Department members
Theresa Cornett
Doug Hoffman
Dale King, Dept. Head
Marilyn Martin
Bret Ramsey
Nan Wright
Courses Offered
Freshman Year
U.S. & Texas History until 1865
A survey of the United States and Texas from the beginnings through 1865.
The goal is for our students to have a thorough understanding of our Christian
and immigrant heritage and its effects on social, political, and diplomatic
history of our nation and state.
Sophomore Year
U.S. & Texas History from 1865 to Present
A survey of United States and Texas history from 1865 to the present. The
goal is to have our students understand U.S. history as the nation moves from
Civil War recovery to the end of the Cold War. Emphasis is placed on on constitutional
and political history at home as the nation takes its place as a world super
power.
Advanced Placement U.S. & Texas History from 1865
to Present
The goal of this course is to have each student understand United States political,
diplomatic, economic and social history as the nation moves from Civil War
recovery to the end of the Cold War. This course is taught at a college level.
The major difference between high school and college history is the amount of reading and depth of focus. Thus, the student is required frequently to analyze, synthesize and evaluate primary and secondary sources in addition to memorizing, comprehending and applying facts.
The class prepares students to take the AP exam, which covers all of United States history. During the month of April we review material from the Age of Discovery to the Civil War, material covered during the freshman year.
Junior Year
Government Honors
The course considers more complex and challenging topics, including a 24-week
study of politics, the foundations of American constitutionalism, the institutions
of American government, and recent governmental developments.
Economics
Includes a 12-week study of basic economics, which focuses on applied economics
and uses the Junior Achievement computer simulated business decisions program.
Advanced Placement U.S. Government
Content for this course is similar to U.S. Government Honors except for an
emphasis on original readings and court cases. It is tailored for the national
AP test given each year in May.
Senior Year
Western Philosophy
This full, year-long course is required for all seniors. It includes the study
of the major philosophical figures and leading philosophical ideas of Western
thought. Particular attention is given to the Platonic and Aristotelian traditions
(through to the present) that have had such a profound influence on the formation
of Christian thought and expression. Students learn to analyze ideas, and,
in addition to their text book, have a selection of readings from ancient
Greece to modern times for study and reflection.
Senior-only Elective Courses
In addition to the required course in Western philosophy, seniors may choose
from among the following additional courses...
Advanced Placement Comparative Government
This course includes a study of the governments of
Great Britain, Russia, China, Mexico, Nigeria, and Iran. The content of the
course is tailored for the national A.P. exam for college credit.
Advanced Placement Modern European History
The course, the study of European history from 1450 to present, introduces students to the political, economic, religious, social, intellectual, and cultural developments that shaped Western Civilization. Particular attention is paid to people and ideas which shaped the world we live in today.
Advanced Placement Human Geography
An introductory course in human geography. Students will learn about use of
maps and spatial data, implications of associations among phenomena in space,
different scales relationship among patterns and processes, regionalization,
and changing interconnections among places.
Electives
Ten Pillars of Economics
This elective class is offered at four levels to students in the 10th through
12th grades.
The Ten Pillars are economic principles which address the role of workers, consumers and government, as well as management of resources, production and trade in a free society. These pillars provide a framework within which to study the Free Enterprise System and its foundation on the principles of private property, free markets, and a representative government limited by the rule of law.
The course addresses the choices people make and the actions they take as they seek to provide for their economic needs and wants. Student learn to evaluate incentives, the immediate and long-term effects, and the intended and unintended consequences of economic forces, public policies and current events on individuals, special interests and the economy as a whole.
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