Course Descriptions
Disclaimer: These course descriptions are in the process of being updated. They were current for 2009-2010, and in many cases still are. As we update descrpitions we will add a date to let you know when the description was written. For the most accurate information, please check with teachers or counselors.
ENGLISH
English 1-Pre-AP - This academically rigorous course prepares students for AP courses and exams by introducing and developing college-preparatory writing and literary analysis of selections from world literature. Literary studies focus on an in-depth understanding of many literary elements and how these elements function to develop and author’s theme and tone. Although many formats of writing are explored, particular emphasis is placed on literary response to a variety of genres in literature. AP test taking skills are introduced and AP-style questions are used as a means of assessment and discussion in the classroom. One independent reading book is assigned each semester in addition to texts studied in class to broaden students’ reading background in preparation for the AP Exam. In addition, one literature-based research project is assigned and students are thoroughly guided through the research process. Speaking, listening, and viewing skills are included throughout the year in the form of group and individual projects. Summer reading is given for this course and assessment of the reading is given throughout the first grading cycle. (updated 02/22/2012)
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
English 2-Pre-AP - This course includes a study of advanced grammar, American literature- 1900, world literature selections, multicultural selections, and college-preparatory composition and research. Speaking, listening, and viewing skills are central to English studies.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
English 3-AP - This course includes a survey of primarily 20th century American literature with college-preparatory vocabulary, advanced grammar, upper-level composition and research involving a topic from 20th century American literature or history. The course is taught with an emphasis on literary analysis and synthesis. Speaking, listening, and viewing skills are further developed with an emphasis on analysis.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
English 4-AP - This is a rigorous course with quality standards established by the AP Program, the College Board, and Educational Testing Services (EST). AP examination credit that often satisfies (and replaces) or represents a year’s college level work, although specifies may vary from college to college. Students choosing AP English Literature & Composition should be interested in and LOVE READING. British, American, and World literature of recognized literary writers from various periods and genres will be studied, discussed, and analyzed in written form. Students will write a literary analysis research paper. Speaking, listening, and viewing are taught with an emphasis on analysis. Writing will be precise and correct and should show signs of stylistic materialization characterized by: a wide-ranging vocabulary of sentence structures, logical and organized, and balance of generalization with specific illustrative details. Some of the course writing and reading will involve research, perhaps negotiating different critics and schools of literature.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
See the electives listing for more English courses! (Horror, Film Studies . . . . )
MATHEMATICS
Algebra 1-Pre AP - Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra. This course focuses on the requirements of introductory Algebra with graphing, equations, and inequalities. Application of the material is assessed through analysis of answers and word problems.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Geometry-Pre AP - Prerequisite: Algebra 1 - This course applies visualizing and analyzing geometric relationships, develops inductive and deductive reasoning and connects geometry to algebra and probability. A variety to hands-on work will be completed to help develop concepts and to cement understanding of geometric properties.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Algebra 2-Pre AP - Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry- This course stresses the importance of algebraic thinking and symbolic reasoning. Students use a variety of tools and strategies to represent functions and solve equations. Students work with many different families of functions including linear functions, quadratic functions, higher degree polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions, as well as conic sections and an introduction to matrices and sequences and series. Students will also be exposed to challenging application problems for each major topic in the course. This course is required for graduation and is also the pre-requisite for Pre-calculus and AP Statistics.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Pre-calculus-Pre AP - Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and 2 and Geometry- This course includes much work with functions, their graphs and applications. It also includes a unit on trigonometry. There will be smaller units on analytical geometry, sequences and series, vectors, and limits. Throughout the course there will be applicable projects and research papers.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Calculus AB-AP - Prerequisite: Pre-calculus- This course is designed to cover at least one semester of college calculus. It should allow the student to enter easily into any semester course in college calculus.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0 Level: O
Calculus BC-AP - Prerequisite: Calculus AB - This course will cover the material of two semesters of college calculus and prepare the student to transition smoothly into college Calculus III.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0- Level: Q
Statistics-AP - Prerequisite: Algebra 2 - This course is an introduction to statistics, including the material that would be covered in an introductory statistics course in college. The course explores both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, with topics including experimental design, graphical displays of data, probability, and hypotheses testing. Statistics is used to organize, summarize and draw conclusions from data. Since the ability to understand statistics is becoming more and more important in our society, many college majors require a course in statistics. This course is applicable in many fields outside of mathematics and would be an excellent course for any student to take, but it is especially recommended for students planning to major in political science, psychology, biology, business, or mathematics in college.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
SOCIAL STUDIES
World Geography-Pre-AP - Most students think that geography is memorizing the locations of countries, capitals, rivers, etc. While this is part of geography, it is really much more than that. These questions are answered in this course: where, why there and why do we care. It is structured around four themes: Physical, Economic, Historical, and Cultural Geography.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
World History-AP - Prerequisite: minimum "B" in World Geography and English 1
This course focuses primarily on the past thousands of years of the global experience. The course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human state prior to 1000 C.E. The purpose of this course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate factual knowledge and appropriate skills.
