2026-2027 School Year

American Government GVL

1st Semester

Course Description

This course will meet or exceed all state standards for the U.S. Government high school requirement. The class will be highly interactive during class time and students should make every effort to not miss class. The student will leave the class with: A basic understanding of what constitutes human government and how the United States came to be a Constitutional republic; a thorough understanding of the U.S. Constitution, including such concepts as limited government and checks and balances. The student will learn the difference between government and politics and what it means to be an informed citizen and how to be involved in public service and/or the political realm. In addition to the Notgrass textbook, the class will hear from local and state level leaders (as they are available) as well as participate in a mock trial. The class will also read and reflect upon current affairs and have chances to discuss/ debate in class. Most importantly, the students will be taught from a Christian worldview and will incorporate and analyze the Biblical basis for human government as they study the foundation and growth of our own government.

To be successful in this class:

Students should be mindful that this is a required high school course, aimed at juniors and seniors. Students are expected to complete all reading assignments, take notes in class, and complete all written assignments. Students should expect to spend 5-8 hours per week on this course (depending on individual student’s pace ) (some days will be more or less depending on the weekly objectives), divided among reading, writing essays/answering written questions, reviewing class notes, and research (when assigned).

Grades: 11th Grade, 12th Grade

Course Tuition and Enrollment Fees can be found HERE. If applicable, see below for additional course fees (supply, lab, textbook, etc.)

Additional Course Fees: $5 materials fee

Course Credit: 0.5 CP Social Studies Credit. Course can also be taken for honors credit. View Honors American Government Course Description for details on honors requirements.

Required Materials

Textbook:

Meet Olivia Pedersen

Education:  B.A. in Communication from Palm Beach Atlantic University

Experience:  Work in microeconomics with Vox Discipleship School (2015-present). Homeschool mom of 4 with two graduated.  Worked in and with many different ministries and different churches around the city of Greenville.  Currently the Content Coordinator for the magazine Greer Neighbors.

UHC courses taught:

  • Economics
  • American Government
  • Student Government Advisor (starting fall 2024)

Began teaching at UHC in 2022