Catalog Course Descriptions
ENGLISH CORE
Honors English I
1 Credit
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to increase students’ vocabulary development, basic grammar skills, literature analysis, and writing skills. Reading comprehension skills will improve as students read and interpret various styles and genres of literature. Students will gain experience in research and in writing a research paper.
Honors English Composition I
1 Credit
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to increase students’ vocabulary and grammar skills. In-depth literature analysis and advanced writing skills are also emphasized. Students will read and interpret various styles and genres of literature that will require a higher comprehension level. Students will gain experience in research and in writing a research paper.
Honors English II
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors English I or Honors English Composition I
This course is designed to enhance students’ vocabulary and grammar skills, literature analysis, and writing skills. Reading comprehension skills will improve as students continue to read and interpret various styles and genres of literature. Students will continue to advance their research skills by writing a research paper.
Honors English Composition II
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors English Composition I or Honors English I with instructor approval
This course is designed to enhance students’ vocabulary development and grammar skills. Students will analyze literature in depth and use advanced writing skills. Students will read and interpret various styles and genres of literature requiring a higher level of comprehension and analysis. Students will continue to advance their research skills by writing a research paper. This course will help students prepare for AP English III.
Honors English III
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors English II or Honors English Composition II
This course is designed to emphasize literary analysis through a basic survey of American literature from colonial times to the present. Students will read and evaluate texts through an examination of literary elements while making connections to the time periods in which the texts were written. Students will continue to build on vocabulary and grammar skills while improving researching and writing techniques. Students will continue to advance their research skills by writing a research paper.
AP English III
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors English Composition II or Honors English II with instructor approval
This course is designed to be a college-level survey of American literature from colonial times to the present, with special emphasis on the analysis and composition of non-fiction prose. Students will focus on building vocabulary, writing, and enhancing reading comprehension skills. Students are required to take the AP English Literature and Composition exam in May.
Honors English IV
1 Credit
Prerequisite: AP English III or Honors English III
This course is designed to emphasize literary analysis through a basic survey of British literature while including a few selections from other countries around the world. During the course, students will publish a research paper and a Power Point presentation. In addition, students will be reviewing previously learned grammar and vocabulary.
AP English IV
1 Credit
Prerequisite: AP English III or Honors English III with instructor approval
This course is designed to be a college-level survey of British literature from Anglo-Saxon times to the present, supplemented by selections from the literature of other cultures. Students will focus on critical analysis of imaginative literature while learning advanced analytical writing to build on interpretation and comprehension skills. Students in this course are required to take the AP English Literature and Composition exam in May.
ENGLISH ELECTIVES
Contemporary Literature
½ or 1 Credit
This course is designed to encourage reading and thoughtful response to literature. The required reading will reflect a variety of genres, cultural backgrounds, and points of view. Students are encouraged to make connections with what is read to their own knowledge and experiences. Students are also challenged to increase their understanding of our diverse population and the world we live in.
Literature of the Bible
½ Credit
This course is designed with the purpose of providing students with the background knowledge necessary for recognizing and understanding Biblical allusions. This course is not a theology class. Students will be taught a brief history of the Bible, but the focus will be on learning about key characters and events found in both the Old and New Testaments, while also studying the style in which the various books of the Bible are written. The main version used in class will be the Authorized King James Version; however, a variety of different versions and translations will be used to give a well-rounded view.
College Writing
½ or 1 Credit
This course is designed to enhance students’ understanding of writing styles that they will encounter in college English classes. In addition to academic writing, students will also build a personal resume and become familiar with other professional writing skills.
SPEECH AND COMMUNICATIONS
Debate
½ Credit
This course is designed to equip students with effective communication skills. Students will receive instruction on how to thoroughly research topics and an emphasis will be placed on improving listening and reasoning skills. Students will present debates based on factual evidence while learning about historic rhetoric and the history and fundamentals of debating.
Speech/Public Speaking
½ Credit
This course is designed with an emphasis on developing students’ communication skills. Students will learn how to thoroughly research topics and how to organize their research. This course highlights the importance of preparation and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches.
Drama
½ Credit
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the origins of theater through the use of our textbook and other written materials. There will also be practical instruction in monologues, improvisation, and technical theatre. In addition, the class will produce two plays per year.
Musical Theater
½ Credit
This one semester course is designed as a performance-based class in which students interested in musical theater learn and perform a full-length (Broadway/Off-Broadway-style) musical. Students will be exposed to all aspects of theater production: music reading, script analysis, character development, stage movement, singing, prop/set creation, costuming, and lighting design.
MATHEMATICS CORE
Honors Geometry
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course is designed to provide a strong foundation in the essentials of geometry. Through lecture, hands-on activities, and practice, students will learn geometry concepts, apply these concepts to real-world problems, and maintain algebra skills. Topics covered include: properties of parallel lines, similar figures, congruent figures, right triangles, constructions, areas, and circles.
Honors Algebra II
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Honors Geometry
This second year algebra course is designed to review the objectives of elementary algebra as well as introduce more complex algebraic concepts along with an introduction to basic trigonometry. Topics covered include: linear, quadratic, and cubic equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, complex numbers, systems of equations, conic sections, and trigonometry.
ACT Mathematics
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Honors Algebra I, Honors Algebra II, Geometry
This course is designed for college bound students who are seeking to improve their ACT scores. The course will review the mathematics covered within the ACT as well as provide a comprehensive approach to taking the ACT itself. Furthermore, all students will learn test-taking strategies and gain familiarity with the types of questions commonly found on the ACT through practice and testing. Topics covered include: algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Honors Pre-Calculus
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Algebra I & II, Geometry, Teacher/Faculty Recommendation
This course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for calculus. Topics covered include: properties of functions, polynomials and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, analytical trigonometry and trigonometry topics, analytical geometry topics, systems of equations, inequalities, and sequences and series.
Honors Statistics
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Algebra I & II, Geometry
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to probability and statistical topics. Topics covered include: organization of data, probabilistic counting methods, measures of central tendency and distribution, confidence intervals, probability distributions, and hypotheses tests.
Advanced Placement Statistics
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Algebra I & II, Geometry, Teacher/Faculty Recommendation
This college-level course is designed to provide students with knowledge of statistical concepts and techniques. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Statistics Examination. Topics covered include: organization of data, probabilistic counting methods, measures of central tendency and distribution, confidence intervals, probability distributions, and hypotheses tests.
Honors College Algebra
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Algebra I & II, Geometry, Teacher/Faculty Recommendation
The course is designed for college bound students who are seeking to review topics of Algebra I and Algebra II. The course will further provide students with the opportunity to explore more complex algebraic situations. Topics covered include: polynomial functions, inequalities, rational functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, logarithmic and exponential functions, power and root functions, and inverse functions.
Advanced Placement Calculus BC
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Algebra I, Honors Algebra II, Honors Geometry, Honors Pre-Calculus, Teacher/Faculty Recommendation
Co-requisite: AP Physics
This college level course is designed to challenge the mathematically gifted student. Fundamental theorems of differentiation and integration and their applications are stressed. Topics covered include: techniques and application of differentiation, integration, hyperbolic functions, parametric equations, differentiated equations, polar equations, and series. The course covers content of one full year of college Calculus; therefore, students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Calculus BC Examination.
MATHEMATICS ELECTIVES
Algebra II Theory
1 Credit
Instructor’s Approval
This course is designed to provide students with a deeper and broader understanding of algebra. In addition to the topics covered in Honors Algebra II, this course covers vectors, sequences and series, logic, and modular arithmetic.
Geometry Theory
1 Credit
Instructor’s Approval
This course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of geometry. Students will use proofs to gain understanding of the concepts of geometry and its applications. In addition to the topics covered in Honors Geometry, students will also learn about three-dimensional, non-Euclidean, and projection geometry.
