COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2007-2008

 

 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

 

 

ENGLISH I                                                                            Grade 9                                                                                  1 credit

 

This course is designed to enhance the student’s skills in reading, listening and writing.  The course will focus on improving competency in the conventions and mechanics of written English.  The study of a wide range of literary genres will increase student’s knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of various cultures and literary periods.  Through the study of literature, the student will gain an understanding of literary terms and forms essential to successful completion of subsequent English classes.

ENGLISH I - PRE-AP - Honors                                         Grade 9                                                                                  1 credit

Prerequisites:        Teacher recommendation

This advanced course is designed to initiate the competent student into critical analysis of a wide variety of literature.  Focus includes introduction of skills necessary for success on the AP Language and Literature Exams. These skills include an understanding of the writing process, appropriate use of grammatical conventions, and awareness of essential terminology.

 

ENGLISH II                                                                          Grade 10                                                                               1 credit

Prerequisites:        English I

This course is designed to reinforce the student’s skills in language competencies.  Emphasis is placed on effective written expression for a variety of purposes and audiences.  The students will respond to multicultural literary selections, develop analytical thought processes, and augment research capabilities.

ENGLISH II - PRE-AP - Honors                                       Grade 10                                                                               1 credit 

Prerequisites:        A minimum 80 overall average in English I PRE-AP or a 90 overall average in English I.

This advanced course gives the competent and motivated student the opportunity to further the development of analytical skills through the study of Shakespeare and other major writers.  Another focus is writing effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences.  The course will reinforce the terminology, reading, and writing skills necessary for success on the AP Language and Literature Exams.

 

ENGLISH III                                                                         Grade 11                                                                               1 credit

Prerequisites:      English II

This course is designed to emphasize the relationship of literature to history and culture through an extensive study of American writers.  Students will plan, draft, revise, and complete essays in a variety of modes for a variety of purposes.  The culminating writing assignment for this course is a documented literary research paper.

 

ENGLISH III AP                                                                  Grade 11                                                                               1 credit

Prerequisites:        A minimum 80 overall average in English II PRE-AP or 90 overall average in both English I and II, AP teacher’s approval.

This course is designed to make students skilled readers in a variety of literary genres and flexible writers in a variety of modes.  The class will emphasize strategies for success on the PSAT/NMSQT exam and the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Exam.  The course will also focus on the expository, analytical, and argumentative writing that forms the basis of effective communication in both the academic and business worlds.

 

 

ENGLISH IV                                                                         Grade 12                                                                               1 credit

Prerequisites:  English III

 

Through intensive study of the various periods of British literature, students will master the language, analytical, and writing skills necessary to prepare for college.  Students must also complete a research project in a designated area.

 

 

ENGLISH IV AP                                                                  Grade 12                                                                               1 credit

 

 

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) - I, II, III                               Grades 9-11                                          1 credit

 

English as a second language is offered to students with limited proficiency in spoken and written English.  The course is geared to those who speak no English as well as those who speak English but need help reading and writing the language.  Instruction is individualized to meet the needs of the learner.  Emphasis is on listening, speaking, and writing skills, as well as on cultural awareness and language concept.  Students should be concurrently enrolled in English.  (A maximum of 2 state credits may apply toward graduation.)

 

 

SPEECH

 

COMMUNICATION APPLICATIONS                           Grades 9-12                                                                          ½ credit

Rapidly expanding technologies and changing social and corporate systems demand that individuals send clear verbal messages, choose effective nonverbal behavior, listen for desired results, and apply valid critical thinking and problem solving processes.

Communication Applications is a study in "real world" applications.  This course will help develop effective communication skills.  It will help the student identify, analyze, develop, and evaluate communication skills needed for professional and social success in interpersonal situations, group interactions, and personal and professional presentations. 

Fulfills graduation requirement for speech.

