Humanities

English

111, 112 Literature/Composition 9

H, CP | Grade 9 | Credit 1

This course concentrates on the fundamentals of grammar and composition, vocabulary, literary terms, and genres.  The students read literature based on universal themes and study a novel in depth. Composition concentrates on sentence structure and paragraph development, leading to the longer essay.  A full-year vocabulary course is included.  The studies of grammar, vocabulary, and literary selections are based on the skill level of the student.

113, 117 Literature/Composition 9

CP, CPA – Literature/Comp 9 | Grade 9 | Credit 1

This course is designed to enable students who are below grade level to reach grade level.  Individual instruction, tutoring, and small class sizes enable the student to challenge herself and find comfort in the learning environment.  Students participate in an in-depth study of the fundamentals of composition, grammar, and literature.  A variety of literature is read, supplementing reading and writing skills.  Composition concentrates on sentence structure, paragraph development, and essay writing.

121, 122, 123, 127 American Literature/Composition 10

H, CP, CPA | Grade 10 | Credit 1

This course surveys American Literature from the Colonial Period to after World War II.  Composition and grammar instruction move students from the essay to preparation of a research paper.  A full-year vocabulary course is included.

131, 132, 133 British Literature/Composition 11

H, CP | Grade 11 | Credit 1

This course surveys British Literature in every genre from the Anglo-Saxon Period to modern literature.  Instruction in grammar and in composition is designed to meet the needs of the class.  A full-year vocabulary course is included.  Preparation of a research paper is a course requirement.

141, 142, 143 World Literature/Composition 12

H, CP | Grade 12 | Credit 1

This course emphasizes studies in World Literature and women’s literature.  The first semester uses a chronological approach to World Literature, starting with ancient cultures.  The second semester concentrates on the modern and contemporary world, illustrating the woman’s place in worldwide literature.  Instruction in composition is designed to meet the needs of the students.  A full-year vocabulary course is included.  Students develop sophisticated literary essays.

148 Advanced English Language and Composition

AP | Grade 11 | Credit 1

This course is designed to prepare students for advanced course work in writing styles and in critical reading.  Students read and analyze a variety of texts, writing about them in an appropriate style.  Concentration centers on the synthesis essay, employing complex ideas and personal reflection.  Students are prepared and encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language.

Prerequisite: An “A” average in 121, Honors American Literature is needed with permission from the current English teacher. AP Test fee may apply.

149 Advanced English Literature and Composition

AP | Grade 12 | Credit 1

This course examines a wide range of literary genres including the novel, short story, poetry, and drama.  Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions and to develop original critical essays about literature.  Students are prepared and encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition. 

Prerequisite: Students who register for the course should have an “A”    average in British Literature and permission from their current English teacher. AP Test fee may apply.

115 Reading 9

CPA | Grade 9 | Credit 1

This course is designed for students who need to strengthen their reading and study skills before beginning a foreign language.  The purpose of this course is to help students improve their reading comprehension, word attack skills, vocabulary, study skills, and writing skills.  Appropriate literature, skills lessons, and supplementary materials are incorporated, including textbook reading from the students’ other courses.

125 Reading 10

CPA | Grade 10 | Credit 1

This course is designed for students who have completed Reading 9 and who need additional work to strengthen reading skills.  The course emphasizes study and research skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.  Students work toward reaching grade level in their reading skills. 

Prerequisite: Completion of Reading 9

144 College Reading

CP | Grades 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course is designed for students who desire to strengthen their reading and writing skills in preparation for college.  The course allows each student to work at her own level and to focus on reading comprehension, composition, and study skills.

152  Journalism I – Newspaper

CP | Grades  9, 10, 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course develops journalistic skills and techniques from how the news is researched to its publication and delivery.  Students study journalistic history, ethics, law, and media relations of print and electronic media.  Students learn the skills needed to produce the school newspaper in print and online.  Some students may contribute to the school newspaper.  This course is a prerequisite for Journalism II, III, and IV.

153 Yearbook

CP | Grade 11 and 12 | Credit 1

This course is designed to go beyond the specifics of Journalism I. Students have individual deadlines, and they also assist in the instruction of other students. They have input into the overall design and production of the The Troubadour. Members of this class serve as editors and create and implement yearbook procedures. Editors must attend weekly after-school meetings and be able to work on the yearbook after school.

Prerequisite: An average of B in English

155 Journalism II, III, IV - Newspaper

CP | Grade 10, 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course is offered to students who have successfully completed Journalism I. Students take on editorial roles and sole responsibility for producing the school newspaper in print and online. Students investigate the role of media in society as well as careers in journalism. An after-school commitment is necessary for this course. Quarterly research in the field of journalism is assigned.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Journalism I, II, or III and consent of the instructor

160 Creative Writing

CP | Grades 11, 12 | Credit 0.5, 1 Semester

This course is designed for students who desire to strengthen their creative writing skills.  The course provides an overview on a variety of creative genres, teaches positive critiquing methods, and allows time for the students to concentrate on areas of particular interest.  Reading of the various genres is included to serve as examples of well-written works.

