CTHSS
APPROVED ELECTIVE COURSE OFFERINGS 2008-2009
(The following are approved elective
courses which may NOT be offered at all sites.
Please contact
the respective school Guidance Department for their elective
offerings.)
Art
- 2-D
Design
- 3-D
Design I
- 3-D
Design II
- Advanced
Art
- AP
Studio Art I and II
- Art
Portfolio Development
- Drawing
I and II
- Floral
Design
- French
Art Appreciation
- History
of Art and Architecture
- Introduction
to Traditional Art
- Jewelry
Making
- Painting
I and II
- Pre-AP
Art
- Printmaking
Business
- Computerized
Accounting
- Business
Management
- Spreadsheet
Applications for Small Business
Computer
Education
- Desktop
Publishing
- HTML
- Introduction
to Computer Education
- Java
Scripting
- MOUS
Certification
English
- African
American Literature
- Business
Writing
- Cinema
Literacy
- Classic
Literature on Film I
- Classic
Literature on Film II
- Creative
Writing
- Drama
- English/American
Studies
- Introduction
to Classic Gothic Literature
- Introduction
to Journalism
- Language
of Images
- Literature
of Vietnam War
- Mythology
- Novels
to Film
- School
Newspaper Production
- Speech
Communication
- Study
of Science Fiction
- Wesleyan
Humanities
- World
Mythology/Shakespeare and His World
Math
- CAPT
Connection-Math
- Math
in Music
|
Music
- Chorus
- Guitar
I
- Guitar
II
- Instrumental
Ensemble
- Keyboard
- Music
Appreciation
Physical
Education and Health
-
Advanced Fitness and Wellnes
-
Body Sculpting
-
Strength and Conditioning
-
Fun, Food and Fitness
-
Lifetime
Activities
Science
- Astronomy
- CAPT
Connection-Science
- Chemistry
in the Community
- Introduction
to Optics
- Propulsion
- River
Health and Fresh Water Ecology
- Science
of Communication
Social
Studies
- Three
American Wars
- Civil
War History
- Connecticut
History
- Holocaust,
Genocide, and Human Rights
- Topics
in Modern U.S. History
Student
Development
- Academic
Access
- Career
Building
- SAT
Math Test Prep
- SAT
Preparation
- SAT
Prep-Reading/Writing
- Seminar
by Grade
- Seminar
Series
- Skills
USA-PDP Plan
- Teen
Leadership
- Teen
Leadership/Career Development
Trade/Technology
- Technical
Drawing/Basic Drafting
World
Languages
- Conversational
Spanish
- Spanish
I
- French
I
- Italian 1
|
CTHSS
ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2008-2009
(The following are approved elective
courses which may NOT be offered at all sites.
Please contact the respective
school Guidance Department for their elective offerings.)
ART
2-D Design (1 credit)
This course explores the elements of art and principles of design. Students
will be introduced to a variety of medium including drawing, painting,
printmaking, lettering and mixed media. Lectures and student research
on art history will be included. An inexpensive notebook
or sketchbook is required.
3-D Design I (1 credit)
This course explores the elements of art and principles of design
using a variety of techniques and materials. Emphasis is
placed on the various ways of creating 3-D designs using shapes,
planes, and forms. Instruction is given using paper, wood, plaster,
wire, papier-mâché and clay. Lectures and student
research on art history are included.
3-D Design II (1 credit)
In this course, students will have an opportunity to create and
respond to visual arts, focusing on 3-D design. This course
will be a continuation of 3-D Design I. This course explores
the elements of art and principles of design using a variety
of techniques and materials. Emphasis is placed on the
various ways of creating 3-D designs using shapes, planes, and
forms. Instruction is given using paper, wood, plaster, wire,
papier-mâché and clay. Lectures and student research
on art history are included.
Advanced Art (1/4 credit, 1/2 credit)
This course is an advanced study of art principles and design. Students
will advance skills in creating and interpreting art and will prepare
portfolios of their work.
AP Studio Art I And II (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Art and
serious interest in drawing
AP Studio Art is a college-level course focusing on drawing that
requires the development of a portfolio demonstrating quality,
breadth and concentration. This course concentrates on developing
the student’s creativity and technical drawing skills in
the areas of realism and fantasy. Intense instruction is provided
in shading, landscape, still life, portraiture, human body figure,
value and perspective. Various techniques are taught, including
tennebrism, stippling, chiaroscuro, cross-hatching and printing
methods. Many different mediums are used, including pencil, charcoal,
watercolor, crayon and pastels. To qualify for college credit,
students must submit a portfolio of slides meeting specific criteria
in May of their senior year.
