Social Studies

This course is a freshman course but is open to other levels as needed. The course traces mankind’s progress from the early civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia through the Age of Exploration.  Also examined are the various accomplishments of the Greeks and Romans, the development of the world’s greatest religions, the Middle Ages, and the forces leading civilization into the Modern Age.  All the while, God’s providential hand is seen as time progresses through the centuries. Emphasis is also put on skills necessary for being a “historical detective” and understanding the differences that sometimes occur between secular history and Biblical history.  Students learn why the knowledge of history is important and how God views the knowledge of history. The textbook, the Bible, maps, timelines, and technology are used to enhance the students’ understanding and perspective of the events, people, and cultures studied.

This course is typically a freshman course and will serve as a prerequisite for Advanced Placement European History.  This course will examine the same topics of CP World History and have additional study of the period leading civilization into as the development of modern Western Civilization during the 19th & 20th centuries. In addition to skills taught in CP World History, students will learn analytical skills necessary to discern the cause & effect relationships of historical events.  There is an additional emphasis on reading comprehension and writing skills predatory to participation in an advanced placement course. Students learn why the knowledge of history is important and how God views the knowledge of history. The textbook, the Bible, maps, timelines, and technology are used to enhance the students’ understanding and perspective of the events, people, and cultures studied.

Supplementing the college text used for the course are primary sources on the religious foundations for America, an overview text of historical analysis by a prominent American historian, two classic books of historical fiction, and numerous readings throughout the year of speeches, court cases, etc.  Students will master American history from pre-exploration through the present  While names, dates and events are the necessary foundation; the focus is on critical thinking about historical causes and consequences. Students will be expected to complete extensive document analysis and essay writing.

AP Government is an advanced study of the governmental/political systems of the United States. The purpose of this class is to gain insight into the nature of political systems, political processes, and political culture of the U.S..  Not only do students learn the basics of American national government, they also read and analyze multiple primary source documents that helped to shape the foundation of the U.S. government. The course is organized around the foundations of government, the Constitutional underpinnings of the United States, the powers and duties of the U.S. branches of government, political parties and beliefs, and public policy. The goal is for the student to understand the formation and working of the United States government in order to develop informed opinions of domestic and international political issues.  

The purpose of this course is to give students a thorough understanding of economics that apply to the functions of decision-makers, both consumers and producers, within the economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.

This course is typically a sophomore course but is open to other levels.  AP European History is a college-level course that will encompass the study of European history since 1450 & will introduce students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of AP European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express an understanding of history in a written format.

AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. The course is structured according to the course outline found in the most recent AP® Human Geography Course Description published by the College Board (https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-human-geography/course-details). 

This is a fascinating class that will introduce you to the spatial world around you and its influences on human interaction and the environment. It is, however, a rigorous course, as is the case with all college-level AP courses. As a result, you will be required to complete reading and writing assignments outside of class and take notes in class on lectures and discussions. AP Human Geography is demanding and you can expect exams in traditional AP format, quizzes, essays, research papers, projects, and presentations. You are required to maintain a course binder for notes, handouts, and assignments. This binder will serve as a valuable review resource in the weeks leading up to the national AP Human Geography Exam in May.

Course Prerequisites: