Social Studies

Social Studies courses are a powerful way to widen students' understanding of the world and promote leadership, citizenship, community and compassion. Students start with a broad overview of history with Geography in the eighth grade and World History in the ninth grade. United States History is the focus of tenth grade, and then students are presented with a diverse range of options for their junior and senior years. We recognize that students develop and show interest in social studies at different rates, so, after 8th grade, multiple options are provided to meet the skill and interest level of each student. All student paths through the department strive to develop research skills, persuasive writing, and critical thinking skills where students have both agency and opportunity for collaboration.

The social studies faculty aims to blend engaging, instructor-led lessons with a variety of inquiry-based assignments that are designed to spark student curiosity and promote problem-solving skills. Students will become effective in communication through the creation of presentations, research papers and projects. The faculty encourages students to ask their own questions, and develop deep understandings of the human experience while providing students opportunities to explore topics of their choosing. The department strives to develop a student that is a caring, responsibly risk-taking, knowledgeable, open-minded thinker and problem solver that can communicate with and participate in local, regional, national and international communities.

Students are required to take Social Studies each year. Both U.S. History and Government are required. One semester course in Religion is required.

CURRENT COURSES OFFERED (2024-25)

World Geography - Grade 8

1 Credit
Required tools: Google Cardboard or the like

In this study of world geography, students will make practical and effective use of physical and cultural viewpoints to investigate people, places, and settings on regional, national, and international stages. Students will determine the effect of geopolitics on the events of the past and present with priority given to current issues affecting the world. A considerable section of the course centers around the processes that shape the physical environment; the characteristics of major landforms, climates, and vegetation zones; the political, economic, and social systems that create cultural patterns of regions; how the world's population is distributed; the globally interdependent movement of the world's population; human-environmental interactions amongst people, places, and ecosystems; the effect of religion on cultural development; and how a region's location affects economic activities in diverse economic systems. Students will work primarily in groups to ask and answer geographic questions; learning to utilize an array of rich primary and secondary source materials and historiographical tools during the process of cultural and physical discovery.

Units of Study

Skills of the Geographer

United States and Canada

Latin America

Europe

Eurasia

North Africa and the Middle East

Sub-Saharan Africa

Asia and Oceania
World History - Grade 9

1 Credit

World History is an introductory survey course for 9th-grade students highlighting world history from the origins of civilization through the 19th century. Using primary and secondary sources, students will conduct inquiry-based research to examine historical events, cultural developments and changes in political and social structures of the time periods of study. The course content of the first semester focuses on analyzing the development of the political, social, religious, cultural and economic history of Ancient Civilizations. The second semester examines the development of Europe from the Renaissance through the French Revolution while maintaining a global perspective. Students learn through focused readings, document analysis, analytical and explanatory writing assignments, group and individual projects, and class discussion. Upon completion of the course, students will learn to identify themes in world history, apply analytical skills, recognize cause and effect, develop research skills, understand how to interpret and apply primary source documents, and utilize the tools of an economist, geographer, and historian.

Units of Study

Ancient Civilizations of the West

Ancient Civilizations of the East

Renaissance and Reformation

Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution

Absolutism and Revolution

Age of Imperialism
World History Honors - Grade 9

1 Credit

Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation or strong reading and analytical skills.

World History Honors is an intensive survey class for 9th-grade students introducing world history from the origins of civilization through the 19th century with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning where students are afforded opportunities to research topics of their choosing. The course content of the first semester focuses on analyzing the development of the political, social, religious, cultural, and economic history of Ancient Civilizations. The second semester examines the development of Europe from the Renaissance through the French Revolution while maintaining a global perspective. Students learn through focused readings, primary source document analysis, analytical and explanatory writing assignments, group and individual projects, and class discussion. Upon completion of the course, students will learn to identify themes in world history, apply analytical skills, recognize cause and effect, develop research skills, understand how to interpret and apply primary source documents, and utilize the tools of an economist, geographer, and historian. Students who have a passion for history and a desire to build the necessary skills required for IB and AP work in the Social Studies Department are encouraged to take World History Honors. The ability to write analytically, work independently, read carefully, and think critically are key to success in the class.

