All of our students are called to holiness to be more like Jesus so they too can forever be sons and daughters of God the Father Almighty. We believe that there is no better way for them to learn holiness than to study the lives of the countless holy men and women in history, both religious and laity. These saintly people were major participants in many of the greatest events of history. Moreover, there are invaluable lessons to be learned from the evil that men and women do. Western Civilization, including that of the United States, was based on the influence of the ancient Hebrews and of European Christendom, what has been called the Judeo-Christian tradition. Although we study other traditions, because our Faith is based on this tradition, we heavily emphasize it in our history courses. By having a good knowledge of history, our students will have one of the best means with which to understand and defend their Faith.
Listed below is a description of each course. Select the courses you want to view from the list below.
Description of Courses
Unless otherwise indicated, all the following courses are for a full-year and earn two high school credits.
English 9
This course covers composition with literary analysis, but also incorporates spelling and vocabulary. Based on the Warriner’s Grammar and Composition textbook, students study paragraph writing and basic grammar before introducing a literary work. Students carefully analyze a work of fiction, while learning basic literary elements, such as characterization, conflict and theme. Other literary devices covered include point of view, foreshadowing, tone, and symbolism. The study of poetry is also introduced, and students are taught to discover the deeper meaning of poems. Book analyses are written in quarters 1, 2 & 4.
Another important component of the course is the writing of a research paper. The project is spread over three quarters, taking the students through the steps involved in the writing process: narrowing a topic, taking note cards, writing an outline and a bibliography, and finally culminating in the rough and final draft of the essay.
Text: Wordly Wise 6
Books for Analysis: Lilies of the Field, Where the Red Fern Grows, Merchant of Venice.
English 10
This course, like the English 9 course, combines composition with literary analysis. Spelling and vocabulary are also included, along with a review of sentence structure and mechanics. Basic principles of composition are reviewed, though writing assignments become more involved as students begin analyzing more advanced literary works.
Students study novels and poetry and delve into the complexities of each. The second and third quarters are largely devoted to the study of aspects of poetry, such as figurative language and sound devices. Novels are studied in the first, second and fourth quarters, examining characterization, conflict, and theme. Studying different components of good literature, students form a greater appreciation for these classics. Book analyses are written in quarters 1, 2, & 4.
Texts: Wordly Wise 7
Books for Analysis: Animal Farm, Tale of Two Cities.
English 11
The main objective of this course is to improve the student’s ability to analyze, interpret, and critique literature. Further, students learn and perfect the skill of writing an interpretive essay. We especially emphasize works of literature written from a Catholic point of view, and students are brought to a deeper understanding of the Catholic view of reality and human nature. Different types of literature are read throughout the course to sample each of the different genres: the novel, poetry, narrative poetry, and the play.
Texts: Song at the Scaffold, Ballad of the White Horse, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, The Scarlet Letter, The Screwtape Letters, A Man for All Seasons
English 12
This is a survey course of British literature that covers the great works of the British literary tradition. Using a Catholic British literature anthology, students study the chronology of poetry and prose from Chaucer to Chesterton. The works are carefully studied, encouraging textually based interpretation that captures the insights of the great British authors.
The textbook begins with the literature of the early Anglo-Saxon period and continues with the Medieval, Renaissance and Elizabethan periods. The poetry of Donne, Milton, and Gray are studied, followed by poetry from both the Romantic and Victorian era. The anthology concludes with selections from the Catholic literary revival in England, including stories by Evelyn Waugh, Graham Greene, and Hilaire Belloc. In addition to the textbook, students read longer works from authors such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen and T.S. Eliot. The course stresses analytical thinking.
Texts: Prose and Poetry of England, Pride and Prejudice, Murder in the Cathedral, Robinson Crusoe, Macbeth
American Literature
This is a survey of American Literature, using a Catholic anthology, originally published by Catholic University Press. The textbook chronologically covers major periods in American history by tracing the development of American literature and culture. The course stresses analytical thinking and appreciation of the literary merit of each of the works. Book analyses are written in each quarter.
The first section “Colonial Outlines - 1492-1775” includes mostly non-fiction essays and letters by Christopher Columbus and Blessed Junipero Serra. “Revolutionary Designs - 1775-1800” includes political pieces by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. “National Patterns - 1800-1865” begins the formal American literary tradition, including great American authors like Irving, Longfellow, Hawthorne, and Poe. The book continues through the frontier period and finishes with selections from the 20th century. For Juniors or Seniors.
