Social Studies Program
If you want the personal connection of an excellent brick-and-mortar classroom combined with the flexibility of online learning for your student, choose this option. Our signature live online courses are the heart of the Williamsburg program, led by expert mentors who create a deep sense of community between students. Live courses include the following benefits:
In many live courses, we offer both a Classic and Honors format. Students in both versions meet in the same live class sessions, but students in Honors courses have about 30% more readings and assignments, including projects that are more challenging. Students are welcome to enroll in whichever version fits best for them and can switch within the first twenty-one days of the semester. Honors courses are not available in the self-paced format.
If your student works well independently or needs more flexibility to work around other
activities, our self-paced courses are an ideal option and provide a richer, more personal experience than many other asynchronous online courses. Self-paced courses include the following benefits:
In high school Math, Fine Arts, PE, and Electives, we offer independent courses so students can earn academic credit for learning from a third-party curriculum provider. Some students prefer alternative math programs; others put in long hours practicing musical instruments, competing on an athletic team, or participating in internships. Students can earn credit for these and other activities by enrolling in an Independent Studies course, provided they fulfill the course requirements (see the above course links for full details).
Why This Class
Today more than ever, you want your student to have an informed voice in the conversation about politics and the economy in the U.S. This course helps your student develop a grounded perspective by introducing them to the roots of American government.
Mentors in this course lead students on an in-depth tour of the Constitution, exploring the rights, protections, and divisions of power that form a bulwark against its abuses. Students study the original writings of the founding fathers and political philosophers who gave rise to American democracy. Through frequent discussions and debates, students learn to compare the best arguments on all sides of constitutional and economic issues and refine their own social and political views.
By the end of this course, students are comfortable discussing the issues that matter to keeping America free. They see their vital role in maintaining liberty for future generations and feel highly motivated to make it happen.
The Five Thousand Year Leap by Cleon Skousen
The Roots of American Order by Russell Kirk (optional)
*The Spirit of Laws by Charles Montesquieu
*The Second Treatise on Civil Government by John Locke
*The Federalist Papers by Hamilton, Madison, Jay
*The Law by Frederic Bastiat
*Available in the public domain so you can find these works free online. Links will be provided in the course if you do not wish to purchase the physical books.
What defines government?
What defines natural law?
How does the Constitution divide powers horizontally and vertically?
How does the Constitution protect human rights?
What are the characteristics of freedom?
Please contact our Customer Support Team at support@williamsburglearning.com if you have questions.
Please note that program and course descriptions, as well as reading and materials lists, are subject to change as we continuously improve our curriculum throughout the year. Book and materials lists for the upcoming school year are published in SIS mid to late June.
Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm MST
Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm MST
Closed weekends and holidays
1173 S 250 W Ste 107 Saint George, Utah 84770
P. 800-200-6869 F. 435-215-7699