R-Required, E-Elective, M-Meets graduation requirement
ENGLISH
Language Arts 9
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, M
The course allows a close reading of genres of Western literature. These readings serve as models of good writing and as subjects for students' own writing exercises. Students review grammar and enhance vocabulary as they read and write. They learn how to craft a strong thesis, write an essay to support it, and, in the process, study sentence and paragraph structure. Students practice revising and editing quality paragraphs in consultation with their teacher. They learn to use the resources available in the library and apply these skills as they write a short research paper. Oral activities include literature discussion and a speech to inform.
World Literature
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, M
This course encourages the student to read, comprehend and analyze selected samples of a variety of genres of literature. Students write essays, building on the previous work as well as expanding into a variety of styles including expository to persuasive formats. Students also learn to develop a thesis statement based upon a significant literary work, and practice peer editing and revision of their own works within the writing process. Students will also participate in a variety of oral assignments. (Prerequisite: English 1)
American Literature
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, M
This overview of American literature includes a brief study of the historical events affecting American literature and a study of various genres and selected novels by American authors. These readings serve as models of good writing for students' own writing exercises. Review of grammar and punctuation will be incorporated as needed. Students write a major term paper, developing their research skills in preparation for college research projects. Emphasis is placed on the expository, literary essay. Oral activities include discussions as well as speeches to inform and persuade. (Prerequisite: English 2)
British Literature
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, M
English 4, a college preparatory course for seniors, covers a historical survey of British literature from Anglo-Saxon times through the twentieth century. Students will engage in literary analysis and use the literature from several time periods as a springboard for both discussion and critical writing. Students will write a variety of essays which may include several of the following: persuasive, expository, narrative essays, college application essays, resumes, and a senior letter. Emphasis is placed on skills necessary for college, including writing, critical thinking, and oral presentations. Grammar review, vocabulary, and other lessons will be incorporated as needed. (Prerequisite: English 3)
MATHEMATICS
Geometry
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, R
This course in plane and solid geometry emphasizes inductive and deductive reasoning and their applications to geometric figures. Topics covered include reasoning, congruent and similar polygons, circles, and area and volume measurements. Scientific method, proofs and algebra will be heavily integrated throughout the course as well as a geometry-based computer drawing program. (Prerequisite: Algebra 1)
Algebra 2
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, R
This course reviews Algebra 1 with increased emphasis on equations and inequalities, the real number system, functions, relations, graphs of polynomial functions and conic sections, polynomials and algebraic expressions, exponents and numerical computation, and quadratic relations. The content includes systems of equations in three variables, introduction to complex number systems, and study of trigonometric and circular functions. (Prerequisite: Algebra 1, Geometry recommended)
Pre-Calculus
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, R
This course prepares students to enter college mathematics by introducing them to probability and statistics and grounding them in pre-calculus concepts. This course is strongly recommended for students who anticipate entering a science, engineering or pre-medical program. The topics of emphasis include functions and their graphs, trigonometry, exponents, logarithms, polar coordinates, probability, matrices, and introduction to limits.
AP Calculus
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, R
This course is designed for those students who have shown high achievement in previous math courses and desire further training in advanced mathematics. It will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Calculus AB exam and college level mathematics equivalent to a first semester college-calculus course. The course will focus both on differential and integral calculus. The student is required to purchase a graphing calculator. See Calculus teacher for details. See AP courses policies in appendix. (Prerequisite: B- or better in Pre-Calculus and/or teacher recommendation).
AP Statistics
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, E
This course is designed to provide college-level instruction on the concepts and tools for working with data. Students collect and analyze data and draw conclusions based on real-world information. The course challenges students to explore patterns, think critically, use a variety of tools and methods, and report their findings and conclusions. Students must be in grade 11 or 12.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (M)
P.E. courses aid students in meeting physical, mental, emotional and social skills. A suitable level of physical fitness, attainment of skills, and knowledge of rules and strategies are stressed in all P.E. courses. Both individual and team skills are experienced in hopes that there will be a carry-over of skills and activity into leisure time. Social confidence and emotional release should result from attainment of the skills.
SCIENCE
Biology
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, M
This introductory Biology course provides a foundational study of a wide range of biological concepts. The first semester is primarily focused on cellular biology (organelles, photosynthesis, respiration, protein synthesis) and genetics. The second semester focuses on origins & diversity of living things, ecology, and human body systems. This class is normally taken in 9th grade.
Chemistry
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, M
This course addresses the composition, structure, and reactions of matter. The major emphasis is on inorganic compounds. A laboratory is coordinated to enhance understanding. The theoretical basis of concepts and their applications to a variety of written problems will be the major focus of the course with somewhat less emphasis on the application of concepts to contemporary life. This class is normally taken in 10th grade.
Physics:
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, M
Physics introduces the central concepts of physics, including kinematics, dynamics, the conservation laws (mass, energy, and momentum), electricity, magnetism, and waves. This laboratory-centered course utilizes an approach that is inductive and mathematical as well as conceptual.
