2012 - 2013 Course Descriptions

THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT COURSES
 
Theology I - Introduction to Catholicism (1 credit)
Introduction to the basic doctrines of the Catholic Christian faith based on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Topics covered include: the relationship between faith and reason, the existence of God, the Trinity, creation, original sin, the person of Jesus Christ, the structure and role of the Church, Mary, grace, the Sacraments, the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, the universal call to holiness, and prayer.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of a vocabulary that is essential for the study of theology and familiarity with the language and basic structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 
 
Theology II - Word of God in Scripture(1 credit)
Introduction to God’s revelation of His love throughout salvation history and the Catholic approach to Scripture.  Topics covered will include: the relationship between Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, the role of the Magisterium in the interpretation of Scripture, inspiration, inerrancy, canonicity, the senses of Scripture, methods of Biblical interpretation (patristic and historical-critical), the centrality of the covenant, and a survey of the Old and New Testament.  Emphasis will be placed on how to use and read the Bible within the tradition of the Catholic Church.
 
Theology III - Principles of Catholic Christian Morality and Social Justice (1 credit)
A comprehensive view of the principles that form the moral life rooted in Christ.  These principles are found in Scripture and the Tradition of the Church.  This course will emphasize the moral issues that young people face in our culture.  The part of the course on morality will include:  a definition of morality, creation in the image of God, freedom, grace, conscience, law (natural and divine), sin and forgiveness, virtues, gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Ten Commandments, Catholic sexual morality, bioethics, and the Beatitudes.  The part of the course on the Church’s teaching on social justice will include: poverty and the distribution of wealth, prejudice and racism, war and peace, criminal justice, the Gospel and the State, and international community and business ethics.
 
Theology IV - Church History(1 credit)
A survey of the development of the Church of Christ in her 2000 year history beginning with the Acts of the Apostles and proceeding to the present day.  This course will provide an overview of the popes, councils, bishops, priests, deacons, saints, mystics, doctors, lay people, and theologians that have impacted the course of Church history.  The history of both the Church of the East and West will be studied.  Topics studied include: the Apostolic Church, the Early Church, Christendom (Medieval Period), and Renaissance/Reformation, Evangelization of the “New World”, the modern world, and the Church in America.

Honors Theology IV - Church History and Catholic Christian Culture(1 credit)
This class will have the same content as the college preparatory class described above. Students studtying Theology on this level will be exposed to more primary source readings and engage the material in a more seminar fashion. This class will be more reading and writing intensive than the college preparatory course.
This course will be open to all students that have excelled in Honors/AP level classes and meet the expectations of the teacher of the class and the Chair of the Theology Department.
 
 
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT COURSES
 
English I(1 credit) 
This course provides the student with an intensive study of grammar, writing, and literature. The student will work through all stages of the writing process, learning to write for a variety of purposes and audiences. The literature program provides the student with a comprehensive, yet introductory, exposure to the major literary genres: the novel, short nonfiction, poetry, the short story, drama, and the epic.
Pre-requisites: Successful completion of 8^th grade English
 
Pre-AP English I(1 credit) 
This course demands mastery of the writing process. The student is expected to show growth in the ability to understand and analyze literature and then to communicate this through writing. This course provides the students with an intensive study of grammar, usage, and vocabulary development. The literature program provides the student with a comprehensive exposure to the major literary genres: the novel, short nonfiction, poetry, the short story, drama, and the epic, with an emphasis on literary terms and devices and their impact on the written piece.
Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores average 90th  percentile or higher in English and Reading; 80% or above in previous English course; Teacher and Administration Approval
 
English II(1 credit) 
In English II, students continue their study ofgrammar, usage, and vocabulary. Writing assignments build upon skills learned in English I, and include creative writing and more in-depth literary analysis. Students continue their study of literary genres and complete a formal research paper. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of English I
 
Pre-AP English II(1 credit) 
This course demands that the student analyze, interpret, and take a critical stance on increasingly difficult literature. Challenging writing assignments encourage the student’s growth as a critical thinker and communicator. MLA format and research is taught via a formal research paper.
Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores average 90th percentile or higher in English; 80% or above in Honors English I; Teacher and Administration Approval
 
English III American Literature (1 credit)
American literature is organized chronologically starting with the Colonial Period. Students study American writers and their works with an emphasis on society’s influence on the writer’s treatment of varying themes. The curriculum includes each major literary genre. Writing focuses on literary analysis with grammar and usage covered ad hoc. Students also write a formal research paper, and vocabulary development is emphasized throughout the year.
Pre-requisites: Successful completion of English II
 
