read two college level textbooks plus the purchase of the Woll Reader in A.P. Government. Please feel free to come
to our classrooms to peruse the texts. Generally, students read 20 – 40 pages per week and complete one project per quarter.

2. Students can earn credit for involvement in the upcoming campaigns.

3. Students will prepare analytical research projects in A.P. Government.

Writing skills are basic to success in A.P. Government. We’re talking full blown essays and research projects here, folks!

1. Is A.P. Government really hard?

Answer: Yes & no. (That’s the way so much of government & politics is - there is no clear, black & white answer!) It will depend on the previous courses you have taken, your skill level and your determination. Comprehension levels are necessarily high in Advanced Placement Government. Get your hands all over these textbooks and get a good idea of what you will be expected to understand. The Advanced Placement program is not interested in persuading colleges that these tests reflect college level understanding if that is not the cases. Assure yourself & your parents that you WILL be taking a course that is just like the one most universities REQUIRE. We use college-level textbooks. Outside readings and tests are designed to enhance very advanced comprehension.

The good news is that you are accomplishing these tasks in the context of a high school. Teachers are here to help you. In college, professors will expect you to know how to do all these things already. On the other hand, we expect to teach you these skills and we will work with you as much as necessary to make that happen. Analytical skills are also key in A.P. Government. We need not only to understand what we read but to analyze it. You don’t want to simply absorb information or opinions, you need to tear it apart, look for flaws & strengths, and use that basis to form your own educated views.

2. Is it do-able if I put in the time?

Answer: Yes! What you will contribute is the hard work. Make no mistake about it - it will be much more difficult and time consuming than a high school course in American Government. However, the rewards are the college credit and the skills that you will be comfortable with by the time you do reach college. Most importantly, you will find that this is a FUN course - yes, fun! - because you and classmates have the interest and the drive that brought you into the class in the first place. Class discussions and debate are fun, lively and meaningful. We are all about the issues that adults care about, discuss, and determine their votes.

3) What kind of time are we talking?

Answer: It depends on your skill level. Most students can succeed with 1-2 hours per night. Again, check out the textbooks! How long do you think it will take you to read the chapters and do written papers, projects, etc.

4) What are the rewards for all of this work?

Answer:
A) Most of you will earn a credit for a semester’s work in American Government & Politics.
B) You will earn an additional .5 on your grade point in this class.
C) You will learn skills necessary for success in college.
D) You will have fun! We do simulations of interest groups, parties, elections, Congress, Executive branch, state government and the Courts. We debate, we create, we agitate, we legislate, we communicate, we extrapolate, we invigorate, we emancipate, we fill your plate!

We look forward to working with you!

Describe a typical lesson in this class.

Each 90 minute "exciting learning adventure" could include the
following:
1.CNN current affairs update
2. Written and Oral Homework (usually reading) spot checks
3. Lecture/discussion on topic of the day OR
4. Small and large group work on the topic of the day OR
5. Simulation project for that quarter OR
6. video clips or full presentation with pause and discussion
throughout presentation OR
7. student presentations to the class on project topics or
class topics OR
8. Computer Lab work on quarterly projects (extensive use
throughout the year)

What kind/how much homework is required in this class?

One to Two hours per night for content and test prep - additional time
for quarterly projects

What kind of materials do you use in this course ?

1. AP Government website (Blackboard)
2. Texts – Government in American by Lineberry 2006 edition - Comparative Politics by Hauss –
2006 Edition
3. Reader – (students must purchase) - "American Government" by Woll 14th – 17th editions
4. Paperback books
5. Online data bases and web sites
6. Magazines and Newspapers
7. TV and video

Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular
activities associated with this class?

After Hours Club - not required - for extra help - makeup -
enrichment

How can this class help me in the future?

1. College credit for AP Test Score of 3 or higher
2. Preparation for college level courses and workload
3. Writing and reasoning skill improvement
4. Preparation for online course format
5. .5 on grade point average
6. Improve chances of acceptance to colleges with AP courses
on transcript
7. Help with college essays

Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?