Art Portfolio Development (1 credit)
This class is designed for the art student who wishes to pursue
a career in the arts after graduation. Students develop a portfolio
of quality 2-D works of art which can be used in application
to art schools or art programs. Students create 10-15 strong
works of art using a variety of media such as pastels, acrylics,
watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal and multimedia focusing
on traditional still life arrangements as well as non-objective,
abstract compositions. All student work will be original
work.
Drawing I and II (1/4 credit, 1 credit)
This course focuses on drawing techniques and tools. Students
will demonstrate and understand basic drawing using visual measurement,
shading, composition, perspective, drawing techniques, sustained
drawings and written reflection. Students have an opportunity
to use various drawing media and develop drawing skills, observation
skills, and confidence in the use of media and drawing. Exposure
to various media, subject matter, and knowledge of history and
culture through art will also be emphasized. Drawing II includes
more advanced application of drawing, expanding students’ skills
and using a variety of materials. Knowledge of history and culture
through art will be explored in more depth.
Floral Design (1 credit)
In this course, students will explore art and 3-D design through
the medium of floral design. Students will use live flowers,
silks, and mixed greens, among other materials to study the design
styles, history, art, and personal expression of this art form.
French Art Appreciation (1/4
credit, ½ credit,
1 credit)
The course surveys art, artists and artistic styles from France. The
class will explore ways art reflects and shapes social, religious
and political concerns. Students are expected to produce drawings
and/or models as well as research. Note: This course is
offered only at Wilcox Technical High School.
History of Art and Architecture (1/4 credit)
The course surveys various art and architectural styles from around
the world. The class will explore ways art and architecture
reflect and shape social, religious and political concerns. Students
are expected to produce drawings and/or models as well as research.
Introduction to Traditional Art (1 credit)
This course explores the elements of art and principles of design. Students
will study various traditional arts utilizing the techniques of
weaving, metal work and fabric.
Jewelry Making (1/2 credit)
This course introduces students to the principles and design of
jewelry making. Students will explore the techniques, history,
materials and concepts used to create original jewelry. A
variety of mediums will be used including clay, metal, plastic,
paper and recyclable materials. Various processes used
will include the kiln, soldering and AutoCAD.
Painting I and II (1/4 credit, 1
credit)
Painting I is a techniques and tools class. Students are
exposed to various painting techniques and media. They will
also engage in written reflection of their own art and the artwork
of others. They will also be exposed to paintings from different
time periods and cultures. Painting I gives students an
understanding and appreciation of painting processes, aesthetics,
criticism and history. Essential visual arts concepts and
skills in this course provide a foundation for continuing study
in art. Painting II includes more advanced and in-depth
application of the aforementioned painting principles.
Pre-AP Art (1 credit)
This is a preparatory course for advanced studies in the arts and
careers in art. A major focus is portfolio development
in a concentrated area, i.e., Drawing, 2-D Design and 3-D Design. Students
will address three areas of the portfolio: breadth, concentration
and quality. Students will be challenged to develop technical,
visual, artistic and critical thinking skills as they develop
their own personal work. Substantial outside work is necessary. Maturity,
self-direction and commitment to art work are expected.
Printmaking (1 credit)
This course focuses on printmaking as an art form. Various
techniques and processes will be explored. Students will
apply various problem solving and design principles to create printmaking
products including pulled string, monoprinting, linoleum block,
recycled relief, silk screening and brush stencil cutting.
BUSINESS
Computerized Accounting (1 credit)
This course will help students understand and become familiar with
accounting principles and operation of small business to prepare
students to operate a small business.
Business Management (1 credit)
This course deals with business management as it relates to entrepreneurial
ventures and starting a small business.
Spreadsheet Applications for Small Business (1
credit)
In this course understanding the concept of a small business is
explored through a collection of data. The data is then organized,
analyzed and applied to different business simulations in an effort
to make wise business decisions.
COMPUTER EDUCATION
Desktop Publishing (1/4 credit)
The goal of this course is to enhance the student portfolio using
various technology applications. Students will utilize the advanced
features of word, spreadsheet functions, and develop projects and
presentations incorporating multimedia for inclusion in the final
portfolio submission.
