This course will provide students with analytic skills and the factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. history. The demands of this class are equivalent to those made in full-year introductory college courses; students should develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format.

Elective replacing U.S. History: 5 credits

Prerequisite: 90 or higher in U.S. Government or 80 or higher in AP Government

This year-long course is an introductory college-level course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.

Elective replacing Contemporary World History: 5 credits

Prerequisite: 90 or higher in U.S. History or 80 or higher in AP U.S. History

This course will study the broad scope of contemporary world history from 1900 to the present-day. This includes studying global conflicts, the age of decolonization, the Cold War, and globalization. Students will examine world economic systems, governments, belief systems, events of mass atrocities and global conflicts, and geography in the 20th century. Students will also grow in their historical thinking skills, such as analyzing primary and secondary sources, as well as making and developing an argument.

Elective: 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: Senior

Christians have been mandated to play an active role in reforming creation and society. Part of this duty involves understanding and participating in government and politics. This course highlights the three branches of government, the history and application of the Constitution, and the basic concepts of democracy. In addition, emphasis is placed on current events. Looking at the political arena through a distinctly Christian lens, students will be challenged to interpret what their role is in society, politics, and American government.

Required: 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: Sophomore

This course will begin by studying the origins of the Civil War and proceed through the following topics: The Civil War, Reconstruction, the rise of industry and urbanization, the Spanish American War, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War and the 1950s and 1960s. Films and outside reading may be used. Students will give reports on various topics. The course will emphasize key historical thinking skills and aim to help the student acquire the tools to place today’s events in context.

Required: 5 credits

Prerequisite: Junior

Over the course of two semesters, these classes will focus on the broad scope of world history from approximately the 600s to the early 1900s CE. The course examines world cultures, geography, economics, and politics during these time periods and integrates historical thinking skills into the study. Students are challenged to integrate these people, places, and events into a Christian worldview and answer the question, “How does the study of world history prepare us for being a disciple of Christ in the world?”

Required: 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: Freshman

This course investigates the rise of mankind from the earliest records to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 A.D. Students will analyze diverse societies and civilizations from around the world, with an emphasis on the political, cultural, and military structures and historical forces that shaped the modern world. Students will apply historical inquiry, critical-thinking, and communication skills to evaluate the influence of selected individuals, groups, and innovations and then arrive at and present their own conclusions. Civilizations studied will include Persia, Mesopotamia, Israel, Greece, India, Egypt, and Rome.

Elective: 2.5 credits

Prerequisite: None