Social Science Department

1 semester, 0.5 credit

The class studies local, state, and federal governments through an on-line curriculum developed by DCA. The classroom instructor presents brief introduction to a lesson, students go online and do the reading and writing aspect of the assignment, then the instructor extends the lesson through a lecture-discussion. Included in the course is a study of different forms of government, the U.S. Constitution, the three branches of the Federal Government, the Tennessee and Nashville governments, and the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship. In addition to the classroom experience, all freshmen travel to Washington, D. C., during Winterim to tour our nation’s capital.

Today’s world seems to value change over stability and action over thoughtful reflection. The study of World History provides the perspective we need to analyze and understand the increasingly rapid changes of today. A number of skill-building strategies are used to achieve the goals. These include, but are not limited to, evaluating sources of evidence, making generalizations and predictions, using artifacts as historical evidence, identifying bias, using the internet in historical research, understanding chronology, determining cause and effect, analyzing documents, and using a problem-solving process. The course starts with “In the beginning, God created ....” and ends with the modern world and global terrorism.

Honors World History requires students to utilize higher-level critical thinking skills in order to deal with the depth and breadth of the history of the world, from “In the beginning, God created...” beginning to present world issues. Evaluations are designed to measure comprehension rather than just recall and, as such, require students to engage with the content on a contextual rather than superficial level. Students will be presented with primary source documents and develop historical analysis abilities. The writing focus is based on developing college essay writing skills, and writing analytically about history using synthesis, historic knowledge, as well as analyzing primary and secondary source documents. Prerequisite: Enrollment is subject to departmental review based on application with a minimum average of 84 in preceding English or History class.

Students in U.S. History work towards being prepared for college-level history courses. The course begins with a brief review of Colonial America through the Civil War; the main focus is Reconstruction through the Cold War and into modern world issues. The purpose of the course is to use historic knowledge of the past for the purpose of being problem-solvers in the present. Students are required to use their knowledge through higher-order questioning on tests and quizzes. Students also learn valuable skills through cooperative group work that requires them to read and think critically. Through taking this course, students will expand their vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, and increase critical thinking.

The AP course in United States History is intended for qualified students who wish to complete a college level course while in high school. The course is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to analyze the various aspects of United States History. Beginning with the pre-Columbian period, the curriculum goes beyond the Cold War and into America’s role in the modern world. Students will assess historical materials - their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance - as well as weigh evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. All students taking this course are required to take the AP exam in May that is written and graded by the College Board. The exam costs approximately $100. Depending on one’s exam score and the institution of higher education which one attends, a student may receive college credit. Prerequisites: Minimum average of 93 in Honors World History, application, and department approval

This DE Honors course is an in-depth study of political, social and cultural, economic, and diplomatic history from Discovery to the present time. The course is designed to teach the student to deal analytically and critically with major historical concepts and trends by evaluating secondary and primary source materials. The abilities to read critically, write, and interpret are developed. This course is taught by a Trevecca University adjunct professor on DCA's campus. Students who successfully complete both semesters will receive 3 college credit hours per semester course, US History Survey I (HIS 2010) and US History Survey II (HIS 2020). Dual Enrollment courses require tuition be paid to the college or university beyond DCA tuition. Students may utilize the Dual Enrollment Grant through the TN Education Lottery Programs for approximately $500 per course for 5 semester courses' tuition. Prerequisites: ACT Composite of 18 and 3.0 unwieighted GPA are required for this course.

The AP course in European History is intended for exceptional students who wish to complete a college level course while in high school. The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping Europe and the world. Emphasized are: an understanding of the principal themes in modern European history, an ability to analyze historical evidence, and an ability to analyze and to express historical understanding in writing. All students taking this course are required to take the AP exam in May that is written and graded by the College Board. The exam cost is approximately $100. Depending on one’s exam score and the institution of higher education which one attends, a student may receive college credit. Recommended Prior History: A.P. or Honors U.S. History; Prerequisites: Minimum average of 93 in previous history, application, and department approval

1 semester, 0.5 credit

This class is a one semester, student research-based class that focuses on both current and long- standing international and domestic issues. This may include but is not limited to political, economic, and social issues in our ever-changing world. A variety of individual and group presentations are required of students throughout the semester.

1 semester, 0.5 credit

The focus of this course is the examination of history through contemporary films and historical dramas. The course will address the validity and accuracy of content presented in the films by utilizing primary sources and historical texts to reconcile evidence and expression. Students will view movies on major time periods, events and topics, participate in Socratic seminar discussions, and write essays comparing the expressions in the films to traditional sources of historical evidence.

1 semester, 0.5 credit

Psychology is defined as the scientific study of behavior that is tested through scientific research. This course covers a variety of topics and themes to better understand human behavior, such as: what our minds and bodies are capable of in each stage of life from infancy through adulthood, and how personalities and social influences affect our attitudes. The course also examines psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, and drug addiction. Interlaced in the concepts of psychology, the class delves into sociopathic personalities and deviant behavior.

1 semester, 0.5 credit

Sociology is the study of social structure including the patterned ways in which people interact in social relationships. This class learns about humans in society, focusing on group behavior, social control, race and ethnicity, family structure, marriage, and religion. Topics outside the text include: crime and punishment, mass murderers, mafia crime families, and cults.

1 semester, 0.5 credit

This class studies the high school version of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University using the curriculum based in RamseyClassroom.com. Ramsey’s ideas about the “Five Foundations” are presented throughout the curriculum. Students engage in a combination of video and classroom discussions. The topics of discussion include but are not limited to saving, investing, how compound interest works, college preparation, marketing ploys, how to stay out of debt, cash flow planning, and choosing a career. Students also learn how financial planning should fit into a marriage and a family. All of these ideas are presented from a Biblical worldview.