Textbook: American Literature
World Literature
This course surveys works of literature from various countries and cultures. Discussion questions guide the students toward considering each work from a Catholic perspective.
The anthology contains selections from authors such as Lord Byron, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Joyce Kilmer, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, O. Henry, and Matthew Arnold. The book is divided into sections on the short story, the novel, poetry, biography, and non-fiction. In addition, students write two book analyses in the course, covering characterization, conflict and theme.
Text: World Literature
Shakespeare
This is a one-semester course concentrating on the plays of the classic English playwright William Shakespeare. In many ways, these plays show us how Catholic thinking, traditions, and culture have been reflected in the life and literature of the past. For Juniors or Seniors. One Credit.
Texts: As You Like It; Hamlet, King Lear, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Romeo and Juliet; The Tempest, Twelfth Night, The Winter’s Tale
Grammar and Composition
The first semester of this course is spent studying grammar, while the second semester is devoted to composition. The objective is first to cover the basic rudiments of the English language, before moving on to their practical application in the writing of compositions.
The grammar portion reviews basic grammar concepts such as the seven parts of speech and then teaches more advanced concepts such as participles and gerunds, as well as phrases, clauses and sentences. Sentence diagramming is also incorporated into the first semester.
The semester of composition begins with a review of the basic characteristics of a good paragraph, including topic sentences, unity and coherence in a paragraph, and the use of relevant supporting details. Soon students begin writing longer compositions, while studying the different kinds of composition: descriptive, narrative, expository, compare and contrast, and persuasive.
Text: Grammar 9 for Young Catholics
Vocabulary
The purpose of this one-semester course is to help the student learn vocabulary for personal conversation, for college papers, to understand what is read, and to do well on the college entrance exams.
The work text teaches the student new words from context, building vocabulary through central ideas, and words derived from Greek, Latin, French, Anglo-Saxon, Italian, Spanish. One credit.
Text: Vocabulary for the College-Bound Student
Spanish I
The worktext, as the Preface explains, "presents the Spanish language in an interesting and stimulating context through a personalization of the materials rather than through a traditional memorization of set formulas and dialogues." Catholic supplement.
Text: Spanish Now!
Supplement:
Manual del Catolico
Spanish II
At the second year level, the Spanish text uses more complex structures of basic Spanish, and expands the cultural themes. Beginning units provide a thorough review of the introductory structures and vocabulary; then, new material is presented with continual opportunities for written and oral practice of new expressions. Pre-requisite: Spanish I
Texts: Spanish Now! Level 2, El Via Crucis, Padre Pio
Spanish III
The third year Spanish course concentrates on the areas of oral communication, linguistic skills, and literature. Along with further study of grammatical structures, the text encourages the use of Spanish in real life situations, such as conversations, reading Spanish literature, and learning about Spanish history and culture. Thus, the course prepares the student for viewing and using Spanish as a living language. Pre-requisite: Spanish II
Text: Spanish for Mastery 3, Workbook
Algebra I
This course, using the widely acclaimed John Saxon textbook, provides the necessary drill by reviewing all concepts in every Problem Set. The parts of a particular concept are introduced in small units so that they may be practiced before the next part is introduced. In algebra, as with all other math subjects, the student must thoroughly understand each step. In Algebra I, students learn basic algebraic concepts such as integers, factoring, fractions, and functions.
Text: Algebra I by John Saxon
Algebra II
In Advanced Algebra, more complex concepts such as polynomials, rational expressions, and graphing are taught. Advanced algebra lays a solid foundation for the future study of mathematics, as well as many of the sciences, especially chemistry and physics. Pre-requisite: Algebra I
Text: Algebra II by John Saxon
Geometry
Since the time of the ancient Greeks, geometry has had a dual aspect. It is claimed to be an accurate description of the space in which we live and it is also an intellectual discipline, a deductive structure. This course covers both Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry in a reasonably simple chronological presentation in order to familiarize the student with all the basic concepts of geometry.
