Overview

In keeping with the classical model, high school classes, in particular Literature/Composition and History, are designed to complement the content of other courses. Classes are offered individually with the recommendation of enrolling students in all courses to give them the most benefit and full exposure to the integrated content. Classes are provided on a rotational basis, based on enrollment. Students who attend ACTS for the full four years will have an opportunity to take all of the below classes.

Inductive Logic

Using the text The Art of Argument, students in this class learn the basics of how to both write and speak persuasively. Students also learn how to identify and correct common logical fallacies to strengthen their arguments. The course culminates in a moderated debate at the end of the year for students to showcase their skills. Text: The Art of Argument

Early Modern World History 1550-1815

Beginning with the Age of Enlightenment and ending with the fall of Napoleon, students explore how new discoveries and religious conflict began changing the political and cultural climate of Europe. They will study empire-building, the Age of Enlightenment, and the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. Through in-class discussion, timeline projects, research essays, and reading from original sources, students gain an appreciation for the cultural upheaval caused by leaving the Old Regime of feudalism behind and entering a world transformed by communication, new forms of government, and new technology.

Literature of the Early Modern World

Complementing the Early Modern World History class, this course explores the implications of a rapidly changing Europe. Beginning with plays by Shakespeare and concluding with Charles Dickens’ brilliant novel focusing on the French Revolution, students explore themes of anti-Semitism, class conflict, and the impact of industrialism on all levels of society. Homework will include extensive reading and writing essays of explication, analysis, and comparison and contrast, as well as research assignments. Class time will include discussion of the texts, writing workshops, and occasionally, viewing productions.

Biology

An overview of the five kingdoms using Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Biology this course places emphasis on the scientific method, cellular structures, and the use of the microscope. Students will conduct labs under supervision as well as dissections of various specimens over the course of the year. Maintaining a lab journal with detailed notes will prepare students for college level lab sciences. A Science Fair project will also be done as part of this course. Text: Exploring Creation with Biology

*Meets twice a week, 1 hour (Monday) and 1.5 hours (Thursday) for a total of 2.5 contact hours per week for 32 weeks.

Chemistry

This is a High School Level Chemistry course using Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Chemistry text.  The course emphasizes the scientific method as students learn about the foundational elements of the universe.  Students explore molecules, mixtures, and chemical reactions through hand-on investigation.  Laboratory experiments are an important component in the curriculum, and students actively maintain a laboratory notebook throughout the year documenting observations, results, and conclusions. Text: Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Chemistry *Meets twice a week, 1 hour (Monday) and 1.5 hours (Thursday) for a total of 2.5 contact hours per week for 32 weeks.

19th & 20th Century World History

Spanning the Industrial Revolution to the Cold War, students will explore how the world changed by participating in classroom discussions, writing research essays, creating an ongoing timeline, and completing relevant projects throughout the year. Looking at the political, social, economic, and cultural changes that radically altered the manner in which nations interacted with one another, students will gain an understanding of the power of political ideology as well as the impact of mechanization in transforming all levels of society. Texts: Western Heritage volume 2, selected fairytales of The Brothers Grimm, The Communist Manifesto, Animal Farm, 1984, The Treaty of Versailles.

19th & 20th Century Literature

This course will trace the development of Western culture over the last two centuries by examining its expression in poetry, plays, and prose fiction. Students will trace the increasing secularization of society, explore the ideas that shaped and grew out of the world wars, as well as the experiences of people who lived through them, and consider some of the big questions which dominate our world today, such as the importance of religious liberty and freedom of speech and the search for meaning in life which is so central to every human heart. Texts: Frankenstein, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, All Quiet on the Western Front, The Great Gatsby, The Gift of The Magi, Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, Night, The Screwtape Letters, 1984, Fahrenheit 451.

Composition & Speech 

This course is a companion course for both Modern Literature and Modern History. Students will write about topics drawn from both of those classes, and in so doing, develop their abilities in research, argument building, logical arrangement of ideas, and skillful use of language. Students will also practice speech writing and presentation. Texts: Rhetoric Alive! Book 1 and Lend Me Your Ear: Great Speeches in History.