At our school, English and Social Sciences courses are designed to be interdisciplinary, blending literature, history, and critical thinking into a cohesive learning experience. By studying these subjects together, students make meaningful connections between historical events, cultural contexts, and literary works, fostering deeper understanding and engagement. This integrated approach equips students with the skills to think critically, analyze complex ideas, and communicate effectively, preparing them for success in academics and beyond.
Embedded Files
Global Studies I: World Geography (w/ English 9)
Course Code 2358
Grade(s): 9
1 Credit
Prerequisite: None
The focus of this course is the study of the world’s people, places, and environments, with an emphasis on world regions. The knowledge, skills, and perspectives of the course are centered on the world’s peoples and their cultural characteristics, landforms and climates, economic development, and migration and settlement patterns. Spatial concepts of geography will be used as a framework for studying interactions between people and their environments. Using geographic resources, students will employ inquiry, research, and technology skills to ask and answer geographic questions. Particular emphasis will be placed on students understanding and applying geographic concepts and skills to their daily lives.
Honors Global Studies I: AP Human Geography (w/ Honors English 9)
Course Code 2212AP
Grade(s): 9
1 Credit
Prerequisite: None
AP Human geography helps students analyze the world and their relationship to it. Students learn to look for geographic causes for events in different regions to compare geographic features and their effects on human life, and to see how their lives are connected to and affected by human and geographic conditions all over the globe. In this course, students write, read, discuss, and present issues of global and local importance. Students also learn about an important tool for Human Geography: GIS software. AP Human Geography prepares individuals to be part of the solution to the challenges facing humanity on Earth in the 21st Century. Students have the opportunity to take the AP Human Geography exam in May with the possibility of earning college credit.
Global Studies II: World History II (w/ English 10)
Course Code 2216
Grade(s):
1 Credit
SOL Test This in-depth course explores the historical development of people, places, and patterns of life from 1500 CE (AD) to the present. Students may take the SOL test if they have not already passed an earlier SOL test.
Honors Global Studies II: AP Modern World History (w/ Honors English 10)
Course Code 2380AP
Grade(s):
1 Credit
Students will explore the historical development of people, places, and patterns of life from 1200 CE (AD) to the present. There will be a special emphasis on thinking historically, historical perspectives; and using primary source documents to analyze and write about significant events in this college level course, which may be substituted for World History II.
American Studies: Virginia & US History (w/ English 11)
Course Code 2360
Grade: 11
1 Credit
This required course will explore the political, economic, and cultural growth of Virginia and the United States. Skills in historical analysis, perspective, interpretation, and historical writing will be emphasized. Students may take the SOL test if they have not already passed an earlier SOL test.
HIS 121 & 122: United States History to 1877 and United States History since 1865
(Dual-Enrollment through Germanna Community College)
Course Code 2360DE
Grade(s): 11
1 Credit
In the first semester, students will learn the history of the United States from its origins to 1877. Includes the European exploration, development of the American colonies and their institutions, the Revolution, major political, social and economic developments, geographical expansion, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. In the second semester, the students will learn the history of the United States from 1865 to present. Includes major political, social and economic developments since 1865, overseas expansion, the two world wars, the Cold War and the post-Cold War era. Students will earn 1 high school credit to cover their Virginia and U.S. History requirement and up to 6 college level credits. Both are Passport Transfer courses.
Social Science, Global Studies, and Humanities Electives
Global Issues
Course Code 2996
Grade(s): 9-10
0.5 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Elective This course will provide an opportunity for in-depth study of current world events. In addition, students will investigate the geographic, economic, social, and cultural background of current world events. Students should have a strong intellectual curiosity concerning world affairs and successfully completed prior social studies coursework.
Psychology (semester)
Course Code 2900
Grade(s): 9-12
0.5 Credit
Prerequisite: None
Elective Psychology provides students with ideas about how to address many questions regarding human behavior. Psychologists provide biological, emotional, and situational reasons as answers to questions about human behavior. By studying those reasons, students gain a better understanding of why people do what they do and develop the ability to generate their own answers. Psychology helps students think about human behavior in an organized way.
Sociology (semester)
Course Code 2500
Grade(s): 9-12
.5 Credit
Prerequisite: None
This introductory Social Science course will include studies in social change, social status, group behavior, and adjustment to personal problems and situations throughout life and society. Students should have successfully completed prior coursework in English and social studies.
Local History (semester)
Course Code:
Grade(s): 11-12
.5 Credit
Elective This engaging, project-based course invites students to explore the rich history of the Fredericksburg region, including the counties of Fredericksburg, Stafford County, Caroline County, King George County, and Orange County. Through hands-on inquiry, primary source analysis, field research, and collaborative projects, students examine the people, events, and movements that shaped the region from early Indigenous communities and colonial settlement through the Civil War and into the modern era.
Students will investigate local landmarks, conduct oral history interviews, analyze historical documents, and create authentic products such as documentaries, digital exhibits, walking tour guides, or museum-style presentations. Emphasis is placed on historical thinking skills, civic engagement, and connecting local stories to broader state and national narratives. By the end of the course, students will develop a deeper understanding of their community’s heritage while building research, critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills.
Public Speaking and Debate (semester)
Course Code 1300
Grade(s): 10-12
.5 Credit
Elective Students will learn how to apply visuals, style, stories, organization, and nonverbal communication to speeches. The student will learn strategies to approach and prepare for debates, including how to overcome fear, participation methods, and effective rehearsal methods. Students will also learn how to evaluate great
speeches from history as well as more modern media messages. *Cross referenced with social studies and the humanities.
PHI 100: Introduction to Philosophy (semester)
(Dual-Enrollment through Germanna Community College)
Course Code PHI 100DE
Grade(s): 11-12
.5 Credit
Presents an introduction to philosophical problems and perspectives with emphasis on the systematic questioning of basic assumptions about meaning, knowledge, reality, and values. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course.
Page updated
Report abuse