11th Grade Math Team
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Teacher/Faculty Approval
This elective course is designed to prepare students for mathematics competitions across the state. The students will develop skills necessary for the ACT and SAT examinations. Algebra I, II, and Geometry skills will be reviewed, used, and developed.
12th Grade Math Team
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Teacher/Faculty Approval
This elective course is designed to prepare students for mathematics competitions across the state. The students will continue to develop skills necessary for the ACT and SAT examinations. Algebra I, II, Geometry, and Pre-calculus skills will be reviewed, used, and developed.
SCIENCE CORE
Honors Physical Science
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course is designed to provide an introductory foundation in science which covers the basic fundamentals of chemistry and physics. Students will examine all types of energy and how they are used in our universe. The first semester concentrates on matter and chemistry. The students will examine bonding, compounds, reactions, and nuclear energy. The second semester introduces students to Newtonian physics, waves, and electricity. Outside reading and projects will be required to extend the students’ knowledge in these concept areas.
Honors Biology I
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Physical Science
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the living world. The first semester focuses on the cell structure and function. The second semester will give students an overview of the biological world beginning with the most primitive kingdoms and ending with the most advanced. Students will be exposed to various organisms through a combination of lab work, field work, films, and guest speakers. Students will be required to read and write about current events and research as they relate to biology.
Honors Chemistry I
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Physical Science
This course is designed to provide students with a focus on learning the vocabulary and basic calculations of chemistry and to provide students with the understanding of the basic theories of the structure, resulting properties, and interactions of matter. Students learn to name and write chemical substances and to use these to write balanced equations. The concept of the mole is studied and used throughout the course.
Honors Physics
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Physical Science
Co-requisite: Pre-Calculus
This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts of physics and gives them an insight into the everyday applications of the theoretical principles and equations through the use of demonstrations and lectures. Laboratory work, graphing, and computer simulations make up the major parts of the course work. Topic covered include: mechanics, electricity, magnetism, wave motion, sound, optics, modern physics, heat and thermodynamics, and fluids.
SCIENCE ELECTIVES
Honors Biology II
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Biology I
This course is designed to expose students to an in-depth study of certain biological concepts and to introduce some concepts not covered in Biology I. Major topics covered are: biomolecules, cell chemistry, genetics, evolution, plant classification and reproduction, tree identification, a comparison of mitosis and meiosis, and other topics as time and class interests allow.
Scientific Research
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Physical Science, Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry
This course is designed to allow a student to conduct an in-depth experimental research project and present his or her findings using a variety of media at local, district, regional, state and/or national competitions and presentations. The two major components of the course are a technical report including sections for literature search, design, procedures, analysis of data, experimental results, conclusions, and future directions and an audio-visual presentation that is appropriate to the nature of the research and the type of audience. The major areas to be investigated are ethical practice, critical thinking skills, scientific inquiry, analyzing and evaluating data, and communicating scientific results.
Advanced Placement Chemistry
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Chemistry I or Physics
This course is designed to provide students with an AP Chemistry course that gives them the equivalence of a year of college chemistry. Topics covered include, but are not limited to: properties of matter, classification of matter, atomic structure, chemical stoichiometry, gas laws, thermodynamics, periodic properties, chemical bonding, behavior of liquids and solids, solution chemistry, acids and bases, buffers and solubility, kinetics, electrochemistry, and environmental chemistry. Students are required to take the AP Chemistry exam in May.
Advanced Placement Physics C
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Physics, Teacher Recommendation
Co-requisite: AP Calculus
This course is designed to improve students’ ability to synthesize and integrate concepts. Students will analyze physical systems, become familiar with vectors as in directions and path of particles, interpret physical relations in a graphical form, and interpret experimental data including limitations and uncertainties. Laboratory work consists of designing experiments, observing and measuring real phenomena, organizing data graphically, critically analyzing data, drawing inference from measurements, and being able to communicate results. Topics covered include: mechanics in the first semester, electricity and magnetism in the second semester. Students will be required to take the AP Physics C Exam in May.