Text: Geometry
Advanced Math I
This course comprises the first half of the Saxon Advanced Math textbook. The complete course includes an integrated program of Geometry, Trigonometry, and Advanced Algebra. Specifically, besides reviewing concepts taught in Algebra II in more depth, this half of the overall course covers advanced topics including: reciprocal, exponential, combining, and decomposing functions; sums of and inverse trigonometric functions; solving trigonometric equations using factoring; laws of logarithms and logarithmic equations; linear regression; permutations; factoring over the complex plane; abstract coefficients; single variable analysis; and polar forms of complex numbers. Pre-requisite Algebra II
Text: Advanced Math: An Incremental Development
Advanced Math II
This course comprises the second half of the Saxon Advanced Math textbook. This second half of the course covers advanced concepts including: radicals in trigonometric equations; locus concepts in analytic geometry; matrices, matrix algebra, and inverse matrices; determinants and solutions of equations using determinants; law of sines and law of cosines; combinations; trigonometric identities; De Moivre’s Theorem; geometric progressions and series; arithmetic and geometric means; logarithmic inequalities; binomial theorem; synthetic division; the Remainder Theorem; solving solutions of equations using a graphing calculator. This course is appropriate for the serious math student. Pre-requisite: Advanced Math I
Text: Advanced Math: An Incremental Development
Calculus
The authors of this textbook write: “This book is designed for prospective mathematics majors as well as for students whose primary interests are in engineering, physics, business or the life sciences. Concepts covered include: the derivative; the derivative of sums and differences; the derivatives of a quotient; implicit differentiation; derivatives of inverse functions; the derivatives of specific functions including logarithmic and trigonometric functions; the differential; product rule for derivatives and differentials; the chain rule; differential equations; integration; the integrals of specific functions including logarithmic and trigonometric functions; integration by parts; integration by method of partial fractions; the definite integral; area between two curves; solids of revolution; maximization and minimization; and continuity and limits. Pre-requisite: Advanced Math II with a grade of B or higher
Text: Calculus
Logic
This course is to help the student reason well to see more clearly if an argument reaches a sound conclusion to determine if an answer is reasonable. As the author states, “You will more surely be able to synthesize the knowledge you possess into clear communication to advance the truth.” Part I: Introduction to Logic; Part II: Detecting Sophistical Arguments; Part III: Formal Logic; Part IV: Symbolic Logic. One credit.
Text: Principles of Clear Thinking (Second Edition)
Religion 9
This course is an overview, appropriate to the high-school level, of the four pillars of the faith: the creed, the sacraments, the commandments, and prayer. The course also contains Basic Apologetics to address the high school student’s greater intellectual questions about the Catholic Faith.
Text: Baltimore Catechism Number 3
Religion 10
The first semester of this course covers the Mass, the Sacraments, and Sacramentals, while the second semester covers Catholic morality. The two Catholic high school textbooks by Father John Laux have been reprinted and updated with footnotes by TAN Publishers.
Texts: Mass and the Sacraments, Catholic Morality, Understanding the Mass
Religion 11
In this course, the student begins by studying the purposes, origins, and versions of the Bible. Then the student studies the books of the Bible, both individually and in their natural groupings. Besides the doctrine and spiritual message of each book, the student will study the historical and social context of the Bible. The lesson plans include supplemental materials on such topics as the Suffering Servant, Types of Christ, The Word Made Flesh and the Incarnation.
Text: Introduction to the Bible
Religion 12
An advanced apologetics course, this program aims to prepare the senior student for the modern pagan world. Written by Dr. Anne W. Carroll, with an imprimatur from the Arlington diocese, the program covers He Who Is, Immortality and Freedom, The One True Church, Upon This Rock, Credo, Church and World, Justice in the Marketplace, Dialectical Materialism, Liberal Capitalism and the Social Encyclicals, War and Peace, Church and State, Christ as King, Man and Woman, Husband and Wife, Suffering in Christ, The Body of Christ, and Praying in Christ.
Text: Following Christ in the World Catholic Apologetics
Biology
This text was written for Christian high school students. Units include: Science: Finding Order in Complexity, Chemical Perspectives in Biology, The Continuity of Life, The World of Living Things, Small Plants and Little Animals, Animal Life, The Biology of Man, Plant Life, Theories of Biological Change, and Ecology and Conservation. Lessons include supplementary papers on Catholic perspectives on Science, Catholic position on evolution, and chastity.
Text: Biology: A Search for Order in Complexity (Second Edition)
Manual: Biology Lab Manual
Chemistry
In this course the student will learn about mathematics in chemistry, systems of measurement, matter, energy, atoms and molecules; the story of the atom; why atoms separate and combine, how they react; about similarities and differences of liquids, solids, gases, acids, bases and salts. Lessons explain chemical kinetics and equilibrium, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry. Pre-requisite: Algebra II
Text: Chemistry: Precision and Design
Manual: Chemistry Lab Manual - Experiences in Chemistry
Physical Science
Science of the Physical Creation is a Christian textbook which covers Meteorology and Oceanography; Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry; Geology, including Weathering, Earthquakes, and Rocks & Minerals; and Physics, including Electronics and Electronic Computers.