 

 

DEBATE I, II, III                                                                   Grades 10-12                                                                      1 credit

Students interested in learning more about debating should plan to take this course.  Lincoln Douglas and Cross Examination debating styles are studied.  Practice debating and competition in tournaments are included as desired.  This is a follow up course for those who have taken Communications Applications.  Highly recommended for students interested in participating on the UIL Speech Team.

 

LANGUAGE ARTS ELECTIVES

 

 

PEER TUTORING                                                               Grades 11 - 12                                                                      ½ -1 credit

 

This elective course is offered for junior and senior students.  Students complete a mandatory training, which includes communication skills, behavior management, learning and teaching styles, positive role modeling, and procedures and responsibilities of peer tutoring.  A major part of the class time is devoted to completing service hours by helping other students.  Peer Tutors may be placed at the elementary, intermediate, junior high, or high school setting depending on which is the most appropriate for the student.  Students will complete time sheets, evaluations, checklists, and observations as a grade requirement.  Parental permission and travel forms are required of all Peer Tutors.  An application is required and can be obtained from the course instructor.  This is a local credit course.

 

 

BRIDGING THE EDUCATIONAL SCENE FOR TEACHERS OF TOMORROW (B.E.S.T.T.)

                                                                                                Grade 12                                                                                ½ - 1 credit

Prerequisite:  Peer Tutoring

This is a course for any senior student who is interested in becoming a teacher.  The curriculum provides students with the opportunity to interact with other students interested in the teaching profession; to participate in group activities, field trips, classroom observation; to meet with guest speakers; to receive assistance in filing college and financial aid applications; to explore the variety of educational career opportunities; and to be introduced to college level materials related to the teaching profession.  Students will be required to complete a teaching practicum and service hours as volunteer tutors.  They will maintain a portfolio of their class activities and lesson plans from their field experience.  The portfolio will be utilized to assess the competencies and skills that the students are expected to master in the course. 

 

 

PEER ASSISTANCE LEADERSHIP I (PAL)                 Grades 11-12                                                                       ½ - 1 credit

 

The PAL course will be implemented as a peer helping program in which selected high school students will be trained to work as peer facilitators with other, typically younger students on their own campuses, or on middle and elementary schools campuses.  Participants will be trained in a variety of helping skills, which will enable them to assist other students in having a more positive and productive school experience.  The course will serve the dual purpose of:  a) providing practical knowledge and skills, as well as actual field experience, for students potentially interested in careers in education or other helping professions and b) utilizing positive peer influence as a central strategy for addressing common adolescent issues.  An application is required and can be obtained from the course instructor. 

 

 

PEER ASSISTANCE LEADERSHIP II (PAL)                Grades 11-12                                                                       ½ - 1 credit

Prerequisite:  Peer Assistance Leadership I

 

PALS II is an extension of PALS I where students continue to work with their peers as well as students of lower grades.  Emphasis is placed on community service, leadership and peer mediation.

 

 

LEADERSHIP I, II                                                               Grades 10-12                                                                      ½  credit

 

This course is designed to help student learn the skills needed to be leaders.  Students will be challenged to develop the principles that will be the foundations of their lives.  This is not a lecture program but a “doing” program.  Students will face new challenges and situations that will build confidence.  Students will learn how to speak, present ideas and work with difficult people.  The goal of the course is to produce quality leaders with a strong sense of whom they are and where they are going; who grow in character and vision so that they will be prepared for the challenges of leadership.

 

JOURNALISM

 

                       

JOURNALISM                                                                    Grades 9-11                                                                          1 credit

 

Students will learn and apply journalistic skills including news judgment, reporting, interviewing, and appropriate journalistic writing styles and forms, layout, advertising, and business management, and cooperative skills used in production of school publications.  Students will be expected to extend skills in newspaper of yearbook or related publications production labs and advertising and business management assignments or projects.  This class requires time beyond the scheduled class period in information gathering, writing, layout design, production, and advertising and business management.  Approval of the journalism teacher is required before being scheduled into the class.   