SOCIAL SCIENCES CORE
Honors World History
1 Credit
Prerequisite: none
This course is designed to provide a broad overview of world events starting with world religions, the Renaissance and Reformation, Age of Exploration, French and American Revolutions, Industrial Revolution, and Imperialism. The second semester will focus on World War I, the Jazz Age, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the upheaval of the 1960’s, and the Modern Age.
Honors United States History
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors World History
This junior level course is designed to provide students with a broad overview of American historical events including the American Revolution, Jacksonian Democracy, Culture of American regions, differences between the North and South, the Civil War, the Gilded Age, settlement of the West, Immigration, and American Imperialism. The second semester will concentrate on the past one hundred and fifty years starting with the Spanish-American War, the Progressive Age, World War I, the Jazz Age, the Great Depression, the New Deal, World War II, the 50’s, Vietnam, and the Regan Revolution and the Modern Era. Research projects are required each semester in the course.
AP United States History
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors World History and Teacher approval
This course is designed to provide students with the historical background of the United States. Students will be exposed to various events involved in the history of the United States from 10,000 B.C. to present day. Students are required to take the AP US History exam in May.
Honors Political Science/Government
½ Credit
Prerequisites: Honors World History, Honors United States History
Required for graduation
This course is designed for seniors and is one semester in length. Topics of study include the types and roles of governments and different economic systems. Students will learn about the United States government including the origins of U.S. governments, the Constitution, Constitutional freedoms, Congress, the Federal Court System, the Presidency and presidential leadership, and the media. Students will be required to read outside sources in addition to the textbook.
Honors Economics
½ Credit
Prerequisites: Honors World History, Honors United States History or AP US History
Required for graduation
This course is designed to emphasis the study of how people, businesses, and governments choose to use resources. Students will understand basic needs versus wants, using versus saving money, and policy making versus decision making. The elements of society will be explored to develop an appreciation for a variety of human cultures. Students will use skills and understanding of the six essential elements of geography. They will learn to construct sound historical arguments to base decisions on in contemporary life. Students will also understand civil efficacy.
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVES
Honors Modern History
1 Credit
Prerequisites: Honors World History or Honors U.S. History and teacher approval
This course is designed to delve deep into American history since the Spanish-American War to the present day War on Terror that is not covered in traditional high school U.S. history classes. Students will use a college textbook and will have nightly reading. Class format will be more question and discussion rather than the traditional lecture and note taking format.
Psychology
½ Credit
Prerequisite: 11th or 12th grade student
This course is designed to enhance students’ development of an understanding of basic concepts and methods of psychology. The course will introduce the history of psychology, the biology of behavior, sensation and perception, stress, learning, memory, cognition, motivation, emotion, life-span development of behavior, personality, abnormal behavior and its therapies, social behavior, and individual differences. This course also requires students to complete a career planning portfolio.
LANGUAGE CORE
Honors Latin I
1 Credit
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed with a focus on exposing students to the culture, history, mythology, and written works of the Roman people. The students will learn elementary Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary with an emphasis on translation and grammatical analysis. The National Latin Exam, given annually in March, is required of all Latin students.
Honors Latin II
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Latin I
This course is designed to lead students to develop complex Latin grammar, syntax and vocabulary, furthering their understanding of the culture, history and mythology of the ancient world. The emphasis remains on translation and grammatical analysis. The National Latin Exam, given annually in March, is required of all Latin students
Honors Latin III
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Latin I, II
This course is designed as an elective course for students who have completed their basic language instruction. Students will build upon previously learned concepts and vocabulary while reading literature and poetry from authentic Roman authors such as Caesar, Cicero, Catullus, and Martial. The National Latin Exam, given annually in March, is required of all Latin students.
AP Latin IV
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Latin I, II, III
This elective course is designed for students who have completed the basic language instruction. The instructor may tailor the course for either the Vergil exam or the Latin Literature exam. Students will deepen their progress in reading, translation, and interpretation of works in Latin. The National Latin Exam, given annually in March, is required of all Latin students, as is the AP Latin Exam in May for all AP Latin IV students.
