World History is a full-year survey course required of all freshmen. It is a comprehensive study of human history that focuses on the development of civilizations from the ancient times up to the present. The course also will expose students to the changing political, societal, and cultural aspects of human societies across the globe.

U.S. History is a full-year survey course required of all sophomores. The course covers all of American History from the settlement of the Western Hemisphere to the present. Emphasized are not only the fundamental aspects of change in our society, but also the continuity of events with regard to the political, economic and social developments of our nation’s history. Emphasis is also placed on the development of study skills, such as reading comprehension, note taking, critical thinking, and test preparation.

U.S. Government is a course required for graduation and available to juniors and seniors. This course deals primarily with the understanding and application of the U.S. Constitution. Much of the course is an in-depth look at government on the federal, state and local levels.

This one-semester elective course for juniors and seniors provides an overview of the history of the Church from the time of the Apostles, through the Reformation into the Counter-Reformation and Modern Church. The course is designed to provide the student with a broad understanding of the theological controversies and resolutions that defined much of the history of the Early Church and the World. It also introduces the major individuals involved and discusses the political and institutional trends within both the Church and the culture during this timeframe (Charlemagne, Martin Luther, Ignatius, etc.). Although the broad spectrum of church traditions will be addressed, the primary focus of this course will be the history of the Western (or Catholic) Church.

Civil Rights: An American Journey is a one-semester elective course that focuses on the history of the civil rights era—primarily from 1954-1968. The course will concentrate on the major events, ideologies, and leaders of that time. It will explore the impact of the civil rights movement on American politics, culture and economy, as well as discuss its continuing relevance on current issues in our society.

Economics is a one-semester elective open to juniors and seniors. The course explores the choices and decisions that people make about how to use the world’s limited resources. It introduces the basic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, international trade, and personal finance. This course places an emphasis on the students developing an economic way of thinking and problem solving that can be used in their lives as consumers, responsible citizens and effective participants in the global economy.

Michigan History is a one-semester elective course open to juniors and seniors. It surveys Michigan from prehistoric times to the present, with a focus on the Detroit area since the Civil War. Particular emphasis is given to the study of the development of the Michigan territory and early statehood, as well as the rise of the automotive industry and the labor movement. Students will improve research and writing skills by composing several small papers and power point presentations.

Plagues and Epidemics in History is a one-semester elective course open to juniors and seniors. It examines the relationship between humans and the unseen world of germs. First, it explains how human activity help create the condition for epidemics, and secondly, it explains how plagues have affected past civilizations. It also explores in-depth the Bubonic Plague of the 14th century and the Great Influenza Pandemic of the early 20th century.

The one-semester elective course is designed to introduce students to the historical inquiries of the discipline of psychology. These inquiries include -- but are not limited to -- the person; sensation and perception; states of consciousness; learning; memory; motivation; and emotion and personality. In addition to normal course requirements, students are expected to think and write reflectively.

Prerequisite: open to seniors only

Sociology is a one-semester elective course open to juniors and seniors. The course is designed to introduce students to a study of human relationships. Much time is devoted to the concepts of culture, social organization, and social institutions, with special attention given to the role of the individual in society. Students are also introduced to the basics of sociological research, interpretation and communication.

The course will cover the core subjects and events of Asian History beginning with the first river valley civilizations to recent political and social changes in the Middle East and China. Themes include the transcontinental influence of trade, the origin and spread of religious ideas, the tension between continuation and change in traditional patterns of life.

This is one semester elective is open to juniors and seniors.

This one-semester elective course for juniors and seniors investigates experiences and beliefs about wealth, poverty, social class, and economic inequality. Readings, videos, discussions, and simulations address historical roots, consequences of imperialism and globalization, and current data and policy options for America and the world. A crucial goal of the course is to deepen students’ commitment to a “faith that does justice” with a focus on Pope Francis’ teachings on economics and a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.

World Religions: Violence and Nonviolence in the World’s Religions

This one-semester elective course for juniors and seniors introduces students to the history, beliefs and practices of the world’s major religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Such a study should help students enlarge their understanding of God in a rapidly-shrinking world where knowledge of the world’s religions is imperative to our Christian vocation to “make peace among individuals and nations” (The Challenge and Possibility of Peace). The course will focus on violence and nonviolence in each of the world’s religions and will examine the ways in which religion has inspired both the best and the worst in humanity throughout history and in our world today.

The World Since 1945 is a one-semester elective course open to juniors and seniors. It surveys world history since the end of World War II, with an emphasis on tracing historical developments up to the present. Major topics include the Cold War, decolonization in Asia and Africa, the evolution of modern China and India, the Middle East, Islamic fundamentalism, globalization, and environmental issue. Students will write short papers, participate in simulations, and do a larger project of their choosing.