Catalog Course Descriptions
ENGLISH CORE
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 Composition II
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors English Composition I
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 Composition II
This course is designed to emphasize literary analysis through a basic survey of American literature from Early American 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.
Advanced Placement English III
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors English Composition II with instructor approval
The AP English Language and Composition course engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes and audiences. Students should anticipate this course to be similar to an introductory college writing course that focuses on exposition, argument, and literary analysis. Special emphasis is given to awareness of interactions among author’s purpose, meaning, and philosophical ideas.
Students are required to take the AP English Language 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 European literature. During the course, students will write an annotated bibliography, research paper, and create a presentation of their research to present to the class. In addition, students will demonstrate mastery of grammar skills and continue to develop vocabulary.
Dual Enrollment Senior English
1 High School Credit/6 hours College Credit
Prerequisite: Honors English III or AP English III and acceptance to Austin Peay State University
This course combines high school senior English and the APSU freshman college English courses of 1010 and 1020. The course will focus on the development of the student’s writing skills through a process of thinking, researching, planning, writing, revising, and editing expository essays. The students will read model essays and works of poetry, fiction and drama, and write essays relating to each of the works. An APSU college professor will teach this course. Students will receive both high school and college credit with satisfactory completion of this course. The college credit will be earned from Austin Peay State University.
Advanced Placement English IV
1 Credit
Prerequisite: AP English III or Honors English III with instructor approval
The Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature from various genres and time periods. Through close and active reading of the selected intensive texts of literary merit, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. The approach to analyzing and interpreting the material involves students in learning how to make careful observations of textual detail, establish connections among their observations, and draw from those connections a series of inferences leading to an interpretive conclusion about a piece of writing’s meaning and value. Writing to engage with the literature is central to the class, though not limited to preparing to write the AP essays. Writing assignments focus on the critical analysis of literature and include expository, analytical, and literary argument essays.
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.
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.
Leadership Seminar
½ Credit
This course is led by our Director of Marketing and Development, Sally Allen, and is designed to lead students through a study of leadership and how to find the leader within. In addition, students will have opportunities to hear from guest speakers who are area leaders and will learn about leadership possibilities in our community.
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.
Honors Trigonometry and Statistics
1 Credit
Prerequisites/Co-requisites: Algebra II, Geometry
This course is for students who do not plan to pursue Calculus and will focus on trigonometry and other pre-calculus topics. The trigonometric topics will include the basic circular functions (i.e.: sine, cosine, etc.) and their properties, identities, inverses and graphs. Practical applications of trigonometry will be integrated throughout the course. Math analysis topics will include further study of higher degree polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections and analytic geometry. Function theory and graph analysis will be major focuses. An introduction to probability, statistics and sequences and series will be included. The use of graphing calculators will be emphasized and will provide students with the opportunity to investigate and discover mathematical concepts with its use. Students will also gain familiarity with and be given the opportunity to practice answering ACT type questions.
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
This course is a study of functions and their representations with emphasis on the use of functions in problem solving and modeling contexts. Topics include polynomial functions, rational functions, power and root functions, inverse functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, systems of equations, conics and sequence. The course also covers basic probability and mathematical induction.
Dual Enrollment Senior Mathematics
1 High School Credit/6 hours College Credit
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Austin Peay State University
This course combines high school senior Math and the freshman college Math courses of 1710 (College Algebra) and 1810 (Elements of Calculus). The fall course will focus on a study of functions and the representations with emphasis on the use of functions in problem solving and modeling contexts. Topics include polynomial functions, rational functions, power and root functions, inverse functions, and systems of equations. The spring course will focus on business calculus that is an elementary calculus course with study of limits, the derivative, differentiation techniques, applications of differentiation, the definite integral, exponential and logarithmic functions, and applications of integration. Students will receive both high school and college credit with satisfactory completion of this course. The college credit will be earned from Austin Peay State University.
Honors Advanced Topics in 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 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, fieldwork, 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. Topics covered include: mechanics, electricity, magnetism, wave motion, sound, optics, modern physics, heat and thermodynamics, and fluids.
SCIENCE ELECTIVES
Ecology
½ Credit (suggested co-requisite Botany)
Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry
Ecology is a laboratory science course that enables students to develop an understanding of the natural and man-made environment and the environmental problems the world f aces. Students explore ecological concepts through an inquiry approach. Embedded standards for Inquiry and Technology & Engineering are taught in the context of the content standards for Individuals, Populations, Communities, Ecosystems, Biomes, Humans and Sustainability.