 

ADVANCED NEWSPAPER JOURNALISM I, II, III    Grades 10-12                                                                       1 credit

Prerequisites:      Journalism

Students will learn and apply the required journalistic, technological, and cooperative skills to produce a school newspaper and/or related published products.            Students enrolling in Advanced Newspaper Journalism I, II, and III will be expected to extend skills learned in Journalism by additional training, more proficient development of the skills by practice in class/staff assignments, and by assuming, as assigned, more responsible roles in management and group cooperation.  Students enrolled in Advanced Newspaper Journalism I will complete TEKS for Desktop Publishing and will be assigned the Technology Applications credit for that class.  This class requires time beyond the scheduled class period in information gathering, writing, layout design, production, and advertising and business management.  Approval of the journalism teacher is required before being scheduled into the class. 

 

 

ADVANCED YEARBOOK JOURNALISM I, II, III      Grades 10-12                                                                       1 credit

Prerequisites:      Journalism

 

Student will learn and apply the required journalistic, technological, and cooperative skills to produce a school yearbook and/or related published products.  Students enrolling in Advanced Yearbook Journalism I, II, and III will be expected to extend skills learned in Journalism by additional training, more proficient development of the skills by practice in class/staff assignments, and by assuming, as assigned, more responsible roles in management and group cooperation.  Students enrolled in Advanced Yearbook Journalism I will complete TEKS for Desktop Publishing and will be assigned the Technology Applications credit for that class.  This class requires time beyond the scheduled class period in information gathering, writing, layout design, production, and advertising and business management. Approval of the journalism teacher is required before being scheduled into the class. 

 

 

MATHEMATICS

 

ALGEBRA I                                                                          Grade 9                                                                                  1 credit 

The basic concepts that are taught in Algebra I will include a representation of functional relationships, solving and graphing linear and quadratic equations with two variables, factoring polynomials, algebraic thinking, and symbolic reasoning applied to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of polynomials. 

 

GEOMETRY                                                                         Grades 9 - 11                                                                        1 credit

This one-year course is a down-to-earth presentation of geometry and geometric ideas.  This course can be used to model and represent many mathematical and real-world situations.  Geometric figures such as lines, planes, polygons, angles, circles, and special figures are studied.  Construction techniques for some of these figures will be learned, demonstrating physical properties of congruence and similarity. 

 

GEOMETRY - PRE-AP                                                       Grades 9 – 11                                                                       1 credit

Prerequisites:        Teacher recommendation

 

This course begins with the development of deductive reasoning so that given information about plane figures can be used to prove other facts.  An extensive study of triangles follows, along with the study of parallel lines, parallelograms, and circles.  The conclusion of the course includes finding the area of polygons and the surface area and volume of spatial figures.  Additional enrichment in the area of logic, including theorem development and proofs, is covered more extensively and in the regular Geometry course.  This course is a preparatory course for Algebra II honors.

 

 

ALGEBRA II                                                                        Grades 11 - 12                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:      Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry.

 

This course extends the basic concepts introduced in the first year Algebra and Geometry courses.  The concepts included in this course:  1) are the extension of our number system to include work with the complex numbers; 2) linear and quadratic systems; 3) linear and quadratic relations and functions; 4) the conic sections; 5) exponents and logarithms 6) sequence and probability, matrices and determinants; and 7) problem solving in the real world.

 

 ALGEBRA II - PRE-AP                                                     Grades 11 - 12                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:      85% or higher in Algebra I Pre-AP and Geometry Pre-AP.

 

This course extends the regular course with additional applications, analyses, and evaluations that develop logical reasoning by making and justifying generalizations based on the students’ experiences with fundamental algebraic concepts.   This course is a preparatory course for Pre-calculus or Statistics AP. 

 

 

MATHEMATICAL MODELS WITH APPLICATIONS                               Grades 11 - 12                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:      Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry.

 

This course uses algebraic, graphical and geometric reasoning to recognize patterns and structures, to model information and to solve problems from various disciplines.  Students use mathematical methods to model and solve real-life applied problems involving money, data, chance, patterns, music, designing and science.  Students use a variety of representations (concrete, numerical, algorithmic, and graphical), tools, and technology to link modeling techniques and purely mathematical concepts and to solve applied problems. 

