CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL – HUTCHINSON, KS
Course:   World History
Instructor: James DeVries
Year:         2008-2009
Grade:  9
Credit:     .5 per semester

Text:      World History for Christian Schools, Bob Jones University Press

Philosophy:

“There is not a single square inch of the entire cosmos of which Christ the sovereign Lord of all does not say, ‘This is mine!’” --Abraham Kuyper

Major elements of this course:

    1. The main approach to “world history” is from the viewpoint of “western” civilization.
    2. The course begins with a review of the ancient civilizations of the “Fertile Crescent” and Egypt.
    3. The Greek and Roman civilizations that dominated the Mediterranean world “in the fullness of time” when Jesus Christ entered human history “in the flesh” are given due emphasis.
    4. The “decline and fall” of the Roman Empire is considered with the particular intention of recognizing the dangers that exist in every “great” civilization.
    5. Medieval Europe and the time of transition to the “modern” era, c. 1500, are reviewed and developed in more detail than in the “World Studies 7” class.
    6. A full unit of study is devoted to each of the most recent three centuries.
    7. A specific comparison of the American and French “revolutions” of the late 18th century is a prominent feature of the unit on that century.
    8. Because “Ideas have consequences,” the underlying ideologies that were characteristic of each era are given special emphasis.  [For example, Alexander Solzhenitsyn said the 20th Century could be explained in four words, “Men have forgotten God.”]
    9. The question of whether we are now living in a “post-modern” world is raised and studied.

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.  Often, students know the schedule for two or more weeks in advance.

Each student is required to research one topic per semester for the purpose of reporting to the class.  Specific information regarding this research and reporting is given to students when the assignment is made.  In addition, students are encouraged to do shorter “enrichment” studies related to topics of special personal interest and based upon each student’s prior knowledge and understanding.  Standard reference works, periodicals, literature, and biographies are some of the sources to which students are referred in addition to the many “on-line” materials available. 

Grades are based primarily upon students’ demonstrated understanding and retention of information and concepts presented through the assigned reading and class lectures and discussions.  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