English III Language and Composition (AP)(1 credit)
This college-level course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Language and Composition examination given in May. The amount of reading and the level of difficulty demand great responsibility and independence on the part of the student. Writing and analysis are rigorous. Students will become readers of prose written in a variety of historical periods, academic disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. The course will also give students the practice and helpful criticism necessary to become flexible writers who can compose in a variety of modes for a variety of purposes. To that end, the compositions include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays. Students learn to pay particular attention to the resources of language, especially syntax, diction, and tone.
Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores that average 90th percentile or higher in English I; 80% or above in Honors English II; Teacher Approval.  Students enrolled in English III AP are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May and pay the examination fee.
 
English IV British/World Literature(1 credit)
English IV is a survey of British and World Literature in their social and historical contexts. The course requires more independence in the developing of original ideas about the differing genres and the clear communication of these ideas. Writing skills such as argumentative, persuasive, expository, and research are further developed in preparation for college. Students also continue to develop their vocabulary skills during the year.
Pre-requisites: Successful completion of English III
 
English IV – Literature and Composition (AP) (1 credit)
This class offers ambitious and capable students the opportunity to take a college-level course while still in high school. They will consider a work's structure, meaning, and value, and its relationship to contemporary experience, as well as to the context in which it was written. Through such study, students will develop critical standards for the independent appreciation of any literary work and increase their sensitivity to literature as a shared experience. Writing assignments, accordingly, will focus on the critical analysis of literature.
Pre-requisites: Department approval and 80% or above in AP English III.  Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May and pay the examination fee.
 
 
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT COURSES
 
Algebra I(1 credit)
Includes basic properties of real numbers, logical procedures for working with variables, solutions of open sentences (equations and inequalities), factoring polynomials, solving systems of equations using graphic and algebraic techniques, the coordinate system, linear equations, absolute value equations and inequalities, and statistics and probability. 
Pre-requisites: Successful completion of 8^th grade Math
 
Algebra I (Honors)(1 credit)
Includes algebraic procedures used in working with variables, basic and advanced factoring techniques for polynomials, algebraic and technological solutions of systems of equations, basic functional analysis, writing and graphing linear equations, and probability and statistics.  Application of acquired skills through the use of word/application problems is stressed.  Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores that average 90th percentile or higher; 80% or above in previous Math course; Teacher Approval 
 
Geometry(1 credit)
Includes an introduction to the vocabulary of geometry, lines and planes in space, triangles, congruency, similarity and inequalities, parallel and perpendicular lines, quadrilaterals, special right triangles, trigonometric ratios, circles, polygonal areas and volume, and transformations. 
Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Algebra I or Honors Algebra I
 
Geometry(Honors)(1 credit)
Includes an introduction to the vocabulary of geometry, lines and planes in space, triangles, congruency, similarity and inequalities, parallel and perpendicular lines, quadrilaterals, special right triangles, circles, polygonal areas and volume, and transformations.   Students will explore geometric proofs more extensively and develop the ability to think creatively and critically.  Exploration of planar and spatial relationships, including trigonometry, and conic sections, will be conducted. 
Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores that average 90th percentile or higher in Math; 80% or above in Honors Algebra I; Teacher Approval 
 
Math Models(1 credit) 
Math Models re-enforces the concepts presented in Algebra I and Geometry.  These include, but are not limited to: solving, graphing, and identifying the range and domain of functions.  Solving for roots of linear and quadratic equations by different methods and using existing math skills to solve word problems are topics that are covered. The Pythagorean Theorem shapes and trigonometric ratios are among the Geometry topics which are reviewed. 
Pre-requisites:  Algebra I, Geometry.
 
Algebra II(1 credit)
This course will continue the development of algebraic and geometric concepts and skills.  Students will study equations and inequalities, linear relations and functions, solving systems of equations and inequalities by several methods, polynomials, radicals and complex numbers, matrices, quadratic equations, relations and functions with transformations.  Students will become familiar with the TI-83 graphing calculator. 
Pre-requisites:  Successful completion of Geometry or concurrent enrollment
 
Algebra II(Honors)(1 credit)
This course reinforces skills learned in Algebra I and Geometry.  Students will study equations and inequalities, linear relations and functions, solving systems of equations and inequalities by several methods, linear programming, polynomials, radicals and complex numbers, matrices, quadratic equations, relations and functions with transformations.  Special emphasis will be given to college preparatory skills.  This course will include pre-calculus topics.  Students will become familiar with the TI-83 graphing calculator. 
Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores that average 90th percentile or higher; 80% or above in Honors Geometry or concurrent enrollment;   Teacher and Administration Approval
 
