CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL – HUTCHINSON, KS
Course: United States History-I (Colonization to “The Progressive Era,” c.1900)
Instructor: James DeVries
Year: 2008-2009
Grade: 10
Credit: .5 per semester
Text: United States History for Christian Schools, Bob Jones University Press
Philosophy:
The late Dr. Ruth Haycock listed six concepts central to a Christian philosophy of history:
- God has directed that written records be kept.
- God wants us to know history.
- God expects us to learn from history.
- God has a plan He is carrying to completion; history records the progress of that plan.
- God’s dealings in history show us what He is like.
- God holds believers responsible for fitting into His plan and being His instruments.
Major elements of this course:
The United States has long symbolized “liberty” and “justice” both to its own citizens and to many other people from all around the world. The chief goal of this course is aptly stated by historian Clarence B. Carson, [describing the goal of his own six-volume history of the United States] “. . . to . . . illuminate the American heritage, make clear the connection between constitutionally limited government and individual liberty, and describe as accurately as possible the background, developments, principles, and moral and spiritual framework within which freedom is most likely to exist.”
1. The Judeo-Christian heritage from western Europe in general and from England in particular is recognized as it influenced the colonization of what is now the United States.
2. The Great Awakening is studied both as an evidence of the constant danger of apostasy and as a necessary prelude to the successful formation of an independent, God-honoring nation.
3. The growth of the nation is studied in its various aspects, including political, geographical, literary, theological, and scientific.
4. Special attention is given to the “primary” materials of essays, letters, sermons, and other speeches.
5. Major challenges and crises are given particular attention.
6. Current events are reviewed in the context of historical information.
Daily class rules:
All school policies, as related in the Student/Parent Handbook, regarding conduct, dress code, and readiness for class are in effect. The intent is that instructor and students work together as good stewards to make the most of our precious resources, especially the 45 minutes of time for each day’s class. Students who are speaking should expect to have the full and courteous attention of all their classmates. To that end, students should raise their hand and be recognized by the teacher before speaking.
Homework and grading:
Students who work diligently and efficiently during the class times should have a minimal amount of homework. It will consist chiefly of completing or reviewing the assigned reading. On the first class day of each week (typically Monday), all assignments for the week are given so that each student can plan for any special personal circumstances during the week. Often, assignments are available for several weeks in advance. Specific independent studies to be required of students include one of the original 13 colonies and one or more of the first twenty-four U.S. Presidents.
Grades are based upon students’ demonstrated understanding and retention of information and concepts presented in the text, in class lectures and discussions, and other class activities. Frequent quizzes are followed by chapter and unit and semester tests of a cumulative nature.
Contact information:
E-mail: jdevries@centralchristianschool.net or jamesdevries@hotmail.com |