United States History-AP - The AP program in United States History is designed to provide students with the analytic and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. History. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials- their relevance a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance- and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. Offered to 11th and 12th graders.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level Q
Economics-AP-Grades: 11-12 - Advanced Placement Economics prepares students for the AP Microeconomics exam in May. The course concerns Microeconomics and provides students with an understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision marks, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. Primary emphasis is placed on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. This course is considered to be equivalent of a first year microeconomics course at the college level.
Length: one semester-Credit: 0.5 Level: Q
European History-AP-Grades: 10-12 - This elective course is a study of European history since 1450. Students are introduced to the cultural, economic, political and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping modern Europe.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Government AP, Grades: 12 - This course introduces the students to the social science theories and the practical applications of American Government. We study the U.S. state and national governments in their social and political context, reviewing the role of political parties, interest groups and the media in formulating and shaping law and policy on the local, national, and international arenas.
1968-H-Grades: 10-12 - This elective course will focus on the year 1968 and its effects on today. It is a course that will enable the student to learn recent American History by studying one of its most pivotal years. The students will be expected to trace the historical background of events in different areas, describe the events, and explain how they affected and continue to affect Americans today.
Length: one semester-Credit: 0.5-Level: Q
World Religions-H- Prerequisite: World History-Grades: 11-12 - This one semester course serves as an introduction to the world’s major religions. Students will be introduced to the history, beliefs, practices and contemporary relevance of many religions.
Length: one semester-Credit: 0.5-Level:Q
World Wars - Students learn how people, events, and circumstances let to the outbreak of the two World Wars fought in 20th Century. They will study political, economic and social causes of World War I to the events leading to the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor.
Length: one semester-Credit: 0.5-Level: Honors
Sociology-Regular-Grades: 9-12 - This one semester course is an elective that serves as an introduction to field of sociology. It is the study of human society, including both social action and social organization. Sociology encourages us to look beyond individual psychology to the many recurring patterns in people’s attitudes and actions, and how these patterns vary across time, cultures, and social groups.
Length: one semester-Credit: 0.5-Level: Regular
Psychology-Grades: 10-12 - This one semester course is a study of psychological, social and physical factors that affect behavior, from conception to death. Topics covered include behavioral, neuroscience, sensation, perception, consciousness learning, memory, thought, language, emotion, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, intelligence, human diversity, personality, psychological disorder, health and well-being.
Length: one semester-Credit: 0.5-Level: Regular
Philosophy-H-1 & 2-Grades: 11-12 - This course is examination of philosophy and its place in our culture, with special emphasis on ethics, the question of the soul, the nature of truth, especially as it relates to science. Basic distinctions and categories for dealing philosophically with created reality are developed. Philosophy 1 is first semester and Philosophy 2 is second semester.