Pre-Calculus(1 credit)
This course explores algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions and their graphs as well as sequences, series, probability and statistics, and polar graphing.  Students will use trigonometric identities, vectors, linear programming, and matrices to solve problems.  Students will receive a foundation for the study of calculus. 
Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Geometry and Algebra II
 
Pre-Calculus(Honors)(1 credit)
Those enrolled in this course willexplore algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric functions and their graphs as well as sequences, series, probability and statistics, and polar graphing.  Students will use trigonometric identities, vectors, linear programming, and matrices to solve problems.  This course will prepare students for college level calculus. 
Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores that average 90th percentile or higher;   80% or above in Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra II; Teacher and Administration Approval  
 
AP Calculus AB (1 credit)
AP Calculus AB is designed to develop a thorough understanding of the concepts of calculus and provide rigorous experience with its methods and real-life applications.  This college level course represents a multi-faceted approach to calculus, with concepts, problems, and results expressed geometrically, numerically, analytically, and verbally.  Students work thought-provoking problems similar to questions on the AP Calculus AB exam. 
Pre-requisites:  An average of 85 or higher in Honors Pre-Calculus and Teacher and Administration approval.  Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May and pay the exam fee. 

AP Statistics (1 credit)
The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major
concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data.
Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns, Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study, Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, and finally Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses

 

 
 
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT COURSES
 
Biology I  (1 credit)
Topics include cellular biology, genetics, human anatomy, botany, invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, evolution, and environment.  Laboratory experience is part of the course.  
Pre-requisites: successful completion of 8^th grade Science.
 
Biology(Honors)(1 credit)
A course for students who have shown a high degree of achievement in prior science courses.  It emphasizes laboratory study of plants and animals and their natural processes.  Topics include cellular biology, genetics (including genetic engineering), botany, microbiology, human anatomy, invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, evolution.
Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores that average 90th percentile or higher; 80% or above in previous Science course; Teacher and Administration Approval 

AP Biology (1 Credit)
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester college
introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year.
After showing themselves to be qualified on the AP Exam, some students, in their first
year of college, are permitted to take upper-level courses in biology or register for
courses for which biology is a prerequisite.
Other students may have fulfilled a basic
requirement for a laboratory-science course and will be able to undertake other
courses to pursue their majors.

 
Chemistry I(1 credit)
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the basics of modern chemistry.  Atomic structure, the periodic table and its use, chemical formulas and equations, chemical bonding, gas laws, stoichiometry, behaviors of solutions, and acid/ base studies. 
Pre-requisites: Biology I;   Prerequisite or co-requisite:  Algebra II; Teacher Approval
 
AP Chemistry (1 credit)  
AP Chemistry is designed for the student who would like to explore more thoroughly the concepts that were introduced in Chemistry I.  This course expands on concepts learned in Chemistry I and will further emphasize stoichiometry.  Topics covered include acids and bases, oxidation-reduction reactions, solutions, molecular geometry and bonding, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, organic, and biochemistry.
Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores that average 90th percentile or higher in Science; 80% or above in Honors Chemistry I; Co-requisite: Enrollment in Honors Mathematics Course, Teacher and Administration Approval.  Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May and pay the exam Fee.
 
Physics(1 credit)
Physics offers an introduction to the concepts of motion, universal gravitation, forces, energy, thermodynamics, waves, light, and electricity.  The student learns through participation and experimentation in classroom and laboratory experiences.  The student develops and improves mathematical skills by application in the solving of real problems.  Solutions will involve both theory and algebra. 
Pre-requisites: Biology, Chemistry; Co-requisite: Enrollment in Pre-calculus or teacher approval. 
 
Honors Physics(1 credit)
This course is a mathematics-based course, and introduces students to the concepts of kinematics, waves, light and electricity. Students learn through participation and experimentation in classroom and laboratory activities. Students develop and improve their mathematical skills by application in the solvingof real problems. Solutions will involve theory, algebra, and to some extent, trigonometry.
Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Algebra II.
 
Conceptual Physics(1 credit)
This course offers an introduction to the basic concepts of physics; the study of motion, universal gravitation, forces, thermodynamics, waves, light, and electricity.  The student learns through participation and experimentation in classroom and laboratory experiences.  Conceptual physics emphasizes qualitative understanding as well as quantitative problem solving, Pre-requisites: Biology, Chemistry; Co-requisite: Enrollment in Algebra II or Teacher approval.
 