HTML (1/4 credit)
In this course, students will explore HTML and web page design.
The students will evaluate web page formats and design layouts. Students
will learn how to code HTML, understand cascading style sheets
and proper graphical user interface design, and build a site
for a targeted audience. Students will create products
to include the following areas: business, academics, personal,
and trade related.
Introduction To Computer Education (1/4
credit, ½ credit,
1 credit)
The Computer Education program provides opportunities for students
to develop competency and demonstrate technological proficiency
in areas related to computer literacy standards. Students will
demonstrate the ability to work with a variety of software applications,
technologies and equipment, as well as keyboarding at the proficiency
standard. The ninth and tenth grade program offers a course sequence
in computer literacy including Basic Operations and Concepts, Social
Ethical Issues, Technology Productivity and Software Applications,
Technology Communications, Technology Tools, and Problem-solving.
Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of Word, Excel and
Power point to design projects and products.
Java Scripting (1/2 credit)
The students will learn the fundamentals of Java programming language. Topics
to be covered include: Program structure, operators, variables,
comments, data types, conditional statements, loops, arrays, input/output,
and exception handling. Students must demonstrate mastery in writing
JAVA scripts using features covered in the identified topics.
Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) Certification (1/2
credit)
The MOUS coursework series are based on the Microsoft MOUS Certification
program. Students must demonstrate proficiency in Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, and Access. This course will cover identified core
level skills in each of these applications. Upon completion of
the course outline, students will take the MOUS certification exam.
ENGLISH
Please Note: All 1 credit elective courses
which qualify as English course requirements are focused on the
five goals of the standard English 11 and 12 curricula. Therefore,
the qualifying English elective courses require students to read
and interpret fiction and informational texts, engage in frequent
writing tasks, conduct research to produce a paper or project,
and practice effective communication skills. Unless an elective
course description states otherwise, a 1 credit English elective
course (or a combination of ½ credit English electives)
can be used to satisfy the requirements for an English 11 or
12 course. Due to the abbreviated nature of a ¼ credit
elective, none of these courses can be applied toward satisfying
the English11 and 12 requirements. All of the courses
which do not apply toward fulfilling the English 11 and 12 requirements
are marked with an asterisk (*).
African American Literature (1 credit)
Students will focus on reading, writing, and interpreting African-American
literature from various periods. Students will be able
to identify themes of African-American culture and relate these
themes to the literature and contemporary American culture.
Business Writing (1 credit)*
This 1 credit course does not fulfill the English III or
English IV requirement. Students’ work
will focus on effective written and oral communication in the
workplace. Students will learn about and create documents
that are found typically in the workplace.
Cinema Literacy (½ credit,
1 credit)
Students will explore the genre of film in order to develop visual
literacy and the ability to read film critically. Students
will learn the technical vocabulary related to film and analyze
the directors' goals in the portrayal of characters, conflicts,
and themes. Students will become active viewers and engage
in multiple writing assignments that encourage analysis of course
concepts.
Classic Literature on Film I (1 credit)
Students will explore classic works of literature through the medium
of film, compare and analyze the translation of the written text
into the visual medium, and read film critically. Students will
write reviews in which they critique and analyze author’s
purpose, director’s goals, characterization, conflict,
theme, and the application of literary devices. In addition,
students will research a particular film or director and prepare
a paper, project, or presentation for class.
Classic Literature on Film II (1/2 credit)
This course continues the goals of Classic Literature on Film I
through the use of different film titles.
Creative Writing (½ credit,
1 credit)
Students will read and analyze examples of short fiction and poetry
in order to build a vocabulary for discussing the craft of writing
and to become acquainted with masters of the form. Through writing
exercises and work on their own compositions, students will hone
their skills. This course introduces the basic conventions of
fiction and poetry and helps students develop techniques to polish
their writing in any genre. Class time will be spent discussing
and practicing writing and in workshop.
Drama (1 credit)
Students will read and view plays in order to develop an understanding
of the structure and conventions of drama. A brief history
of playwriting will be introduced, and students will learn the
components of stagecraft. In addition, students will write
their own play.
