Skills emphasized include reading for understanding using secondary, primary and interpretive sources, map comprehension and further development of basic history writing and research techniques. All students write a thesis-based research paper as part of the course. In preparation for the AP exam, students complete a number of practice exams, including document based questions. In addition to addressing theological and ethical questions, students investigate ritual, scripture, and aesthetics. There are field trips to religious buildings and services, as appropriate.
Students do a research project on a topic of their choice.
Economics is an introduction to the fundamental economic principles operative in the American free enterprise system through both the theoretical and practical applications of those principles to the immediate experience of the students' lives. The course includes such topics as supply and demand, money and banking, economic indicators, monetary and fiscal policy, investing and saving, government budgeting and spending, taxation, and international commerce and currency exchange. The class is divided into teams for a ten week competition with teams from other regional and state-wide schools in building investment portfolios. Outside experts make presentations to the class, and students have opportunities to take field trips. All students must complete a major project on a topic of their own choice.