PART 1 – U.S. GOVERNMENT (Fall Semester)

Learning about our government system – the civics of our country – should never be boring! Our founding documents explode with relevance for today. Current events constantly expose the wisdom of our founding fathers to include the Bill of Rights. As they say, “Democracy dies in darkness.” In this case, it dies in the darkness of our minds when we do not understand how our system works or why it’s important to our daily lives. This one-semester high school class on U.S. Government/Civics rectifies that problem! Students will get a foundational understanding of the structures, processes, and principles that shape the U.S. Government.

Through an exploration of the Constitution, the roles of the three branches of government, the electoral system, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, students will develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to engage as informed participants in democracy. The course also covers current events, the significance of civic participation, and the importance of active involvement in shaping public policy, encouraging students to understand and influence the political landscape.

The class will encourage lively debate and discussion based on the readings of primary sources – everyone should have an opinion! Homework will consist of reading primary source documents and keeping an annotated reading journal, in class written answers to questions, quizzes, short essays (2-3 pages) throughout the semester, and various other projects TBD.

Details:

• 1 ½ hours / Fall Semester
• Worth ½ credit for high school

Curriculum for U.S. Government:

• Basic Government by Clarence Carson – this book can be purchased from the following locations: Rainbow Resource or Used on Amazon
• Take a Stand! Government and Economics Socratic Discussion in History Student Workbook by John De Gree.  It can be purchased from the following locations: Rainbow Resource or Amazon

PART 2 – ECONOMICS (Spring Semester)

Once again, Economics should never be boring! We make economic choices and decisions almost every day of our lives or we experience the effects of others’ economic decisions (like the government’s). Thus, understanding economics is fundamental and foundational to being an informed citizen. Being educated economically helps us hold our governments (city/state/federal) accountable.
This one-semester high school class on Economics introduces students to the fundamental concepts that drive economic systems and decision-making.

Students will explore key topics such as supply and demand, market structures, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy, and the role of government in the economy.

Through real-world examples and case studies, the course will help students understand how individual choices, businesses, and governments interact within local, national, and global economies. By the end of the semester, students will gain critical thinking skills to analyze economic issues and develop a deeper understanding of how economics impacts their daily lives and future careers. 

Details:

• 1 ½ hours / Spring Semester
• Worth ½ credit for high school

Curriculum for Economics:

• Lessons for the Young Economist by Robert P. Murphy.  This textbook can be downloaded for free from the Mises Institute (mises.org) as a PDF.  A hard copy can be purchased on Amazon
• All primary documents will be provided for free via a link once class begins.

Cost:

• Per semester: $300 out of pocket /$350 charter funds (send confirmation of PO to Shannon)
• Payment: Venmo (@Danica-Childs), Paypal (Danica Childs), check