Prerequisite: None   

Required for sophomores through the class of 2029 

Economics examines the principles and problems of the free enterprise system. It gives students an understanding of the American (World) economy: what it is, how it developed, and how it works. Students study patterns of production, exchange, distribution, and consumption in the American (World) economy. They examine the price system, principles of money and banking, and theories and practices of credit and marketing. Other topics include industry and agriculture, big business and labor, foreign trade, investments, taxation, and other economic systems. We integrate faith by teaching students the morality of our own decisions, Catholic social teaching and its relationship to economic theory, and the importance of the vocation of business in helping others out of poverty.  

Prerequisite: Permission of the department 

This course is a comprehensive evaluation of United States History from colonial times to the present. Topics include those covered in the United States History course but with a stronger emphasis placed on chronological connections and cause/effect relationships. This course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the individuals and events that shaped our nation both before and after its founding, as well as how the US emerged as a world leader following World War II. While the course follows the Advanced Placement curriculum of the College Board, it is also guided by the principle that faith is built by understanding and studying the world God has made. Students will explore the role that Christian, and especially Catholic, leadership has played in shaping policy and its contributions to the varied social justice movements that have an important place in our history.  

Students are expected to take the national AP United States History exam that will be offered in May.  

Prerequisite: None  

Required for juniors through the class of 2029 

This course surveys the history of the United States from colonial times to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the development of America, the belief in God as the foundation of our country, and the extension of democracy to all Americans. Students will study scripture as it relates to the dignity of the human person as well as the Church’s teaching on morality and social justice. Examples of Catholic leaders and how Christian leadership has helped to influence the nation are integrated throughout the course. 

Prerequisite: None  

Required for seniors through the class of 2029 

This course provides students an opportunity to understand the political system in the United States and their place in it. Through the use of Catholic social teachings, the students will understand the major government issues that affect them as Christians and gives them the tools to defend their opinions and their faith in the public sphere as they prepare to go out into the world as Christian citizens of the United States.  

Prerequisite: Ancient History   

Required for sophomores beginning with the class of 2030 

History of Christendom chronologically explores Western civilizations and cultures from 313 AD to 1814. Through the art of storytelling, it will examine: Christianity and Roman Rule, Medieval Christianity, Monasticism, Scholasticism, Renaissance Humanism, Christian Humanism, the Reformation, Counter-Reformation, Enlightenment Deism, Romantic Naturalism and Napoleonic Imperialism. The central focus is the mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the very center of History.   Primary sources are read, studied, and heavily emphasized. Students in this course will understand where they come from, and in doing so will develop a better understanding of who they are, and consequently, where they are going. In studying the story of mankind, students will know they are wayfarers and pilgrims in this world on a journey to Heaven.  

Prerequisite: History of Christendom   

Required for juniors beginning with the class of 2030 

American History and Government chronologically explores the founding and growth of the United States from 1491 AD to 1875 AD. Through the art of storytelling, it will examine: Native Peoples, European Exploration, Settlement and Colonialism, the Founding of the American Republic, the War for Independence, Framing of the Constitution, The Jacksonian Period, Westward Expansion, Ante-bellum Period, Slavery, The Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Reconstruction. The central focus is the mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the very center of History.   Primary sources are read, studied, and heavily emphasized. Students in this course will understand where they come from, and in doing so will develop a better understanding of who they are, and consequently, where they are going. In studying the story of mankind, students will know they are wayfarers and pilgrims in this world on a journey to Heaven.  

Prerequisite: American History and Government  

Required for seniors beginning with the class of 2030 

19th and 20th Century History and Modern Economics chronologically explores the growth and evolution of the United States from 1815 AD to the present. Through the art of storytelling, it will examine: the Industrial Revolution, Emergence of Nihilism, Darwinism, and Secular Materialism, the Rise of Fascism, Communism, Socialism, the Decline of Capitalism and the Free Market, World War I, World-Wide Economic Depression, World War II, The Holocaust, Modern Disillusionment, Globalism, Consumerism, and the Apostolic Response.  Primary sources are read, studied, and heavily emphasized. Students in this course will understand where they come from, and in doing so will develop a better understanding of who they are, and consequently, where they are going. In studying the story of mankind, students will know they are wayfarers and pilgrims in this world on a journey to Heaven.  

Prerequisite: None 

The study of Cultural Geography offers students an opportunity to discern patterns of physical and cultural characteristics in a variety of world regions. Students will learn about the spatial distribution of people, places, physical features, resources, and human activities. Students will examine the role religion plays in shaping cultures around the world and help to examine the role the Catholic Faith plays in shaping our own cultural geography. Students will consider questions asked by geographers as they study the world: What are the physical and human characteristics of places? Why are things located where they are? What is the significance of the location of things? What patterns are reflected in the groupings of things? 

Prerequisite: None 

Looking for a fun elective that will challenge you and is different and unique? If yes, then Uncle Sam wants you! Military History also known as Historical Survey runs the gambit:  

• We recreate the topography and layout of competing armies in the sand!  

• We analyze the strengths and weaknesses of competing generals and their armies juxtaposed to the teachings of Sun Zu.  

• We divide the class up into two competing camps and simulate battles outside or in the auxiliary gym using nerf swords and rhino balls.  

• We practice route security and small unit tactics with an ambush team and several fire teams- weather permitting.  

Students will learn about military tactics and strategy from some of the greatest generals of all time, from ancient to present.  

Prerequisite: None 

Class size is limited to 16 students. 

This course will teach the fundamental principles associated with debating and argumentation. Students will participate in a series of debates and mock trials. In this class, students will utilize Catholic social teaching and learn the tools necessary to defend their beliefs and opinions on these issues.  

Prerequisite: None   

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors  

You will never watch movies the same way! Starting with silent films and working up to the early 1950’s, Film I students will watch the best films from each decade while learning to analyze acting, film techniques, and mise-en-scene. If you don’t know what that is – don’t worry – you will and it will change how you watch movies.  

Prerequisite: None 

Juniors and seniors 

This course will explore the purpose of law based on the fundamental principles found within the United States Constitution, United States Law, State Laws, and the United States Legal Systems. In addition, this course goes a step further and focuses on the obligations of activism that we, as Christians, are called to. Focus of the course will be on both Criminal Law and Civil Law. Students will examine past cases and current issues related to the law and legal systems, as well as careers in the field of law.  

Prerequisite: None  

Juniors and seniors  

This course’s curriculum introduces the methods of inquiry and evaluation used by psychologists. It contains information relating to issues that all individuals encounter, not only in themselves, but also in their relationships with friends and families; its study should lead to an appreciation of and tolerance for individual differences. All students will acquire insight into the complex determinants of behavior and prepare to be intelligent consumers of psychological services. While all approaches will be included in a general course survey, the course will primarily emphasize the interpersonal/social and personality/development approaches. This course provides continued emphasis of the dignity of the human person, as well as the recognition that we, as God’s creation, are continually being shaped by both Him and our environment.