Text: Science of the Physical Creation
Manual: Student Manual with Lab Exercises
Physics
This course provides a simple, clear, and straightforward presentation of the basic concepts of physics by following an approach similar to the widely acclaimed Saxon method used in the mathematics series. Broad concepts covered in detail include: Newton’s Laws of Motion – kinetic and potential energy, conservation of momentum, kinematics of linear motion, circular motion, planetary motion, projectile motion, free falling body motion, inclined planes, friction, thermodynamics, entropy, ideal gas laws, refrigeration; atomic theory - radiation, quantum physics; and special relativity. Pre-requisite: Algebra II with a grade of B or higher.
Text: Saxon Physics: An Incremental Development
Manual: Physics Lab Manual
SOCIAL SCIENCES / HISTORY
American Government
Though our nation has made great progress in many areas, there is still more which needs to be done to bring America close to God and His Biblical principles. Christians must realize that by working and praying together, as well as by understanding our government process and becoming involved in our government, America can practice true justice towards all. Chapters include: Government Under God, The Shaping of American Government, The Constitution, The Legislative Branch, The Legislative Process, Legislation and Economics, The President, The Federal Courts, Constitutional Provisions and Amendments, Bureaucracy and the American Economy, State and Local Government, Maintaining Law and Order, The Economics of Freedom, Liberalism, and Conservative Thought. For Seniors.
Texts: American Government in Christian Perspective, The Federalist Papers, Cliff Notes on The Federalist Papers.
American History
This course is designed to be very thorough for the Catholic high school student whom we see as a leading citizen for the future. The text, Christ and the Americas, was written by Dr. Anne Carroll, “from a Catholic point-of-view. This involves two elements. First, those events specifically relating to the Church and to important Catholics are covered in detail, and their relation to and impact on secular history are clearly shown. Second, events which are not explicitly ‘religious’ are examined with Catholic principles clearly in mind: Catholic principles of morality and of political and social justice.”
Lessons are heavily supplemented with essays by renowned historian and novelist, Bruce Clark, on various events in American history, making history come alive for high school students.
Text: Christ and the Americas
Atlas: Atlas of United States History
World History
As Dr. Anne W. Carroll writes in her text, Christ the King: Lord of History, not all events make history, but only those events which have made a difference in the world. Historians need to make choices. “Each historian will write about the events he thinks are important and will give his own point of view.”
“This history book, therefore, will be based on the fact that the Incarnation is the central event in history and that everything else that has happened has meaning in relationship to this event.... We will find out what happened in history, why it happened, what its results were, and what difference it made afterwards.”
Selected chapter headings: The Kingdom of Israel, The Achievement of Rome, The Most Important Event in History, The Apostolic Age, Empire Versus Church, The Barbarians and the Church, The Foundation of a New Civilization, The High Middle Ages, Spain Becomes a Great Power, Revolt and Counterattack, England Against the Faith, The Catholic Defence, The Age of France, Liberals and Despots, The French Revolution, The Nineteenth Century, World War I and the Russian Revolution, The World Between Wars, World War II, The Modern World.
Text: Christ the King: Lord of History
Atlas: Historical Atlas of the World
World Geography
This course blends physical and human geography, helping students to understand their relationship to the earth and to other peoples of the world. Along with the study of the world’s lands and seas, special emphasis is placed on the influences of geographic environment. Supporting the narrative, which is presented in readable and interesting style, are maps, photographs, diagrams and charts. Each chapter provides a section called “Strange But True,” which describes unusual geographic features.
Text: World Geography: People and Places
Atlas: Classroom Atlas
Economics
The textbook Economics: Work and Prosperity was written by the famed Catholic philosopher Russell Kirk. The course covers all the basics of economics, such as what economics means to the student, the concept of a market economy, production, supply and demand, the interaction of the government and the economy, money, and saving for the future. One credit
Text: Economics: Work and Prosperity
Accounting
This basic Accounting course uses the book The Accounting Game, which was developed as a tool in a seminar for non-accounting, business executives. It was written to give these businessmen a better understanding of the 3 basic accounting documents, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Statement, and the Income / Statement, or Profit / Loss Statement ( P&L ). The book follows a young entrepreneur as he learns his business with a lemonade stand. There are many hands on exercises in the book. This is not a bookkeeping course. There are no journal entries or book closing in this course. One credit.
Text: The Accounting Game