SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Four semesters of Social Studies course work are required.

God would have his friend-servants see His hand in all of time and history as it works for the preservation and final glorification of His church through the rise and fall of men and nations. Understanding the past, they will be able to read the "signs of the times" in their own day, and will be found watching and waiting when Christ returns (Matthew 24:44).

Western Civilization 1400 -1950
The course begins with the Renaissance/Reformation (c.1300) and continues through World War II (1945). Here the groundwork will be laid for the culture in which we live as we find our own story as a nation, as well as electives in Ancient and Modern History.

Ancient and Medieval World History - Abraham to Columbus
This course begins with the study of the great civilizations of the Near East. We explore the idea of civilization and how man goes about fulfilling God's plan, whether he intends to or not. The basis for Western civilization, Christianity, and humanism are studied as we go from the Sumerian Empire of Abraham's time, through the empires of Old Testament (using the Bible over against the History text), to the ancient Far East. We continue with the Roman Empire of New Testament times and early church history. The course concludes with medieval Europe - the rise and power of the Roman Catholic Church - up to the time of the Reformation. Study of the Far East is present but not at the expense of Western History.

World & US Geography
This course is a survey of the Earth and its resources as God created them, use of these resources, and geographic and cultural features of people in the various regions and countries of the world. The course examines the principles of geography with scriptural emphasis. It acquaints the student with the locations of the various regions, countries, cities, landforms, bodies of water, etc.; also it provides students with opportunities to evaluate current events from a geographical and Biblical perspective. There will be a unit on North American geography.

US Government
This course is a study of the origin, history, and philosophy of government as an institution of God, and its purpose in this world. We examine our government, how it works, its affect on our lives, and how we are to live as Christian citizens of "two countries," beginning with the Christian principles for government. We look at our government's history and development, using the U.S. Constitution as the basis for study. State and local government are incorporated. The course deals with current events and problems associated with the government.

US History
This course's primary objective is to teach that our sovereign God governs the events of American history to serve His purpose and establish His church. American history, like all of history, centers on Christ. With this in mind, we study American history from the first voyage of Columbus through the present. Special attention is given to the ideas and worldviews that prompted decisions and events in US History. Students analyze both primary and secondary sources to develop their own logical conclusions. Students will use their Bibles and the Creeds and Confessions to critique specific actions in US History.

Post WWII World History & Worldviews (1950 - present)
Modern World History focuses on 20th Century history - its institutions, impact on our families and communities, and testimony concerning the signs of the Lord's return. We review the increasing importance of science and technology, political revolutions, nationalism, and the interdependence of nations to give insight into the present world moving toward the end of time. We examine Secular Humanism, Marxism/Leninism, and Cosmic Humanism in light of the Biblical Reformed worldview. We study the history behind these worldviews and demonstrate their impact on history and current world happenings.