Units of Study

Ancient Civilizations of the West

Ancient Civilizations of the East

Renaissance and Reformation

Enlightenment and Scientific Revolution

Absolutism and Revolution

Age of Imperialism
United States History - Grade 10

1 Credit

This survey course will address key political, economic, social, and cultural events in the history of the United States from European colonization through the 20th century. Students will develop their historical writing and critical reading skills through analysis of primary source documents and historical research. The goal of this class is that students learn enough about the history of the United States to understand how and why American governmental and cultural institutions came to exist as they do today.

Units of Study

Native American Cultures and European Exploration/Colonization 1400-1754

The American Revolution and Critical Period 1754-1800

The Early United States 1800-1824

The Union in Peril 1825-1860

Civil War and Reconstruction 1860-1865

Reconstruction and the Gilded Age 1865-1900

The U.S. as a World Power 1900-1945

The U.S. as a Superpower 1945-1989
United States History Honors - Grade 10

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation; World History Honors is preferred

This year-long course is an introduction to the key ideas, events, and people that have influenced the course of our nation's history. The primary goals of this course include the development of an understanding of American history and current events and the ability to make connections between them as well as mastering the historical skills of persuasive writing, periodization, historiography, recognizing and evaluating bias, and continuity and change over time. Those who take the course should be open to developing a passion for US History even if they do not already possess one. Students will be aided in their futures by understanding how the nation and the world in which we live today was influenced by the people and events of our past and will gain knowledge and skills to be more engaged civic participants as they grow towards adulthood. Much of the material covered will have an inquiry-based learning approach in which students will drive much of the content that they cover by asking their own questions.

The class will seek to differentiate between political, social, economic, and military history. Persuasive essay writing is emphasized and students execute one major project per semester as well as several smaller projects. Students are occasionally put into simulations, asked to put themselves in the position of historical figures, and are exposed to historical role-playing.

Students will succeed in the class by reading all assigned readings, participating in class discussions, and engaging with the content. It is crucial that students be open-minded to the perspectives of other people. Students are exposed to primary source documents and asked to react to those historical documents.

Units of Study

Native American Cultures and European Exploration/Colonization 1400-1754

The American Revolution and Critical Period 1754-1800

The Early United States 1800-1824

The Union in Peril 1825-1860

Civil War and Reconstruction 1860-1865

Reconstruction and the Gilded Age 1865-1900

The U.S. as a World Power 1900-1945

The U.S. as a Superpower 1945-1989
Contemporary World History - Grades 11-12

1 Credit

Prerequisite: United States History course

Contemporary World History examines major events and trends in the contemporary world. Chronologically the course picks up in the 19th century and continues through the beginning of the 21st century. History is an evidence based-discipline. We will examine different periods by investigating essential questions linked to each time period.

Units of Study

Industrialization: Possibilities and Disruption

Causes and Impact of War

The Rise of and Resistance to Authoritarian Rule: What leads to political extremism?

The Global Impact of the Cold War

Rights and Protest

A Post Cold War Landscape
Contemporary World History Honors - Grades 11-12

1 Credit

Prerequisites: United States History course and teacher recommendation

Contemporary World History Honors examines major events and trends of the contemporary world including the impact of industrialization, shifts in global power, increasing global interdependence, and differing ideologies. History is an evidence based-discipline. We will look at questions about the past and seek out information to help find answers. Special attention will be paid to research and media literacy skills.

Units of Study

Industrialization: Possibilities and Disruption

19th and 20th Century Isms: The Rise of new Ideologies

Change and Resistance: the 1920s and 1930s

Rise of Authoritarian Rule

Causes and Consequences of War

Rights and Protest

The Global Impact of the Cold War

A New Century
United States Government and Economics - Grade 12
- 1 Credit
  
  Prerequisite: United States History
  
  This course fulfills the United States Government graduation requirement.
  