Honors Anatomy and Physiology(1 credit)
This laboratory science course is an in-depth study of human anatomy and physiology of major systems found in humans including the skeletal, muscular, nervous, reproductive, endocrine, digestive, immune, and circulatory systems. 
Pre-requisites:  Biology and Chemistry; Acceptable standardized test scores.
 
 

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT COURSES
 
World Geography I(1 credit)
World Geography is a freshman level course that provides students with a basic overview of the physical features, cultural features, and current issues of each continent.  Students will refine their map reading skills as they learn to construct maps and charts that portray geographic data. 
Pre-requisites:  successful completion of 8^th grade history.
 
Pre-AP World Geography I(1 credit)
This freshman level course offers an in-depth study of the physical and cultural features of the continents.  Current events will also be reviewed in greater detail, with students providing written and oral critiques of global issues.  Students will learn to make detailed maps and graphs that portray geographic data. 
Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores average 90th percentile or higher; A or B in previous History course; Teacher Approval 
 
World History I(1 credit)
World History is a sophomore level course that incorporates a variety of geographical, political, economic, social and religious factors to cover the history of mankind.  Survey coverage is given to major world cultures with emphasis on Western civilizations.  Students will learn to analyze important events and issues in Western civilizations and other parts of the world and ascertain their relevancy to the present age. 
Pre-requisites: World Geography I
 
Pre-AP World History I(1 credit)
This course, which concludes at the end of the sophomore year, concentrates on the study of Western civilization.  There is increased emphasis placed on reading, in-depth studies, historiography, and research in this accelerated course.  Students will be expected to write historical essays as well as a research paper, and will develop a historical vocabulary as well.  This course is designed to help students better understand the present through historical analysis of the past.  (Covers the Age of Colonization to Modern Times) 
Pre-requisites:  Standardized test scores that average 90th percentile or higher; 80% or above in Pre-Ap World Geography; Teacher Approval  
 
United States History(1 credit)
This course is a general survey course of American political, economic, military, religious, and social history from 1865 to present times.  Historical periods covered are the Reconstruction, the American frontier, American foreign policy formation, the Gilded Age, the rise of industrialism, the Progressive Movement. World War I, the 1920s Boom and Bust, the Great Depression, World War II, McCarthyism and the Cold War, the Civil Rights movement, Vietnam War, and Post-Vietnam eras and issues.  Students will be encouraged to think independently and develop skills such as reading historical documents for understanding and clarity, gaining experience in analyzing historical evidence, and acquiring an appropriate United States History vocabulary.  These skills will be accomplished through essay writing, reading of texts and primary documents, and class discussions. 
Pre-requisites: World History I
 
AP United States History(1 credit)
This is a chronologically taught course from the Early Beginnings, Exploration, and Colonialism, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, World Wars, to the present period of the United States History.  Emphasis is placed on helping the students to understand the principle themes in American History and to make informed judgments based on knowledge and outside-of-class projects.  A college-level course, rigorous demands are placed on the students in regard to the material.  Students taking this course should be strong readers and good writers. 
Pre-requisites: Grade of 80% or above in World History II Honors or teacher recommendation. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May and pay the exam Fee.
 
American Government/Principles of Economics(1 credit)
This course is designed for senior students and focuses on the rights and responsibilities of citizens as active participants in the American political system.  The course will emphasize a study of the United States Constitution and the Federal system, separation of powers, checks and balances, the court-legal system, the election process and understand the importance of public opinion, political parties, elections, interest groups, and the role of the media.  The economics course will concentrate on the fundamentals of our economy, both domestic and international.  The development of an economics vocabulary and understanding of the same will be stressed.  The course will explain the basic principles of economics such as supply and demand, taxation, stock market, business cycles, monetary and fiscal policies of government, and financial planning.  Economic philosophies will be discussed and students will develop ability to analyze contemporary economics issues. 
Pre-requisites: US History
 
AP Government/ Economics(1 credit)
Thiscourse is designed to meet all of the objectives of the regular government/economics course and to challenge the students' analytical abilities by presenting a variety of opinions on the basic concepts of government and economic systems. Preparation for success in the Advanced Placement Exam for college credit is approached by analysis of primary and secondary materials. Pre-requisites:  Grade of 80% or above in AP United States History or teacher recommendation.  Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Exam in May and pay the exam Fee. 
  
