Social Studies
The goal of the Social Studies curriculum is to prepare Christian citizens to serve in the world and to see the unfolding of God’s plan for the world and our role in that plan. The study of World History gives a diverse view of culture; the study of Civics, Economics, and United States History gives students knowledge and thinking skills to see and understand their responsibility as American citizens. The study of Current Events and Psychology gives students the opportunity to analyze ourselves and community.
WORLD HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY: This course analyzes the global story of change from medieval through modern history. Through an analysis of key people, movements, events, technologies, and discoveries, students will understand how our world has developed over time into what it has become today.
CIVICS: The focus of this one-semester course is to prepare students to participate in exercising their political responsibilities as thoughtful and informed citizens. Civics provides a basis for understanding the rights and responsibilities for being an American citizen and a framework for competent and responsible participation. Emphasis is placed on the historical development of government and political systems, and the importance of the rule of law; the United States Constitution; Federal, State and local government structure; and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Prerequisite – U.S. History
US HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY: In studying the political, social, and cultural history of the United States, students are encouraged to grapple with the realities of living in a free society. The two semester class covers U.S. History from Reconstruction to the War on Terror.
Prerequisite – World History
CURRENT EVENTS: The purpose of this course will be to help students develop a clearer understanding of local, national, and global current events and issues. Emphasis will be on the most contemporary issues, as students learn how to stay updated on current events and issues and consider an appropriate Biblical response to them. This class will be offered every other year.
Prerequisite – World History, U.S. History, Civics, Economics
Psychology- In this one semester course, students are introduced to the scientific method and the core ideas and theories of psychology. As a result, students gain an understanding of the complexities and diversity of human thought and behavior. Emphasis is placed on human behavior, the brain, human development, cognition, and memory. This class will be offered every other year.
Prerequisite- World History, U.S. History, Civics, Economics
ECONOMICS: This course will help students gain a deeper understanding of basic economic concepts and the role they play as Christian citizens in the U.S. economy. Economics will give students an idea what a college intro to economics class might cover.
Prerequisite – U.S. History
APUSH: Advanced Placement United States History is designed to give college level classroom experience and to prepare students for the A.P. test given in May. To that end, students will work on developing skills in historical analysis and evaluation.
Prerequisite – sophomores or older who have earned a A- or higher in their most
recent history and English classes with a recommendation from those teachers.
AP American Government and Politics- AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project
Prerequisites- Juniors or older who have earned a B+ or higher in their most recent history and English classes with a recommendation from those teachers.
