Social Studies

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 study of the Italian Renaissance and the Reformation and traces the history of western civilization through WWII.

• • Study the period of the Renaissance and see how the Lord used this revival of a desire for knowledge to help fuel the Reformation and the Age of exploration.  
  • Examine the Lutheran Reformation, when the Lord brought His Gospel to light from the obscurity of the Middle Ages.
  • Understand the growth of stronger national states, seeing how their rulers were influenced by the Enlightenment, religious zeal, and desire for power and led their countries into the many wars of the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries.
  • Focus on the cultural and scientific advances which preceded the violent explosion of the French Revolution.
  • Understand how the French Revolution influenced the next century of European history which in turn had its reaction upon both Africa and Asia.
  • Explore the effects of the Industrial Revolution and come to understand how two great international wars have proved the futility of man's belief in his power to shape a perfect world.
  • Understand the world tensions since 1945, showing the continual effect of sin upon all mankind and emphasizing the continued need for the grace of God that the world may still exist, thereby giving further time for the preaching of the Gospel.

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

• Develop a basic narrative of American history; political, economic, social, and cultural, including knowledge of unity and diversity in American society.
• Identify the common institutions in American society and how they have affected different groups.
• Understand America’s evolving relationship with the rest of the world.
• Identify major events, ideas, trends, and problems in American history.
• Explain how the past has shaped the present.
• Critically by analyzing and evaluating historical events and ideas in American history.
• Question and rethink his/her preconceived notions regarding American history.
• Conduct and 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. 

 

• Examine God’s defined purpose for civil government and the separate roles given to the Church and State.
• Analyze the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other significant historical documents that have contributed to our government.
• Analyze the political principles that are foundational to the Constitution.
• Explore America’s political culture, major political parties, and their beliefs.
• Understand the forms of voting and the process of elections for various political positions.
• Describe the structure of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government and how each carries out its responsibilities.
• Identify 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, news, and political events.

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

• Gain a broader, in-depth knowledge of Greek and Roman History.
• Acquire a basic knowledge of the Greek alphabet and vocabulary.
• Increase their etymological knowledge of English words derived from Greek and Latin roots.
• Become acquainted with a majority of the Greek and Latin authors and the basic content of their works.
• Acquire a more in-depth understanding of Greek and Roman mythology.
• Gain a better understanding of Greek and Roman private life.
• Develop a working knowledge of the numerous phrases and mottoes which are part of our civilization’s everyday life.
• 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 Wisconsin Synod.

 

Human Geography is a dynamic course that delves into the complex interplay between human societies and their environments. 

 

• 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.