K kepler-title

Biblical Foundations for Economics

$500.00/year
Biblical Foundations for Economics
This class is currently archived, but if you're interested in it being taught again, you can express your interest here!
09/07/2020 - 05/14/2021
Full Year
0.5 credits in Humanities & Electives
Grades 7-12

Taught by:

About the course

This course guides students through an in-depth, biblical exploration of the basic principles of economics. Using a variety of readings, students will learn how thinking economically can provide a framework for living that fits God's design, brings him glory, and allows them to experience fulfillment in their lives. What makes this course unique is its emphasis on learning the biblical foundations for economics as a necessary component of making God-honoring decisions. Students who take this course will see how living out biblical economic principles empowers them to live faithfully as Christians, to flourish and to contribute to the flourishing of their families, communities, nation, and ultimately, the world.

Note: This course counts as a 0.5 “Elective” credit in Government, as required by the Kepler Education Diploma Track.

Course Objectives:

  1. Understand the economic way of thinking as a path to better stewardship
  2. Grasp the importance of good decision making for serving God and his creation
  3. Understand the grounding of economic thinking in biblical principles
  4. Be provoked to always ask “Why?” and “At what cost?” when evaluating different economic paths

Requirements:

  • Students must be at least 14 years old. This course is ideal for older high school students, who are thinking seriously about the intersections between the Bible, culture, and various philosophies of government and finance.

Format:

  • This 32-week course consists of four eight-week quarters. Each quarter students will be assigned a weekly pre-recorded lecture, readings appropriate for the week, relevant reading questions, and other audio or video resources, as well as a 1 hour live recitation with the instructor and other students. Assignments include: various essays and projects, quizzes and comprehension checks, and quarterly exams. In the course of the year, the students will read all the texts listed below, listen to 32 lectures, complete a wide variety of essays and projects, and attend a minimum of 30 (ideally 32) live recitations to discuss the texts in Socratic fashion.

Texts:

  • Biblical Foundations for the Economic Way of Thinking - Institute of Faith, Work, & Economics
  • Common Sense Economics - Gwartney, Stroup, and Lee
  • Entrepreneurship For Human Flourishing - Chris Horst and Peter Greer
  • In the Shadow of Plenty - George Grant

About the teacher