WCFS Required Course:
Applied Civics
Applied Civics - .5 credit
High School Handbook §4.5.1 (a)
Course Description
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.
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.
Approved Resources Include:
God and Government Volumes 1 and 2 by Gary DeMar
If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty by Eric Metaxas
The Third Alternative: Christian Self-Government by Bill Burtness
Christianity and the Constitution by John Eidsmoe
Biblical Principles of the United States Constitution DVD course with John Eidsmoe
Original Intent: The Courts, the Constitution, & Religion by David Barton
The Christian History of the Constitution of the United States: Christian Self-Government Volumes 1 and 2 by Verna Hall and Rosalie Salter
Constitution Alive! A Citizen’s Guide to the Constitution DVD course by David Barton and Rick Green
The American Heritage Series DVD course by David Barton
Constitutional Literacy course by Michael Farris.