 

PRE-CALCULUS                                                Grades 11 - 12                                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:  Successful completion with a 75 % average in Algebra II.

 

In Pre-calculus, students continue to build on the K-8, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry foundations as they expand their understanding through other mathematical experiences.  Students use symbolic reasoning and analytical methods to represent mathematical situations, to express generalizations, and to study the mathematical concepts and the relationships among them.  Students use functions, equations and limits as useful tools for expressing generalizations and as means for analyzing and understanding a broad variety of mathematical relationships.  Students also use functions as well as symbolic reasoning to represent and connect ideas in geometry, trigonometry and calculus and to model physical situations.  Students use a variety of representations (concrete, numerical, algorithmic, and graphical) tools and technology to model functions and equations and solve real-life problems. 

 

PRE-CALCULUS-Pre-AP                                 Grades 11 - 12                                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:  Successful completion with a 75 % average in Algebra II Pre-AP or 85% in Algebra II.

 

In Pre-calculus, students continue to build on the K-8, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry foundations as they expand their understanding through other mathematical experiences.  Students use symbolic reasoning and analytical methods to represent mathematical situations, to express generalizations, and to study the mathematical concepts and the relationships among them.  Students use functions, equations and limits as useful tools for expressing generalizations and as means for analyzing and understanding a broad variety of mathematical relationships.  Students also use functions as well as symbolic reasoning to represent and connect ideas in geometry, trigonometry and calculus and to model physical situations.  Students use a variety of representations (concrete, numerical, algorithmic, and graphical) tools and technology to model functions and equations and solve real-life problems. 

 

CALCULUS AB AP                                            Grade 12                                                                                               1 credit

Prerequisites:      Successful completion of Pre-calculus.

 

This course is a college level course designed for students with high math abilities.  This course encompasses the two parts of calculus, differentiation and integration of algebraic as well as transcendental functions.  The natural logarithm and exponential functions are studied.  Students are eligible to take an Advanced Placement exam for college calculus credit upon completion.  Prerequisites:   Successful completion of Pre Calculus.

 

SCIENCE

 

I.         Recommended High School Program and Distinguished Achievement Program.  Students planning for any post-high school education should complete this program.  The science requirements are:        

·   Biology and two credits from the three following areas:

            Integrated Physics and Chemistry                           

            Physics

           Chemistry

SEQUENCE 1

9th

10th

11th & 12th Grade Options

Biology

Integrated Physics & Chemistry

Chemistry

 Physics

Environmental Systems

Aquatic Science

 

SEQUENCE II

9th

10th

11th

11th & 12th grade science electives

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

AP Chemistry

AP Biology

Environmental Systems

Aquatic Science

SEQUENCE III

9th

10th

11th

11th & 12th grade science electives

Pre-AP Biology

Pre-AP

Chemistry

Physics

AP Chemistry

AP Biology

Environmental Systems

Aquatic Science

Lab Management

COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS SHOULD COMPLETE SEQUENCE II OR III.  STUDENTS COMPLETING SEQUENCE III ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE AT LEAST 1 AP SCIENCE COURSE.

 

 

INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY  (IPC)    Grades 9 – 10                                                                       1 credit 

 

This course provides students with opportunities to learn about the basic laws and principles that govern the physical and chemical world.   Topics to be covered include motion, waves, energy, transformations, properties of matter, and solution chemistry.  Students will use scientific methods in field and laboratory investigations that are designed to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.  Students will be expected to relate physical and chemical principles to other areas of science, technology, math, the social sciences, health, and the arts.  9th graders taking IPC are expected to take biology and chemistry or physics as their other 2 required science credits.

 

BIOLOGY                                                             Grades 9 - 10                                                                                        1 credit

Prerequisites:  Entering freshmen require 8th grade science teacher recommendation.

