SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: World History to 1500 CE* / Geography (WH I) (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: Social, political, and economic development, and their dynamic relationships

with world cultures, are central themes of World History. This course will cover history from the dawn of civilization to the “Great Convergence.” It involves the exploration of the historical development of people, places and patterns of life from ancient times until the period 1450-1500 CE. Students will examine the geography, economy, government, social structure, religion, technology and history of selected civilizations. Students will study the origins of much of our heritage using texts, maps, pictures, stories, diagrams, charts, simulations, chronological skills, inquiry/research skills, and technology skills. Cultural emphasis is placed upon literature, art, architecture, music, religion and philosophy. Historical emphasis is placed upon such areas as comparative political, economic and social systems. Concepts stressed throughout the course are the same as those employed by all social scientists: critical thinking, analysis and interpretation. From a balanced and inclusive world history course, students may gain an appreciation both of the world’s many people and their shared humanity and common problems.

MAIN TOPICS: Prehistoric people Ancient and river civilizations Major conflicts and classical civilizations Middle Ages The Renaissance The Great Convergence MAIN TOPICS (GEOGRAPHY):

Use of maps and globes to analyze physical and human landscapes

Analysis of selected ecological processes in shaping the Earth’s surface Interrelationship of landscapes and cultures Human populations (growth rates, distribution and resources) Patterns of urban development

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one of the credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma. A Standards of Learning test is given at the end of this course.

* “CE” is the new abbreviation used by historians and archaeologists. It stands for “Common Era.” “BCE” stands for “Before the Common Era.”

1500 CE refers to the same year as 1500 AD.

SY 2005-2006

• Place emphasis on the use of primary resources • Assign at least two (2) creative projects throughout the year • Encourage out-of-class enrichment activities for required assignments • Encourage creative writing by assigning journals • Develop assignments which will require students to construct and evaluate arguments, using

evidence to make plausible arguments. • Require students to develop the ability to assess issues of change and continuity over time. • Help students to develop their capacities to handle a diversity of interpretations through the

analysis of context, bias, and frame of reference. • Develop assignments which require students to see global patterns over time and space, while

they acquire the ability to connect local developments to global ones and to move through levels of generalizations from the global to the particular.

• Develop assignments which require students to assess claims of universal standards, yet teach them to remain aware of both human commonalities and differences.

• Encourage peer teaching through cooperative learning • Use varied types of essays as regular writing assignments • Integrate history with current events

MAIN TOPICS (GEOGRAPHY):

• Use of maps and globes to analyze physical and human landscapes • Analysis of selected ecological processes in shaping the Earth’s surface • Interrelationship of landscapes and cultures • Human populations (growth rates, distribution and resources) • Patterns of urban development

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one of the credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma. A Standards of Learning test is given at the end of this course.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: World History from 1500 CE* / Geography (WH II) (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: Social, political, and economic development, and their dynamic relationships

with world cultures, are central themes of World History. This course will cover history from the “Great Convergence” to the present. Cultural emphasis is placed upon literature, art, architecture, music, religion and philosophy. Historical emphasis is placed upon such areas as comparative political, economic and social systems. Contemporary emphasis is placed upon current crises, international relations and the increasing interdependence of nations. Concepts stressed throughout the course are the same as those employed by all social scientists: critical thinking, analysis and interpretation. From a balanced and inclusive world history course students may gain an appreciation both of the world’s many peoples and of their shared humanity and common problems.

MAIN TOPICS: A survey of major religions of the world (review) The Reformation European expansion The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment Absolutism and revolutions The Industrial Revolution Political change in Europe and the Americas The world at war Post World War II MAIN TOPICS (GEOGRAPHY):

Names of major countries, rivers, mountain ranges and bodies of water Natural hazards and their management Impact of natural, human and capital resources and their distribution Regional development of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America from 1500 CE. Economic patterns and developing nations

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one of the credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma. A Standards of Learning test is given at the end of this course.