  This course, open only to seniors, seeks to familiarize students with the concepts on which our government and economic systems are built. Emphasis will be placed on the Constitutional Foundations of American Government, Political Participation, the Three Branches of our National Government, and Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Current events are used to reinforce understanding about the formation of public policy and the role of citizenship. Students will learn and use the tools of economists in the second semester, as well as apply these skills to personal finance. Research skills including the utilization of evidence to support a thesis will be emphasized.
  
  Units of Study
  
  Constitutional Foundations of American Government
  
  The Legislative Branch
  
  The Executive Branch
  
  The Judicial Branch
  
  Civil Liberties
  
  Civil Rights
  
  Basic Economic Principles
  
  Personal Finance
IB History: Europe HL/US Government - Grade 12
- 1 Credit
  
  Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB History
  
  Additional Fee: Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the IB exam. A fee applies to all students taking this exam.
  
  This course fulfills the United States Government graduation requirement.
  
  This is the second year of a 2-year sequence. During year two, we will focus on our HL topics that include the First World War, the interwar years, including foreign and domestic policies. As part of the interwar years topics, we will examine what factors contributed to the failure of democratic institutions in Italy, Germany, and Spain. We will explore the causes and consequences of World War II.
  
  During the second semester, we will examine the breakdown of the WWII Grand Alliance and the emergence of the Cold War. This unit will include an examination of the policies of the Soviet Union, the United States, and China. For our additional case study, we will explore the Cuban Missile Crisis, which was the closest we came to a nuclear war.
  
  You will be conducting an historical inquiry this year. You will work on developing research skills and document analysis skills.
  
  Units of Study
  
  Europe and the First World War
  
  Inter-war domestic developments in European states (1918–1939)
  
  Diplomacy in Europe (1919–1945)
  
  The Cold War: Superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century)
  
  US Government
AP United States Government and Politics - Grade 12

1 Credit

Prerequisites: Contemporary World History Honors (B+ or higher) or Contemporary World History (A or higher) and teacher recommendation

Additional Fee: Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP exam. A fee applies to all students taking this exam.

This course fulfills the United States Government graduation requirement.

AP United States Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behaviors. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project.

Units of Study

Foundations of American Democracy

Interactions Among Branches of Government

Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

Political Participation
AP United States History - Grade 10

1 Credit

Prerequisite: World History Honors

Additional Fee: Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the AP exam. A fee applies to all students taking this exam.

Advanced Placement United States History is a thorough and rigorous survey course organized by basic themes and time periods in order to introduce students to key ideas, events, and people that influenced the course of our nation’s history. The course seeks to apprentice students to the practice of history by explicitly stressing the development of a specific set of historical thinking skills while learning about the past. The seven basic themes are American identity; work, exchange, and technology; geography and the environment; migration; politics and power; America in the world; culture; and society. The eight time periods encompass AD 1492-Present. The College Board has identified six key skills for AP students to develop in their study of American History. Students will learn how to identify and explain historical developments and processes (AP SKILL: Developments and Processes), how to analyze the sourcing and situation of primary and secondary sources (AP SKILL: Sourcing and Situation), how to analyze arguments in primary and secondary sources (AP SKILL: Claims and Evidence in Sources), how to analyze the context of historical events, developments, or processes. (AP SKILL: Contextualization), how to use historical reasoning processes (comparison, causation, continuity, and change) to analyze patterns and connections between and among historical developments and processes (AP SKILL: Making Connections), and how to develop evidence-based arguments (AP SKILL: Argumentation). Students develop these skills through a structured, guided, and open inquiry-based approach to the exploration and interpretation of a rich array of primary and secondary sources and through the regular development of historical argumentation in writing. Skills-based assessment activities also include simulations, audiovisual aids, group activities, and field trips. As most students’ first Advanced Placement course, attention is also paid to the development of sound study skills reflecting the different ways to study for different types of assessment. Students who are seriously considering pursuit of the IB diploma and/or further advanced placement course study should take this course. Doing well in this course requires a passion for United States history, strong reading comprehension, organization, and analytical writing skills along with the ability to self-advocate and attend tutorial when needed. A summer assignment is to be completed before the return to school in August.