English/American Studies (1 credit)
American Studies is an integrated instruction program in American
literature and Modern U.S. History. The course develops
the student's understanding of the American character and culture
while fostering an understanding of the social, political, and
economic institutions of the United States. This course
provides the basic foundation in history and literature that
is fundamental to student understanding and appreciation of the
evolution of the American character and the uniqueness of the
American culture.
Introduction to Classic Gothic Literature (1/4
credit)*
This elective cannot be applied toward satisfying the English
III or English IV requirement. Students
will read novels and short stories belonging to the British and
American Gothic literature era. Students will examine the
literary devices and the elements that are specific to this period
of literature.
Introduction to Journalism (½ credit,
1 credit)
This course will introduce students to the role of the journalist
in American society. Students will develop writing skills
by studying and applying rules of form for composing news stories,
reviews, features, and editorials. In addition, students
will become critical and active readers of newspapers and periodicals. Students
will learn to adhere to standards of journalistic ethics through
their work in the course.
Language of Images (1 credit)*
This 1 credit course does not fulfill the English III or
English IV requirement. Students
will develop critical thinking skills as they explore the functions
of art and writing, improve oral and written communication; engage
in on-going class dialogue through written reflections and in-class
critiques.
Literature of Vietnam War (1 credit)
Students read a variety of fiction and non-fiction pieces about
the Vietnam War, some from the perspective of the North Vietnamese. Among
the authors are Vietnam War veterans Phillip Caputo and Tim O’Brien. Requirements
of the course include 3 oral presentations/speeches and a research
paper, in addition to exams and written responses on the assigned
readings.
Mythology (1 credit)
Students will examine a cross-cultural and historical survey of
world mythology. Students will become familiar with the
ways different cultures have interpreted the world in which they
live and how cultures created their own explanations for phenomena
they could not understand. Myths, fables, and legends from
Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas will be examined. This
course will also consider ideas such as the meanings of myth,
the purposes and functions of myth; theories of how myths originated;
and ways that myths have been analyzed and interpreted. This
course will trace the manner in which some myths have been given
expression in literature, visual art and film. Students
will learn to compare and contrast myths and discuss common elements
in myths and to interpret the meaning of the myths in the cultural
and historical context in which they were written.
Novels to Film (1 credit)
This course is designed for readers who are interested in comparing
literary works to their film counterparts. Students will
critique films and literature based on an examination of authors'
purposes and directors' goals. The parallel portrayal of
characters, conflicts, and themes will be analyzed. Students
will read texts, view films, discuss ideas, and write throughout
this course. The final trimester will culminate with an
independent comparison project based on a study of a literary
work and its film counterpart.
School Newspaper Production (1/4 credit)*
This elective cannot be applied toward satisfying the English
III or English IV requirement. Students
will develop writing skills and knowledge of basic journalistic
form through the production of a school newspaper.
Speech Communication (1 credit)
Speech communication encompasses all aspects of communication. Various
speaking situations will be presented, and students will learn
to be good speakers and critical listeners. Interpersonal
communication will be accentuated as students prepare presentations.
Students will read a variety of speeches, and will engage in a
critical study of A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.
Study of Science Fiction (1 credit)
Through readings in the genre of science fiction, students will
study man in relationship to his future--a future dominated by
science and technology. The many questions studied
are the nature of man and his future societies; the treatment
of current social problems; the division of peoples; and prescriptions
for the new society, the new people, and the new belief systems.
Wesleyan Humanities (1 credit)
Students will interpret and reflect upon six major literary works. The
students will read the books in class, write responses to the literature,
attend college level lectures (often with expert professors), and
view complementary films works.
World Mythology/Shakespeare and His World (1
credit)
This course will introduce students to selected works of Shakespeare,
the Elizabethan Age, and world mythology. Students will gain
an understanding of the role of mythology in a cross-cultural context
and how modern literature has evolved from the beginnings of story-telling.
MATH
CAPT Connection-Math (1/4 credit)
To prepare students for the CAPT by providing: a review of math
skills, practice using CAPT released items, problem solving strategies
and skills, which will be essential for CAPT and students further
education.
Math in Music (1/4 credit)
Whether one is speaking about changing pitches in melodies or the
intricate rhythms of an Indian or African drum, mathematics is
closely linked with music. This course explores: rations
and fractions as they apply to musical tones, lengths and widths
of guitar strings and organ pipes, time signatures, divisions
of rhythm, the Pythagorean overtone series (harmonics), varying
frequencies, constructive and destructive combinations of frequencies,
pattern recognition as it relates to “Form” in music
(ex: ABA, 145), the decibel scale and spectral plots describing
the energy of sound.
