History

History is a required core course that must be taken each semester. Eight (8) credits are required for graduation. This course is designed for the student to understand both the Christian and worldly perspective in history. Students review major and minor happenings in history to discover God’s purpose and plan in human events. All courses are year long, and credits listed are per year.

American Government – 2 credits

This course is designed for the graduating senior to be aware of current social and political events and their ramifications; understand conservative and liberal political platforms and to discern media bias. Students participate in an intensive study of the founding, development and function of the United States federal, state and local governmental systems. It includes a review of the Founding Fathers and their commitment to character and personal responsibility. Emphasis is given to the important concepts and ideas in American government as well as people and events. The benefits of free enterprise, rule by law, and limited, representative government are contrasted with the disadvantages of opposing systems. This course integrates teachings on basic economics throughout the year.

Economics – 2 credits

This course is integrated throughout the year with American Government. It is designed to give the graduating senior a basic and proper understanding of economics. Students will evaluate the U.S. economic system and compare it to different economic systems in the world’s market place. The main emphasis of this course is free enterprise capitalism. Students will learn of the successes of free enterprise and the failures of the command economy. They will learn to appreciate the free enterprise system and the freedom it gives. This class concludes with a course in personal finance and money management created by Dave Ramsey and geared specifically for teens. Sessions are designed to show teens: that all are uniquely created by God, that we are only managers of God’s money, the burden and stress of credit and debt, how to create a budget and set savings goals, and to be empowered to grow financially, spiritually and personally.

United States History – 2 credits

This 2 semester, junior level course is a comprehensive study of our country’s current status as the world’s greatest economic, political, and military power. It emphasizes the important concepts and ideas in history as well as people and events. It contrasts liberalism and conservatism in the American political system. The benefits of free enterprise and the individual liberties that accompany it are contrasted with the harmful effects of government regulations and other aspects of socialism. It recognizes the Native Americans and immigrants who have made America great. It outlines the tragedies, victories, and the hope we have in the future because God is in sovereign control of history and His will shall be done. The student is taught to identify liberal ideologies and media bias and how to reconcile these with Biblical principles. Emphasis is given to the time period from 1900 to current with a review of the 1865 to 1900 era.

World Geography – 2 credits

This 2 semester, freshman level course provides students with a physical-cultural study of the earth and mankind from a Christian perspective. Students study the topography and political divisions of the continents and discover the variety of cultures around the world today. Course objectives include study of the seven continents, including the culture, topographical features, population, political structures within, and how God created each uniquely. Students also develop map skills by identifying specific locations and studying the map overviews of each continent. Reading and reporting upon current events at the local and national level also assists in students in making the connection between local and world events.

World History & Cultures – 2 credits

This 2 semester, sophomore course in history emphasizes the important concepts and ideas in history as well as people and events. The benefits of responsible political freedom are compared with the disastrous consequences of political tyranny. It exposes the error of many false philosophies and religions throughout time. The students are taught to identify both conservative and liberal principles prevalent in historical events. The course spans from the earliest civilizations thru the Protestant Reformation and the formation of modern nations. Special emphasis is placed on the major empires, the spread and growth of Christianity, and the history of the Children of Israel.