Units of Study

Period 1: 1491–1607- Native American Civilizations, European Exploration

Period 2: 1607–1754- Establishment of Colonies, Transatlantic Exchange

Period 3: 1754–1800- The American Revolution and Foundation

Period 4: 1800–1848- America as a Young Nation

Period 5: 1844–1877- Civil War and Reconstruction

Period 6: 1865–1898- The Gilded Age

Period 7: 1890–1945- The United States as a World Power

Period 8: 1945–1980- The United States as a Superpower

Period 9: 1980–Present- The Modern United States
IB History - Grade 11

1 Credit

Prerequisite: AP United States History (B or higher) or United States History Honors (B+ or higher) or United States History (A or higher) and teacher recommendation

Additional Fee: IB examination fees will be incurred in the second year of the course.

IB History provides an opportunity to formulate questions about the past and look for answers. The course is designed to develop a global perspective of some major events of the twentieth century. Students will examine the causes and consequences of war, the reasons that some democracies fail, and the factors that contribute to the rise of authoritarian states. We explore the rise of fascism, its political manifestations, as well as its impact on women and minority groups. Our examination of the Cold War helps give insight not only into the policies of the United States, the Soviet Union, and China but also allows us to explore the global impact of the Cold War.

History is an evidence-based discipline. You will learn how to pose questions and seek out evidence to answer those questions. An important part of that process is being open to examining evidence that may challenge your previously held assumptions and being willing to grapple with "hard history." The more evidence we uncover, the more nuanced our understanding of the past will be. An understanding of key events and movements of the 20th century will better prepare you to understand the dynamics of the 21st century.

We will also integrate US government into the course through our study of the Civil Rights Movement, election analysis, and an examination of the US Constitution and key government institutions.

This is the first year of a two-year sequence.

Units of Study

The Causes of World War I

The Changing Nature of Warfare

The Social, Political and Economic Impact of WWI

From Republics to Authoritarian States: The Rise of Fascism in Italy and Germany

The Interwar Years in Spain and the Spanish Civil War

German, Italian and Japanese Expansion and the Road to WWII
IB History: Europe HL / US Government

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB History

Additional Fee: Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the IB exam. A fee applies to all students taking this exam.

This course fulfills the United States Government graduation requirement.

This is the second year of a 2-year sequence. During year two, we will focus on our HL topics that include the First World War, the interwar years, including foreign and domestic policies. As part of the interwar years topics, we will examine what factors contributed to the failure of democratic institutions in Italy, Germany, and Spain. We will explore the causes and consequences of World War II.

During the second semester, we will examine the breakdown of the WWII Grand Alliance and the emergence of the Cold War. This unit will include an examination of the policies of the Soviet Union, the United States, and China. For our additional case study, we will explore the Cuban Missile Crisis, which was the closest we came to a nuclear war.

You will be conducting an historical inquiry this year. You will work on developing research skills and document analysis skills.

Units of Study

Europe and the First World War

Inter-war domestic developments in European states (1918–1939)

Diplomacy in Europe (1919–1945)

The Cold War: Superpower tensions and rivalries (20th century)

US Government
IB Global Politics - Grade 11

1 Credit

Prerequisites: AP United States History (B or higher) or United States History Honors (B+ or higher) or United States History (A or higher) and teacher recommendation

Additional Fee: IB examination fees will be incurred in the second year of the course.

This is the first year of the two-year IB Global Politics HL course. The course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, liberty, and equality, in a range of contexts and at a variety of levels. It allows students to develop an understanding of the local, national, international, and global dimensions of political activity, as well as allowing them the opportunity to explore political issues affecting their own lives. The course helps students to understand abstract political concepts by grounding them in real-world examples and case studies while preparing them for the IB Global Politics exam administered at the conclusion of their senior year. Developing international mindedness and an awareness of multiple perspectives is at the heart of this course. It encourages dialogue and debate, nurturing the capacity to interpret competing and contestable claims. Students will learn through critical readings, class discussions, analytical writing, engagement activities, independent research, and student presentations. The course demands that students go beyond memorizing information and reinforces critical thinking skills such as the ability to interpret, analyze, and apply information. Students are expected to be self-directed while developing research and problem-solving skills. It is crucial for students to have an interest in current issues, consider and be respectful of multiple viewpoints, and work independently.

