Wellspring Christian Family Schools

WCFS Social Studies Class
Applied Civics 101

Applied Citizenship 101: Applied Civics
0.5 Credit - Satisfies the High School Handbook §5.5.1 (a) Applied Citizenship 101 Required Course

Objective:

The objective of the course is to help students have a clear understanding of the basic elements and fundamental principles of American government, and the heritage from which that government came.

Students will also gain a clear understanding from Scripture of their civic responsibilities, and how to engage governmental authorities with courage and creativity for the sake of the Gospel.

Description of Course Content:

This course will cover the Old Testament book of Daniel and the textbook Understanding The Constitution (UTC) by David Gibbs, Jr. & David Gibbs III.

The class will be completed over 10 weeks as a regular part of the Nathaniel Bowditch Mentor Clinic. Each class will consist of 2 ~45 minute lectures, followed by regular homework assignments in the books listed.

WCFS Applied Civics 101 - Course Requirements

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Description of Course Content:

Students shall earn one-half of a social studies credit by completing a course with content relating to a Biblical perspective of American government, the influence of Judeo-Christian principles in the formulation of the United States, and the role of the Christian in civil government.

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Objective:

The objective of the course is to help students have a clear understanding of the basic elements and fundamental principles of American government, and the heritage from which that government came. Students will also have a clear understanding from Scripture of their civic responsibilities, and how to engage governmental authorities with courage and creativity for the sake of the Gospel.

Methodology:

The course shall be a hands-on practicum, designed to engage students on a personal level, not just a theoretical or intellectual level.

 - Students shall study the primary elements of American government, with a specific focus on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Students shall research the Biblical principles reflected in each document.

 - Student shall survey the impact that Christians have had on American government and society, including instances where Christians have engaged the political process to address injustices in American society.

 - Students shall study a Biblical perspective of a Christian’s civic responsibilities.

Curriculum:

The WCFS courses Applied Citizenship 101 or God and Government satisfy this requirement.

A parent-developed (Non-Standard) course incorporating appropriate Biblical texts (e.g. Genesis 8, Romans 13, I Peter 2, the book of Esther, the book of Daniel) and approved resources also satisfies this requirement.

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Approved Resources Include:

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God and Government Volumes 1 and 2 by Gary DeMar

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If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty by Eric Metaxas

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The Third Alternative: Christian Self-Government by Bill Burtness

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Christianity and the Constitution by John Eidsmoe

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Biblical Principles of the United States Constitution DVD course with John Eidsmoe

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Original Intent: The Courts, the Constitution, & Religion by David Barton

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The Christian History of the Constitution of the United States: Christian Self-Government Volumes 1 and 2 by Verna Hall and Rosalie Salter

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Constitution Alive! A Citizen’s Guide to the Constitution DVD course by David Barton and Rick Green

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The American Heritage Series DVD course by David Barton

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Constitutional Literacy course by Michael Farris.