Length: one semester-Credit: 0.5-Level: Q
SCIENCES
Chemistry-Pre-AP-Grades: 10-12 - In Chemistry, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students study a variety of topics that include characteristics of matter: energy transformations during physical and chemical changes; atomic chemical equations; solutes; properties of solutions; acids and bases; and chemical reactions. This course will provide a more in depth background for AP Chemistry.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) - Grade 9 - This course provides an overview of the basic principles of physics and chemistry. Some of the concepts it deals with are the scientific method, the metric system, the physical and chemical properties of matter, the periodic table, motion, forces, simple machines, energy, electricity, sound, light, and magnetism. Incorporated in the course are laboratory skills of observation, interpretation of data, laboratory procedures, critical thinking, and problem solving.
Biology-Prep-AP- Grade: 9-10 - In Biology, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Topics include: structure and functions of cells and viruses; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; ecosystems and plants and the environment. Integral to this course is a laboratory program that stresses accurate observations, data collection, and analysis as well as manipulation of laboratory equipment.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Biology-AP- Prerequisite: Pre-AP Biology, Chemistry-Grades: 11-12 - This course offers students a college level curriculum equivalent to an introductory biology course in the freshman year of college and follows the syllabus set by the Development Committee of the College of the College Boards. Two major goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. Included within this course are the twelve advanced laboratory investigations, which are experimental, analytical, and qualitative in nature. Students will be using a college text, and the student completing this course in May, will have a well-rounded preparation to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam for college credit.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Environmental Science - AP-Prerequisite: Algebra 1, IPC, and one other laboratory science-Grades: 11-12 - This course is an Advanced Placement elective science. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. It is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Astronomy- Grades: 10-12 - An investigation of the universe, its history, its future and its parts, including our sun, the planets of our solar system, stars and their history, minor bodies (asteroids, comets, meteorites), galaxies and the night sky. It is intended to help the student gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand and apply scientific thinking, at least to physical systems.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Regular
Physics-Pre-AP - Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry, Algebra II-Grades: 11-12 - In Physics, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. This course provides students with a conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical and scientific skills. This course is a laboratory course built around these major units: mechanics (including linear and angular motion, linear and angular momentum work and energy, periodic motion and wave motion), thermal physics (including thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, gas laws and states of matter) and quantum physics. These topics will be trigonometry based. The class is required prior to taking AP Physics B.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Physics-AP- Grades: 11-12 - Prerequisites: Algebra2, Pre-Calculus, Biology, Chemistry Pre-AP Physics -
This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry, but occasionally calculus. In most colleges, this is a one-year terminal course including a laboratory component and is not the usual preparation for more advanced physics and engineering courses. However, the B course provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, premedicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science. Students will be prepared to take the AP Physics B exam.
Geology, Meteorology, and Oceanography- Grade 11-12. Students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students study a variety of topics that include: characteristics and conditions of the Earth; formation and history of the Earth; plate tectonics; origin and composition of minerals and rocks and the rock cycle; processes and products of weathering; natural energy resources; interactions in a watershed; characteristics of oceans; characteristics of the atmosphere; and the role of energy in weather and climate.
LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH
French 1 - Students establish the basic grammar foundation needed to read, write, and speak modern French. Using hands-on activities, selected readings, the Interned, and the text, students are immersed in the French language and culture.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Regular
French II- Pre-AP-Prerequisite: French 1 - Students continue to build upon their reading, writing and speaking skills by stretching grammar knowledge and deepening their understanding of the francophone world. Selected readings include excerpts from Le Conte de Monte Cristo fables from Jean de la Fontaine. Pronunciation is a focus as is the ability to dialogue with others.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
French III-Pre-AP - Prerequisite: French I & II - This course delves into advanced French grammar. It is considered the preparation year for the AP Language course. Included between each grammar unit are cultural readings and activities. Some of the favorite activities include learning French gestures, the Mille Borne tournament, and regional food week.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
French Language - AP-Prerequisite: French I-III - This course prepares students for the language AP exam. The year is spent in grammar and oral review. Included in the preparations are a reading of the novel Candide by Voltaire and the viewing of French films. Students are expected to follow current events by reading French newspapers and watching French news (channel 75, 7:30pm)
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
French Literature-AP - Prerequisite: French AP Language - This is a fast-paced, college level course where students are required to read, research, and critique the readings included in the AP Literature curriculum. These reading include, but are not limited to, works by Moliere, Maupassant, Voltaire, Ronsard, La Fontaine and Apollinaire. When time permits, students will make comparisons between these writers and their contemporaries by reading additional works. Emphasis is placed on the siecle and students learn to approach French Literature as a true scholar.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Spanish 1-Grades: 9-11 - This is the first of the sequenced Spanish courses. This course is an integrated learning system designed to provide beginning level secondary students with immediately useful and realistic language skills in Spanish. Creative use of the language is encouraged from the outset by allowing maximum interaction among students and between students and teachers. These interactions are based on tasks to be accomplished in real-life situations. The contexts that are presented have been chosen according to the frequency with which they occur in real life experiences of the Spanish speaking countries. The four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as culture reinforce each other. The class is student centered.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Regular
Spanish II-Pre-AP - Prerequisite: Spanish 1-Grades: 9-12 - This course is a continuation of the concepts and activities in Spanish I. The activities at the beginning are intended as a review of communication abilities, not as a means to an error-free performance. Although the development of all four skill and culture continues, reading is more prominently featured. Vocabulary is presented through the reading of excerpts from authentic documents such as newspapers, magazines, brochures, ads, menus, etc. Conversational Spanish will be an important part of each lesson. The culture is tightly integrated into every aspect of the course.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Spanish III-Pre-AP - Prerequisite: Spanish 1 & 2-Grades: 10-12 - This course is a continuation and review of vocabulary and grammatical points taught through the use of visuals and oral and written exercises. Conversations, readings, and literary selections provide variety and cultural insight. This course is open to any student who has completed Spanish II with a C or better.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Spanish IV-AP - Prerequisite: Spanish 1,2 & 3-Grades: 11-12 - This course consist of the study of literary and cultural selections that are chosen to acquaint the student with several con-temporary authors of the Spanish-speaking world. In addition, the course will provide the student with conversational and composition practice necessary to interact effectively in practical real-life situations. Most of the class is conducted in Spanish. The culture of the Spanish speaking countries is a vital part of this course. Upon conclusion of this course, students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Language.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Spanish V-AP - Prerequisite: Spanish 1,2 and 3-Grades: 11-12 - This course consists of the study of Literary and cultural selections that are chosen to acquaint the student with several contemporary authors of the Spanish-speaking world. Upon conclusion of this course, students will prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Literature.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Latin
The primary goal of the Latin program is to read classical literature in the original, so careful attention is given to grammar and the development of translation skills. The ability to generate original written and spoken Latin is a strong secondary goal. Since Latin is a valuable key to understanding English and other Western languages, vocabulary acquisition and the use of Latin roots to expand the students’ knowledge of English derivatives are integrated at every level.
The fluent reading of Latin requires not only the mastery of grammatical concepts through programming the brain with vocabulary details, inflection patterns, and grammatical structures [both Latin and English], but also the use of analysis and reasoning in applying that programmed information. Students are expected to take an active role in class, complete homework assignments, and develop good study techniques. In every level of Latin, there is abundant use of writing and speaking. Evaluation is based on quizzes, tests, term exams, completion of homework, and productive use of class time.
Latin 1 is an introduction to the written and spoken language and culture of ancient Rome and an examination of Roman influences on Western civilization. The archeology, art, architecture, and literature serve as sources of study with readings in Latin about daily life in ancient Pompeii, Britain and Alexandria.
