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Social Studies

The student will understand, upon the basis of Scripture, God's guidance in all history. The student will see the gracious purpose of God "who wants all men to be saved, and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:4) The student will appreciate that all history before and since Christ's birth serves his definite purpose although it is not always discernible to the human eye. The student will know that all man's action in his deeds, emotions, thoughts, and hopes is God's agent in history.
The course is the first of two years of world history study. This course begins with the creation of the world and moves through various ages up through the Renaissance. Focus is primarily on western civilization with impact from other cultures around the world. The emphasis is on the gracious, guiding hand of God who controls all of history.
This course begins with the Italian Renaissance and the Reformation and traces the history of western civilization through WWII.
This course is a survey course beginning with the European settlement of North America and moving to 1945. The focus is on the major political, economic and social developments of the United States. The emphasis is on God's purpose for continuing this world.
 
Course Objectives
The student will demonstrate:
  • Knowledge of a basic narrative of American history; political, economic, social, and cultural, including knowledge of unity and diversity in American society.
  • Knowledge of common institutions in American society and how they have affected different groups.
  • Understanding of America’s evolving relationship with the rest of the world.
  • Knowledge of the major events, ideas, trends, and problems in American history to 1945.
  • An ability to explain how the past has shaped the present.
  • An ability to think critically by analyzing and evaluating historical events and ideas in American history.
  • Ability to question and rethink his/her preconceived notions regarding American history.
  • An ability to conduct/evaluate historical research.
Students will examine how God has defined the different roles and purpose of the Church and State. Students will increase their understanding about the foundations of the United States government, documents that define it, and how it works to carry out its defined purpose. The roles of the Christian citizen and civic duty in a democratic society will be analyzed and practiced. 
 
Course Objectives:

Through a Lutheran perspective, students will...

  • Identify God’s defined purpose for civil government and the separate roles given to the Church and State.

  • Analyze the formation and components of the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights and other significant historical documents that have contributed to our government.

  • Explore America’s political culture, major political parties, and their beliefs.

  • Identify the structure of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government and how each carries out its responsibilities.

  • Explain the role of federalism and its impact on the states and the national government.

  • Investigate forms of civic participation in a democratic state and the Christian’s role as an active citizen.

  • Apply media literacy skills when analyzing current events and news.

This course offers more detailed coverage in the realm of the ancient classics. Areas covered are: Greek and Roman History, Mythology, Culture, Greek and Latin derivatives in English. The course is designed to prepare students for Junior Classical League competition and/or for those interested in this academic area to broaden their knowledge in greater depth.
 
Course Objectives
  • Students will gain a broader, in-depth knowledge of Greek and Roman History
  • Students will acquire a basic knowledge of the Greek alphabet and vocabulary
  • Students will increase their etymological knowledge of English words derived from Greek and Latin roots
  • Students will become acquainted with a majority of the Greek and Latin authors and the basic content of their works
  • Students will acquire a more in-depth understanding of Greek and Roman mythology
  • Students will gain a better understanding of Greek and Roman private life
  • Students will gain a working knowledge of the numerous phrases and mottoes which are part of our civilization’s everyday life
  • Students will acquire a deeper appreciation of their cultural heritage which has come down to us from the Greeks and Romans
The course will take a brief look at the history of God’s New Testament Church from its beginnings to the present. We will be introduced to primary source materials from church fathers as well as church persecutors, look at critical documents and developments from confessions to canticles and also outline key founders of our own Wiscoinsin Synod.
 
Course Objectives
  • To lead the student to see the history of the Christian Church from Pentecost to the present as the faithful unfolding of God's good and gracious will in preserving His message of free forgiveness in Jesus.
  • To lead the student to see God's divine providence over the course of history in the interest of his church so that not even "the gates of hell can prevail against it."
  • To lead the student to the vital understanding and conviction that the Christian faith is a historical faith—a faith rooted in past historical events, realities and truths—a faith lived out in the lives of real people just like us—people who lived, loved, witnessed, sacrificed and died, some as martyrs, for a man named Jesus of Nazareth, the Lord of history, the one "who is, who was, and who is to come" in space and time, in history, to judge the living and the dead.
  • To help the student understand, analyze, and critically evaluate, in light of history and God's Word, current trends, influences, ideas, threats, and practices within and without the Church today.
  • To lead the student to the conviction that the distant past is not all that different from the present and that in spite of obvious diversity there is, nevertheless, a deep fundamental unity, fellowship, and community of faith in Jesus Christ that transcends the passage of space and time.
  • To lead the student to a better understanding and appreciation of the struggles and sacrifices of those who have preceded us and to inspire the student to take his/her own place within the church today that through his/her own personal struggles and sacrifices of faith God's Kingdom might come and his will be done.
  • To lead the student to better understand and appreciate the close connection their own church has with the Church of the Past centuries and millennia.
Human Geography is a dynamic course that delves into the complex interplay between human societies and their environments. Students will explore how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of Earth using the tools and thinking processes of geographers to examine patterns of human population, migration, land use, human behavior, cultural diversity, economic activities, political systems, and sustainable development. By analyzing case studies, maps, and demographic data, students gain valuable insights into the interconnectedness of human societies and the challenges and opportunities shaping our world today. Additionally, students will make connections with and foster a deeper understanding of the people served by WELS mission work around the globe. This course encourages critical thinking, spatial awareness, and a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between people and their environments.

Please note:  This course will mirror MLC’s HIS2113 The Modern West: From Renaissance to World War II course.  Make careful note of the College Credit requirements and objectives found later in this syllabus. This course is required in the Pre-Seminary, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Staff Ministry programs at MLC. It is not part of all Middle/Secondary programs. If planning to enroll only in a Middle/Secondary program at MLC, check the program plan to see if this course will apply to your program.


Description: This course examines the maturation and diffusion of Western civilization from the Italian Renaissance to the end of the Second World War.


Course Outcomes:

In this course, students will:

  • maintain a Christ-centered worldview in evaluating history and society; 

  • identify key people, ideas, and events that have influenced Western history; 

  • assess the intellectual heritage coming from Europe since the Reformation; 

  • formulate educated opinions about the trends of the modern era; 5. interpret historical events with a view to the past and the present; 

  • offer critical appraisal of historical writings (both primary and secondary sources); 

  • become adept at asking questions that probe for deeper historical understanding; 

  • write and converse insightfully concerning historical persons, ideas, and events; 

  • demonstrate research skills suitable for a historian’s work.