Mythology
½ Credit
This course is designed to lead students through a survey of ancient Greek and Roman myths about heroes, gods, and the universe. The class will interpret how the myths address human origins, value systems, and the desire to tell stories.
Honors German I
1 Credit
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to focus on the development of the essential elements of effective German communication: aural communication, speaking, reading, and writing, while exposing the student to the culture, history, written works, and basics of the language. The essential differences and similarities between German speaking countries and the Unites States will also be examined.
Honors German II
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors German I
This course is designed to focus on the development of more complex elements of effective German communication: aural communication, speaking, reading, and writing, while exposing the student to the culture, history, written works, and basics of the language. The essential differences and similarities between German speaking countries and the Unites States will also be examined.
Honors German III
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors German I and II
This elective course is designed to provide students with a grammar and vocabulary review of the materials presented in the German I and II courses while exploring literature, a history of the language, and the development and understanding of essential historical events, with an exposure to the elements of advanced grammar.
Honors German IV
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors German I, II, and III
This elective course is designed to provide the student with a university seminar atmosphere exploring a variety of topics chosen by the student with teacher approval: German Film “festival,” special topics in Modern Literature (reading Der Vorleser, a novel read by all German high school students), Holocaust Literature, or Advanced Phonetics and the International Phonetic Alphabet.
Honors Spanish I
1 Credit
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to focus on the development of effective Spanish communication while exposing students to the culture, history, and basics of the language.
Honors Spanish II
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Spanish I
This course is designed to build upon the fundamentals learned in Spanish I, including verb tenses, commands, and more complex vocabulary and grammar.
Honors Spanish III
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Spanish I, II
This elective course is designed for students who have completed the basic language instruction. Spanish III students will explore authentic Spanish language resources and will focus on reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students will cover advanced grammar, while reviewing previously learned grammar and vocabulary.
Honors Spanish IV
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Spanish I, II, III
This course is designed as an elective course for students who have completed the basic language instruction and Spanish III. Students will continue to explore authentic Spanish language resources and will focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening with the goal of language fluency in mind. Students will develop advanced grammar skills while reviewing previously learned grammar and vocabulary.
FINE ARTS – MUSIC
Music Appreciation
½ Credit
This course is designed to put focus on the use and value of music in people’s lives. The objectives of this course are to encourage students to view music in a social context rather than as abstract information. The students will be able to recognize musical styles of western and other cultures, to explain the role emotion plays in music, to verbalize what they hear in terms of melody, harmony, tone color, texture, rhythm and form, and to aurally recognize the various styles of music and the four periods of classical music. The objectives of the course will be accomplished through listening to music, being introduced to and playing instruments, and through discussion.
Music Theory
1 Credit
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed with the purpose of producing musicians who are fluent in the language and mechanics of music. Basic music concepts are covered including pitch, rhythm, scales, key signatures, chords, and aural skills. All students are required to purchase a workbook selected by the instructor.
AP Music Theory
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Music Theory I, or permission from instructor
This course is designed for students who have mastered the basics in Music Theory I. The students will further develop their musical proficiency, while preparing for the AP Music Theory exam. A high score on this exam will grant college credit for this course.
Concert Choir I
½ Credit (Semester 1 only)
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to allow students to learn vocal skills as they sing in a group. They will develop posture and breathing techniques necessary for proper singing. Music theory is also incorporated to teach students how to read music, but the focus is on vocal skills. The semester culminates in a concert at fall concert. A uniform look is required, so the purchase of similar attire is mandatory.
Advanced Concert Choir II, III, IV
½ Credit (Semester 1 only)
This course is designed for students to enhance vocal skills as they sing in a group. They will build upon previously learned techniques to become better singers. The semester culminates in a fall concert. A uniform look is required, so the purchase of similar attire is mandatory.*
*Seniors who have three years of Concert Choir credit may choose to take only Show Choir their Senior year.