* “CE” is the new abbreviation used by historians and archaeologists. It stands for “Common Era.” “BCE” stands for “Before the Common Era.” 1500 CE refers

to the same year as 1500 AD.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Pre-AP World History to1450 CE / Geography (WH I) (High School) PREREQUISITE: Participation in M.S. Honors Programs is recommended, but all students

are encouraged to challenge themselves by taking this Pre-AP course if they have a strong interest.

DESCRIPTION: Social, political, and economic development, and their dynamic relationships

with world cultures, are central themes of World History. This course will cover history from the dawn of civilization to the “Great Convergence.” The course involves the exploration of the historical development of people, places and patterns of life from ancient times until about 1500 CE. Students will examine the geography, economy, government, social structure, religion, technology and history of selected civilizations. Students will study the origins of much of our heritage using texts, maps, pictures, stories, diagrams, charts, simulations, chronological skills, inquiry/research skills, and technology skills. Cultural emphasis is placed upon literature, art, architecture, music, religion and philosophy. Historical emphasis is placed upon such areas a comparative political, economic and social system. Concepts stressed throughout the course are the same as those employed by all social scientists: critical thinking, analysis and interpretation. This course requires academic discipline, strong historical interest, independent work and analysis, and the development of a thoughtful, global perspective in preparation for AP work.

MAIN TOPICS:

• Prehistoric People • “Civilization” and categories of societies • Ancient and river civilizations • Classical civilizations • Major belief systems • Late Classical period • Mongols and Muslim empires • World and regional trade systems • Amerindian world • Cities and social institutions • The Middle Ages • The Renaissance • The Great Convergence to 1500 CE

Additionally, teachers will: • Assign a historical novel or work of non-fiction, or a collection of period-specific primary

documents per quarter. • Assign at least one (1) major research paper

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Advanced Placement World History (High School) PREREQUISITE: World History to 1500 CE. (Pre-AP strongly recommended) DESCRIPTION: Advanced Placement World History uses the syllabus of the College

Board Advanced Placement course. This course looks at our Earth’s geography, the history of the world, and the growth, spread and depth of world cultures and the activities of human societies. The course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement World History Exam, which is required for AP World History students. There is a fast-paced review of the years 8000 BCE to 1450 CE in the first six weeks of the course, so that the bulk of the year can be spent on the years 1450 to the present.

MAIN TOPICS: World Geography and Demographics Economic Systems and Systems of Change World Religions World Social Systems, Cities, and Institutions Foundations: 8000 BCE – 600 CE:

Movements of early peoples, the rise and fall of ancient empires Key cultural and social systems of antiquity: Mesopotamia, Egypt,

Indus, Shang, MesoAmerica, and Andean South America Classical Civilizations

600-1450 CE:

The Islamic world Interregional networks—Trade and Belief China Changes in, and spread of Christianity, The Islamic world, Non-

Islamic Africa, and the Amerindian civilizations. 1450-1750:

Changes in global interactions, trade, and technology Major empires, political units, and social systems (caste, gender, slave,

and empire systems). Demographic and environmental changes The ages of scientific revolution, enlightenment, neoconfucianism, and

flourishing of the arts

SY 2005-2006

1750-1914: Industrial revolutions Global commerce Social systems Political revolutions and independence movements, new political ideas Rise of Western dominance

1914-Present

The World Wars, the Cold War, nuclear weaponry New Patterns of nationalism, especially outside the West Social and civil movements and reforms, new nationalisms, social

justice and injustice Internationalization of culture and reactions to it Global economic developments

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one of the credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma. Students will take the World History Advanced Placement Test at the conclusion of the course. Students in Grade 10 also take the Standards of Learning test for World History II.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: U.S. and Virginia History (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: This course of study encompasses the development of American ideals and institutions

through the study of major events, eras and personalities of U.S. and Virginia history from the age of exploration to the modern era. Themes which should be emphasized throughout the course include: the diverse peoples and cultures who have made up and continue to make up American society; the economic, social and cultural transformation of the U.S. from pre-industrial colonies to a highly technological, post-industrial society; the evolution of democracy in the U.S.; and the nation’s changing global role. The historical development and basic principles of the Constitution of the United States and the fundamental concepts of the Declaration of Independence, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom are examined and related to everyday life.