MUSIC
Chorus (1/4 credit, 1/2 credit, 1 credit)
This course is open to students who have a desire to sing. Emphasis
will be placed on singing, alone and with others using a varied
repertoire of choral music. In addition, musical reading skills
and ensemble skills will be developed. No experience necessary. Skills
that will be emphasized include the following: 1. Tone, intonation
technique, musicianship 2. Control sound, melodic and harmonic
intonation, rhythm, diction, accuracy, dynamics, phrasing and balance.
Guitar I (1/2 credit)
Open to all students who own a guitar or bass. Music reading skills
not required. Emphasis will be placed on performing a variety
of music alone and with others, as well as the development of
musical reading skills and ensemble skills. If a student
wishes to enroll but does not own a guitar, a limited number
of school instruments are available on a first-come, first-served
basis.
Guitar II (1/2 credit)
Prerequisite: Guitar I
Open to students who have successfully completed Guitar I and
would like to continue more advanced study. Students will
learn higher level repertoire and techniques, with greater emphasis
on public performance.
Instrumental Ensemble (1/4
credit, ½ credit,
1 credit)
This course is open to students who wish to play traditional
band/orchestra instruments. Prior experience with your instrument is required. Focus
will be on ensemble skills, reading musical notation, and other
musical concepts. Students must supply instruments and personal
instrument supplies (i.e. reeds).
Keyboard (1/2 credit)
Keyboard class is open to all students who own a portable keyboard
(full-size keys only). Music reading skills not required. Emphasis
will be placed on performing a variety of music alone and with
others, as well as the development of musical readiness.
Music Appreciation (1/4 credit, 1/2
credit)
This is an introductory course for students with little or no
previous studies in music. A major percentage of this course will
be devoted to listening actively to music of all types. The
class will also prepare students for further music study.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH
Advanced Fitness and Wellness (1/4 credit, 1
credit)
Students will engage in fitness related activities to improve
one’s
overall health and wellness. Students will design and implement
a personal fitness program designed to strengthen fitness deficits
while improving and maintaining one’s physical health and
well-being.
Body Sculpting (1/4 credit)
A combination of anaerobic and aerobic workouts for students: including
learning the proper technique for lifting weights, TAE BO, Yoga,
Pilates and various cardio activities.
Strength and Conditioning (1/4 credit)
Strength and conditioning is designed for those students who want
to develop overall body strength and muscular endurance. The
program is designed to strengthen the major muscles of the human
body, through lifts such as, bench press, squats, incline bench
press. (Course offered only for Grades 11 and 12).
Fun, Food and Fitness (1/2 credit)
This elective course will allow students to develop and refine
skills to increase their overall physical fitness, eating habits
and food choices through individualized activities.
Lifetime Activities (1 credit)
Students will participate in individual and dual sport activities
designed to improve one’s overall physical health and well-being. Students
will partake in a variety of activities designed to improve one’s
physical fitness while providing positive opportunities to engage
in recreation.
SCIENCE
Astronomy (1 credit)
This course is an introduction to the study of the solar system,
the stars, galaxies, nebulae and newly discovered celestial bodies. This
course is designed to raise the level of student awareness of celestial
objects, including history, properties, interrelationships, and
the impact upon the understanding of the universe. Laboratory
activities are included.
CAPT Connection-Science (1/2 credit)
This course will reinforce, enhance and expand on experimentation
concepts, not easily mastered by our incoming freshman students. After
evaluating prior knowledge, students will work on basic experimentation
skills, while practicing collection, evaluate while practicing
collection and evaluation of data.
Chemistry in the Community (1 credit)
Each unit in this course includes a chemistry related theme related
to real life of the student and to the community. It is
designed to provide the student opportunities to develop and
use important chemistry concepts and skills needed to understand
the chemistry behind some issues and problems that arise in your
community. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.
Introduction to Optics (1/2 credit)
Optical systems are used almost everywhere today. From eye
glasses to medical instrumentation, from telecommunications to
space exploration, optical systems make a difference in our world. This
short course covers the fundamentals needed to understand optics.