Walt Addie Room C-105
Walt.Addie@fcps.edu
Check out my web page for more specifics concerning
coursework, assignments, due dates at:
http://geocities.com/tjmaxs07

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ELECTIVES:

WORLD RELIGION
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one-half

In this course the students develop the background necessary for an appreciation of the basic beliefs and practices of the world's religions. Importance is placed on historical origins as well as current beliefs and following how and why those changes occurred. Students will study Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, Taoism, and other belief systems. Emphasis will be placed on commonalities and diffrences.

Describe a typical lesson in this class.

1. What do you think about _____________ (insert religion here).
2. Discussion of our common ideas about that religion.
3. Short Lecture/Power Point outlining the basic beliefs, doctrines and dogma of the current religion.
4. Short Video (used as a guide to key term)
5. Reading
6. Discussion (the Socratic Seminar is sometimes used to reflect on our ideas and the reality of the religion).

What kind/how much homework is required in this class?

Homework: Usually Reading, from self directed questions.

What kind of materials do you use in this course ?

Textbooks: Religions of the World 3rd Edition; We will also use the Teachings of Buddha, the Tao Te Ching, the Upanishads, the Torah, the Bible, and the Koran.

Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular activities associated with this class?

After-school help if needed.

How can this class help me in the future?

Knowledge = tolerance and higher level thinking

Anything else I should know?

Students need to be mature enough to discuss different cultures and religions without prejudice. Students need to come to class with an open mind, willing to learn and think critically.

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PHILOSOPHY
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one-half

This course offers students an opportunity to investigate classical philosophical issues in the world of today. A study of philosophy will help students to value more fully the insights and structures of the great philosophies and the development of ideas. Understanding the difference between systematic philosophical investigation and personal belief is critical to success. Developing critical thinking skills, recognizing similarities and differences in philosophical discussion (both religious and secular) throughout the ages and valuing the diversity of ideas and points of view on many issues are keys to enjoying the class. Students will learn to transfer philosophical knowledge and method to the study of other disciplines and to problem solving.

Describe a typical lesson in this class.

Philosophy: Socrates
1. Who was he and what do YOU know about him?
2. Discussion/ answering of #1
3. Short Reading/ Video (To put forth key terms and ideas)
4. Discussion on our answer to #1
5. The Socratic Seminar: How we can use it and why we should try it.

What kind/how much homework is required in these two classes?

Homework: Usually reading (rarely mandatory and hopefully self-directed)

What kind of materials do you use in this course ?

Nigel Warburton: Philosophy: The Classics
Jim Baggot: A Beginner’s Guide to REALITY
Discover Magazine and Scientific American

Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular activities associated with this class?

No, only if you need extra help

How can this class help me in the future?

1. Preparation for college level courses and workload
2. Writing and reasoning skill improvement
3 . Improve chances of acceptance to colleges with elective courses on transcript

Anything else I should know?

Both philosophy and comparative religion allow the student to expand their horizons through different materials and perspectives. While they are not required to be taken together they are very complimentary.

(At Westfield, Economics and Political Science are combined to create a year-long course)

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ECONOMICS
Grades: 12
Credit: one-half

fStudents 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. In some schools, students use outside business consultants, computer databases and simulations, and curriculum materials developed by Junior Achievements, Inc.

(At Westfield, Economics and Political Science are combined to create a year-long course)

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POLITICAL SCIENCE
Grades: 12
Credit: one-half

Corequisite: Virginia and United States Government
During the first semester, students examine theories and practices of government. They participate in seminar discussions.

Supplemental Info for Poli Sci/Econ:

Describe a typical lesson in this class.

Political Science/Economics is offered as a combo semester elective. Students who sign up for this course will take Political Science the 1st semester and Economics the 2nd semester.

Political Science: lessons will focus on both theory and practice. For example: Machiavellian theories and how they are used in politics today
Economics: lessons will focus on both theory and practice: micro and macro economic theory along with the role of government and global interdependence combined with the practical economic actions and decisions each of us makes each day. For example: The Law of Supply and Demand and why your spending more of your part-time job money to "gas up" your "wheels" .

What kind/how much homework is required in this class?

