Social Studies Curriculum

World History 1 (History 9)

This course will focus on the heritage of the literary, scientific, political, religious, artistic and philosophical principles developed in Europe between the ages of 800 to 1900. Students will study the major historical movements of Feudalism, Renaissance, Enlightenment, Protestant Reformation, the major revolutionary movements, and the rise of nationalism throughout the 1800’s. Emphasis will be placed on the growing inter-relatedness of Europe with the rest of the world as a result of industrialization, the nation-state and imperialism ending with the transition to the modern era.

• Western Civilization
• Islamic Civilizations
• Ancient culture of India and China

It begins with Biblical origins, spans the ancient civilizations of the Fertile Crescent, Egypt, Greece, Rome and ends with medieval Europe.

World History I Honors (History 9)

New for 2011-2012, course description coming soon.

World History II—European History (History 10)

This on-level course instills in students an appreciation and understanding of the Biblical principles of:

• Authority
• Law
• Impact of ideas
• Development of nations
• Consequences of national policies
• The role of history in the unfolding process of God’s plan

Students will read, write, articulate, and think critically about vital issues in a global worldview. They will learn the pivotal events, key personalities, great movements, and important developments in modern world history.

The first semester will cover World War I through the present War on Terrorism. The second semester will focus on the Middle East and Southwest Asia. Students will learn:

• Biblical roots of the Middle East
• Geography
• Major religions
• Facts about the Arab-Israeli conflict
• United States policy in the Middle East
• Geopolitical realities of the Middle East

AP European History (AP 10)

AP European History is the equivalent of a college level survey course and exists as a joint venture between the College Board, High Schools, and colleges from both this nation and those around the globe. AP Euro starts with the history of Europe since 1450 and introduces students to the cultural, political, social, and economic developments that have played a role in shaping Europe. AP Euro will cover topics such as the late Middle ages, Reformations & Religions wars, absolutism & constitutionalism in Western and Eastern Europe, Revolutions in Europe, 20th Century, and the present. Students will develop an understanding of modern European History (1450-to the present), the ability to analyze historical evidence, the ability to understand historical writing, and the ability to develop their writing skills.

U.S. History (History 11)

This two semester course is designed to give students a thorough grounding in the chronology of the American past and in major interpretative questions which will derive from the study of selected themes. Emphasis is placed on the social, cultural, economic, and political factors that influenced the emergence and continual development of the United States, helping students to make connections between America’s past and our society today. The course strives to strike a balance between obtaining a command of factual knowledge and the analysis of the knowledge in a critical fashion. The course also endeavors to develop in each student the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly in both oral and written formats.

AP U.S. History (APUSH 11)

AP US History is the equivalent of a college level survey course and exists as a joint venture between the college board, high schools, and colleges from both this nation and those around the globe. AP US starts with the history of exploration in America and continues through present day history introducing students to a variety of cultural, political, social, and economic developments that have played a role in shaping the United States of which they live. AP US helps students develop skills that are necessary for a college level course with analytical reasoning, the ability to understand historical writing, and the ability to develop their writing skills.

Government (12)

This one-semester course provides the student with the basic knowledge of American democratic principles and practices. The course will begin with an overview of the role of government in our society, beginning with our colonial and revolutionary beginnings. From the Constitution through interest groups, from the various branches of government through the growth of a two party system, this course will provide a thorough grounding in the American system of government. Current events are an essential aspect of the study as students evaluate principle in our world today.

Economics (12)

This semester course is designed to give students a strong and diverse look into the complicated but critical study of both microeconomics (the study of economics as applied to individuals and organizations) and macroeconomics (the study of economics as applied to nations). This course will present the concepts of economics in a practical manner through real life applications and case studies. As a result each student will be exposed to both the theory and the practices of economics. The intentions are that each individual will draw their own conclusions, become more aware of the role that economics plays in daily life, and hopefully evolve into good stewards of financial resources.

AP United States Government (12)

Students will develop an analytical perspective on various institutions, groups, beliefs and ideas that constitute our nation’s government and politics. Students will develop a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the American political system, as well as their rights and responsibilities as citizens. This is a yearlong course with an extended focus on constitutional law.

The primary goal is to instill in students an appreciation and understanding of the biblical principles of authority, law and government. Our purpose is to enable students to apply these principles to the understanding of their citizenship with the framework of a Christian worldview. One of the blessings bestowed upon our nation is that individual citizens can exercise power to restore and heal our nation from ungodly decisions by taking an active role in political affairs. Scripture teaches that the actions of believers, even few in number, can change the direction of a nation’s government.