Show Choir I
½ Credit (Semester 2 only)
Prerequisite: Concert Choir
This course is designed to emphasize singing and movement. This group provides entertainment at CA’s annual “Evening with Friends” dinner and to local organizations. They learn Broadway and Pop style music, and the purchase of a costume is required. There are five weeks of intense rehearsals after school and on weekends. Every two years, this group travels to perform in a major U.S. city. Past destinations have included New Orleans, San Antonio, and New York City.
Advanced Show Choir II, III, IV
½ Credit (Semester 2 only)
Prerequisite: Appropiate level of Concert Choir and Show Choir
This course is designed to emphasize singing and movement. This group provides entertainment at CA’s annual “Evening with Friends” dinner and to local organizations. They learn Broadway and Pop style music, and the purchase of a costume is required. There are five weeks of intense rehearsals after school and on weekends. Every two years, this group travels to perform in a major U.S. city. Past destinations have included New Orleans, San Antonio and New York City.
Piano I
1 Credit
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to include music reading and basic piano skills. Students will study piano history and literature. Students will be required to perform both individually and as a class at various times throughout the year. Advance notice will be given by the instructor for all assignments and performances. A maximum of ten students may be enrolled in this course.
Piano II
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Piano I or permission from instructor
This course is designed to be a continuation of the study of reading and playing music for piano. The student coming into this class should have a minimum of one year of piano study and be able to demonstrate their proficiency at playing and reading basic first year pieces of music. The student will continue on this path with more difficult music and more advanced theory skills.
FINE ARTS – VISUAL
Art Appreciation
½ Credit
This course is a prerequisite to all Art courses.
This course is designed to introduce and expose students to a variety of art methods and
concepts. Students will explore many aspects of art including basic visual elements and design principles, processes and media used by artists, and historical styles influenced by time. This instructor also provides students with a basis for recognition and interpretation of the images which surround us.
Ceramics
½ or 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Art Appreciation
This course is designed to provide students with hands on training and experience in the various methods of glazing and firing of ceramic pieces.
Computer Design I, II, and III
½ or 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Must be taken in numerical order
This course is designed to engage students in the studies of electronic imaging and the subsequent preparation of portfolio quality works while simultaneously developing higher thinking and learning skills as they apply to electronic arts. The students will produce a portfolio of works and exhibit proficiency at computer based artistry.
Photography I, II, III
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Must be taken in numerical order
This course is designed as an introduction to black and white image and print making. Students will learn about film exposure and development, while compiling photographs for exhibition. Both film and digital photographs will be used throughout the course. Students will be using Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and our on-site darkroom for developing and editing their own work.
Print Making I, II, III
½ or 1 Credit
Prerequisite:
This course is designed to provide an in-depth level of study in the hands on making of fine art prints. The class may include working in the following print methods in both black and white and color: monotype, pressless prints, sun prints, string prints, linoleum cuts, woodcuts, collaborative prints, and pochoir. Each student will prepare a portfolio of works while developing an ever more discriminating sensibility towards art.
Sculpture
½ or 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Art Appreciation
This course is designed as an introduction to three-dimensional materials, techniques, and sculptural processes. Students will be able to create and appreciate three-dimensional forms while working on individual and group projects.
Studio Art I, II, III
½ or 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Art Appreciation and a previous art course
Must be taken in numerical order.
This course is designed to provide an in-depth level of study in the hands on making of fine art projects. Under the instructor’s guidance, students will produce a portfolio of quality work and students are expected to participate in all available competitions or exhibitions. The class may include working in the following art media: drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, and ceramics. Studio art will allow students to independently work on projects of their own choosing.
