COURSE OVERVIEW
An introductory U.S. Government course, students learn about great statesmen who influenced the course of U.S. history by applying principles from America’s founding documents: the Declaration of Independence and U. S. Constitution. Students also learn the importance of principles of good government and their proper implementation, or lack thereof, during times of racial inequality, attacks on the family and human dignity.
During this semester course, Declaration Statesmanship will be the guiding text supplemented by Charles Rice’s indispensable work, 50 Questions on Natural Law.
Advanced, Honors Track students also take a deeper look at the judicial branch of government through readings and assignments in Sandra O’Connor’s book The Majesty of Law. This text provides insight into the role of the U.S. Supreme Court and several of its landmark cases.
Government and Natural Law is a superb capstone course for St. Thomas Aquinas Academy’s Liberal Arts program. The works of ancient statesmen, philosophers, classical authors and playwrights, saints and Church Doctors, are more than just interesting studies--their wisdom is essential for us if we are to discern and defend right answers to critical questions facing Americans today. What
answers ought we to give to the following: What is justice? What is law? What is the proper role of man-made law and government? Why does the Catholic Church teach what it does about human dignity, equality, Communism, abortion, IVF, euthanasia, and family life? Only those with a sound education can properly address the myriad of political, legal, ethical and social issues facing Americans in today’s declining culture. Only those with a
sound education can properly exercise their responsibilities as a citizen in a democratic society. St. Thomas Aquinas Academy designed the Government and Natural Law course to help fill that educational need.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Basic information about the books and materials for this course follows; see your Academic Packet or STAA Study Guide for full ordering details and commentary about each resource.
A portion of every purchase made on Amazon after following the links here goes to help support St. Thomas Aquinas Academy's work. Thank you so very much for thinking of STAA when placing your book and general Amazon orders.
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Semester 2: European Studies IIA Study Guide
Student study guides and course plans for the second semester of the European Studies, A Track cycle. Designed to work in conjunction with STAA advisor support, our live classes, or the "Independent Study with Online Support" option, the STAA Study Guides include weekly reading plans, assignment directions, reflection topics, and gradebooks for the semester and help prepare students for the weekly, graded online quizzes. This guide
includes multiple subjects. To further personalize your student's plan, single-subject study guides are available at www.shop.staahomeschool.com.
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Declaration Statesmanship: A Course in American Government: Student Textbook
This is one part of a three book set that includes Student Textbook, Reading Book, and Teachers Manual -- you will need all three pieces.
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Declaration Statesmanship: Teachers Manual
This is one part of a three book set that includes Student Textbook, Reading Book, and Teachers Manual -- you will need all three pieces. The Teachers Manual includes detailed lesson plans, answers to review questions, paper topics, quizzes, and tests.
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Declaration Statesmanship: Reading Book
This is one part of a three book set that includes Student Textbook, Reading Book, and Teachers Manual -- you will need all three pieces.
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50 Questions on the Natural Law: What It Is and Why We Need It
411 pages.
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Catechism of the Catholic Church
846 pages. Any edition from any publisher will do. It is standard practice to reference the Catechism as "CCC" in print. The STAA course plans follow this practice.
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There are online resources such as weekly reading quizzes, special downloads, advisor support through the Q & A forum, occasional slide shows or videos, and more for this course. To activate your student's online access, 1) submit the Course Registration form after your annual planning appointment, 2) register for the live class, or 3) register for the "Independent Study with Online Support Option." After completing one of the
registration options, students (and teaching-parents) may use their usernames and passwords to sign into the member site. The STAA Student Zone is available each school year from August 1 to July 15.
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OPTIONAL RESOURCE
Majesty of the Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice
352 pages.
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OPTIONAL RESOURCE
Spring Live Class: Government and Natural Law
Small-group, advisor-led live online class for students in Grades 11 and 12 that meets every other academic week of the second semester. Advisor grading of assignments is also available for students registered for this live class.
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