Social Studies

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Typical Course Progressions 

World History & Geography to 1500 AD 

Grade 9                                                       Credit 1

This course enables students to explore the historical development of people, places, and patterns of life from ancient times until 1500 A.D.  Students will engage in historical thinking, raise questions, and marshal evidence in support of answers. They will draw on chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, and decision-making to study topics including prehistory, classical civilizations, and the Middle Ages. 

World History & Geography to 1500 AD Honors

Grade 9                                                       Credit 1

Prerequisite:  "B" or greater in middle school social studies 

This advanced-level course enables students to explore the historical development of people, places, and patterns of life from ancient times until 1500 A.D.  Students will engage in historical thinking, raise questions, and marshal evidence in support of answers. They will draw on chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, and decision-making to study topics including prehistory, classical civilizations, and the Middle Ages. Students will participate in classroom discussions and research. 

Advanced Placement Human Geography                                              

Grades 9-10                                               Credit 1

Prerequisite:  "B" or greater in middle school social studies or teacher recommendation

In this first-year college-level course, students focus on the systematic study of patterns and processes that shaped human understanding and alteration of the Earth’s surface.  Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organizations and environmental consequences.  Students also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. This is an SOL class. 

Please note: There is an AP exam associated with this course. AP exams are not required.  Students electing to take an AP exam are responsible for paying the exam fee. 

 World History & Geography 1500 AD - Present                             

Grades 10                                           Credit 1

This course, designed to cover world events from 1500 AD to present, covering the Reformation, the Great Awakening, the Enlightenment, the Age of Empire, and the Age of Exploration. This is an SOL class. 

World History & Geography 1500 AD - Present Honors                              

Grades 10                                  Credit 1

Prerequisite:  “B” or greater in 9th grade social studies 

This advanced-level course, designed to cover world events from 1500 AD to present, covering the Reformation, the Great Awakening, the Enlightenment, the Age of Empire, and the Age of Exploration.  Students will cover additional topics as determined by the instructor, and participate in classroom discussions and research. This is an SOL class. 

Advanced Placement European History (Semester Only)                             

Grade 10                                              Credit 1

Prerequisite: "B" or greater in 9th grade social studies or teacher recommendation

This college-level course focuses on political, economic, social, and cultural developments in Europe from 1450 to the present. In addition to understanding the principle themes, the course aims include developing student ability to analyze historical evidence and to express historical understanding through writing. Analytical writing will be required, both in essays developed within the framework of the class and in papers developed as a result of research assignments.

Please note: There is an AP exam associated with this course. AP exams are not required.  Students electing to take an AP exam are responsible for paying the exam fee. 

Advanced Placement European History/ English 10 Honors (Yearlong)

Grade 10                                            Credit 1

Prerequisite: "B" or greater in 9th grade social studies or teacher recommendation

This college-level course focuses on political, economic, social, and cultural developments in Europe from 1450 to the present. In addition to understanding the principle themes, the course aims include developing student ability to analyze historical evidence and to express historical understanding through writing. The coursework is coordinated with the English 10 Honors curriculum to reinforce these aims in both courses. Analytical writing will be required, both in essays developed within the framework of the class and in papers developed as a result of research assignments.

Please note: There is an AP exam associated with this course. AP exams are not required.  Students electing to take an AP exam are responsible for paying the exam fee. 

U.S. and Virginia History                                                

Grade 11                                    Credit 1                                                                        

The Virginia and United States History course expands upon foundational knowledge and skills to emphasize the historical development of American ideas and institutions from the Age of Exploration to the present. The 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. Students will apply social science skills to understand the challenges facing the United States & support the investigation of the fundamental principles, events, people, and ideas that developed and fostered our American identity. This is an SOL class. 

U.S. and Virginia History  Honors                                              

Grade 11                                    Credit 1               

Prerequisite: "B" or greater in 10th grade social studies

This advanced-level course emphasizes the historical development of American ideas and institutions from the Age of Exploration to the present. This course provides students with in-depth knowledge of American culture and society through a survey of major issues, movements, people, and events in Virginia and United States History. Students will apply social science, research, and discussion skills to support the investigation and evaluation of the fundamental principles, events, people, and ideas that developed the American identity.  

Economics and Personal Finance

Grade 11                                    Credit 1  

Students learn how economics and the United States & global markets operate.  Additionally, they learn how to navigate the financial decisions they must face and to make informed decisions relating to postsecondary & career exploration, budgeting, banking, credit, insurance, spending, taxes, saving and investing, and living independently. Students will take the W!SE credential exam. 

Dual Enrollment U.S. History 121/122 (Semester Course Only)

Grade 11                                    Credit 1

Requirement:  completed NOVA application, 3.0 GPA or NOVA placement test, and a previous AP or Honors social studies course

This course is designed for students who aspire to attend college after graduation. Dual Enrollment U.S. History is a college survey course that satisfies graduation requirements as well as earning college credit. The course covers political, social, economic, intellectual, and cultural changes from exploration to the present day, while also developing students’ skills in writing, critical thinking, and source analysis. Students taking this course may take the AP US History exam. Students who successfully complete this course will be eligible for both college and high school credit.  

Please note: Upon successful completion (must earn a “C” or higher for both courses) of this course, students will receive six college credits. Students must pass College U.S. History 121  with a “C” or higher in order to take College U.S. History 122. Both courses are taught in one semester.  Students who successfully complete Dual Enrollment US History 121 and 122 will earn one credit (½ credit each for History 121 and History 122) which meets graduation requirements for Virginia & US History. 

U.S. and Virginia Government                                       

Grade 12                                              Credit 1

Students study the government of the United States and of Virginia with an emphasis on the U.S. Constitution and other important documents, as well as their development. As well as the development of federal, state and local institutions. Students focus on democratic ideals, citizen participation, and data gathering skills.    

Advanced Placement Government and Politics:  United States  

Grade 12                                 Credit 1

Prerequisite: "B" or greater in US/VA History or AP US History or teacher recommendation 

This college-level course will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States.  It includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret US politics and the analysis of specific examples. Analytical writing will be required, both in essays developed within the framework of the class and in papers developed from research assignments.   

Please note: There is an AP exam associated with this course. AP exams are not required.  Students electing to take an AP exam are responsible for paying the exam fee.