Units of Study

Power, Sovereignty and International Relations

Engagement Activity and Paper

Human Rights

Development

Peace and Conflict
IB Global Politics HL / US Government - Grade 12

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Global Politics

Additional Fee: Students in this course are expected to take the IB exam. A fee applies to all students taking this exam.

This course fulfills the United States Government graduation requirement.

This is the second year of the two-year sequence of Global Politics HL. The course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, liberty, and equality, in a range of contexts and at a variety of levels. It allows students to develop an understanding of the local, national, international, and global dimensions of political activity, as well as allowing them the opportunity to explore political issues affecting their own lives. The course helps students to understand abstract political concepts by grounding them in real-world examples and case studies while preparing them for the IB Global Politics exam administered at the conclusion of their senior year. Developing international mindedness and an awareness of multiple perspectives is at the heart of this course. It encourages dialogue and debate, nurturing the capacity to interpret competing and contestable claims. Students will learn through critical readings, class discussions, analytical writing, engagement activities, independent research, and student presentations. It is crucial for students to have an interest in current issues, consider and be respectful of multiple viewpoints, and to work independently. A major portion of the first semester is dedicated to independent case studies that showcase the student's understanding of theories and concepts in global politics through a real-world issue. This culminates in two 10 minute presentations that are recorded for IB and requires the student to have both strong research and communication skills. These skills are reinforced throughout the course.

This course fulfills the United States Government graduation requirement. Students will gain an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples.

Units of Study

Independent Research and Higher Level Case Study Presentations

Power, Sovereignty and International Relations

Human Rights

Development

Peace and Conflict
IB Geography - Grade 11

1 Credit

Prerequisite: AP United States History (B or higher) or United States History Honors (B+ or higher) or United States History (A or higher) and teacher recommendation

Required tools: Colored pencils

Additional Fee: IB examination fees will be incurred in the second year of the course

This is the first year of the two-year IB Geography HL course. Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies, and physical processes in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions. It also investigates the way in which people adapt and respond to change, and evaluates actual and possible management strategies associated with such change. Geography describes and helps to explain the similarities and differences between different places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from the perspectives of a different range of actors, with varying powers over decision-making processes.

Within individuals and societies subjects, geography is distinctive in its spatial dimension and occupies a middle ground between social or human sciences and natural sciences. The Diploma Programme geography course integrates physical, environmental, and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both socio‑economic and scientific methodologies. Geography takes advantage of its position to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps students develop life skills and have an appreciation of, and respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints, and ideas.

Units of Study

Changing Population

Global Climate

Global Resource Consumption

Freshwater Drainage Basins

Oceans and Coastal Margins

Urban Environments

Global Interactions
IB Geography HL/US Government - Grade 12

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on the expectation of B or higher in IB Geography

Required tools: Colored pencils

Additional Fee: Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the IB exam. A fee applies to all students taking this exam.

This course fulfills the United States Government graduation requirement.

This is the second year of the two-year IB Geography HL course. Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies, and physical processes in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions. It also investigates the way in which people adapt and respond to change, and evaluates actual and possible management strategies associated with such change. Geography describes and helps to explain the similarities and differences between different places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from the perspectives of a different range of actors, with varying powers over decision-making processes.

Within individuals and societies subjects, geography is distinctive in its spatial dimension and occupies a middle ground between social or human sciences and natural sciences. The Diploma Programme geography course integrates physical, environmental, and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both socio‑economic and scientific methodologies. Geography takes advantage of its position to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps students develop life skills and have an appreciation of, and respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints, and ideas.

In addition, students will gain an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States during the course. This course includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples.

Units of Study

Changing Population

Global Climate

Global Resource Consumption

Freshwater Drainage Basins

Oceans and Coastal Margins

Urban Environments

Power, Places, and Networks

Human Development and Diversity

Global Risks and Resilience
IB Environmental Systems & Societies SL - Grades 11-12

1 Credit

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation based on expectations of B or higher in Chemistry Honors and Biology Honors (or previous IB course) or A in Chemistry and Biology (or previous standard-level science course), evidence of focus, reliability, work ethic, independent learning, and passion for the subject matter.