One half hour of reading every other night - article critique and analysis (oral and written), text and paperback assignments
What kind of materials do you use in this course ?
1. Text
2. Paperback readings
3. Articles
4. Websites
5. Computer simulations
6. games

Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular activities associated with this class?

After Hours Club-for extra help - makeup - enrichment

How can this class help me in the future?

1. Preparation for college level courses and workload
2. Writing and reasoning skill improvement
3. Preparation for online course format
4. Improve chances of acceptance to colleges with elective courses on transcript

Anything else I should know?

This course will emphasize the practical aspects of political science and economics while providing a basic understanding of political and economic theory. Understanding how the "Power Game" is played in politics along with the "mysteries" of credit cards, checking accounts, and job contracts are just as important as understanding the Law of Comparative Advantage and Machieavelli.

Mr. Gibbs Room A101

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PSYCHOLOGY
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.

Describe a typical lesson in this class.

A variety of methods will be used. Lecture, group work, hands-on projects, research, computer website assignment and activities fare all incorporated.

What kind/how much homework is required in this class?

Memorization of new words. Most of the homework is reading, memorizing and completing projects. Homework is not busywork and is expected to be completed. Usually 1-2 night a week.

What kind of materials do you use in this course ?

Composition notebook for journaling, zip disk for computer assignments and a 3 ring binder for class.

Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular activities associated with this class?

No

How can this class help me in the future?

Prepares you for life. Helps you to better understand the way we think and behave as humans. Why do we do what we do?

Anything else I should know?

We try to replicate activities and popular experiments. This is an academic elective and looks great in your resume.

Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?

Mr. Hoskins
choskins@fc.fcps.k12.va.us
www.Psychplace.com

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
For more detailed information on the AP program and this course, click here
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. The aim of AP Psychology is to provide the students with a learning experience equivalent to that obtained in an introductory college psychology course. College credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is made on the Advanced Placement examination. The rigorous course syllabus and college level texts both suggest that students who enroll should be highly motivated and intellectually curious. (All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Psychology exam.)

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SOCIOLOGY
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one-half

Students study the ways people behave in groups. They examine ways that groups function in society and analyze these functions. Students develop hypotheses about people in groups and gather information to test these hypotheses.

Describe a typical lesson in this class.

There is a great deal of discussion in class. In a typical period we would begin the day by discussing any current events that the class brings up from a sociological perspective. Whatever the lesson may be, we would go over vocabulary of the science and bring up real life situations that fit the topic. We might write about an experience or act out a situation.

What kind/how much homework is required in this class?

There is usually one assignment per week and this assignment normally is less than 20 minutes.

What kind of materials do you use in this course ?

Textbooks, notebooks, Power Point, videos

Is there any after-school commitment or extracurricular activities associated with this class?

No

How can this class help me in the future?

Sociology is a social science that helps us understand ourselves and our culture. It is a course of study that many follow in college and is a good introduction to many different fields.

Where do I go if I have more questions about this course?

Mr. Tom Sakole

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AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
Grades: 11-12
Credit: one

Course Overview:

AP European History Advance Placement European History is a year long college prep course that examines European history from the time of the Renaissance and Reformation up to the present day. This class provides students with an academic experience equivalent to a freshman / sophomore college survey of western history. The course is specifically designed to provide students with an in-depth study of European history from the 15th century through the modern day. In addition to course content, the course is specifically designed to enhance student analytical reading and essay writing skills.

What kind of materials do you use in this course ?

Textbooks, notebooks, Power Point, videos

How can this class help me in the future?
Students successfully mastering the course material may earn college credit by passing the annually administered AP European history exam; the individual college or university determines how many if any credits will be granted for the AP exam score. While students cannot be required to take the AP Exam it is strongly recommended that they plan to do so.

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CURRENT AFFAIRS
Grades: 10-12
Credit: One-Half

This course will focus on analyzing and discussing international and national current events with an emphasis on building media literacy among the students. In addition to understanding and discussing domestic issues and events, students will study the politics, economies, and domestic and foreign affairs of specific countries that are in the news. This course will improve students' research, public speaking, and class discussion skills. Students taking US Government or who are involved in forensics, debate, and/or Model UN are highly encouraged to enroll in this course.

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