 

In Biology, students conduct field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and problem solving in areas related to living systems.  Topics to be covered include structures and functions of cells and viruses; growth and development of organisms, cells, tissues, and organs; nucleic acids and genetics; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; and plants and the environment.

 

Pre-AP BIOLOGY                                              Grades 9 - 10                                                                                        1 credit

Prerequisites:      Successful completion of Algebra I, 85 average or above in previous science course, and science teacher recommendation.

 

Biology Pre-AP is designed to meet the needs of students having special interests or aptitudes in science and/or who plan to take Advanced Placement (AP) science courses.  Topics in regular Biology will be covered with greater depth, and the development of research skills will be emphasized.  Students should be self-motivated learners with strong skills in the areas of reading and problem-solving.

 

CHEMISTRY                                                        Grades 10 - 12                                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:        Must have successfully completed Algebra I and Biology.

Chemistry is a course that investigates the composition and properties of matter and the changes that it undergoes.  Students will conduct laboratory investigations using scientific methods, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and problem solving in areas related to chemistry.  Students will also investigate how chemistry is an integral part of our daily lives.  Topics covered include characteristics of matter; energy transformations during chemical and physical changes; atomic structure and periodicity; chemical bonding; behavior of gases; chemical reactions; properties of solutions; acids and bases; and oxidation-reduction.  Chemistry is strongly recommended for the college-bound student. 

 

Pre-AP CHEMISTRY                                         Grades 10 - 11                                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:      80 average or above in Pre-AP Biology, or 90 average or above in Biology, and science teacher recommendation.

 

Chemistry is designed to meet the needs of students having special interests or aptitudes in science and/or who plan to take Advanced Placement (AP) science courses.  Topics in regular Chemistry I will be covered in greater depth and at an accelerated pace, and the development of advanced level problem solving and laboratory techniques is emphasized.  Students should be self-motivated learners with strong math skills.

 

AP BIOLOGY                                                      Grades 11-12                                                                                       1 credit

Prerequisites:      80 average or above in both Pre-AP Biology and Pre-APChemistry, or 90 or above in Biology and Chemistry.  Requires AP Biology teacher’s recommendation.

 

Biology AP is designed to be the equivalent of a first year general biology course in college.  The textbook, the laboratory experiences and the expectations for the student are college level.   Students should expect to spend at least five hours a week in independent study.  Topics such as ecology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, anatomy and physiology are presented in considerable depth.  Upon successful

completion of this course, students are encouraged to take the nationally administered AP exam.  With a qualifying score on the exam, the student may be eligible for course credit awarded by their college or university.  This course meets every day on the A/B block schedule.  Students in this course are required to also enroll in the AP Biology Laboratory course for an additional 1 credit.

 

AP CHEMISTRY                                                 Grades 11 - 12                                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:      80 or above average in Pre-AP Chemistry, or 90 or above in Chemistry, and completion, or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II.  Requires AP Chemistry teacher recommendation.

 

Chemistry AP is designed to be the equivalent of a first year college general chemistry course and is to be taken only after the successful completion of Chemistry.  The textbook, chemical calculations and principles, as well as the laboratory experiences, are all of college level.  Topics include the structure of matter, bonding, kinetic-molecular theory, chemical kinetics and equilibrium, nuclear chemistry, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry.  Students should expect to spend at least five hours a week in independent study.  Upon successful completion of this course, students are encouraged to take the nationally administered AP exam.  With a qualifying score on the exam, the student may be eligible for course credit awarded by their college or university.  Students in this course are required to also enroll in the Chemistry AP Laboratory course for an additional 1/2 credit.

 

PHYSICS                                                              Grades 11 - 12                                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:      Completion of Biology and IPC or Chemistry, and Algebra II (or concurrent enrollment).

 

Physics is the course in which students investigate the mechanics of motion and the relationships between force and energy.  Students will conduct laboratory and field investigations using scientific methods, and will make informed decisions using critical thinking and problem solving in areas related to physics.  Students will also investigate how the principles of physics relate to and explain events in their everyday world.  Topics covered include laws of motion, changes within physical systems and conservation of energy and momentum, force, thermodynamics, characteristics and behavior of waves, and quantum physics.  Physics is strongly recommended for students with a special interest in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics. 

