Social Studies

Kentucky Academic Standards for Historical and Cultural Influences of the Bible Elective Social Studies Course

Published: 10/11/2024 10:51 AM

Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) KRS 158.197 establishes that the Kentucky Board of Education may offer students in grade nine (9) or above:

An elective social studies course on the Hebrew Scriptures, Old Testament of the Bible;
An elective social studies course on the New Testament of the Bible; or
An elective social studies course on the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament of the Bible.

The purpose of these courses is to focus on the historical impact and literary style from texts of the Old Testament and/or New Testament era, including the Hebrew Scriptures to teach students knowledge of biblical content, characters, poetry and narratives that are prerequisites to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, mores, oratory and public policy.

A course offered under this section will be expected to follow applicable law and all federal and state guidelines in maintaining religious neutrality and accommodating the diverse religious views, traditions and perspectives of students in the school. A course under this section shall not endorse, favor, or promote, or disfavor or show hostility toward, any particular religion or nonreligious faith or religious perspective.

It is important to note the Kentucky Academic Standards for the Historical and Cultural Influences of the Bible Elective Social Studies Course contains an Appendix A which provides disciplinary connections between the KAS for the Historical and Cultural Influences of the Bible Elective Social Studies Course and the KAS for ELA and the KAS for Social Studies. Since the passage of the KAS for the Historical and Cultural Influences of the Bible Elective Social Studies Course, the KAS for ELA and the KAS for Social Studies have been revised. Please refer to the revised Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Reading and Writing and the KAS for Social Studies (2019) when establishing disciplinary connections.

The following documents provide guidance on teaching religion in public schools to aid schools and districts with the implementation of the Historical and Cultural Influences of the Bible Elective Social Studies Course standards:

American Academy of Religion (2010). Guidelines for teaching about religion in K-12 public schools in the United States. Washington, D.C. Retrieved from https://www.aarweb.org/common/Uploaded%20files/Publications%20and%20News/Guides%20and%20Best%20Practices/AARK-12CurriculumGuidelinesPDF.pdf
First Amendment Center (1999). A teacher's guide to religion in the public schools. Nashville, TN. Retrieved from http://users.clas.ufl.edu/kenwald/pos4291/spring_00/teachersguide_3.pdf
National Council for the Social Studies (2017). Religious studies companion document for the C3 framework. College, Career, and Civic Life for Social Studies State Standards, Appendices. 93-97.
Pew Research Center (2007). Religion in the public schools. Washington, D.C. Retrieved from http://www.pewforum.org/2007/05/09/religion-in-the-public-schools/
Resources from the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute. Retrieved from http://www.religiousfreedomcenter.org/

A school-based decision making council under administrative regulations of the Kentucky Board of Education may offer this course to students in grade nine or above. Schools that decide to offer this course are expected to use the following course code information:

Course Number: 459811
Course Name: Historical and Cultural Influences of the Bible: Hebrew Scriptures and Old Testament
Grade Level: 9-12
Credits: 1 Elective
Course Description: The History and Literature of the Biblical Era: Hebrew Scriptures and Old Testament course focuses on the historical impact and literary style from texts of the Old Testament era, including the Hebrew Scriptures. Topics may include historical background and events of the period, the customs and cultures of the peoples and societies, and the influence of the texts on law, history, government, literature, art, music, customs, morals, values, culture and events, including recent and current events.
Content: Social Studies
Population: General

Course Number: 459812
Course Name: Historical and Cultural Influences of the Bible: New Testament
Grade Level: 9-12
Credits: 1 Elective
Course Description: The History and Literature of the Biblical Era: New Testament course focuses on the historical impact and literary style from texts of the New Testament era. Topics may include historical background and events of the period, the customs and cultures of the peoples and societies, and the influence of the texts on law, history, government, literature, art, music, customs, morals, values, culture and events, including recent and current events.
Content: Social Studies
Population: General

Course Number: 459813
Course Name: Historical and Cultural Influences of the Bible: Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament
Grade Level: 9-12
Credits: 1 Elective
Course Description: The History and Literature of the Biblical Era: Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament course focuses on the historical impact and literary style from texts of the New Testament era, including the Hebrew Scriptures. Topics may include historical background and events of the period, the customs and cultures of the peoples and societies, and the influence of the texts on law, history, government, literature, art, music, customs, morals, values, culture and events, including recent and current events.
Content: Social Studies
Population: General

For more information on the course codes, visit the Kentucky Uniform Academic Course Code webpage.

Please email the social studies team with any questions.