For social studies, students have considerable leeway in determining which classes to take and when. However, there are a few things that universities generally want to see.

What Colleges Expect for Social Studies

Most colleges expect 3-4 years of social studies/history in high school. A typical transcript would include:

• World history / global studies
• US history
• Government/civics
• Social science electives such as economics, political systems, or personal finance.

One of the most common sequences in public high school is:

• 9^th Grade: Geography / Early World History
• 10^th Grade: World History (modern)
• 11^th Grade: U.S. History
• 12^th Grade: Government / Economics

However, public schools vary and, while colleges recognize this sequence, they do not require it. Universities usually care more about coverage and rigor rather than the specific order in which courses are taken. While it is usually expected that students will take world history, US history and government, there is a lot of flexibility regarding when and for how long (i.e. whether world history is spread out over one or two years, or government is a one or two semester course). There is also a lot of flexibility regarding what social studies electives are taken.

You may want to integrate studying history and language arts while in high school. Students can combine their study of world history and world literature (although it would appear on your transcript as two different classes). Similarly, the study of US history and american literature can be combined.

Simply Smart’s World and U.S. History

Simply Smart’s Digging into History has two courses: World and U.S. History. The program provides a fun, integrated approach that encourages research and critical thinking. Students create their own Book of Centuries, or history book, while learning about different topics. The program integrates history, geography, science, art, architecture, music & literature. It is multi-aged and can be used with students from preschool all the way through high school. However, there are two major differences between using the curriculum with elementary and high school students. High school students use:

1. A more methodical, sequential approach to studying topics (which is not necessary in elementary school) AND
2. An increased amount of research and written work

Whereas younger students can skip around as desired, high school students should work sequentially through the course outline, developing a very complete and thorough understanding of world or US history. While younger students may fill their portfolios with graphically organized information and short writing assignments, high school students should focus on research, analysis, and college-prep writing.

History serves as one of the main writing curricula for high school students, so there should be an increased level of rigor. Encourage students to think critically, discuss, debate, use primary sources, engage in the Socratic method, research and write analytical essays.

Other Resources for Teaching U.S. History

Along with Simply Smart’s curriculum, for US History we have somtimes used the book, Quest of a Hemisphere by Donzella Cross Boyle, along with the student study guide and teacher’s manual. This book presents a factual approach to US history using an engaging, story format.

While not a course, we have also found the National History Day competition to be helpful in developing research and writing skills. Each year, children research a topic of choice relating to that year’s theme. The competition is designed to help children develop skills in communication, project management and critical thinking. Students can present their research using a variety of forms: a documentary film, exhibit, paper, theatrical performance, or website. Projects can be done individually, or with friends (except the paper, which must be done individually). The competition is available for grades 4th-12th (or in some states 6th-12th).

Selecting Social Studies Classes & Curriculum

Students have a lot of flexibility in choosing social studies courses, but they may want to consider the following: economics, personal finance, constitutional studies (including the bill of rights and religious freedom), parenting and child development. These courses help provide a well-rounded education and prepare students for real life. Students may also benefit from history courses focused on specific subjects (i.e. communication, civil rights, etc.), so they can understand how different topics have changed over time.

Unlike chemistry or physics, social studies is a subject where values, interpretation, and worldviews naturally influence how events are understood. Because of this, many parents choose to teach it themselves rather than send their child to a local college where they have little control over the opinions and interpretations shared. The goal usually is not to hide viewpoints, but to teach children how to think carefully about issues while understanding different perspectives (including the assumptions, evidence and logical arguments used). You may wish to use the Socratic method, which utilizes probing questions to get to the heart of a subject matter and engages students in discussion. Children should learn to separate 1) facts, 2) different interpretations and 3) personal viewpoints. The social sciences are often great topics to discuss as a family. Families can share their personal viewpoints and beliefs while still teaching their children to look at facts and differing interpretations.

Simply Smart is in the process of creating additional social studies curricula for some of the above topics. In the meantime, here are some recommendations:

Economics

• For a solid, thorough academic approach to economics written for a Christian audience, Economics: Work & Prosperity, by Abeka Books, is a great one semester course. You will need the textbook and the Economics Answer Key.
• For an economics approach without religious references, Khan Academy is a free, online program some choose.
• If your child wants college credit, they may want to consider taking economics through a college

Government, Constitutional Studies & Religious Freedom

• For a more classical, conservative perspective on government, The Hillsdale 1776 Curriculum—High School American Government and Politics is a great option. It is a free high school course from Hillsdale College that has 1065 pages of materials. There are 8 Units, totaling 36 lessons.
• For religious freedom, Living with Our Deepest Differences: Religious Liberty in a Pluralistic Society by the First Amendment center is an excellent, free resource. Some of the material gets redundant, but the historical section in each lesson is well researched and written.
• For a more traditional government course, some use Khan Academy, a free, online program.

Personal Finance

• Foundations in Personal Finance by Dave Ramsey is a course available for purchase. It can be used in grades 9-12 and consists of video lessons, a workbook, and assessments. It covers budgeting, debt avoidance, saving and investing, insurance, taxes, and consumer awareness. It does have a Christian viewpoint, but is usable by anyone.
• NGPF (Next Gen Personal Finance) is a 9-12 grade curriculum that is available online entirely for free. The format uses free online lessons and activities, and covers investing, banking, insurance, taxes, and behavioral finance.
• If your child wants college credit, they may want to take personal finance through a college concurrently while in high school