COMMUNICATION

Communication Application (Speech)(1/2 credit)
This courseoffers an introduction to public speaking. Students learn how to prepare and deliver speeches for a variety of public speaking situations including making formal introductions, persuading an audience based on information gained through research, and demonstrating a process. Students also learn the basics of debating a topic effectively. 
Students in this class are assessed a $25 course fee to cover necessary supplies and materials.

FINE ART DEPARTMENT

Art I (1 credit)
Students will develop their creative skills in the production of both 2D and 3D art mixed media (paints, drawing mediums, clay, and other 3D materials) coupled with creative thinking skills based on the elements of art and principles of design. Art history and artists’ styles will be explored. Students will maintain a sketchbook and a portfolio.
Students enrolled in this course will be assessed a $40 per semester art fee to cover necessary supplies, materials, and books. 1 credit)


Art II (1 credit)
Students will continue to pursue in-depth study of both 2D and 3D mixed media techniques. Oil painting will be introduced. Creative thinking skills and experimentation will be stressed. Students will maintain a sketchbook and a portfolio.
Pre-requisites: Art I; Students enrolled in this course will be assessed a $40 per semester art fee to cover necessary supplies, materials, and books.

Art III (1 credit)
This course is designed for the advanced student interested in a future career in art 2D and 3D techniques. Students will maintain a sketchbook and a portfolio.
Prerequisite: Art I & II; Students enrolled in this course will be assessed a $40 per semester art fee to cover necessary supplies and materials.

Art IV (1 credit)
This course is designed to continue advanced applications of the elements of art and design. Students will continue to explore both 2D and 3D mediums. Students will maintain a sketchbook and a portfolio
Pre-requisites: Art I, II, III and Teacher Approval; Students enrolled in this course will be assessed a $40 per semester art fee to cover necessary supplies and materials.

Acting I (1 credit)
Acting I is an introduction to the basic discipline of being an actor, through physical, vocal, and improvisational exercises. This course uses some text work consisting of short scenes and monologues from plays, to reinforce in beginning actors an awareness of their own and others' needs onstage. Work is presented in the Fall and Spring Fine Arts Showcases. Acting I is open to all grade levels.
Students in this class are assessed a $25 course fee to cover necessary supplies and materials.

Acting II (1 credit)
This course is designed to fine-tune the skills of acting for the theater. Students who take this course will audition for and perform in school productions, including the Fine Arts Showcases offered each Fall and Spring.
Pre-requisites: Acting 1; Students in this class are assessed a $25 course fee to cover necessary supplies and materials.


Band (1 credit)
This course provides introductory and developing instruction of playing skills in the wind and percussion instruments, which include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, horn, baritone, tuba, snare drum, and mallet percussion. The students will learn to read music notation, read and repeat rhythms, and develop breath control to sustain constant pitch. Students who have previous instruction will be on an advanced track of individual skill development. Group skill will be taught through the use of appropriate level performance pieces. Performances will be presented at least once a semester. Students in this class are assessed a $25 course fee to cover necessary supplies and materials.

Choir (1 credit)

This full-year music course emphasizes performance, voice building, and music reading in the context of mixed male/female ensemble. Students are given the opportunity to compete in Regional Solo and Ensemble Contest, TAPPS Concert and Sight-Reading Contest. Students prepare choral music for performances throughout the year, and sing in community venues.


 
FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
 
Spanish I(1 credit)
Spanish I offers a basic introduction to the language, incorporating communication skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as familiarizing students with Spanish-speaking cultures.  There is strong emphasis on vocabulary and verb conjugation in the present and past tenses.
 
Spanish II (1 credit)
A continuation of Spanish I, the skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and culture learned are extended. Conversational skills are expanded, and oral proficiency appropriate to level is tested regularly. New vocabulary topics to be covered include teenagers' activities, geography and cultural diversity, communications media, past events, and mental and physical health, among others. Grammar topics include the review of all Spanish I grammar, plus: comparatives and superlatives; object pronouns; demonstratives; reflexive verbs; preterit, imperfect, and future tenses; formal and informal commands; and the present subjunctive.
Pre-requisites:  Successful completion of Spanish I
 
Spanish III (1 credit)
This honors level course extends Spanish II grammar and skills. More complex grammar structures will be introduced and practiced. It is recommended that students have earned a 75% or above for each semester of Spanish II. Spanish III places an emphasis on oral and written communication. Oral proficiency will be tested regularly to promote the emerging fluency of the student. Reading comprehension through literature will be introduced.  Legends and short stories emphasizing culture will be read and discussed throughout the course. Spanish III serves as preparation for students to continue their study of Spanish. Pre-requisites:  Grade of 80% or above in Spanish II.
 