Botany
½ Credit (suggested co-requisite Ecology)
Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry
Botany is a laboratory science course that includes an in-depth study of plants and their roles in the environment. The course enables students to learn about plant anatomy and physiology, the four major divisions of plants, as well as the roles and uses of plants in nature. Laboratories will be performed consistently throughout the semester to stress the importance of using the science method for problem-solving and to apply content in a project-based learning environment.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
1 Credit
Recommended Prerequisites: Biology I and Chemistry I
Human Anatomy and Physiology is a laboratory science course that includes an in-depth study of the body systems that maintain homeostasis from anatomical, physiological and histological perspectives. Students explore anatomical and physiological concepts through an inquiry-based approach. Embedded standards for Inquiry and Technology & Engineering are taught in the context of the content standards for Anatomical Orientation, Protection, Support and Movement, Integration and Regulation, Transportation, Absorption and Excretion, and Reproduction, Growth and Development.
Advanced Placement Biology
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry
AP Biology is a college-level laboratory science course that explores the major integrating principles of Biology such as molecular biology, energy transfers, cell structure and metabolism, cell reproduction, genetics, evolution, comparative anatomy and physiology of plants and animals, and ecology. Laboratories will be performed consistently throughout the year to stress the importance of using the science method for problem-solving and to apply content in a project-based learning environment. Students are required to take the AP Biology exam in May.
Advanced Placement Chemistry
1 Credit
Prerequisite: H Chemistry 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.
Advanced Placement 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.
Personal Finance
½ Credit
Required for graduation (beginning with the Class of 2016)
Personal Finance is a course designed to help students understand the impact of individual choices on occupational goals and future earnings potential. Real world topics covered will include income, money management, spending and credit, as well as saving and investing. Students will design personal and household budgets, simulate the use of checking and saving accounts, demonstrate knowledge of finance, debt, and credit management, and evaluate and understand insurance and taxes. This course will provide a foundational understanding for making informed personal financial decisions.
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 questions 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, and abnormal behavior and its therapies, social behavior, and individual differences. This course also requires students to complete a career-planning portfolio.
Driver Education
½ Credit
Prerequisite: Must be at least 15 yrs. old; Additional Cost $280
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 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.
FOREIGN 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.
Advanced Placement 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.
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.
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.
Vocabulary Building
½ Credit
This course is designed to improve students’ vocabulary through an understanding of word roots. Students will embark on an etymological journey by exploring the numerous languages that have influenced English, with a concentration on Classical roots. New words will be practiced through practical application weekly. The week will usually be concluded in a competitive game of Scrabble!
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.
Advanced Placement 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: Appropriate 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. The instructor for all assignments and performances will give advance notice. A maximum of ten students may be enrolled in this course.
Percussion
½ Credit
Prerequisite: None
The purpose of this class is to experience instrumental music through performance, improvisation, and composition. Students will play snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, and a variety of other percussion instruments. Students will learn to read various pitches and rhythms to play alone and together in ensembles throughout the class.
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.
GarageBand/Music Composition
½ Credit
Prerequisite: None
GarageBand/Music Composition is a one semester hands-on course that is a wonderful way for musicians and non-musicians alike to unleash their musical creativity through the use of the GarageBand software on the student MacBook. Whether students are accomplished musicians or not, GarageBand is the most rewarding way to create, perform and record their own music. Students will learn interfacing and basic recording techniques using loops and assembling them into a composition and then move on to arranging, editing and mixing tracks, adding effects and distributing their music files. Additionally, creating personal podcasts, including video files, will be covered.
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 printmaking. 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
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.
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.
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.
Women’s 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.
Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries
½ Credit
Prerequisite/Co-requisite: Anatomy and Physiology
This course is a lecture-laboratory designed to provide a well rounded and challenging academic experience for students interested in medicine, physical therapy, exercise science, athletic training, sports medicine, or any other related medical or paramedical field. Throughout the semester students will participate in a detailed examination of the various kinesiological, anatomical, physiological, and biomechanical factors that influence the ‘human machine’. Units of study will include anatomical and biomechanical study of each major body region, the body’s response to various types of stressors, medical conditions and injuries specific to sports, principles and techniques for injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation.
