This post is in response to a recent question posed by a family with a ninth grader in the European Studies B cycle. Hopefully, this article will also help others who are in the same cycle and recently wrapped up Church History IIB, and noticed there is an optional course in their second semester study guide.
Is Church History a full-year course?
Church History IIB is a one-semester course, so it is complete after Semester 1. Church History IIIB is attached to the U.S. Studies cycle (typically Grade 9 for students who begin with the American Studies year) and Church History IA is attached to the Roman Studies cycle (typically Grade 11), so those courses will be part of the plan in future years. (Keep the big, green History of the Church book in your library—we will pull it out often during high school!)
What about Economics?
Some students choose to add Economics to their European Studies B Track year, but we usually prefer that students take it when they are 16 years old or older—when they are closer to having formal employment and paying taxes. Economics is not required in the European Studies year and can be added to any year when the timing is right for your student.
How do I plan the second semester?
When Church History IIB concludes at the end of Semester 1, you will have open Key Course spaces in Semester 2. You may use these spaces to move an elective up into a Key Course position, add an additional course such as Economics, or leave the Key Course space blank if your student’s schedule is already full.
Here is an example of how a European Studies B Track year might be organized for a ninth-grade student:
| Key Course | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Composition I (CM1-B) + EM1 + penmanship and spelling/lab | Composition II (CM2-B) + EM2 + penmanship and spelling/lab |
| 2 | Algebra I (AG1&2-B) | Algebra I (AG1&2-B) |
| 3 | Church History IIB (CH2-B) | [You may add Economics or move an elective from below into this space.] |
| 4 | European History I (EH1-B) | European History II (EH2-B) |
| 5 | American Literature (AL1-B) | [Move an elective from below into this space.] |
| 6 | Science Literacy I (SL1-B) | Science Literacy II (SL2-B) |
| Electives or Non-Academic | ||
| A | Old World Art (App & Prac) | Classical Music Appreciation |
| B | Choir/Voice | Choir/Voice |
| C | Physical Education (PHE-B) | Physical Education (PHE-B) |
Where can I find planning resources?
Visit the Course Sequences & Prerequisites page in the Appendix of Forms to download the Key Courses Worksheet and view the course sequence documents that accompany it. These resources will help you map out your student’s full high school plan.
If you have questions about your student’s specific course schedule, please reach out to schedule an advisor appointment. We are happy to help!