1st Semester: AP U.S. Government and Politics is a semester-long college-level course that not only prepares students for success on the AP Exam in May, but also provides students with the political knowledge and reasoning processes to
participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions and debates that are currently shaping American politics and society. It is important to note that this course is not a history course; it is a political science course that studies the interconnectedness of the different parts of the American political system as well as the behaviors and attitudes that shape this system and are the byproduct of this system. Students will be able to analyze current and historical political events like a political scientist and develop factually accurate, well-reasoned, thoughtful arguments and opinions that acknowledge and grapple with alternative political perspectives. Students are required to take the AP Government and Politics exam.

2nd Semester: Honors Economics is a one-semester course covering the major principles that apply to an economic system as a whole and introduces students to the main approaches economists use to describe how the economy works at the aggregate level. Students are introduced to the measurement of economic performance, economic growth and productivity, fiscal and monetary policy, and international economics. Students will use their knowledge of U.S. Government and Politics to examine the actors, institutions, and discussions that go into contemporary economic policy making.

Prerequisite: AP U.S. History with a grade of B or better. U.S. History with a grade of B or better, along with a teacher
recommendation.

This two-semester course studies the major principles that apply to an economic system as a whole, including the measurement of economic performance, economic growth and productivity, fiscal and monetary policy, and international economics. The course will begin with the first three units of government, followd by four units of AP Macroeconomics. Regular Government will be embedded within the structure of the yearlong course, thefore the subjects will be interwoven to meet graduation requirements for AP Macroeconomics and for regular Government. Throughout the year, the concepts taught in both classes are reinforced through current policy decisions in the news so that students can see the connections between both subject areas. Students are required to take the AP Macroeconomics Exam.

Prerequisite: AP US History with a grade of B or better, or US History with a grade of A- or better. Students must also have completed Math Analysis with a grade of B- or better.

 

1st Semester: AP Macroeconomics is a one-semester, introductory college-level macroeconomics course. Students cultivate their understanding of the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole by using principles and models to describe economic situations and predict and explain outcomes with graphs, charts, and data as they explore concepts like economic measurements, markets, macroeconomic models, and macroeconomic policies.

2nd Semester: American Government Honors is a one-semester course that offers a comprehensive exploration of the United States government’s history and philosophy, emphasizing its democratic principles. The course delves into the U.S.
Constitution to examine government facts and questions while focusing on the roles of its three branches. Additionally, it highlights political participation, citizenship rights and responsibilities, and global government systems. It encourages students throughout to engage in political discussions with a Christ-centered perspective, emphasizing the inherent worth of all individuals, irrespective of their political beliefs — this is seen most tangibly as students discuss politics and embrace debate of government policies.

Prerequisite: AP U.S. History with a grade of B or better. U.S. History with a grade of B or better, along with a teacher
recommendation.

The AP Psychology course is designed by the College Board to be the equivalent of the Introduction to Psychology course usually taken during the first college year. The course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatments of psychological disorders, and social psychology.

Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. The curriculum is presented through the lens of a Christian worldview, and students are encouraged to make connections with their own faith.

AP U.S. History is an introductory college-level U.S. history course. Students cultivate their understanding of U.S. history from c. 1491 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical
arguments as they explore concepts like American and national identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration and settlement; politics and power; America in the world; American and regional culture; and
social structures. Students will equip themselves with the necessary skills and the knowledge to pass the AP exam.

Students are required to take the AP U.S. History Exam.

Prerequisite: AP World History with a grade of B or better. Modern World History with a grade of B or better, along with a teacher recommendation.

This two-semester course requires familiarity with the US Constitution and the various institutions of American government. The underlying principles (federalism, separation of powers, civil rights, and civil liberties) of the federal system are studied in detail. Also emphasized are the groups, beliefs, ideas, and procedures of the American political system. The course will begin with the first three units of macroeconomics, follwed by four units of AP Goverment. Regular Macroeconomics will be embedded within the structure of the yearlong course, therefore the subjects will be interwoven to meet graduation requirements for AP Macroeconomics and regular Government. Throughout the year, the concepts taught in both classes are reinforced through current policy decisions in the news so that students can see the connections between both subject areas. Students are required to take the AP Government exam. 

Prerequisite: AP US History with a grade of B or better, or US History with a grade of A- or better.

This course develops a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, through interactions with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through factual knowledge and appropriate analytical
skills. The course highlights the nature of changes in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies.


Students are required to take the AP World History exam.

Prerequisite: Honors English 9 with a B or better, or English 9 with an A

This one-semester course studies the major principles that apply to an economic system as a whole, including the measurement of economic performance, economic growth and productivity, fiscal and monetary policy, and international economics. Throughout the course, the concepts taught are reinforced through current policy decisions in the news so that students can see the connections between the class content and contemporary events. This course is taught during the spring semester.

This course reveals what science says about how to improve your well-being. It will explain our own misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that can lead us to think irrationally about happiness, and the research that can help us change. Through a series of happiness-boosting challenges to be done as ‘homework’ throughout the course, the student will ultimately be prepared to successfully incorporate a personal wellness activity into his/her life.

• • Biology and human behavior
  • Perception and consciousness
  • Learning and cognition
  • Intelligence, cognition, and memory
  • Human development
  • Emotion and motivation
  • Personality
  • Psychopathology and psychotherapy
  • Social psychology

This year-long social studies elective will trace the history and the ramifications of genocide throughout various time
periods. Study, research and discourse will begin with genocidal roots in biblical history, and move into the modern era
with the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, deportation and extermination in Russia, expulsion of Germans from Poland
and Czechoslovakia, the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the genocides in Rwanda and Darfur, and more recent and current
events which display the historical markers of genocide.

Students will explore the political, economic, philosophical and social implications of genocide using primary sources and memoirs, which will lead into the study of Civil Rights and the struggle by various people groups to protect them. Special emphasis will be placed on worldview formation and the Christian response to these atrocities. The course will culminate in an optional educational “Holocaust in Europe” tour.

Pre/Co-Requisite: AP or Modern World History and teacher recommendation.

• This one-semester introductory course to social psychology will encompass the following:
  • Attribution, attitudes, and actions
  • Conformity and obedience
  • Group behavior
  • Prejudice and discrimination
  • Aggression
  • Attraction
  • Altruism, conflict, and peacemaking
• The course will draw on key research studies in social psychology, requiring students to strengthen their ability to dissect the components of scientific studies, identify their strengths and weaknesses, critique ethical issues and research findings, and apply their analysis to their own beliefs and the Christian worldview.
• Students will engage in significant discussion, debate, and written analyses and reflection.
  
  NOTE: This course must be paired with psychology landmark studies in semester 1