Social Science Department

1 semester, 0.5 credit

The class studies local, state, and federal governments through an online 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, and 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.

In a world that prioritizes constant change and immediate action, World History provides the perspective and analytical skills needed to navigate today’s increasingly complex global landscape. This course builds essential historical thinking and problem-solving skills, including evaluating sources, analyzing artifacts, identifying bias, understanding chronology, and assessing cause-and-effect relationships. Research skills—such as using the internet responsibly for historical inquiry—are also emphasized. Students will study history from “In the beginning, God created…” through modern global issues, including terrorism, diplomacy, and technological advancements. Through a variety of skill-building strategies, students will develop the ability to think critically about the past and apply historical insights to the present.

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 written and graded by the College Board. The exam costs approximately $100. Depending on one’s exam score and the institution of higher education one attends, a student may receive college credit. Prerequisites: Minimum average of 93 in Honors World History and teacher 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 to 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 five-semester courses' tuition. Prerequisites: A minimum of 84/B in Honors World History or at least a 90/B+ in CP World History, an ACT Composite of 18 and a 3.0 unweighted 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 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 one attends, a student may receive college credit. Recommended prior history: AP® or Honors U.S. History; Prerequisites: Minimum average of 93 in previous Honors or AP history and teacher approval.

The focus of this course is the examination of American history and culture through contemporary films and documentaries. The course will address the validity and accuracy of the content presented in the films by utilizing primary sources and historical texts to reconcile evidences and expression. Students will view movies exploring the great experiment in civil liberties, the tension between Federal and State authorities, and the transformation of culture due to terrorism, technology, and the drive between globalization and national identity. Students will participate in Socratic seminar discussions and compose written responses that explore the themes of liberty and civic responsibility within a Biblical worldview.

1 semester, 0.5 credit

This class studies the high school version of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University using an online curriculum based on Ramsey Classroom. 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.

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 within the concepts of psychology, the class delves into sociopathic personalities and deviant behavior.

1 semester, 0.5 credit

Sociology is the study of how people behave in groups, how societies are organized, and how social forces shape individual lives. This course introduces key concepts and tools sociologists use to analyze culture, social structure, inequality, institutions, and social change. Students will develop critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the ability to connect personal experience to larger social patterns.