Propulsion (1 credit)
This course is designed to apply science and trade knowledge in
solving real world problems. Each semester will study a
different aspect of propulsion, as follows: Trimester 1
- Physics of a car crash; Trimester 2 - Alternative fuels/transportation;
and Trimester 3 - Rocketry.
River Health and Fresh Water Ecology (1 credit)
Design and conduct appropriate scientific investigations to answer
different questions, identify independent and dependent variables.
Assess the reliability of the data that is generated in the investigation.
Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret the data.
Articulate conclusions and explanations based on research data.
Science of Communication (1 credit)
The course provides a framework wherein students will examine the
progress of man's communications as well as the ultimate goal
of the interrelationships of the principles and practices that
shape our modern "information age."
SOCIAL STUDIES
American Studies/English (1 credit)
American Studies is an integrated interdisciplinary course in
Modern U.S. History and American literature. This humanities course
focuses on the 20th century to the present and is taught cooperatively
with Social Studies and English. Using a thematic approach the
course develops the student's understanding of the American character
and culture while fostering an understanding of the social, political,
and economic institutions of the United States. This course
provides the basic foundation in history and literature that is
fundamental to student understanding and appreciation of the evolution
of the American character and the uniqueness of the American culture.
Students will develop historical thinking through active inquiry
and research using multiple sources. Students will analyze
multiple perspectives and interpretations and write to inform and
persuade the reader.
Three American Wars (1/2 credit, 1/4 credit)
This course is a study of the Revolutionary War, Mexican American
War and the Civil War. The course will focus on the historical,
social, political, intellectual, cultural and economic causes and
consequences of these wars in early American History.
Civil War History (1 credit)
Students will explore the genre of film in order to develop visual
literacy and the ability to read film critically. Students
will learn the technical vocabulary related to film and analyze
the directors' goals in the portrayal of characters, conflicts,
and themes. Students will become active viewers and engage
in multiple writing assignments that encourage analysis of course
concepts.
Connecticut History (1/4
credit, 1 credit)
The course examines the growth and development of Connecticut
from Pre-Colonial times to the present. Students will be able
to explain historical, cultural, economic, legal and political
development in Connecticut. Many people believe that Connecticut
is different from the rest of traditional New England and that
it does not share fully the Yankee traditions, values and institutions
associated with New England. Just how unique is Connecticut?
Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights (1/4
credit, 1/2 credit, 1 credit)
This course is an in-depth study of the Holocaust as well as
genocide and terrorism in the 20th century to the present. The
course will focus on the historical, social, political, intellectual,
cultural and economic causes and consequences of the Holocaust
as well as current examples of genocide and terrorism.
Topics in Modern U.S. History (1 credit)
This course focuses on key people, events and technology during
specific historical periods in American History such as slavery,
freedom and the struggle for empire; revolution and the new nation;
expansion and reform; development of the industrial United States,
emergence of modern America, contemporary United States. Students
will compare and contrast time periods as well as evaluate foreign
and domestic policy decisions. Students will demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of specific events by completing
individual projects choosing from a variety of formats.
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Academic Access (1/4 credit)
Academic access provides students with two (2) periods per week
of structured time to meet with teachers for additional one on
one instruction, make-up tests and assignment completion, enrichment
activities, peer tutoring and time to use the media center resources.
Career Building (1/4
credit)
This course is designed to assist students preparing for job
entry or presently employed looking to improve their job performance
skills including: interpersonal, communication, self-image, and
opportunities for career advancement. Content includes, but
is not limited to: personality/self inventories; goals and self-concept
inventories; job discovery searches; in-depth job web searches;
job preference surveys; elements of job success; and, business
English skills.
SAT Math Test Prep (1 credit)
This course prepares students for the SAT exam and includes a review
of basic math skills covered in the exam and test-taking strategies
in order for students to familiarize the students with the exam
format. General elective credit will be offered. Math
credit will not be offered for this course offering.
SAT Preparation (1/2 credit)
This course focuses on preparing students for the math, reading
and writing portions of the SAT.
Students will learn test-taking reading and critical thinking skills,
verbal reasoning, sentence analysis, vocabulary building, identification
of errors of grammar, word choice, usage, idiom, improving sentences,
and improving paragraph structure. Math preparation focuses on
skill building exercises in Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.
Students will learn test-taking strategies, practice appropriate
exercises and study logical thinking.
