Grades 9-12
The social studies program develops the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are essential for students to become effective citizens in our democratic society and interdependent world. This foundation is established by examining our nation's past, its institutions and processes, and those of other people and nations of the world. In studying these topics, students are encouraged to think critically, to make decisions and reason clearly, to locate and use varied sources of information, to communicate ideas effectively, and to use their own creativity and ingenuity. If you need additional information on the Social Studies program contact
Lannah Hughes at Lannah.Hughes@vbschools.com.
Students in Grade 9
To meet graduation requirements for a standard diploma, students must complete three credits and earn one verified credit in Social Studies:
* World Studies credit 1 credit
* Virginia and United States History 1 credit
* Virginia and United States Government 1 credit
To meet graduation requirements for an advanced diploma, students must complete four credits and earn two verified credits in Social Studies:
* World Studies 2 credits
* Virginia and United States History 1 credit
* Virginia and United States Government 1 credit
Students in Grades 10-11
To meet graduation requirements for a standard diploma, students must complete three credits in Social Studies:
* World Studies 1 credit
* Virginia and United States History 1 credit
* Virginia and United States Government 1 credit
To meet graduation requirements for an advanced diploma, students must complete four credits in Social Studies:
* World Studies 2 credits
* Virginia and United States History 1 credit
* Virginia and United States Government 1 credit
Students in Grade 12
To meet graduation requirement for a regular or an advanced diploma, students must complete three credits in Social Studies:
* World Studies 1 credit
* Virginia and United States History 1 credit
* Virginia and United States Government 1 credit
WORLD GEOGRAPHY (SO 2210)
One World Studies credit
One year
Grades 9-10
This course examines the environmental and cultural patterns of the major world regions. Critical thinking skills are developed and applied as students examine demographic and economic data and investigate the causes, effects, and possible solutions to current international conflicts, problems, and environmental concerns. Map skills are extended as students use an atlas and varied types of maps in regional studies, build spatial perceptions, and develop a mental map of the world. Democratic values and citizenship are reinforced as students develop an appreciation of the cultural diversity of the world, learn to work cooperatively with classmates, and build an appreciation and concern for the environment.
Upon completion of this course students will be required to take the World Geography Standards of Learning test in the spring.
WORLD HISTORY TO 1000 A.D. (SO 2344)
One World Studies credit
One year
Grades 9-10
This course examines the development of human societies from pre-history to 1000 A.D. Students will explore the historic, economic, and cultural contributions of ancient and classical civilizations, both Western and non-Western. Basic historical concepts such as conflict, change, and diversity will be investigated. Emphasis is also placed on evaluating sources of information, recognizing cause and effect relationships, and developing a sense of time and chronology.
Upon completion of this course students will be required to take the World History to 1000 A.D. Standards of Learning test in the spring.
WORLD HISTORY SINCE 1000 A.D.
One World Studies credit
One year
Grades 9-10
This course examines the development of Western and non-Western civilizations from 1000 A.D. to the present. Emphasis is placed on identifying the significant individuals, events, and ideas that shaped the development of various cultures. Historical concepts, political and economic systems, and cultural and historical differences are identified and examined. Emphasis is also placed on refining student skills in historical investigation and research, oral and written communication, and analysis of data and sources. Current events are examined to emphasize the increasing interdependence of nations.
Upon completion of this course students will be required to take the World History since 1000 A.D. Standards of Learning test in the spring
VIRGINIA AND UNITED STATES HISTORY
(SO 2360)
One credit
One year
Grade 11
This course examines the political, economic, geographic, and social development of our state and the nation from the Age of Discovery to the present. Emphasis is placed on identifying the effects of economic and technological change on American institutions and cultural life; the effects of increasing interdependence on the United States and its world relationships; the role of conflicting viewpoints and reform in the evolution of democratic beliefs and practices; the relationship between cultural arts and the attitudes and values in a historical period; and the roles of individuals, groups, and cultural pluralism in the development of American democracy and culture. Emphasis is also placed on developing a sense of historical time and chronology, expository writing skills, and research techniques. Primary sources of information are used to advance critical thinking and to provide personal and vivid accounts of people, events, and time periods.
Upon completion of this course students will be required to take the United States History Standards of Learning test in the spring
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY (SO 2319)
One credit
One year
Grade 11
This course is offered to the serious student who desires to accept the challenge of a college-level course in high school. The course covers American history from the colonial period to the present and emphasizes the analysis of events and eras. Extensive writing is required, and students are expected to take the Advanced Placement history examination in May. College credit may be granted, subject the requirements of the college or university.