Prerequisite: B or higher in English

161 Creative Non-Fiction Writing

CP | Grades 11, 12 | Credit 0.5, 1 Semester

This course has two objectives.  First, it is designed to guide students through the non-fiction writing process in order to improve their abilities to express ideas in a manner necessary for success in college and the work place.  Second, it provides instruction in personal writing in the form of memoirs and biography.  The course provides an overview on a variety of non-fiction genres, teaches positive critiquing methods, and allows time for students to concentrate on areas of particular interest.  Reading of the various non-fiction genres is included to serve as examples of well-written works.

Prerequisite: B or higher in English

572 SAT Prep

CP | Grades 11, 12 | Credit 0.5, 1 Semester

This course offers students a review of the academic skills necessary for success in the verbal, math, and writing portions of the SAT.  Test techniques are reviewed and practiced.  This course is primarily designed for juniors who are taking the SAT in the spring.  A limited number of seniors may take the course in the fall semester.

Social Studies

211, 212, 213 World Civilization 1

H, CP, CPA | Grade 9 | Credit 1

This course covers the study of major cultural, economic, political, and social events from ancient times through the Renaissance, as well as the geographic settings in which they occurred.  Students investigate the rise and fall of empires and the development of nation states.  A correlation is made between past events and the modern world.  Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, deductive reasoning, independent research, writing skills, and primary sources.

221, 222, 223 US History

H, CP | Grade 10 | Credit 1

This course is an integrated survey of the development of our nation.  The course examines the historical, political, social, religious, constitutional, and geographic aspects of the United States.  An emphasis is placed on the development of research skills, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning.  Writing and other independent work is expected of each student.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of World Civilization 1

231, 232, 233 United States (US) Government

H, CP  | Grade 11 | Credit 1

This course looks at the English origins of our governments: federal, state, and local.  An examination of the what, how, and why of the changes that have occurred in the formation of our present American system of government is made.  Students evaluate how our government works through participation in real world applications and simulations that help to analyze different aspects of democracy.  Being a good citizen and an effective member of a participating democracy is stressed throughout the course.  An emphasis is placed on independent research, critical thinking, in-depth writing, and constitutional development according to the abilities and the interests of the students.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of US History and recommendation of teacher

245 AP US History

AP  | Grade 10 | Credit 1

This course is an integrated survey of the development of our nation. Students examine the historical, political, social, religious, constitutional, and geographic aspects of the United States.  Emphasis is placed on the development of independent research skills, as well as critical thinking, and deductive reasoning through primary and secondary sources.  This course involves extensive writing and other independent work.  Upon successful completion of this course, students are prepared to take the Advanced Placement U. S. History Exam.

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current teacher. AP Test fee may apply.

230 AP Government

AP | Grade 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course includes the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples.  It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. government and politics.  While there is no single approach that an AP United States Government and Politics course must follow, students should become acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes.  Certain topics are usually covered in college courses.  Upon completion of this course, students are prepared to take the Advanced Placement Exam in Government and Politics. 

Prerequisite: Recommendation of current teacher. AP Test fee may apply.

260 Contemporary International Issues

H, CP | Grades 11 and 12 | Credit 1

This course is designed to broaden students’ awareness of current issues facing the world.  It introduces current events and geography as  students become acquainted with topics such as genocide, health issues, human rights, global warming, and terrorism, immigration, and water issues.  The global impact as well as the impact on United States policy decisions is taken into consideration as students use a variety of current, primary, and secondary source readings on the subjects.

271 Twentieth Century America

CP | Grade 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course surveys the Twentieth Century in American History.  It covers topics such as World War I and World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War, their effects on society and the nation, the many cultural and economic changes of the time, and the significance of key events.  The students are able to demonstrate an understanding of the patterns of change and continuity in the history of the United States, to identify the unique qualities of the different types of primary sources, to interpret, to analyze and to evaluate primary and secondary sources related to core historical themes and topics.  Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, independent research, deductive reasoning, and writing skills.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of World Civilization, U.S. History, and Government

Psychology

255 AP Psychology

AP, H | Grades 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course is designed to introduce students to the study of the behavior and cognitive processes of human beings.  The course looks at the history of psychology and compares and contrasts the different schools of psychological thought.  Students learn about the various research and testing methodologies used in psychology as well as an overview of the factors that produce strong statistical data. Attention is paid to the cognitive functions and perception, sleep, language, and learning.  This course also looks at the biological processes that influence behavior, such as relationships between the endocrine system and the nervous system, brain function, genetics, and the senses.  Finally, in addition to examining motivation and emotion, personality, and intelligence, this course introduces a study of abnormal psychology and methods used to treat psychological disorders.  At the end of this course students are prepared for and encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Exam in psychology.

Prerequisite: Current history teacher’s approval

252 Human Development

CP | Grades 11, 12 | Credit 1

This course in introductory psychology emphasizes the growth and development of the child from conception to adulthood.  Information is based on biological, psychological, social, and moral concepts of development.  The course also includes a study of psychological theories in order to gain the knowledge needed to address life’s problems.