Social Studies Courses: Grades 7-12
Western Civilization
·
2 year cycle: 2012-2013
is Year 1
·
Grade 7 and 8
·
Pre-Requisites: Reading and Writing Placement Test
These
courses survey the history of western civilizations, weaving in the fabric of
the Scriptures, primary source documents, geography, and historical
fiction. A significant amount of reading and discussion are incorporated
to encourage critical thinking skills.
Year 1: Creation to the Reformation
This year
begins with the Creation in the biblical account and works through the rise of
civilization later concluding with the study of the Protestant
Reformation. These were times of great scientific and cultural
development. Masterful structures were
erected, laws and treaties were established, and empires took shape. A
deeper understanding of these eras and the peoples who lived in them will give
students a clearer understanding of humanity as well as the foundation of the
Christian faith.
Books
needed:
·
Journey Across Time (used for two years)
·
Kingfisher World History Encyclopedia 2004
·
Atlas of Past Times
·
Literature
Selections: The Golden Goblet, The
Children’s Homer, The Bronze Bow, The Trumpeter of Krakow or Crispin
Year 2: The Renaissance to the Present
This year
begins with the Renaissance and works through the development of governments
later concluding with the study of our current culture. Inventions, industry and technology
developed rapidly during these eras.
Challenges to government and beliefs surfaced which influenced the
shaping of the world as it is today. Through a deeper understanding of
these historical events, an appreciation of how God has worked in the past and
continues to work in our world will be established.
Books needed:
·
Journey Across Time (used for two years)
·
Kingfisher World History Encyclopedia 2004
·
Atlas of Past Times
·
Literature
Selections: The Second Mrs. Giaconda,
Witch of Blackbird Pond, Carry On--Mr. Bowditch, The Hiding Place
American History
·
Grade: 9th-10th
·
Pre-Requisites: Reading and Writing Placement Test
Throughout
this course, students come to appreciate and understand the struggle for
justice and freedom throughout American History. By means of a solid
history text, primary source documents, and historical fiction, students will
come to understand how historical decisions impacted the political, economic,
cultural, and religious meanings and values which our citizens have attached to
the United States and what it inherently means to be an American.
Students will learn to sharpen their analytical skills and learn to communicate
them effectively. Success in this course depends on the student’s
diligent interaction with course materials. Correlations of the past to the
present will be examined and discussed in the light of a Christian worldview.
Optional CLEP test preparation will be provided for students wishing to take
the CLEP exams for college credit.
Books
Needed:
·
American Anthem—Full
Survey—Holt
·
REA CLEP Study Guides U.S. I and U.S. II (for those desiring to take the CLEP tests)
·
Literature
selections: Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The
Red Badge of Courage, My Antonia, The Jungle, The Chosen
World History
(Offered again in 2013-2014.)
·
Grade: 10th-12th
·
Pre-Requisites: Reading
and writing placement test
This
comprehensive world history course will explore all major cultures and strive
to see God’s over arching plan through the interactions of peoples who
lived in the past. Emphasis will be
placed upon the religious and philosophical influences as well as the political
and social effects that drive each civilization. Students will be challenged to
analyze and think critically from a biblical worldview as they study the course
of western civilization in parallel to eastern cultures concurrently. Additional
assignments and writing practice will be given to those students who wish to
prepare for the AP World History Exam in the spring. This course will use
primary source documents and classic literature in addition to the text to
fully explore the cultures studied.
Books
Needed:
·
World History —Patterns of Interaction Textbook
(McDougal Littel)
·
Cracking the AP World History Exam—2010
Princeton Review (optional)
·
How Christianity Changed the World
U.S. Government
·
One semester
course: offered Fall 2012 semester
·
Grades: 11th-12th
·
Pre-Requisites: Reading and Writing Placement Test
·
.5 credit
This one
semester course uses a historical, philosophical, and biblical approach to
studying the subject of our American government. Students will engage in learning the
responsibilities that come with U.S. citizenship through classroom lectures,
activities, and discussions as well as at home reading and writing
assignments. Topics covered will be
the Constitution, the three branches of government, political parties,
elections, foreign policy, and more.
This course will incorporate rhetorical skills, speech development,
presentation skills and debate.
Books
Needed:
·
Bob Jones University Press American Government
·
TBA
Economics
·
One semester
course: offered Spring 2012 semester
·
Grades: 11th-12th
·
Pre-Requisites: Reading and Writing Placement Test
·
Credit: .5
This one
semester course is designed to help students grasp a solid understanding of both
individual financial issues as well as the financial concerns our country faces
in today’s economy. With an
emphasis on Scriptural principles, students will learn about the laws of supply
and demand, money, banking, government intervention, business, unemployment,
productivity, inflation, free market ideals, and personal finance. Activities and projects will help
students connect to this subject on a more personal level.
Books
Needed:
·
Bob Jones University Press Economics
·
TBA