AP Biology
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, E
This college-level course is designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Biology Exam. The conceptual focus will be the four “ Big Ideas ” outlined by the College Board: evolution; cellular processes (energy and communication); genetics & information transfer; and interactions. The College Board has also designated several “ Science Practices ” to be demonstrated by AP Biology students. Toward this end laboratory exercises will include student-directed and inquiry-based investigations emphasizing skills such as lab design, problem-solving, data interpretation, and effective reporting of results. This course requires at least as much out of class time as in class time. (Prerequisites: The student must have completed both Chemistry and Algebra II with a minimum grade of B in each. Teacher recommendations are required. To ensure that prospective AP students have adequate time to commit to this course, their course load and extracurricular involvement will be considered before they are accepted into the course.)
AP Chemistry
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, E
This course meets all the depth and rigor of freshman chemistry at the college level. Topics covered are the structure of atoms, ions and molecules, mass relationships, chemical reaction, gases, thermo chemistry, quantum theory, periodic relationships, bonding liquids and solids, kinetics, equilibrium, acids-base and solubility equilibrium, entropy, electrochemistry, and nuclear and organic chemistry. Students will further their skills and enhance understanding by work with corresponding labs and computer simulations. See AP courses policies in appendix. (Prerequisite: A minimum of a B in both Chemistry and Algebra II, and teacher (of those subjects) recommendation)
SOCIAL STUDIES
World Geography
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, R
World Geography is a year-long course designed to provide students with a basic understanding of and interrelationship between physical and human geography. (Prerequisite: This course is designated for 9 th graders.)
World History
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, R
This course offers a brief review of history from Ancient Greece up until the Age of Exploration (About 9 weeks), followed by in-depth study of world civilizations from 1600 up until the present day. Common themes in the human story will be used to tie together the various eras of history. (Prerequisite: This course is designated for 10 th graders.)
U.S. History
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, R
This course analyzes the forces that shaped the birth and growth of the American nation to its position as a world leader. Study begins with the new nation; strong emphasis is placed upon the 20th century. May be replaced by AP U.S. History.
Government
2 semesters .5 credit per semester, R
This course focuses on the philosophical, legal and historic foundations and major institutions of government with special focus on the American state. Students are acquainted with the function of democracy in the Republic by an in-depth study of the three branches of US government, political activity, political parties, and political events. A project in current Asian Studies or about a student’s country of citizenship is also an important element in this course. (Prerequisite: U.S. History, senior class status)
Elective courses
Elective courses are offered based upon need and interest. See the annual Course Listings.
Economics
2 semesters, 0.25 credit per semester, E
Economic decisions affect us every day of our lives. Understanding economics means thinking about how scarcity, or limited resources, requires us to make choices and evaluate one option against others. In this course, you will recognize examples of economics in your daily life. You will see how the economic choices of larger groups, like businesses and governments, affect you and others. As you progress through the course, you will recognize that the costs and benefits of choices connect individuals and groups around the world. The purpose of this course is to help you become a smart consumer who understands the flow of an economy between individuals, businesses, governments, and the rest of the world.
AP MicroEconomics
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, E
AP Microeconomics is an introduction to the study of the consumers and producers that make up the economy: households, firms, governments, and community organizations. The course provides particular emphasis on the function of consumers and producers within the economic system. The course also offers analysis of the markets in which consumers and producers interact as well as non-market economics.
AP MacroEconomics
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, E
AP Macroeconomics is an introduction to how the market system works, how prices are determined, why shortages and surpluses occur, and why incomes differ. Topics include: national income, price determination, economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics
AP U.S. History
2 semesters, 0.5 credit per semester, E
This course is an intensive, in-depth survey of U.S. History designed to prepare the student for the AP U.S. History Exam offered in May. There is a heavy emphasis upon independent research and frequent writing assignments. See AP courses policies in appendix. There will be a summer reading assignment that must be completed prior to final admission to the course. (Prerequisites: junior class status; recommendations from Social Studies and English Departments, based upon achievement in previous course work, motivation, and verbal and writing achievement scores on standardized tests. )
AP World History
2 semesters Online .5 credit per semester, E
AP World History covers the history of the world from 600 C.E. to the present with an introduction unit on the period before (covering around 8000 B.C.E. to 600 C.E.). The course emphasizes “ patterns of change ” and the connections between the various world cultures throughout the time period being studied. Students will gain an understanding of the global experiences of humanity and be able to apply that knowledge to their growth and development as “ world citizens ”. The class has two major goals: (1) to prepare students to be successful on the AP World History exam and (2) to provide students with an understanding on why the world developed the way it did.
AP Psychology
2 semesters Online .5 credit per semester, E
AP Psychology is a college level course providing students an overview of the development of human behaviors and thoughts. Along with preparation for the AP Psychology exam, the goals of this course are to immerse students in modern psychological investigation techniques, to accentuate the ethics and morality of human and animal research, and to emphasize scientific critical thinking skills in application to the social sciences. Psychology is a diverse social and biological science with multiple perspectives and interpretations.
AP Human Geography
2 semesters Online .5 credit per semester, E
AP Human Geography is a yearlong course that focuses on the distribution, processes, and effects of human populations on the planet. The course provides a systematic study of human geography, including the following topics outlined in the Course Description: Nature of and Perspectives on Geography, Population, Cultural Patterns and Processes, Political Organization of Space, Agricultural and Rural Land Use, Industrialization and Economic Development, Cities and Urban Land Use.