Required tools: Graphing calculator. "Rite-in-the-Rain" Field Journal (purchased through the school)

Additional Fees: Students in this course are expected to take the IB exam. A fee applies to all students taking this exam.

This course may count as a Group 3 and/or a Group 4 IB course for diploma candidates. It will also satisfy either a Trinity science credit or a social studies credit, but not both.

The intent of this course is to help students develop a holistic perspective on the environment using a systems approach together with scientific, economic, historical, cultural, and socio-political methodologies. The course seeks to help students develop the skills to assess, measure, and analyze the environment from a local to a global perspective. Topics include foundations of environmental systems and societies, ecosystems and ecology, biodiversity and conservation, water and aquatic food production systems and societies, soil systems and terrestrial food production systems and societies, atmospheric systems and societies, climate change and energy production and human systems and resource use.

In the laboratory component of this course, students will explore experimental methods, develop experimental design skills and apply these methods and skills to the study of ecosystems and societies. Laboratory work will be augmented with fieldwork both on the Trinity property and other locations. Students are expected to independently apply laboratory skills and report writing learned in previous science classes. Advanced skills will be developed throughout the course and students will complete an individual investigation that is assessed by the teacher and submitted to IBO. It represents 25% of the exam score. The investigation focuses on using the scientific method for a lab experience that includes: planning and conducting an experiment; processing, analyzing and graphing data collected from the experiment; discussing and making conclusions using collected data, and evaluating the experimental process itself.

This course is for any student interested in environmental sciences, sustainability, or the outdoors in general. However, the goal of this course is to explain environmentalism through a variety of lenses, from economic, to religious, to recreational, so all curious and qualified students are welcome. It is a class that does involve some outdoor work, so students should be prepared to work safely in any weather.

Units of Study

Foundations of ESS

Ecosystems and ecology

Biodiversity and conservation

Water, aquatic food production systems, and societies

Soil systems, terrestrial food production systems and societies

Atmospheric systems and societies

Climate change and energy production

Human systems and resource use
Religion: Old Testament

Grades 8-12
0.5 Credit

Old Testament satisfies the religion graduation requirement.

“In the beginning when God created...” These words written thousands of years ago continue to impact humanity. This class is an introduction to the rich history, stories, and beliefs preserved by the Jewish people. Primary content is devoted to historical movements, biblical characters, and various forms of text criticism. Secondary content includes how Old Testament themes connect to the New Testament. Key skills include critical thinking skills, scope and sequence skills, periodization skills.

Units of Study

Biblical Prehistory

Patriarchs and Matriarchs

Theocracy

Monarchy

Prophets and Exiles

Restoration
Religion: New Testament

Grades 8-12
0.5 Credit

New Testament satisfies the religion graduation requirement.

This course begins with Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus asked the apostle Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" The students will thoroughly examine the Gospels and learn how each writer uniquely depicts the life of Jesus. Paul of Tarsus wrote to the Corinthians, "Three times was I beaten with rods and once received a stoning." This course will explore what motivated Paul to have an unprecedented desire to spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire. Primary content is devoted to historical movements, biblical characters, and various forms of text criticism. Secondary content includes how Old Testament themes connect with the New Testament. Key skills include critical thinking skills, scope and sequence skills, periodization skills.

Units of Study

The Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Luke

The Gospel of John

Acts of the Apostles

Epistles and Apocalypse
Religion: World Religions

Grades 9-12
0.5 Credit

World Religions satisfies the religion graduation requirement.

This course is designed as a comparative study of world religions and begins by attempting to answer "Why Religion?" Students will examine numerous civilizations and how they are influenced by religion. Ample time will be spent on history, beliefs, and how the religions of the world impact humanity today. Key skills include critical thinking skills, scope and sequence skills, periodization skills.

