Social Studies - Standard

The American system of national, state, and local government, including the role of the United States in global affairs, is analyzed. Basic constitutional principles, rights and responsibilities of citizenship, political beliefs and ideologies, as well as free market economic principles, and the organization and operation of our political institutions are studied. Democratic beliefs and the importance of participation in the democratic process are emphasized.

The study of the nation's history provides the intellectual foundations for responsible citizenship. The origins of American ideals and institutions are examined. A study of major events, issues, and personalities of the past provides a perspective for understanding contemporary issues and problems. The role of Virginia in the development of the United States is included. Topics included for study: Exploration and Colonization, European Economic Influences and Slavery in the Americas, the American Revolution, the Constitution and Early National Period, Civil War and Reconstruction, the Progressive Era, U.S. as Emerging World Power, World War 2, the Cold War, Civil Rights Movement, and the Contemporary U.S. 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.

This is a survey of world history from 1500 to the present with a concentration on modern developments in western civilization. Course topics include: the Reformation, the Age of Discovery, Absolutism, the Scientific and Industrial Revolutions, the Enlightenment, the development of nation-states, nationalism, and the Age of Imperialism, 20th Century conflicts, independence movements, world religions, and the contemporary world. 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.

This is a survey of world history to 1500 with a concentration on developing historical thinking skills and geographical analysis. Course topics include: early development of humankind from the Paleolithic Era to the agricultural revolution, ancient river valley civilizations, early civilizations in Persia, India, and China, influence of Greece and Rome in the development of Western civilization, the Byzantine Empire and Russia, early Islamic civilization, Western Europe in the Middle Ages, Empires of the Eastern Hemisphere, major civilizations of the Western Hemisphere (Mayan, Aztec, Incan), late medieval developments, and the Renaissance in Europe. 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.