This class integrates text and workbook to develop the skills of writing, reading and responding orally in Latin. Emphasis is on acquiring both fundamental grammar and basic vocabulary [with English derivatives].
Through textbook readings and class discussion, students receive an introduction to the culture of the ancient Romans, their systems and beliefs, and their legacy to the modern world.
Latin 2 is a continuation of all the elements of Latin 1 as the plotline moves from Britain to Rome. Students deepen their knowledge of Roman culture and society through readings in Latin and English.
The study of Latin vocabulary and idiom continues and becomes more technical. Students’ knowledge of grammar and syntax is augmented and integrated, all the while emphasizing the reading and translating of Latin. Progressively more challenging readings draw upon and develop students’ analytical thinking skills.
The goal of this course is to foster independence and self-confidence in translating an ancient language. By the end of the year, students should have the foundation to read prose of a Caesarian level of difficulty.
Latin 3 strengthens the students’ reading and comprehension skills while providing a methodical survey of advanced grammar and syntax in context. Because the majority of Latin grammar is covered in the first two years, the emphasis in the third year of Latin is on developing fluency and speed in reading unedited literature. Students will encounter a wide selection of authentic works from ancient writers, toward an understanding of authorial "voice" and style. Beginning with the straightforward prose of the late Republic, our destination is the formal poetry of the Augustan Age, the content to be covered in Latin 4. Enroute we will lay a foundation of literary devices critical to our understanding of the high art of the Latin hexameter. The social context and material culture of ancient Rome remain a significant aspect of the class. Throughout the year, continued vocabulary strength and development is emphasized.
Latin 4AP is college level work in preparation for the Advanced Placement test. The emphasis is on rapid and precise translation and relevant literary analysis of Latin poetry. Content alternates years between Vergil’s Aeneid and Catullus plus a second author.
A central focus of this class is discussing and analyzing the author’s life, cultural, political, and social context, literary choices, and literary predecessors. Literature flowers during the Augustan era, and we will strive to think like the poet’s Roman audience. The study also includes the influence of Roman poets on modern literary forms.
The course emphasizes both literal and idiomatic translation, oral reading using the metric system, identifying figures of speech, and accurate interpretation of text. Students review complex grammar and syntax as they encounter forms and constructions in context. Students will be evaluated on their ability to analyze contents of passages from the writings and study: forms used, style, peculiarities, historic references, and philosophies expressed.
IB/AP Latin 5 - This course allows students to prepare for a second AP exam or for the IB SL content exam. If a student took Latin literature in AP Latin 4, this course would cover Vergil, and vice versa. The IB text covers readings from both strands of AP content, with additional Ovid. Students will write in Latin on a weekly basis and will learn basic composition rules.
FINE ARTS
Art 1-Pre-AP - This course serves as a prerequisite course for all the Advanced Placement Portfolio courses. Students will analyze a variety of artistic styles in Art History and gain a fundamental knowledge about the elements and principles of design while creating their own artworks. During the year students will be involved in construction criticism, interpretive problem solving and the production of artworks that display a mature level of skill in handling media and tools.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Art 2-Pre-AP - Prerequisite: Art 1-Pre-AP-This course serves as a prerequisite course for students serious about producing artworks to be included in an AP portfolio in the 11th or 12th grade. A continued investigation of the elements and principles of design helps students master a greater intellectual, perceptual and technical range of visual literacy while completing the breadth portion of the AP Portfolio.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Art 3-Pre-AP - Prerequisite: Art 1 and 2-Pre-AP- This course serves as a prerequisite course for students serious about producing artworks to be included in an AP Portfolio in the 11th or 12th grade. A continued investigation of the elements and principles of design helps students master a greater intellectual, perceptual and technical range of visual literacy while completing the breadth portion of the AP Portfolio.