 

PHYSICS PRE-AP                                              Grades 11-12                                                                                       1 credit

 

Physics Pre-AP is designed to meet the needs of students having special interests or aptitudes in science and/or who plan to take Advanced Placement (AP) science courses.  Topics in regular Physics will be covered with greater depth.  Students should be self-motivated learners with strong skills in the areas of reading and problem-solving.

 

AQUATIC SCIENCE                                          Grades 11 - 12                                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:        Biology, and IPC or Chemistry

 

This course addresses a wide variety of topics related to freshwater and marine studies. During the first semester, students study the history of marine science and become familiar with the technology used to research aquatic environments.  Students also maintain fresh and saltwater aquariums stocked with a variety of organisms.  During the second semester, students survey marine organisms beginning with Porifera and ending with marine mammals.  The course culminates with a study trip aboard a Texas A & M research vessel.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS                       Grades 11 - 12                                                                                      1 credit

Prerequisites:        Biology, and IPC or Chemistry

 

This course is a “real life” science where students can examine their role in seeking solutions to environmental problems and gain the problem-solving skills necessary to make positive changes in their world.  It is designed to introduce students to major ecological concepts and environmental problems that affect the world in which they live.  This is a multidisciplinary course in which many areas of science are involved in both the analysis of and solutions to these problems.  Students are encouraged to gain a “first hand” understanding of environmental issues such as non-biodegradable litter on area beaches, dunes erosion, the persistence of solid waste, endangered species, and others, through various activities such as local “dunes Days”, beach clean-ups, specimen gathering and water and air quality sampling at area habitats, and “bloodless safaris” at the Houston Zoo.  Students discover, through various forms of media, laboratory and field investigations, that the earth is a fragile, interconnected collection of systems where human impact, both positive and negative, is determined by the countless decisions every person makes in daily life.  This is the science that challenges learners to assess their impact on this “system” and seek ways to improve it.

 

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

 

 

WORLD GEOGRAPHY                                     Grade 9                                                                                                  1 credit

 

In World Geography Studies students examine people, places, and environments at local, regional, national, and international scales from the spatial and ecological perspectives of geography.  Students describe the influence of geography on events of the past and present.  A significant portion of the course centers around the physical processes that shape patterns in the physical environment; the characteristics of major land forms, climates, and ecosystems and their interrelationships; the political, economic, and social processes that shape cultural patterns of regions; types and patterns of settlement; the distribution and movement of world populations; relationships among people, places, and environments; and the concept of region.  Students analyze how location affects economic activities in different economic systems throughout the world.  Students identify the processes that influence political divisions of the planet and analyze how different points of view affect the development of public policies.  Students compare how components of culture shape the characteristics of regions and analyze the impact of technology and human modifications on the physical environment.  Students use problem-solving and decision-making skills to ask and answer geographic questions.

 

WORLD GEOGRAPHY-Pre-AP                      Grade 9                                                                                                1 credit

This course includes the basics skills in World Geography enhanced with an in depth analysis of foreign cultures. 

 

 

UNITED STATES HISTORY STUDIES SINCE RECONSTRUCTION     Grade 11                                              1 credit

 

In this course, which is the second part of a two-year study of U.S. history that begins in Grade 8, students study the history of the United States since Reconstruction to the present.  Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to industrialization and urbanization, major wars, domestic and foreign policies of the Cold War and post-Cold War eras, and reform movements including civil rights.  Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major events and analyze causes and effects of the Great Depression.  Students examine the impact of constitutional issues on American society, evaluate the dynamic relationship of the three branches of the federal government and analyze efforts to expand the democratic process.  Students describe the relationship between the arts and the times during which they were created.  Students analyze the impact of technological innovations on the American labor movement.  Students use critical-thinking skills to explain and apply different methods that historians use to interpret the past, including points of view and historical context.

