High Scholars Worldview Curriculum
Worldview, history, geography, composition, literature and art appreciation are integrated as students journey through the great societies of Western Civilization. Each culture’s belief system is studied and critiqued in detail. This unique approach teaches students the value of a Christian worldview for personal growth, the shaping of cultural moral values, and the building of prosperous and healthy communities.
High Scholars students are typically self-motivated with an interest in developing academic and character strengths that will prepare them for Kingdom leadership. Whether they chose the dual-enrollment option or not, they will jump-start their college career through this dynamic course.
Developed by Belhaven University faculty specifically for home school students, the extensive feedback and mentoring they receive prepares them for a lifetime of learning.
Required Texts
Western Civilization, Spielvogel, Jackson J. Thomas-Wadsworth, 8th Edition
The Holy Bible
The Bedford Handbook, 8th Edition
Introduction to the Russian Soul by Ralph and Jennifer Ennis with Paula Rinehart
The Bedford Anthology of World Literature, Books 1, 2, and 3 (yr1)
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, trans. Marie Borroff, (year 1)
The Bedford Anthology of World Literature, Books 4, 5, and 6 (yr 2)
The Elements of Style, Wm. Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White, 4th Edition
Asia’s Religions: Christianity’s Momentous Encounter with Paganism by Lit-Sen Chang
Digital image databases, online museums and galleries, various exploratory and educational websites, digital and printed handouts
Resources from the Belhaven University online library
Course Description
HISTORY and WORLDVIEW
Students study the great cultures that led to the flowering of Western Civilization. Students examine the geography and natural resources, history and worldview of each culture, acknowledging human accomplishments and exploring the human predicament. Five ”Worldview Indicators,” are used to look at each culture’s views of God, nature, humanity, morals, and government. The excellence of the Scriptures shines through as we see God‘s wisdom and discover the blessings of living according to the principles of God‘s Word.
LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
A people’s worldview influences the content and style of their literature. Literature, in turn, often helps define the way people look at the world. Because these things are true, a student’s understanding of culture, history and worldviews is enhanced through the study of literature. Systematic teaching and application of literary terms, exposure to different genres of writing and sharpening of composition skills are included in this course.
WORLD CULTURE
The goal of this course is to introduce students to methods of visual analysis, provide explorations into exemplary artifacts, and give them an understanding of the worldviews of past and present cultures contained within their art. Students study form, function and content to determine how a worldview is manifested through art. Works of art are analyzed in the light of the Christian perspective. This course complements and enhances the other segments of the High Scholars Program.
RATIONALE
Everyone recognizes the greatness of Western Civilization, but how did we get where we are today? Freedom, equality, the rule of law, individual rights, the sanctity of human life – actually, every blessing we hold dear is based on a worldview that comes from the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Students in the course will learn facts and gain understanding that will prepare them for the faith challenges that are sure to come as they pursue their future education.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- To determine the worldview of each culture we study
- To examine the outcomes of thought systems not based on Biblical revelation
- To see how Biblical thinking contributed to the development of Western Civilization
- To understand how faulty ideas from the past influence our thinking today
- To encourage each student to develop a personal worldview based on the Bible
CLASS PROCEDURES
It is important that students follow the sequence of study as outlined by the instructors. Each week students view video lectures prepared in advance by Belhaven University professors. Students are expected to take notes and fill out objectives while viewing these lectures. Students meet with their classmates and instructors twice a week for 90 minutes in a web conferencing classroom. This is a dynamic time of discussion and thought provoking activities to reinforce the homework and lectures. Students are expected to actively participate on-mic during this time. Occasionally students will be asked to work on a task with teammates. Three major projects integrating all subject areas are completed during the two-year course. These require a 4-6 page research paper and a team presentation.
METHODS OF EVALUATION
Students are challenged to learn the facts, make meaningful connections, and communicate their analysis in a clear and concise way. Student performance will be evaluated in several ways during the semester, including the following:
- Quizzes
- Weekly Writing and Homework Assignments
- Midterm and Final Exams
- Discussion and forum participation
- Projects (these synthesis projects will require students to integrate knowledge and insights from the study of history, geography, literature, and art)
Please contact us at hsdualenroll@belhaven.edu or call 601-968-5942 for more information