Independent Study in Art
½ or 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Art Appreciation and previous art course
Must have instructor permission
This course is designed around the student’s needs. With instructor approval, the student will develop a course of study geared specifically to the student’s content needs and interests in a specific area of art study.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology I (Keyboarding)
½ Credit
Prerequisite: none
This course is designed to prepare students for the rapid growth of technology. Students will develop an understanding of basic operations and concepts of technology. Knowledge in word processing, computer proficiency and keyboarding are essential skills for every student. Students will learn correct keyboarding techniques, concepts for skill building and speed improvement. Students will use a variety of computer applications and tools while exploring the use of computer technology.
Technology II
½ Credit
Prerequisite: Technology I or Teacher approval
This course is designed for students to learn basic through advanced computer concepts with an emphasis on both the personal computer and enterprise computing. Topics covered will include: hardware, application and system software, the Internet and World Wide Web, communications, e-commerce, societal issues, database management, systems analysis and design, programming, information systems, career opportunities, certifications in the computer field, and computer trends.
Technology III
1/2 Credit
Prerequisite: Teacher/Faculty Approval
This cutting-edge upper level course is designed with an emphasis on logical design and computer programming techniques including, writing, debugging and testing programs in the popular Microsoft Visual Basic Programming Language. This course will provide basic computer programming techniques and methodologies that will enable a student to easily learn additional programming languages.
Technology IV
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Teacher/Faculty Approval
This course is designed to educate students on technology equipment from hubs and routers to servers and cables. This course provides a step-by-step introduction to the field of computer networking. Beginners will become comfortable with the concepts and vocabulary of computer networking and will gain hands-on experience in basic networking technology. This course also includes a comprehensive introduction to telecommunications. The instructor provides in-depth explanations of transmission technology, media, topology, protocols, hardware, signaling, switching, and multiplexing. In addition, this course includes a survey of the current industry and regulatory environments surrounding telecommunications.
Publications/Yearbook
1 Credit
This course is designed for students to produce the school yearbook. Through the use of PhotoShop and Yearbook Avenue computer programs, students will design and layout the school yearbook. This will include taking and editing photos, designing advertisements, and all phases of yearbook production. Yearbook summer camp is recommended for all students taking the course.
Broadcasting
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Teacher approval
This course is designed to introduce students to a number of technical and non-technical skills, including script writing, directing, and hands on camera and studio skills such as lighting, sound and editing. The course will also examine the history of video and future trends. Class projects will include both news-oriented material and creative assignments. The students will produce a monthly show that will be broadcasted online.
Driver Education:
½ Credit
Prerequisite: Must meet age requirement
This driver education course is designed to include both classroom instruction and student driving instruction. During classroom instruction, students will gain awareness of the tasks and responsibilities of driving. Students will gain knowledge of traffic laws and regulations, understand the impact of natural forces and conditions on driving, and will be able to identify hazardous conditions and the appropriate reaction to avoid or minimize problems. During the driving instruction, students will develop an attitude of safe, courteous, and defensive driving through the practice and observation of driving tasks and obeying traffic laws and regulations.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Wellness
1 Credit
Required for all 9th grade students
This course is designed to include both classroom wellness instruction and physical fitness instruction. In the classroom wellness instruction, students will examine disease prevention and control, nutrition, substance use and abuse, mental, emotional, and social health, sexuality and family life, and safety and first aid. In the physical fitness portion of the course, an emphasis on daily fitness through the demonstrated competency in basic and advanced motor skills and tactics in the following categories: fitness activities, individual/dual sports, outdoor pursuits, team sports, and cooperative games/activities. Students will perform motor skills and movement patterns necessary to participate in a variety of physical activities. Students will also perform appropriate offensive and defensive skills in a variety of individual, dual, and team activities that are developmentally appropriate.
Fitness
½ or 1 Credit
Prerequisite: Wellness
This course is designed to provide a weight lifting routine that is not sport specific and can benefit any student. It is a multi-joint program that works the entire body over the course of a week. The program is designed for an individual student to work at his or her own pace. Two of eight weight lifting exercises are accomplished each day, Monday through Thursday. Friday is “pick it” day, where the student chooses which muscle groups to work on.
