HISTORY/CIVICS CLASSES
TEXAS HISTORY
7th-8th grades
The course will cover the history, culture, and government of Texas from early inhabitants to modern times. Topics for the fall semester will include geography, exploration, colonization, revolution, and independence, and in the spring semester, we will start with the Republic of Texas and statehood and then will learn more about the cultures and industries representative of our state. Weekly homework will include reading, study questions, and vocabulary. There will be two tests and an additional project or report each semester. Optional field trips may be available over fall or spring break for those who are interested; details will come later.
Required Materials
● Textbooks - Texas and Texans and Catholic Texans will be loaned to each student. (Contact the tutor for the ISBN if you’d like to buy your own copies.)
● 5 dividers, binder separate from other classes, notebook paper, pen or pencil to use during class, colored pencils
Tuition: $40 per month for 9 months ($160 fall/$120 spring after registration deposit) Supply fee: $30
Class size: minimum 6, maximum 14
Tutor: Jennifer Quezada (jennniferlynnquezada@yahoo.com, 214-778-7582)
WORLD HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY
7th-9th grades
This course will cover world history, geography, map skills, and the origin of major cultures from prehistory through the 1800s. Students will get a broad view of history and geographical areas from the textbook then choose research topics to focus on areas that interest them. Every two-four weeks, each student will present a short report to the class on a topic of their choice from the unit. Visual aids and projects are encouraged including electronic slideshows. Students in ninth grade will have additional report requirements and higher expectations than middle school students. Parents may need to help their child find appropriate resource material online or at the library. The goal is to help students gain a wide breadth of knowledge that will be useful in their future high school studies. We will label maps, learn about saints, listen to music, analyze famous works of art, sample foods from around the world, compete in class to build an ancient city in the Indus Valley, and much more.
History chapters include: Prehistory, Ancient Israel, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, the beginning of Christianity, Byzantium and the rise of Islam, China’s Middle Kingdom, Japan, India, Africa, Russia, Latin America, and Europe: Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation.
Report examples:
● Build a model ziggurat and explain its importance to ancient Sumerians
● Show a picture of the Rosetta Stone and share the details of its discovery and importance
● Give a mini-biographical report on Confucius, King David, Julius Caesar, GenghisKhan, Saint Augustine, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, or Saint Francis Xavier
● Research Russian Ballet in general and The Nutcracker specifically
● Describe important inventions from Japan
Tuition: $40 per month for 9 months ($160 fall/$120 spring after registration deposit)
Supply fee: $45, which includes food samples, homework folders, textbook workbook copies printed out each week, map worksheets, access to special in-class activities, prizes, and geography flash cards.
Textbook: Students will be loaned a copy of All Ye Lands: World Cultures and Geography 2011 edition which must be returned at the end of the year in good condition.
Class size: minimum 4, maximum 10
Required materials:
● Colored pencils for mapwork
● Pencil or pen
● Any supplies needed at home to create projects to share with the class (could be poster board, paint, popsicle sticks, glue, or other craft/building supplies)
Tutor: Kim Ellerbrock (Ellerbrock.tutor@gmail.com, 847-224-5763)
U.S. History
Grades 9-10
This course will cover United States history from early explorers through the 20th century. Students will get an overview of history from a thoroughly Catholic perspective using a book from the Catholic Textbook Company. We will dive into specific eras and events using “Picturing America,” a short study of pieces of American art. Weekly assignments will include reading, workbook assignments, and quizzes. Every two to three weeks, students will complete a project from a list of ideas, such as building a model fort or mission out of Lego, doing a report on weapons used during a specific war, creating a map of major battles in a war, completing an oral or written report on a historical figure or saint, or watching a movie or reading a book from a list of recommendations and giving a summary and review to the class. (List of recommended movies and books will be provided at the beginning of the year.)
Tuition: $45 per month for 9 months ($180 fall/$135 spring after registration deposit) Supply fee: $45 (which includes textbook rental from C4 and student workbook)
Textbook: Students will rent a copy of The American Venture: A History of the United States (Catholic Textbook Company publication), which must be returned at the end of the year in good condition.
Class size: minimum 4, maximum 10
Required materials:
● Pencil or pen, highlighter
● Binder (can be shared with another class)
● Any supplies needed at home to create projects
Tutor: Michelle Ryan (michelleryan24@outlook.com, 469-682-2283)
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
10th-12th grades - FALL ONLY
WESTERN CIVILIZATION 1
9th-12th grade; targeted to 10th grade
This class consists of a chronological overview of the Western world, following the Catholic Textbook Project’s Light to the Nations Part One. Outside reading from the textbook will be required so that class time can consist of lectures and discussion. Classwork will consist of worksheets, short answers, and discussion boards. Discussion boards are utilized in many college classes. This class will give students experience with this type of assignment. There will be some additional research that will be required for discussion board answers.
While most schools don’t require a Western Civilization credit, this all-encompassing class is becoming increasingly popular in high schools and colleges. You can count this class as a world history credit. NOTE: Western Civilization 1 and 2 do not have to be taken in order, although it is recommended to do so if your schedule allows.
Tuition: $45 per month for 9 months ($180 fall/$135 spring after registration deposit) Supply fee: $45 (which includes textbook rental from C4 and student workbook)
Class size: minimum 5, maximum 14
Required materials: Students will rent a copy of Light to the Nations: The History of Christian Civilization Part One (Catholic Textbook Project) which must be returned at the end of the year in good condition.
Tutor: Christy Gutierrez Quintanilla (christygq@gmail.com, 214-458-0895)
In this one-semester class, students will learn about the principles and structure of American government. We will begin with the ideas that influenced the formation of our government and will study the views of the founders who participated in the creation of the Constitution. Our discussions will cover the intended functions of the elements of government, what has changed over time and why, and how each citizen can make a difference. The final weeks of the semester will include an examination of contemporary topics including the Roe v. Wade decision and the impact that it has had on our society. Authentic Catholic social teaching will be incorporated into our discussions whenever possible.
In addition to the books listed below, we will use some reading materials that are available online at no cost or that will be printed for students. Extra credit assignments may include short current events reports with approval of parents.
We will cover some basics of preparing for the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exam for American Government, which can be taken to earn college credit for the American Government course that is required by all Texas universities and most schools in other states. The CLEP exam is not required for this class but may be of interest to students and parents. Contact me if you would like further information.
Prerequisite: Completion of a high school course on US History or permission of tutor Required materials:
● Online textbook available at Poptential.org (free)
● REA CLEP American Government (ISBN 978-0738610382 - there is an older version that is also acceptable, but check with me before purchasing to make sure it is the correct version)
● 1.5” 3-ring binder with 5 dividers, notebook paper, pen or pencil for use during class Tuition: $45 per month for 4 months ($135 for the semester after registration deposit) Supply fee: $15
Number of Students: minimum 4, maximum 12
Tutor: Jennifer Zerangue (c4mrszerangue@gmail.com, 214-676-8749)
ECONOMICS
10th-12th grades - SPRING ONLY
This one-semester course covers 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. The textbook (provided by the tutor), Economics: Work and Prosperity, was written by Catholic philosopher Russell Kirk. Emphasis will be given to Catholic morals concerning economics.
Tuition: $45 per month for 4 months ($135 for the semester after registration deposit) Supply fee: $15
Textbook provided by tutor: Economics: Work and Prosperity in Christian Perspective, 3rd ed. Class size: minimum 4, maximum 12
Tutor: Sondra Mullan (c4mrsmullan@gmail.com, 972-953-8450)