Social Studies Department

Social Studies Courses

Graduation Requirements

Welcome to the Social Studies Department

The Social Studies Department at Yorktown High School consists of 21 dedicated and knowledgeable teachers. Eleven members of the department have achieved National Board Teacher Certification. We offer a variety of required and elective courses to meet the needs and interests of all students. Our philosophy is that social studies prepares students to become critical thinkers, writers and problem solvers, enhancing their knowledge of our changing world and global economy. We believe that social studies is vital for becoming good citizens and we teach our various courses by emphasizing not just content, but also skills that prepare all students to be successful beyond their high school career.

Grade 9

Required for graduation:

Modern World History
- Options include Regular or Intensified (Blocked with English 9)

Grade 10,11,12

22215 Ancient Civ. WH I

22219 Int. Ancient Civ WH I

32399 AP European History

32400 AP World History

32212 AP Human Geography

32443 AP Comp. Gov. AP

22212 Economics/Personal Finance

22212V Econonmics/Personal Finance Virtual

32806 AP Economics

22218 Intro to Law / 22388 World Affairs

22700 Leadership & Diversity

22500 Sociology

22900 Psychology

22371 African American Studies

32371 AP African American Studies

22373 Latin American Studies

22700 Leadership & Diversity

Grade 10

Elective Options:

AP European History
AP World History
AP Macro/Microeconomics (Strong mathematics background recommended)
Ancient Civilizations
Economics/Personal Finance (Course also offered online)
Intensified Ancient Civilizations
Introduction to Law/World Affairs
Leadership & Diversity
Psychology
Sociology

Grade 11

Required for graduation:

US / Virginia History
- Options include Regular, AP, or American Civilization (Blocked with English 11)

Grade 12

Required for graduation:

US / Virginia Government
- Options include Regular or AP (2 semester AP courses in 1 period plus 2 AP exams)

Elective Courses

AP European History
AP Psychology (Grade 11 or 12 only)
AP World History
Ancient Civilizations
Intensified Ancient Civilizations
Introduction to Law/World Affairs
Leadership & Diversity
Psychology
Sociology

Notes

Students need 4 credits of Social Studies to graduate which include:

Modern World History
Economics (Economics & Personal Finance or AP Macroeconomics / Microeconomics)
US / Virginia History (Regular, AP, or American Civilization)
US / Virginia Government (Regular or AP)

The Social Studies Department recommends that most students consider taking Economics & Personal Finance or AP Macroeconomics / Microeconomics (which counts for Economics & Personal Finance) in Grade 11 or 12, due to the concepts covered and nature of the course.All AP courses require a teacher signature on the CRF which serves as a recommendation.For additional information or questions you may have, consult:

APS Program of Studies
Electives flyer
Your counselor
Your current Social Studies teacher