MAIN TOPICS: Three worlds meet (Beginnings to 1620) The Colonial Era (1600-1754) The Revolutionary Era (1754-1783) Nation building (1783-1815) The expanding nation (1815-1850) The westward movement (1815-1850) The Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877) The second Industrial Revolution (1865-1877) The Progressive Era (1900-1914) Emergence of the U.S. as a world power and World War I (1890-1920) The Depression and the New Deal (1929-1941) World War II The Cold War (1945-1970) Vietnam The recent United States

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one of the credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma. A Standards of Learning test is given at the end of this course.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Advanced Placement U.S. and Virginia History (High School) PREREQUISITE: World History II DESCRIPTION: Stressing the development of factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to

deal with issues and problems in American history, this course includes an in-depth analysis of major developments and assessments of historical materials, evidence and interpretations

Emphasis is placed on writing skills and critical thinking. This course is equal to

a full year introductory college course. Students will take the AP U.S. History examination for possible college credit.

MAIN TOPICS: Three worlds meet (Beginnings to 1620) The Colonial Era (1600-1754) The Revolutionary Era (1754-1783) Nation building (1783-1815) The expanding nation (1815-1850) The westward movement (1815-1850) The Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877) The second Industrial Revolution (1865-1877) The Progressive Era (1900-1914) Emergence of the U.S. as a world power and World War I (1890-1920) The 1920’s: A Decade of the New Deal (1929-1941) The Depression and the New Deal (1929-1941) World War II The Cold War (1945-1970) Vietnam The recent United States CREDIT INFO: This course provides one of the elective credits required for a Standard or

Advanced Studies Diploma. Students will take the Advanced Placement Exam at the end of this course. Students also take the Standards of Learning test.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: United States and Virginia Government (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: This course examines the structures of government and the economy in the

United States. The balance and separation of powers within the U.S. government, and the powers inherent to each branch and level, are emphasized. Democratic values and responsible participation in the community are stressed throughout the course. The United States’ political and economic roles in the global community are also analyzed. Basic principles inherent in the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of Virginia, the Virginia Declaration of Rights, and the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom are examined and related to everyday life. Because of the conceptual nature of government and the constant interaction of current affairs, the specific material which makes up the course may vary greatly from year to year.

MAIN TOPICS: What is government? Foundations of the American political system and the U.S. Constitution The U.S. Constitution Federalism Citizenship and civil liberties (roles, rights and responsibilities) The election process Influencing government Organization of powers of the national government State and local government Comparative governments and economics Practical citizenship

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one of the credits required for a Standard or Advanced

Studies Diploma.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Advanced Placement United States and Virginia Government (High School) PREREQUISITE: United States History (AP Suggested) DESCRIPTION: This course follows the syllabus of the Advanced Placement United States Government

curriculum of the College Board.

Emphasis is placed on developing skills that will enable students to conceptualize and explain complex issues related to individual rights and responsibilities, political parties and party politics, the system of separation of powers, and checks and balances. Instruction emphasizes analysis, synthesis and interpretation of major historical issues and documents.

Course content includes a study of the structure and the framework of the government

with an emphasis on the historical rationale of the principles embodied in the Construction. American foreign policy, the federal bureaucracy, economics and grass roots governments are also component parts of the curriculum.

Students are helped to develop decision-making skills that are based on values inherent in

our democratic society. The course textbook, supplemental reading materials, class assignments, activities and discussions are used to induce reflective thinking.

Class instruction in this course is designed to prepare the student for college level study.

This course is provided for students possessing excellent reading and communication skills. Students will be required to take the College Board Advanced Placement exam upon completing this course.