 

 

UNITED STATES HISTORY STUDIES -Pre-AP                                       Grade 11                                                  1 credit

 

U.S. History AP has been developed to require students to identify historical problems, form hypotheses, and to weigh and interpret evidence.  The students will be required to investigate historical facts by using certain critical thinking skills such as breaking down information into its parts, creating new ideas, and evaluating cartoons, panels, group discussions, simulations, and fictional letters.  It is equivalent to a first year U.S. History course in college

 

 

WORLD HISTORY STUDIES                                                          Grade 10                                                               1 credit

 

World History Studies is the only course offering students an overview of the entire history of humankind.  The major emphasis is on the study of significant people, events, and issues from the earliest times to the present.  Traditional historical points of reference in world history are identified as students analyze important events and issues in western civilization as well as in civilizations in other parts of the world.  Students evaluate the causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th century.  Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major historic events and identify the historic origins of contemporary economic systems.  Students analyze the process by which democratic-republican governments evolved as well as the ideas from historic documents that influenced that process.  Students trace the historical development of important legal and political concepts.  Students examine the history and impact of major religious and philosophical traditions.  Students analyze the connections between major developments in science and technology and the growth of industrial economics, and they use the process of historical inquiry to research, interpret, and use multiple sources of evidence.

 

WORLD HISTORY STUDIES - PRE AP                                        Grade 10                                                               1 credit

 

The honor curriculum includes the essential elements found in a regular world history course with greater stress placed on analyzing and synthesizing historical data through various learning activities.  World geography concepts are taught concurrently with historical events.  This course is designed for good readers with a minimum average in American History of 90. 

 

 

U S GOVERNMENT                                                                           Grades  12                                                            ½ credit

 

In Government, the focus is on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, functions, and powers of government at the national, state, and local levels.  This course is the culmination of the civic and governmental content and concepts studied from Kindergarten through required secondary courses.  Students learn major political ideas and forms of government in history.  A significant focus of the course is on the U.S. Constitution, its underlying principles and ideas, and the form of government it created.  Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty, and individual rights and compare the U.S. system of government with other political systems.  Students identify the role of government in the U.S. free enterprise system and examine the strategic importance of places to the United States.  Students analyze the impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups, and the media on the American political system, evaluate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a democratic society, and analyze the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.  Students examine the relationship between government policies that encourage scientific research and use critical-thinking skills to create a product on a contemporary government issues.

 

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS-AP            Grades  12                                                            ½ credit

Prerequisites:        Placement in this course will be based on teacher and counselor recommendation.

AP Government is designed to give students a critical perspective on government and politics in the United States.  This course involves both the study of general concepts used to interpret American politics and the analysis of specific case studies.  It is concerned with the nature of the American political system, its development over the past two hundred years, and how it works today.  The AP course will be a more in-depth discussion class in which the students will be required to read selected readings and books aside from the regular text.  Admission to AP government will depend on the student’s interest in the subject as well as on such formal credentials as an outstanding record of academic performance.  However, many other able students who are highly motivated may enter the course. 

 

 

ECONOMICS - FREE ENTERPRISE                                               Grades  12                                                            ½ credit

 

Economics with Emphasis on the Free Enterprise System and Its Benefits is the culmination of the economic content and concepts studied from Kindergarten through required secondary courses.  The focus is on the basic principles concerning production, consumption, and distribution of goods and services in the United States and a comparison with those in other countries around the world.  Students examine the rights and responsibilities of consumers and businesses.  Students analyze the interaction of supply, demand, and price and study the role of financial institutions in a free enterprise system.  Types of business ownership and market structures are discussed, as are basic concepts of consumer economics.  The impact of a variety of factors including geography, the federal government, economic ideas from important philosophers and historic documents, societal values, and scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the national economy and economic policy is an integral part of the course.  Students apply critical-thinking skills to create economic models and to evaluate economic-activity patterns.

