FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SOL COURSE SYLLABUS FOR

WORLD STUDIES II (299800)

Grades: 10-12
Credit: One

In this elective course of study, students develop a frame of reference with which to understand the world in which they live. Students focus on the study of human and physical geography. Organized by world region and emphasizing contemporary culture, World Studies II complements the former World Studies I course which was organized chronologically and concentrated on Western Europe. Students examine differences and commonalties to understand the extent to which peoples and societies are interconnected. Students develop critical thinking and geography skills.

World Studies II will be taught for this year only. In the fall of 1999, it will be replaced by World History and Geography II which will integrate content of World Studies II and this past year’s World Studies I in order to more closely align the program with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL). At that time, the course will be required of all students as a graduation requirement. Students who take World Studies II and who have had a successful experience in World Studies I will be prepared for the SOL test in World History from 1000 A.D. and World Geography.

Areas of Study:

Introduction
Students will be able to:

  1. Define and describe the vocabulary and concepts needed to study the physical and cultural geography of the world. (SOL 10.1, 10.7)
  2. Interpret a variety of maps, globes, atlases, and databases. (SOL 10.1)

Eastern Europe
Students will be able to:

  1. Sketch a mental map of the region which includes selected countries, cities, physical features and bodies of water. (SOL 10.1)
  2. Identify images which include geographic features, architectural and artistic expression and cultural symbols of this region. (SOL 10.3)
  3. Describe the diversity of geography and culture in this region. (SOL 10.4)
  4. Assess how the former Soviet Union organized this diverse region. (SOL 10.3)
  5. Explain how conflict has arisen following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. (SOL 9.10)

East and Southeast Asia
Students will be able to:

  1. Sketch a mental map of the region which includes selected countries, cities, physical features and bodies of water. (SOL 10.1)
  2. Identify images which include geographic features, architectural and artistic expression and cultural symbols from this region. (SOL 10.3)
  3. Explain the causes of a population growth in East and Southeast Asia. (SOL 10.5)
  4. Describe the impact of large population on the region. (SOL 10.9)
  5. Analyze how Confucian thought and the traditions of Buddhism continue to shape daily life in this region. (SOL 9.6)
  6. Understand the role this region plays in world trade. (SOL 10.3)

South Asia
Students will be able to:

  1. Sketch a mental map of the region which includes selected countries, cities, physical features and bodies of water. (SOL 10.1)
  2. Identify images which include geographic features, architectural and artistic expression and cultural symbols from this region. (SOL 10.3)
  3. Assess the unifying impact of Hinduism on Indian society. (SOL 9.6)
  4. Explain religious conflict that exists among Hindus and the members of other major religions who share the subcontinent. (SOL 9.6)
  5. Describe the repeated cycles of invasion and integration of culture in South Asia. (SOL 8.8)
  6. Evaluate how nations in this region blend tradition with modern approaches to current issues. (SOL 10.11)

Southwest Asia
Students will be able to:

  1. Sketch a mental map of the region which includes selected countries, cities, physical features and bodies of water. (SOL 10.1)
  2. Identify images which include geographic features, architectural and artistic expression and cultural symbols from this region. (SOL 10.3)
  3. Explain how humans have interacted with the unique environment of this region. (SOL 10.4)
  4. Assess how the culture of Islam has helped to unify many diverse groups in this region. (SOL 9.6)
  5. Describe examples of conflict in this region. (SOL 10.11)
  6. Evaluate the importance of this region in terms of resources, human rights, and conflict. (SOL 10.15)

Africa
Students will be able to:

  1. Sketch a mental map of the region which includes selected countries, cities, physical features and bodies of water. (SOL 10.1)
  2. Identify images which include geographic features, architectural and artistic expression and cultural symbols from this region. (SOL 10.3)
  3. Analyze how different environments in Africa have led to profound differences in culture. (SOL 10.11)
  4. Assess the impact of the colonial experience on post-colonial Africa. (SOL 10.14)
  5. Evaluate examples of cooperation in the region. (SOL 10.14)

The Americas
Students will be able to:

  1. Sketch a mental map of the region which includes selected countries, cities, physical features and bodies of water. (SOL 10.1)
  2. Identify images which include geographic features, architectural and artistic expression and cultural symbols from this region. (SOL 10.3)
  3. Describe the diversity of geographic in the Americas. (SOL 10.3)
  4. Assess the effects of the movement of people and ideas on culture in the Americas. (SOL 10.6)
  5. Evaluate how the political, cultural, and economic systems that were established in Latin America have led to different approaches to current issues. (SOL 10.12)
  6. Compare the experiences of people in Canada with those of people in Latin America. (SOL 10.13)

Global Connections
Students will be able to:

  1. Synthesize course content to demonstrate an understanding that all regions of the world are increasingly interconnected. (SOL 10.12)
  2. Gather and organize information on global issues. (SOL 10.15)
  3. Describe issues that face the global community and evaluate alternative solutions for each. (SOL 10.15)
  4. Demonstrate the ability to formulate a personal plan for involvement in global issues. (SOL 10.15)

 

Assessment
All students will take the Virginia Standards of Learning Test for World History from 1000 A.D. to the Present and World Geography.

 

Last update: August 21, 1998