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Art 4-AP (Portfolio) - Prerequisite: Art 1 and 2-Students transform their ideas into tangible artworks that complete the concentration section of the AP Portfolio. Students will be involved in independent study producing a large number of pieces based on their individual interests. The body of work produced by each student evolves one piece to another and culminates in a series of pieces that are decisive, confident and of college level. A mandatory lab section is also required.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Debate 1 & 2 - Prerequisite: Teacher’s Approval-After completion of this course, students will be able to effectively make decisions using reasoning and logic in various debate formats in the service of statements of belief or propositions of policy. A course in which students learn the principles of argumentation and debate, analyze contemporary problems and issues, research the topics, and organize material for effective oral presentations. Students do in-class debating, as well as attend debate tournaments.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Regular
Theater Arts 1, 2, 3, 4 - Students will study all aspects of theatrical production including theater history, textual analysis, acting theory and techniques, design and technical theater, audition techniques, body and voice control, stage combat and improvisation. The advanced classes also study playwriting and directing. Permission of the instructor is required for Theater Arts 2-4.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Regular
Theater Production 1-2 - Taking advantage of Carnegie’s unique annual Fall Shakespeare in the Courtyard production, this course offers a focused look at Shakespeare’s work. The emphasis is on understanding Shakespeare’s plays through the lens of performance rather than solitary reading. The Fall semester covers comedies and romances; the Spring covers histories and tragedies. No prior knowledge of Shakespeare, theater or other prerequisites necessary.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Regular
Technology Applications
Computer Science 1-Pre-AP - Prerequisite or concurrent Algebra 2-This course is an introduction to computer science and Java programming. It covers the first half of the AP Computer Science "A" curriculum. Students will write programs and applets to solve problems and to perform simple graphical techniques. It is intended for students with interests in math, science or engineering.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Q
Computer Science 2-AP A - Prerequisite: Computer Science 1-This course is a continuation of Computer Science I, covering the second half of the AP Computer Science "A" curriculum and the case study. It includes advanced Java programming methodology, procedural abstraction, the study of algorithms, and data abstraction. It is intended for computer science majors and as a course for other individuals who will major in disciplines that require significant involvement with programming.
Length: two semesters- Credit: 1.0-Level Q
Business Computer Information System 1 - Prerequisite: Keyboarding-Grades 9-12-Students learn the background and uses for computer systems and the components of computer systems, including hardware, operating environments, and application software. Concepts and skills in document production, using Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Telecommunications, Desktop Publishing, Presentation Management, Networking. (Course can count for one credit of Technology Applications.)
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level Q
HEALTH
Grades: 10-11 - This course covers traditional health topics such as body systems and social health. Also included are some of today’s other health issues: violence, AIDS, drugs and responsible sexuality. This course is a required course for graduation.
Length: one semester-Credit: 0.5-Level: Regular
Physical Education-Grades:9-12 - This course is a required course for graduation.
Length: one semester-Credit: 0.5-Level: Regular
Physical Education-FPF-Grades: 9-12 - This course is a required course for graduation.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 0.5-Level: Regular
Communication Applications-Grades: 9-12 - This course is a required course for graduation. Communication Applications is a new course required by the State of Texas that meets the Speech requirement. In this course, students will learn how to interview for a job; write a resume; create job descriptions; work in teams; run a business meeting, a board meeting, a job interview; and how to make a variety of presentations. Most importantly, students will learn and be expected to demonstrate professionalism in their work, appearance, and attitude.
