HS History Course Descriptions

HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES – COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

WORLD HISTORY I/GEOGRAPHY I (FROM 1 TO 1500 AD)

GRADES: 9-12 Prerequisite(s): NONE Credit: 1

This course focuses on the study of world history to the year 1500 AD with emphasis on exploring the historical development of people, places, and patterns of life in chronological order beginning with a study of the Paleolithic Era. Students study the similar, repeated forces, which drive historical events. Using texts, maps, pictures, stories, diagrams, charts, inquiry/research skills, and technology skills. Eight significant and recurring themes are presented. Also emphasized are the five themes of geography. The Standards of Learning (SOL) World History/Geography I Test will be administered near the end of this course.

WORLD HISTORY I/GEOGRAPHY I HONORS (FROM 1 TO 1500 AD)

GRADES: 9-12 Prerequisite(s): “B” AVERAGE IN PREVIOUS HISTORY COURSE AND Credit: 1 STUDENT SCORING 440 OR ABOVE ON CIVICS 8 SOL

This course focuses on the study of world history to the year 1500 AD with emphasis on exploring the historical development of people, places, and patterns of life in chronological order beginning with a study of the Paleolithic Era. Students study the similar, repeated forces, which drive historical events. Using texts, maps, pictures, stories, diagrams, charts, inquiry / research skills, and technology skills. Eight significant and recurring themes are presented. Also emphasized are the five themes of geography. This course requires students to integrate experiences in thinking, reading, listening, writing and speaking. The Standards of Learning (SOL) World History/Geography I Test will be administered near the end of this course.

WORLD HISTORY II/GEOGRAPHY II (FROM 1500 AD TO PRESENT)

GRADES: 10-12 Prerequisite(s): NONE Credit: 1

This course covers history and geography from the late Middle Ages (1500 AD) to the present with emphasis on Western Europe. Significant attention is placed on the scientific and technological revolutions and the social and political changes of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This course requires extensive reading and writing. The Standards of Learning (SOL) World History/Geography II Test may be administered near the end of this course.

WORLD HISTORY II/GEOGRAPHY II HONORS (FROM 1500 AD TO PRESENT)

GRADES: 10-12 Prerequisite(s): A OR B IN WORLD HISTORY I AND TEACHER RECOMMENDATION Credit: 1

VIRGINIA AND UNITED STATES HISTORY

GRADE: 11 Prerequisite(s): NONE Credit: 1

While focusing on political and economic history, this course provides students with a basic knowledge of American culture through a chronological survey of major issues, movements, people, and events in Virginia and United States history. The Standards of Learning (SOL) Virginia and United States History Test may be administered near the end of this course.

HIS 121/122–UNITED STATES HISTORY I/II

GRADE: 11 DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES – 6 college credit hours Credit: 1 Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST

This course is a survey of the chronological events of American history, but provides a more in depth study of the major issues, movements, people and events that have shaped American culture today. This course requires students to integrate experiences in thinking, reading, listening, writing and speaking. Extensive reading and writing is required. The Standards of Learning (SOL) Virginia and United States History Test may be administered near the end of this course. This program is dependent upon enrollment and faculty availability.

VIRGINIA AND UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT

GRADE: 12 Prerequisite(s): VIRGINIA AND UNITED STATES HISTORY Credit: 1

This course provides information dealing with the Virginia and United States governments and the process of policy – making. Emphasis is placed on economics, foreign affairs, and civil rights issues. United States political and economic systems are compared to those of other nations.

PLS 211/212-US GOVERNMENT I/II

GRADE: 12 DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES – 6 college credit hours Credit: 1 Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TEST

This course emphasizes the structure, operation and process or national, state and local governments. It also includes an in depth study of the three branches of government and public policy. This course requires students to integrate experiences in thinking, reading, listening, writing and speaking. Extensive reading and writing is required. This program is dependent upon enrollment and faculty availability.