Upon completion of this course students will be required to take the United States History Standards of Learning test in the spring
VIRGINIA AND UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT (SO 2440)
One credit
One year
Grade 12
This course examines the purposes and structure of governments and the decision-making processes at the local, state, national, and international levels. Powers of each branch of government and the concept of federalism are examined through the study of the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of Virginia, local governing charters, and current issues and events. American foreign policy is studied in the historical context in which it occurred, and our governmental and economic systems are compared with those of other nations. Thinking and communication skills are applied as students explore current national and international issues and conflicts. Student participation in the school and community is encouraged to reinforce democratic values and to emphasize the importance of civic participation to our democratic way of life.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (SO 2445)
One credit
One year
Grade 12
This course is offered to the serious student who desires to accept the challenge of a college-level course in high school. The course will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. Extensive writing is required, and students are expected to take the Advanced Placement government examination in May. College credit may be granted, subject to the requirements of the college or university.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY (SO 2399)
One World Studies credit
One year
Grades 10-12
This course offers the serious student the challenge of a college-level course in high school. The course examines European history from the Renaissance to the present and traces the developments in political and diplomatic history, intellectual and cultural history, and social and economic history. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of events and eras and extensive reading and writing are required. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement examination in May. College credit may be granted, subject to the requirements of the college or university.
ECONOMICS (SO 2800)
One-half credit
One semester
Grades 10-12
This course focuses on the study of the free enterprise system, with emphasis on individual freedom of choice, principles of supply and demand, determination of price in the market, and the role of profit and capital. Also studied are such topics as the mixed economy and the impact of inflation, recession, and monetary policy. In addition to capitalism, the economic components of socialism and communism are studied.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (SO 2810)
One-half credit
One semester
Grades 10-12
This course analyzes the behavior of nation-states. Emphasis is placed on the study of domestic sources of international policy making and domestic and external restraints on international relations. Also studied are international bargaining and diplomacy, nationalism, imperialism, and procedures conducive to the resolution of international conflict.
SOCIOLOGY I (SO 2500)
One-half credit
One semester
Grades 10-12
This course investigates human society, social relations, organization, and change. Emphasis is placed on the study of such issues as delinquency, poverty, and changing family patterns. Students use surveys, case studies, experiments, and interviews.
SOCIOLOGY II (SO 2501)
One-half credit
One semester
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Sociology I
This course expands on the knowledge, skills, values, and social participation components acquired in Sociology I. Emphasis is placed on the study of such topics as divorce, stereotypes, marriage and the family, crime, poverty, gerontology, mass media, and religion.
PSYCHOLOGY I (SO 2900)
One-half credit
One semester
Grades 10-12
This course examines the principles of learning, characteristics of personality, measurement of intellectual abilities, and the effects of heredity and environment on human behavior.
PSYCHOLOGY II (SO 2901)
One-half credit
One semester
Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Psychology I
This course is a more thorough study of the topics covered in Psychology I. Emphasis is also placed on psychological statistics, testing, developmental psychology, social psychology, sensation, and perception.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY(SO 2905)
One credit
One year
Grades 11-12
This course is offered to the serious student who desires to accept the challenge of a college-level course in high school. The course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Extensive reading and writing is required, and students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Psychology examination in May. College credit may be granted, subject to the requirements of the college or university.
AP Comparative Government (SO 2446)
One credit
One year
Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement Comparative Government uses theoretical models to study the behaviors, processes, and political systems of selected nations around the world. Students examine public policy issues and evaluate the ways these governments respond to internal and external pressures.
Advanced Placement Human Geography (SO 2211)
One credit
One year
Grades 11-12
Advanced Placement Human Geography provides students with a systematic study of the ways people interact with their physical environment. Using the tools and methods of geographers, students study cultural patterns and processes, analyze demographic and economic information, and apply geographic knowledge and perspectives to understanding current world issues.
Principles of American Citizenship
Character Education Program
Virginia Beach City Public Schools began a program dealing with the characteristics of good citizenship during the 1998-1999 school year. This program is called Principles of American Citizenship and features one principle each month. The principles are responsibility, diligence, respect, kindness, honesty, trustworthiness, cooperation, self-control, and fairness. This character education program is in compliance with the Standards of Quality and 22.1-208.01.
At the middle and high school level, the SOL required content and objectives are illustrative of the character traits referenced in the Principles of American Citizenship. In addition to this, each middle and high school implements elements of the Principles of American Citizenship program within their school in a variety of ways that are site generated.
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