Social Studies - Electives

This course develops the idea that a multi-disciplinary approach of study combining classical literature, art history, history, science, archaeology, and others, leads to an understanding of the relationship between intellectual disciplines. Students are exposed to the course material, including original sources, in a variety of ways, and they gain practical experience in analyzing, interpreting, organizing, and presenting the connections they make in a broader context of the contemporary world.

Cambridge International AS and A Level Economics will explain and analyze economic issues and arguments, evaluate economic information, and organize, present, and communicate ideas and judgments clearly. The course covers a range of basic economic ideas, including an introduction to the price system and government intervention, international trade and exchange rates, the measurement of employment and inflation, and the causes and consequences of inflation. Students also study the theory of the firm, market failure, macroeconomic theory and policy, and economic growth and development.

AICE International History, 1871-1991, will help students to develop an interest in the past and an awareness of historical concepts. By studying diverse historical sources, methods, and interpretations of particular historical issues, students will learn to think independently and make informed judgments. Through examination of six major themes, students will gain knowledge and understanding of the key developments that shaped the international order after 1871. Content/themes include: Imperialism, World War 1, the rise of Fascist powers and American neutrality before 1939, World War 2, the Cold War conflict; globalization of the Cold War; the Nuclear Arms Race; crisis of Communism and the end of the Cold War; the international economy; and the Third World. Successful completion of the end of course exam will result in an AICE certificate or an AICE Diploma.

This college-level course is designed to help students develop an appreciation of the various fields of psychology including: cognitive, social, physiological, and developmental psychology as well as the psychology of individual differences. The course also investigates the relationship of psychology to education, health, organizations, the environment and abnormality. This elective course of study prepares students for the Cambridge examination in Psychology and counts toward the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma. The course culminates in an external assessment that provides the possibility of college credit.

In a rapidly changing world, Cambridge International Sociology offers students the opportunity to not only explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past. The study of Sociology should stimulate awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focus attention on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way. The course culminates in an external assessment that provides the possibility of college credit.

AP African American Studies is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with authentic and varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. Given the interdisciplinary character of African American studies, students in the course will develop skills across multiple fields, with an emphasis on developing historical, literary, visual, and data analysis skills. This course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African Diaspora.

Advanced Placement Economics will provide students a thorough understanding of basic economic concepts; the nature and functions of product and factor markets. Students will study the role of the government, as well as the concepts of efficiency and equity. Topics also include: measures of economic performance; national income and price determination; economic growth; international finance, exchange rates and balance of payments. In May, the students will take one or both AP Economics Examinations (Microeconomics or Macroeconomics) to qualify for Advanced standing and/or credit in college.

The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of the AP program in European History are to develop: an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History; an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation; and an ability to express historical understanding in writing. In May, students take the AP Examination to qualify for Advanced standing and/or credit in college. This course has an associated Standards of Learning (SOL) test. Students will participate in these tests only when they have not yet earned sufficient credit for graduation and/or satisfied federal testing requirements.

The AP Psychology course is designed 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 the major subfields within psychology. Students will also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. In May, the students will take an AP Psychology Examination to qualify for Advanced standing and/or credit in college.

The African American History course is designed to provide students with a broad overview of the African American experience and explore ancient Africa moving through modern times. The course, supported by a local division curriculum and five online modules, address the introduction of Africans to the Americas and the African American experience between 1619 and the present. In addition, the course will highlight the social, cultural and political contributions of African Americans to American society.

This course teaches stewardship and preservation of local cultural resources; develops applied skills in historical analysis such as archival research, artifact interpretation and oral history interview techniques; enables students to share research findings with the community; and encourages community service and active citizenship. Local objects, primary sources, architectural remains, landscapes and citizens are explored. Publications from the Prince William Historic Commission will be available, as well as opportunities to interact with the county government's and citizen groups' preservation and education efforts. Topics include: regional prehistory to native contact with Europeans; colonial times through the 1750s; early agricultural, industrial and commercial developments; the Revolutionary War's effects; the diverse antebellum population; the Civil War and the impact of Reconstruction on the area; debate over formation of magisterial districts and the shifts in the location of the county seat; the county at the turn of the century, World War 1, Quantico and World War 2; and desegregation of local schools.

This college-level course investigates three psychological perspectives including: biological, cognitive, and learning. Students will also explore an optional subject area and undertake two studies: research and experimental. This elective course of study prepares students for the standard level examination in Psychology and counts toward the IB Diploma. The course culminates in an external assessment that provides the possibility of college credit.

Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives provides opportunities for inquiry into, and reflection on, key global issues from a personal, local/national, and global perspective. Young people globally face unprecedented challenges in an interconnected and information-heavy world, not least in how they will gain a sense of their own active place in the world and cope with changes that will impact on their life chances and life choices. Students will have opportunities to acquire and apply a range of skills, including: gathering, synthesizing, and communicating information; collaborating with others to achieve a common outcome; analyzing and evaluating planning, processes and outcomes; and developing and justifying a line of reasoning. Students will explore stimulating topics that have global significance. Students will assess information critically and explore lines of reasoning. Students will learn to collaborate with others from another culture, community, or country, directing much of their own learning and developing an independence of thought.

This Introduction to Law course is designed to offer students a practical and real world exposure to many legal issues in our society. This is a fast-paced and comprehensive course. Students will encounter many topics and materials that law school students learn about in their first year of law school. Students will read about famous Supreme Court cases and analyze contemporary trials to understand the nature of how the United States justice system works. The course provides practical information and problem-solving opportunities regarding the law. Students will develop knowledge of the law and skills necessary for survival in our law-based society. There will be opportunities to explore the definition of law, citizen rights and responsibilities under the law, learn methods of dispute resolution as well as identify and analyze public issues.

Psychology will introduce the students to the study of individual human behavior. Students explore subjects studied by behavioral scientists and apply psychological concepts to everyday human problems and life. Topics will include the scientific methods used in psychology, human growth and development, the study of personality, and mental health and behavioral disorders.

Problems and issues about social behavior, organizations, and institutions of people are examined. The study includes an examination of the structure and the function of groups, the variations in the social order and the dynamics of change in a social environment. There is focus upon the development of skills for participating more effectively in contemporary society by examining issues and seeking solutions to problems involving the interactions of people.

The role of the United States in the modern world is explored. Emphasis is placed on the national and international issues of the 20th century. Students will have an opportunity to engage in problem-solving and decision-making activities using a format based on research, and written and oral expression. Opportunities will be provided to develop possible resolutions to current issues confronting the nation.