 

ECONOMICS - FREE ENTERPRISE – AP                                     Grade 12                                                               ½ credit

Prerequisites:        Placement in this course will be based on teacher and counselor recommendation.

 

This course is designed for students who are prepared to progress beyond basic economic literacy.  Opportunities will be provided for application of economic concepts, evaluation of current economic issues, and analysis of the political and social implications of those issues. 

 

PSYCHOLOGY                                                                                   Grade 11 – 12                                                      ½ credit

 

In Psychology, an elective course, students consider the development of the individual and the personality.  The study of psychology is based on an historical framework and relies on effective collection and analysis of data.  Students study topics such as theories of human development, personality, motivation, and learning.

 

 

SOCIOLOGY                                                                                       Grade 11 – 12                                                      ½ credit

 

In Sociology, an elective course, students study dynamics and models of individual and group relationships.  Student study topics such as the history and systems of sociology, cultural and social norms, social institutions, and mass communication.

 

 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

 

SPANISH I (Level I)                                            Grade 9 - 10                                                                                          1 credit

 

In this course the learner will be introduced to the Spanish language through listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture.  There will be an emphasis on communication and authentic language beginning with structured practice that leads to creative, personalized expression.  The students will be expected to learn the present tense and approximately 600 new vocabulary words. Also, the students will be expected able to use the vocabulary to communicate effectively.  Connections and comparisons will be made to cultures, languages, and other disciplines.

 

SPANISH II (Level II) - Advanced Beginning                                Grades 9 – 12                                                       1 credit

Prerequisites:      Spanish I

 

In this course the learner will continue to learn the Spanish language through listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture.  The emphasis on communication continues with the addition of approximately 800 new words also the learner will master the following tenses present, imperfect, future, present progressive and imperfect progressive and commands.  Connections and comparisons will be made to cultures, languages and other disciplines.

 

SPANISH III (Level III)                                                      Grades 10 - 12                                                                     1 credit

Prerequisites:        Spanish II

 

This course is designed to reinforce the beginning and advanced beginning courses by extensively building upon the foundation that has already been established in the beginning years and by broadening the communication skills in more sophisticated real life situations and interaction through creative and personalized conversations, current magazine and newspaper articles, a variety of literature genies, greater cultural insights and a continuation of grammar concepts particularly the subjunctive mood.  An additional 800 new words will be mastered and connections and comparisons will be made to cultures, languages and other disciplines.

 

SPANISH IV AP LANGUAGE (Level IV)                       Grade 11 – 12                                                                      1 credit

Prerequisites:        Spanish III or Spanish III Heritage Speakers

 

This course is designed to meet the general objectives of an advanced Spanish language course as well as prepare for the educational testing service’s Advanced Placement Examination if desired.  It covers specific skills in four basic areas:  listening, speaking, reading and writing.  It reviews and reinforces student’s knowledge of the Spanish language and also widens their vocabulary and sharpens their grammatical skills through lectures, dialogues, and narrative connections and comparisons will be made to cultures, languages and other disciplines.

 

 

FRENCH I (Level I)                                                  Grade 9 - 12                                                                                                     1 credit

 

In this course the learners will be introduced to the French language through listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture.  There will be an emphasis on communication with authentic language.  The students will be expected to learn approximately 600 new vocabulary words.  They will learn to communicate in basic ways in everyday situations.  Greetings, using time, family relations, numbers, days, friends, hobbies, and sports are examples of things they will learn to talk about.  Connections and comparisons will be made to cultures, languages, and other disciplines. Vocabulary words and verb conjugations are to be memorized by the student.  An adequate working knowledge of English grammar and dictionary skills is beneficial.  Students will be expected to recognize nouns, verbs, pronouns, and other parts of speech in the foreign language.  Students will be expected to complete daily oral and/or written assignments.  Students’ participation and cooperation will be factored into the students’ grade.

 

FRENCH II - Advanced Beginning (Level II)           Grade 10 - 12                                                                              1 credit

Prerequisites:      French I

After completing French I the student will contin