Humanities/History traces the development of contemporary thought by looking at the major worldviews that have shaped it: the Classical, the Judaeo-Christian, and the Modern. An emphasis of the course is on learning to read challenging material carefully and critically in light of a Reformed Christian worldview. A number of classic works from the ancient Greeks to the present are examined to discern the various answers they give to a host of perennial questions about the purpose of human existence, the basis for morality, and the definition of the “good life.” Students will also learn how art and music reflect and express the major ideas and beliefs of their respective times.

This course is the equivalent of a college level United States Government and Politics course. The course will be taught in college format with lectures and discussions. Students will survey the history, development, and current status of American government and political institutions and will analyze current issues facing American government to understand how our political system produces change to benefit citizens. The acquisition of a thorough and systematic comprehension of government and politics requires that students learn facts, concepts, and understand political processes. Students will be guided to use specific information critically in order to evaluate general propositions and to analyze political relationships between people and institutions and between different institutions. Students are required to interpret and utilize basic data relevant to government and politics in sustained written arguments. Students are required to take the AP exam near the end of the second semester.