CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL – HUTCHINSON, KS
Course: World Studies
Instructor: James DeVries
Year: 2008-2009
Grade: 7
Text: World Studies for Christian Schools, Bob Jones University Press
Philosophy:
Benjamin Franklin has been often misquoted to the effect that, “Experience is the best teacher.” What he really said is, “Experience keeps a dear [costly] school. [but] The fool will learn in no other.” Christians are admonished to be “wise” (Proverbs) and to learn from history (in the Bible, in family conversations, and even in textbooks) rather than to experience personally the many consequences of sin and error.
Major elements of this course:
- The main approach to “world studies” is from the viewpoint of “western” civilization.
- There are, however, several chapters in the text that address other areas of the world including the Mongol empires, Africa, and Australia and Oceania.
- The course is organized primarily in chronological order beginning with the major changes in the later “Middle Ages” which constitute the transition to “Modern History” c. 1500.
- Students establish and develop a framework of “history” (When?) and “geography” (Where?) in which to place the people and events and ideas that are most closely associated with various cultures of the world.
- Students compare cultures to understand more fully which aspects are common to all and which aspects give each culture its distinctive identity.
- Applying Biblical principles, students work to understand which kinds of ideas and actions bring blessing and which kinds bring judgment.
- This course is intended to provide part of the foundation for more detailed studies of world history and U.S. history in the senior high school years.
- Students are encouraged to utilize resources such as encyclopedias and on-line information related to topics of their special personal interest.
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.
Transitions from lecture to quiet, independent study should be quick and orderly.
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 consists 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 or family circumstances during the week.
Students are encouraged to do additional “enrichment” study related to topics of special personal interest. There are frequent opportunities for students to share with the class through brief but carefully prepared oral reports.
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. Faithful attendance and participation in class activities is also taken into consideration. Frequent quizzes to check for understanding are followed by chapter and unit and semester tests that are of a cumulative nature. Students receive credit for the independent reading and reporting described above. There are also occasional written assignments.
Contact information:
E-mail: jdevries@centralchristianschool.net or jamesdevries@hotmail.com |
