Information about the Virginia/US History program at RCPS

Virginia and United States History addresses the historical development of American ideas and institutions from the Age of Exploration to the present. While focusing on political and economic history, the class also provides students with a basic knowledge of American culture through a chronological survey of major issues, movements, people, and events in United States and Virginia history. Students will hone historical and geographical analysis skills in order to explore the events, people, and ideas that fostered our national identity.

The study of history rests on knowledge of dates, names, places, events, and ideas. Historical understanding, however, requires students to engage in historical thinking, to raise questions, and to marshal evidence in support of their answers. Students engaged in historical thinking draw upon chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research, and decision making. These skills are developed through the study of significant historical substance from the era or society being studied.