Units of Study

Origin of Religions

Hinduism

Buddhism

Islam

Judaism

Christianity
Religion: Independent Study in Religion - Grade 12

Grade 12
0.5 Credit

Prerequisite: Teacher permission

Independent Study in Religion is available to seniors who have already fulfilled Trinity's religion requirement and now desire a deeper exploration into religious studies. This journey allows students to revisit topics addressed in Old Testament, New Testament, or World Religions. The study also welcomes seniors who are considering ministry opportunities in college or a potential career in such fields as missions, pastoral ministry, or Christian education. This study may only be selected once as a semester elective.

Units of Study

Defining a Topic

Delving Deeper Through Research and Inquiry

Presentation
Elective: Faith In Film - Grades 10-12

0.5 Credit

Faith in Film does not count toward the religion graduation requirement.

Faith in Film is a systematic theology class intended to examine and discuss the major tenets of the Christian faith. These doctrines will then be illustrated through various genres of film. Students will analyze these doctrines and attempt to reconcile them to their personal beliefs. Students do not have to confess to Christianity to take this course but should have some interest in developing a deeper knowledge of Christianity. Certain movies viewed in the course are intended for mature minds; students must have parental consent to take this class. Key skills include critical thinking skills, primary source document skills, and film analysis skills.

Units of Study

Christian Anthropology

Demonology

The Problem of Evil

Paterology

Christology

Pneumatology

Ecclesiology

Eschatology
Elective: Personal Finance - Grades 9-12

Grades 10-12
0.5 Credit

Personal Finance is a challenging, engaging project-based course that presents real-world concepts designed to help the student make wise spending, saving, and credit decisions and to make effective use of income to achieve personal financial goals. Students will design personal and household budgets utilizing checking and saving accounts, gain knowledge in finance, debt, and credit management, and evaluate and understand insurance and taxes. Students enrolled in personal finance should expect to complete case studies, plan monthly budgets, compete in a stock market simulation, listen to engaging guest speakers and participate in out-of-classroom experiences such as a field trip to the Federal Reserve.

Units of Study

Basics of Economics

Banking Basics

Income and Taxes

Consumer Skills

Planning for Living
Elective: Politics In Film - Grades 10-12

Grades 10-12
0.5 Credit

Politics in Film explores popular political topics such as education, civil liberties, and laws affecting teenagers. Students will engage and discuss the content of each issue. Films will be used as an interpretation and springboard to a full analysis of the topic. Through journals and discussions, students will develop an understanding of how film informs and influences the way Americans view political issues. Certain movies viewed in the course are intended for mature minds; students must have parental consent to take the class. Key skills include critical thinking skills, primary source document skills, and film analysis skills.

Units of Study

Equal Opportunity Laws

Education

Abortion

Laws Affecting Teenagers

Immigration Laws

Lobby Groups

Civil Liberties

Foreign Policy
Elective: Archaeology - Grades 10-12

Grades 10-12
0.5 credit

In this semesterlong elective, students get to come face-to-face with the physical remains of the past and use them to help solve the puzzles of history. Archaeology is the study of the human past through material remains. The field of archaeology lies at the intersection of STEM and the humanities. Archaeological scientists use cutting-edge technology to extract the tracest clues from the material remains of the past. Archaeologists then piece together these faint and fragmentary hints and create dynamic interpretations that answer research questions and provide a window into past human lives. Ancient texts and long-accepted narratives are tested against the physical evidence left by past people. Beyond the texts, archaeology provides a powerful leveling tool for the examination of history, providing evidence that allows scholars to tell the stories of the poor, underprivileged, women, and oppressed groups who are often absent from written historical narratives. The difficult questions raised by the history of archaeology and the global antiquities trade touch on colonialism, cultural representation, and international relations. In this course, students will become familiar with the basics of field archaeology, as well as the underlying theory and basic history of the discipline. Students will also develop their ability to synthesize different types of evidence into coherent narratives, learn how to form research questions, and acquire a hands-on understanding of how science and the humanities work symbiotically in a vibrant and active academic discipline.

Units of Study

History of archaeology

Major archaeological sites

Archaeological theory and methods

Experimental archaeology

Archaeological ethics

Archaeological illustration

The antiquities trade and colonialism, international antiquities law

Technology in archaeology

Pseudo-archeology and its perils

Cultural and historical resource management

Archaeological fieldwork (survey and/or excavation)