Academics > Course Descriptions > Humanities
ENGLISH
111, 112 Lit/Comp 9
H, CP1 - Literature/Composition 9
Grade 9
Credit 1
This course concentrates on the fundamentals of grammar and composition, vocabulary, literary terms, and genres. The student will read literature based on universal themes and will study a novel in depth. Composition will concentrate on sentence structure and paragraph development, leading to the longer essay. A full-year vocabulary course is included. The study of grammar, vocabulary, and literary selections will be based on the skill level of the student.
113 Lit/Comp 9
CP2, 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, vocabulary, 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 Am Lit/Comp 10
H, CP1,CP2, CPA –American Literature/Composition 10
Grade 10
Credit 1
This course surveys American Literature from the Colonial Period to after World War II. Composition and grammar instruction will move students from the essay to preparation of a research paper. A full-year vocabulary course is included. Special consideration will be given to the needs of CP2 students.
131, 132, 133 Br L/Comp 11
H, CP1, CP2 – British Literature/Composition 11
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 will be 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 Wld L/Comp 12
H, CP1, CP2 – World Literature/Composition 12
Grade 12
Credit 1
This course emphasizes studies in World Literature and in women in literature. The first semester uses a chronological approach to World Literature, starting with ancient cultures. The second semester will concentrate on the modern and contemporary world, illustrating the woman’s place in worldwide literature. Instruction in grammar and in composition will be designed to meet the needs of the students. A full-year vocabulary course is included. A research paper must be completed.
148 Adv. Eng. Lang. and Comp.
AP - Advanced English Language and Composition
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 thes ynthesis 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
149 Adv. Engl. Lit. and Comp.
AP - Advanced English Literature and Composition
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 Advacned Placement Exam in English Literature and Composition.
PREQUISITE
Students who register for the course should have an A average in British Literature and permission from their current English teacher
115 Reading 9
CP2, CPA - Reading 9
Grade 9
Credit 1
This course is designed for students who need to strengthen their reading and study skills before beginning foreign language. The purpose of this course is to help students improve their reading comprehension, word attack skills, vocabulary understanding, study skills, and writing skills. Appropriate literature, skills lessons, and supplementary materials will be incorporated, including textbook reading from the students’ other courses.
PREREQUISITE:
Placement Test – HSPT reading below 40th percentile.
125 Reading 10
CP2, CPA - Reading 10
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 will emphasize study and research skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. Students will work toward reaching grade level in their reading skills.
PREREQUISITE:
Completion of Reading 9.
144 Reading and Writing for Success/College Reading
CP1 - RWS/College Reading
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.
145 Folklore
CP2 - Folklore Studies
Grades 10, 11, 12
Credit 1
This course surveys the genres of folklore and folk life and the kinds of groups that maintain folklore. Theories and methods of folklore studies are used to teach analytical skills. Students collect, study, and analyze different forms of folklore.
PREREQUISITE
Successful completion of English Composition and Literature
152 Journalism I - Newspaper
CP 1– Newspaper
Grades 9, 10, 11
Credit 1
This course develops journalistic skills and techniques from how 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, IV
PREREQUISITE:
Application plus an average of B in English.
153 Yearbook
CP1 – Yearbook
Grades 10, 11, 12
Credit 1
This course is designed to go beyond the specifics of Journalism 1. Students will have individual deadlines, but they will 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 will serve as editors and will create and implement yearbook procedures. Editors must attend weekly after-school meetings and be able to work on the yearbook after school.
PREREQUISITE:
Application plus an average of B in English
155 Journalism II, III, IV - Newspaper
CP1 - Newspaper II - IV
Grades 10, 11, 12
Credit 1
This course is offered to students who 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! - Cr Writ.
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 will be included to serve as examples of well-written works.
PREREQUISITE:
B or higher in English and submission of an acceptable writing sample
161 Creative Non-Fiction Writing
CP1 - Cr. Non-Fict.
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 will provide instruction in personal writing in the form of memoirs and biography. The course will provide an overview on a variety of non-fiction genres, will teach positive critiquing methods, and will allow time for students to concentrate on areas of particular interest. Reading of the various non-fiction genres will be included to serve as examples of well-written works.
PREREQUISITE:
B or higher in English and submission an acceptable writing sample
572 SAT Prep
CP1 – SAT Test Preparation
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 will be taking the SAT test 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, CP1, CP2 - World Civ
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 will study the rise and fall of empires and the development of nation states. A correlation will be made between past events and the modern world. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, deductive reasoning, independent research, writing skills, and primary sources.
221, 222, 223 US History
H, CP1, CP2 – United States History
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 will be placed on the development of research skills, critical thinking, and deductive reasoning. Writing and other independent work will be expected of each student.
PREREQUISITE:
Successful completion of World Civilization 1
231, 232, 233 Govt/SS11
H, CP1, CP2 – United States Government
Grade 1
Credit 1
This course looks at the English origins of our governments: federal, state, and local. An examination of the wahat, how, and why of the changes that have occurred in the formation of our present Amverican 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:
Comparable placement in junior English course
245 Advanced US History
AP - United States History
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
PREREQUISITES:
Concurrent placement in Honors English
230 AP Govt
AP - Government
Grades 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. Certian topics are usually covered in college courses. Upon completion of this course, studetns are prepared to take the Advacned Placement Exam in Government and Politics.
PREREQUISITES:
Concurrent placement in Honors English
260 Global Studies
H, CP1, CP2 - Global Studies
Grades 11, 12
Credit 1
This course is designed to broaden students' awareness of current issues facing the world. It introduces current events and geography as the students become acquainted with topics such as genocide, health issues, human rights, global warming, terrorism, and water issues. The global impact as well as the impact on United States policy decisions are taken into consideration as the students use a variety of current, primary, and secondary source readings on the subjects.
281 The Middle Ages
CP1 - Middle Ages
Grade 12
Credit 1
This course surveys the period from the decline of the Roman Empire to the fifteenth century. It will emphasize the integration of cultures during the Germanic migration, the development of distinctive medieval civilization, high medieval culture, and the development of national monarchies, European expansion, and declines. Students will examine primary and secondary documents of the aforementioned events and people such as Charlemagne and Joan of Arc. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking, independent research, deductive reasoning, and writing skills.
PSYCHOLOGY
255 Advanced Psychology
AP , H - Psych.
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 sytem, 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:
Teacher approval
252 Human Development
CP1 – Human Dev
Grades 11, 12
Credit 1
This course 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 will also include a study of psychological theories in order to gain the knowledge needed to address life’s problems.
