The secondary history and social science program in Chesapeake Public Schools provides many opportunities for students to experience all aspects of the study of mankind. The program is designed to develop the knowledge and skills in history, geography, civics, and economics and to allow students to place in perspective the people, ideas, and events that have shaped our state, our nation and our world.
Students study the basic values, principles, and operation of American constitutional democracy in preparing to become informed and responsible citizens. As well as concentrating on the knowledge and content areas of each history and social science offering, students development skill in reading, writing, debate, discussion, research, and technology.

Civics and Economics (23570000)

Standard of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: This course examines the roles citizens play in the political, governmental, and economic systems in the United States. Students examine the constitutions of Virginia and the United States; identify the rights, duties, and responsibilities of citizens; and describe the structure and operation of government at the local, state, and national levels. Students investigate the process by which decisions are made in the American market economy and explain the government’s role in it. The standards identify personal character traits, such as patriotism, respect for the law, and a sense of civic duty, that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in the civic life of an increasingly diverse democratic society.

 

Honors Social Studies 6: Civics and Economics (2357H000)

Standard of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: This course is a survey study of civics and economics in the United States. Special emphasis is on the structure and functions of government and the basic sectors of the economy. Students investigate the process by which decisions are made in the American market economy and explain the government’s role in it. The standards identify personal character traits, such as patriotism, respect for the law, and a sense of civic duty, that facilitate thoughtful and effective participation in the civic life of an increasingly diverse democratic society. This course may be taken in place of Civics and Economics (23570000).

 

United States History to 1865 (23530000)

Standard of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: The content for this course relates to the history of the United States from pre-Columbian times until 1865. Students will use skills of historical and geographical analysis to explore the early history of the United States and to understand ideas and events that strengthened the union. Students will continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography as they study United States history in chronological sequence and learn about change and continuity in our history. They also will study documents and speeches that laid the foundation of American ideals and institutions and will examine the everyday life of people at different times in the country’s history through the use of primary and secondary sources.

 

Honors Social Studies 7: United States History to 1865 (2353H000)

Standard of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: This course is an in-depth study of the period of Exploration through 1865. Students will use skills of historical and geographical analysis to explore the early history of the United States and to understand ideas and events that strengthened the union. Students will continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography as they study United States history in chronological sequence and learn about change and continuity in our history. They also will study documents and speeches that laid the foundation of American ideals and institutions and will examine the everyday life of people at different times in the country’s history through the use of primary and secondary sources. This course can be taken instead of Virginia/United States History to 1865 (23530000).

 

United States History from 1865 to the Present (23540000)

Standard of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: Students will continue to use skills of historical and geographical analysis as they examine American history since 1865. This course covers the period of the history of the United States from the end of the Reconstruction era to the present. Students should continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography within the context of United States history. Political, economic, and social challenges facing the nation reunited after civil war will be examined chronologically as students develop an understanding of how the American experience shaped the world political and economic landscape.

 

Honors Social Studies 8: United States History 1865 to the Present (2354H000)

Standard of Learning End-of-Course Test: Yes
Course Description: This course is an in-depth study of the period of Reconstruction to the present day. Students will continue to use skills of historical and geographical analysis as they examine American history since 1865. Students should continue to learn fundamental concepts in civics, economics, and geography within the context of United States history. Political, economic, and social challenges facing the nation reunited after civil war will be examined chronologically as students develop an understanding of how the American experience shaped the world political and economic landscape. This course can be taken instead of United States History 1865 to the Present (23540000).