Students will examine the historical development of American ideas and institutions from the age of exploration to the modern era. Basic knowledge of American culture through a chronological survey of major issues, movements, people, and events in the United States and Virginia history will be connected by focusing on political and economic history. Students will use social studies skills to explore the events, people, and ideas that fostered our national identity and led to our country’s prominence in world affairs. Students will continue to use their historical knowledge and skills to write essays, answer document-based questions, and conduct research. Students may be tested at the end of this course on the Virginia and United States History standards of learning.