Length: one semester-Credit: 0.5-Level: Regular
ELECTIVES
Newspaper 1 & 2 - Prerequisite: Teacher’s approval-Grades: 10-12-Newspaper is a year-long course with dual emphasis on the study of journalism and the publication of journalistic writing. Students write several different types of newspaper stories for the school paper including straight news, editorials, and features. Students are responsible for the publication of the school newspaper. Students may participate in newspaper production for additional years and may apply for editorial positions as they gain additional skills and experience.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Regular
Yearbook 1 & 2 - Prerequisite: Teacher’s approval-Grades: 10-12-Yearbook is a year-long production course. Students will be responsible for all aspects of yearbook publication. Students will work under the leadership of student editors in the areas of writing, photography, page design, and meeting deadlines. Students will have the opportunity to work with representatives of yearbook publishing companies. Students may participate in yearbook production for additional years and may apply for editor positions as they gain additional skills and experience.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level: Regular
Independent Research/Study-H-Grades: 11-12 - This is a glass for students who wish to pursue an area of study for which there is no class available. The students will do research on the topic of their choice while keeping detailed records and conferring with a mentor. Students then produce an innovative product based on the research. The product must be of professional quality. The students then do a presentation before a group of professionals who evaluate the project and the product. This class can be part of the Distinguished Achievement Plan designation. Additional information is available on the state website: www.performancestandards.org.
Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0-Level Q
Mentorship-H-Grades:12th - Under the guidance of a professional who has worked in the student’s field of interest, the student will be submersed into a world of new experiences and practical knowledge. The program is open to seniors who can provide their own transportation.
Length: two semesters-Credit 1.0-Level: Q
Photography - Photography is a year long arts course. Students will learn the elements and principles of design in order to compose original photographs using a digital camera. They will also learn the basic use of a digital darkroom program that can be used to change and edit photographs and compositions. Students will learn how to display artwork and create exhibitions, as well. Finally, the study of well-known and influential photographers is essential to the development of a photographer as an artist, and students will choose several photographers for more in-depth examination of their works and techniques.(updated 02/22/2012)
Music Theory 1 - enables students to develop an understanding of the theoretical elements of music and their relevance to music composition. Common student expectations include reading and writing music in treble and bass clefs; knowledge of C clefs; identifying chords in major, minor and modal scales; and accurately taking rhythmic and melodicdictation. Students will compose and perform short musical works.
Literary Genres - Horror: This course is an elective course that covers the stylistic characteristics of the horror literary genre. This course is taught as a full-year course and covers the origin of the genre (with early Gothic literature) and spans through early American notables (like Poe & Lovecraft) to modern day horror contemporaries (like Stephen King and Neil Gaiman, etc.). Students will learn to appreciate the sensory descriptions and psychological twists of the horror genre and be able to emulate the stylistic techniques in their own writing. Students will also explore the evolution of this genre through various forms of media: literature, film, graphic novels, etc. (updated 02/22/2012)
Literary Genres - Film Analysis: "Films can be much more than entertainment; they can also help students better understand themselves, their culture, and other forms of media." - Patricia Lastiri
Students today are predominately visual learners, and teaching skills like theme, conflict, and characterization through film will have a much stronger impact then sticking to one medium such as novels. Breaking down films, or "reading" films as Lastiri would say, for an extensive analysis will help strengthen students' synthesis and evaluation skills not to mention critical thinking skills necessary in the classroom and in real life.
The class would cover the same skills and objectives covered when teaching and studying a novel such as plot and character development, theme, allusions, conflict, determining audience, archetypes, point of view, rhetorical shift, setting, styles, tone, and mood. By analyzing the director's use of color, lighting, camera direction, costume, soundtrack, and other elements, students will have the chance to approach concepts studied only in literature in a new visual format. Essentially, the students will learn how to deconstruct the film to help critical and independent thinking.
The course could be organized by theme or another literary element like archetypes, but would also use films from all genres and periods, both domestic and international. (updated 02/22/2012)
Literary Genres - Shakespeare and Poetry are semester-long courses arranged to learn about different poets, poetic devices and techniques, and their application in literature. The first semester will cover different poetic devices and their use in various poetic forms. Students will examine the use of poetic devices in forms by specific poets as well as in more long-form literature. The Shakespearean semester will follow and will delve into the use of many of the devices studied to build the characters and themes, as well as focusing more directly on the mechanics of Shakespearean plays.
Please check with your counselor before choosing this course, it is not confirmed for the 2012-2013 year. (updated 02/22/2012)