MAIN TOPICS: What is government? Foundations of the American political system and the U.S. Constitution The U.S. Constitution Federalism Citizenship and civil liberties (roles, rights and responsibilities) The election process Influencing government Organization of powers of the national government State and local government Comparative governments and economics Practical citizenship

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one of the credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies

Diploma. Students will take the College Board Advanced Placement exam at the end of this course.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Comparative Religions (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: The foundations and historical development of religion are examined from

prehistoric societies to the present. The course emphasizes doctrines of major Eastern and Western religions from a social science perspective. History, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, and Philosophy are all used as frameworks of investigation. The various regions of the world are studied in terms of religious development with emphasis on the interaction between religion and culture.

MAIN TOPICS: Religion – An Introduction: Definitions, Forms, Descriptions Major Eastern religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Tao,

Shinto Major Western religions—Mesopotamian beliefs, Judaism, Christianity,

Islam

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one half of one of the elective credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Economics (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: This course provides an understanding of the basic principles, concepts, terminology and

policies in economics. The primary focus is on the American economic system and its relationship to the goals and values of the American society.

Attention is given to a basic understanding of the principles of the free enterprise system

and its necessary limited government regulation. An awareness of macroeconomics and economic analysis and reasoning through the examination of such topics as scarcity, production, the market system, the essential characteristics of capitalism, supply and demand, business, labor, money and banking, the measurement of economic activity and government economic policy. Also, the relationship of government and economics will be described in terms of multiple types of economic systems.

MAIN TOPICS: Basic economic problem of scarcity

Basic concepts of the market economy and other economic systems and how these systems address the economic problem

Circular flow of income in the economy Cost of production, their derivation and their impact Supply and demand and how they affect prices Market structures of pure competition, monopolistic competition, oligopoly and

monopoly Types of business organizations Investments in the economy Labor and wages in the American economy Role of money and function of banks and other financial institutions Financial role of government Business cycles Role of the federal government as an economic stabilizer International trade Major current economic problems Government regulation

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one half of one of the elective credits required for a Standard or

Advanced Studies Diploma.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: History and Contributions of Ethnic Groups in America (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: This course examines the history of ethnic groups in America. Students

will focus on the experiences of these groups and their impact on American history and culture.

Students will investigate the fundamental issues and the contemporary outlook for minorities in America. National and state case studies are used to help students draw conclusions.

MAIN TOPICS: African Americans American Indians Asian Americans West Asian (“Middle Eastern”) Americans Ethnic groups from Europe Hispanics and Latin Americans Other ethnic groups as represented by students in the class or by student interest

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one half of one of the elective credits required for a

Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: International Relations (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: This course examines modern international relations. Foreign policy is

analyzed to determine successful relations and problem areas in the world today. Historical and current case studies are used to help students draw conclusions. The focus of the course is not limited to the international relations of the United States.

MAIN TOPICS: Introduction The World Today: Regions, Systems, Alliances Foundations of IR Theory: Morgenthau Great Power Relations Rivalry and Deterrence: Athens-Sparta, Britain-France, US-USSR Hegemony: Mongols Shaka Zulu United States The Role of Economics—“North” and “South” Developed vs. Developing Nations Current Financial Institutions International Organizations League of Nations United Nations European Union Current Issues Terrorism Weapons of mass destruction Middle-Eastern conflicts International debt US and the World CREDIT INFO: This course provides one half of one of the elective credits required for a

Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: African, Asian, & Latin American Studies (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: The course is designed to focus on the geography, history and cultural

features of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Students will explore the vast and diverse continent of Africa. They will come to understand the huge sweep of African culture and civilization. From great early empires to the emergence of modern African countries, students will examine the history and culture of the many peoples of this vast continent. Examining the history and development of one or more Asian countries, emphasis is placed on how tradition influences social and cultural developments. Students will learn of the vast richness and diverse nature of Asian cultures as well as the role of Asian nations historically and today. From South and Central American Indian cultures to imperialistic ventures and current problems, students will explore the role of selected Latin American countries in contemporary world affairs. Emphasis will be placed on historical development, the interaction among the Latin American states, and their interaction with the rest of the world.