SAT Prep-Reading/Writing (1 credit)
This course prepares students for the SAT I exam. The content includes
reading skills and critical thinking skills incorporating activities
in verbal reasoning, sentence analysis, vocabulary building,
identification of errors of grammar, word choice and usage, idiom,
improving sentences, and improving paragraph structure.
Seminar by Grade (1 credit)
Seminar is designed to provide students with strategies for successfully
meeting the academic, technical and social expectations placed
upon high school students at each grade level. We will focus
on readiness factors involved at the college and work.
Seminar Series (1/4 credit)
Senior seminar is designed to provide students with strategies
for successfully meeting the academic, technical and social expectations
placed upon high school students at the senior level. This course
will focus on readiness skills in preparing students for successful
transition to work or college.
Skills USA-PDP Plan (1/2 credit, 1
credit)
Skills USA's Professional Development Program (PDP) guides students
through varied standards-based employability skills activities.
PDP includes self-assessments in communications skills, ethics,
conflict resolution, government awareness, time management skills,
and career research.
Teen Leadership (1/4 credit, 1/2 credit, 1
credit)
The course provides students with the opportunity to explore
the diverse personal, interpersonal, cultural, social and financial
elements which influence students' abilities to act responsibly,
become good citizens in school and in their communities, and learn
to lead with vision. By first coming to understand themselves
and the way peer pressure affects them, students will work to build
a healthy self-concept and utilize effective conflict resolution
strategies. They will develop self-confidence, a sense of
personal responsibility, respect for others and the ability to
form and maintain strong personal relationships with peers and
adults. Understanding emotional and principle-based decision
making, students will learn to regard sound values, self-motivation
and creative thinking in life and work. More specifically,
students will improve their abilities to make a good impression,
to communicate effectively on a personal and public level (public
speaking), to mediate conflicts (peer mediation), to meet present
day money management and family needs; thereby learning to set
firm personal and professional goals.
Teen Leadership/Career Development Course (1
credit)
The course delivers the mandatory 11th grade Career Development
course in an Advanced Teen Leadership model. Students will
develop the skills and competencies necessary to succeed as employees,
entrepreneurs, advanced learners and leaders. Exploring their
professional and personal vision, they will work with the Career
Development topics that include communicating effectively, interviewing,
portfolio development/presentation, and resume writing. Within
the Advanced Teen Leadership program, students learn to model personal
responsibility, speak well in public, meet present day money management
needs and exercise sound fiscal judgment; all as a basis for making
principle-based personal and professional decisions. Students
will become skilled in making post-secondary advanced education
and career decisions.
TRADE/TECHNOLOGY
Technical Drawing/Basic Drafting (1/4 credit)
Students will perform to basic components of instrumental drawing
and lettering. Students will use basic drafting techniques
to complete different types of engineering and construction drawings. Students
will read and interpret basic multi view drawings.
WORLD LANGUAGES
French I (1/2 credit, 1 credit)
Students will develop basic speaking proficiency, correct pronunciation,
listening comprehension and the ability to read and write idiomatic
expressions in French for basic communicative purposes as well
as to enhance the skills of their selected trade. Language
skills and cultural knowledge are enhanced by the use of technology
- CD-ROMs, Internet, audio and video tapes and slides.
Italian I (1/2 credit)
Students will develop basic speaking proficiency, correct pronunciation,
listening comprehension and the ability to read and write idiomatic
expressions in Italian for basic communicative purposes as well
as to enhance the skills of their selected trade. Language
skills and cultural knowledge are enhanced by the use of technology
- CD-ROMs, Internet, audio and video tapes and slides.
Spanish I (1/2 credit, 1 credit)
Spanish 1 will offer students basic communicative skills to develop
speaking proficiency, correct pronunciation, listening comprehension,
and the ability to read and write idiomatic expressions in the
targeted language to enhance the skills of their selected trade.
Conversational Spanish (1/2 credit, 1 credit)
This course will offer language application as seen from an oral
and conversational perspective. This course will apply
the basic skills to the areas of communication, background of
cultures, linguistic connections to their own language, and comparisons
among cultures and communities. Students will participate
in a range of communicative activities from role-playing to group
dialogues using vocabulary in context. Language skills
and cultural knowledge are enhanced by the use of technology,
CD-ROMs, Internet, audio and video tapes, and slides. |