Systems of belief are examined through primary source material. During the course, students analyze a variety of historical viewpoints and study the status of the country or countries in contemporary world politics.

MAIN TOPICS: Africa: Mali, Kenya, The Congo (Historical and modern), South Africa,

and Zimbabwe Asia: China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, and Korea

Latin America: Mexico, The Andean countries, The Rio de la Plata states Brazil, Central America, The Caribbean Nations (the West Indies)

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one half of one of the elective credits required for a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Philosophy (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: Philosophy is often defined as the quest for wisdom or the systematic

search for truth. In this introductory course, students will examine historical and contemporary philosophical questions and issues using a thematic approach to this discipline. Major areas of study will include Epistemology, Metaphysics and Axiology. Using this approach, students will examine fundamental questions dealing with the nature of knowledge, the nature of reality and the nature of individual and social values. In addition to the academic understanding of the discipline, students will gain an appreciation for the role that Philosophy can play in improving one’s self-awareness and enhancing one’s intellectual and creative potential.

MAIN TOPICS: Appropriate terminology

Historic and contemporary relationship of philosophy to other academic disciplines

Major philosophers and other great thinkers of Western civilization’s past

and present Impact of major schools of philosophical thinking Causal relationship of philosophy and world events Contemporary philosophical issues and problems Formulation of framework for a personal philosophy

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one half of one of the elective credits required for a

Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Post World War II American History (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: Using the events of 1939-1945 as a springboard, this course examines the

broad trends and ideas that typify the complexity of American history from 1946 to the present time. Selected movements and relationships are studied with an emphasis on important individuals and events that have had an impact on current society.

MAIN TOPICS: Review of World War II (1939-1945)

The A-bomb World conflicts American counter cultures The Civil Rights Movement The Energy Crisis and Economic Downturn The Cold War, Arms Control Technology

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one half of one of the elective credits required for a

Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Psychology (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: Providing a broad, general introduction to psychology, this course will

emphasize how the basic subject matter of psychology has been attained by scientific methods.

This course will examine patterns and variations of human behavior and

the process of human development. It will help the student see how psychological knowledge can be applied to improve the quality of life.

MAIN TOPICS: Scientific method

Biology and behavior Learning and cognitive processes Human development Personality theories Human adaptation Maladjustment and therapy Social relationships

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one half of one of the elective credits required for a

Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Sociology (High School) PREREQUISITE: None DESCRIPTION: Students examine society as the interaction of groups, the functioning of

groups, and the influence groups have on one another. Through a study of human relations, students are helped to develop a better understanding of those groups to which they belong.

Through data collection and use of that data to test hypotheses and to

explore sociological alternatives, both oral and written communication skills are developed and strengthened.

MAIN TOPICS: What is Sociology?

Values and human behavior Culture Role, relationships and groups Social stratification Minorities and discrimination Social movements and collective behavior The family Education and religion Government and economics Social problems

CREDIT INFO: This course provides one half of one of the elective credits required for a

Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

SY 2005-2006

COURSE TITLE: Advanced Placement Psychology PREREQUISITE: Elective semester course in Psychology is suggested. DESCRIPTION: Advanced Placement Psychology uses the syllabus of the College

Board Advanced Placement course. 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 each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice.

MAIN TOPICS: History and Approaches

Research Methods Biological Bases of Behavior Sensation and Perception States of Consciousness Learning and Cognition Motivation and Emotion Developmental Psychology Personality Testing and Individual Differences Abnormal Psychology Treatment of Psychological Disorders

Social Psychology CREDIT INFO: This course provides one of the elective credits required for a Standard or

Advanced Studies Diploma. Students will take the Psychology Advanced Placement Test at the conclusion of the course.