Spanish IV(Honors) (1 credit)A fast-paced course designed to develop fluency. Major emphasis is placed on developing comprehension, refining writing skills, reviewing grammatical concepts and introducing new, more complex structures. Pre-requisites:  Grade of 80% or above in Spanish III Honors; Teacher approval.
  
Latin I(1 credit)
This course provides an introduction to the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of classical Latin. Instruction includes passages from such Roman poets as Catullus, Horace, Virgil, Ovid, and Martial, and from the great prose writers and thinkers such as Cicero.
 
Latin II(1 credit)
Students will continue developing their skills in reading, writing, understanding and pronouncing Latin.  The focus will be on more advanced grammatical concepts as well as on the translation of original Latin texts, including those of Cicero and Julius Caesar.  Students will also enhance their knowledge of Roman history and culture. 
Pre-requisites:  Successful completion of Latin I.
 
 
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
 
Health Education I(1/2 credit)
Health Education offers and fosters a student’s personal responsibility for a wellness lifestyle by improving a student’s knowledge and skills in health-related topics and issues.  Topics include:  physical wellness, self-esteem, nutrition, body systems, alcohol, drugs, and growth and development. This course is linked with P.E.
 
Fitness for Life/Physical Education(1/2 credit)
This course offers knowledge and skills for continued physical, mental, social, and emotional development through active participation in activities that promote health-related fitness.  Topics willinclude weight training, aerobic activity, cardiovascular conditioning, and nutrition diet design.

2012 – 2013 ELECTIVES

Elective course offerings subject to change without prior notice; due to scheduling conflicts, not every student will receive their first choice electives. Please see your guidance counselor for more information.

Technology Electives
Television  Production
Course Length: Year long
Course Description: Students will Produce the daily Lion Nation News Announcements. All News Production Students will learn how to gather the news, use the film equipment, and edit the news. If you are interested in being on camera, positions are available for Anchor and Field Reporter. News Production Students are required to attend and report on Pope John XXIII events.

Post-Production
Course Length: Year long
Course Description: Students will learn the fine art of digital editing. Using Final Cut Pro, students will discover the impact the editor can make on the final product. Students will be editing the Lion Nation News on a daily basis. Students will also learn how to edit movie trailers, sport highlights, and short stories to name a few (footage will be provided). Students will need a 4GB flash drive
Course Requirements: Approval only. Interested Students please see Ms. Petersen for an application.

Computer Aided Drafting
Course Length: Year long
Computer-aided design systems are used by designers and manufacturers in virtually every industry to create engineering design solutions. In this course, students are introduced to engineering, learning the basics of CAD software: creating points, lines, other geometric forms as well as how to produce a set of plans.  They learn how to translate initial concepts into functional designs and 3D walkthroughs and explore career options in this hands-on introductory-level course. 
 
Technology: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Course Length: Year Long
This course is a survey of the technology we have come to rely so heavily on. The course will look at technology as it has existed in the past, the way technology is used today, and developments that give us an idea of how technology will be used to help us in the future.
 
Technology Apprentice
This not-for-credit apprenticeship is interview only. The Technology Apprentice assists the Director of Information Technology as needed and learns about system operations in a hands-on environment.
 
Fine Art Electives
Music History
Course Length: One Semester
This course will examine the development of music from its origins through present times. It will begin with a basic overview of music theory. Then, we will explore early music, particularly the development of religious music. We will study the evolution of classical music in its various forms—symphonies, ballet, opera, etc and styles—baroque, classical, romantic, and contemporary. Finally, we will look at the influence that events throughout history have had on the style and significance of music throughout the centuries.
This class will involve listening exercises, writing, reading, and research. No musical training or experience is required.
 
Film Studies
Course Length: Year long
Course Description: Students will learn the Art of Watching Films. Students will view film clips to learn the different techniques filmmakers use to tell a story, and why they use those techniques. Students will use this knowledge to analyze and critique films. Topics covered include: Early Cinema, Cinematography/Lighting, Sound, Visual Effects, Editing, and Acting. Students will need a 4GB flash drive
Course Requirements: none
 
Movies as Literature
Course Length: Year-long
Open to juniors & seniors
Everyone loves to be entertained with a good movie, but what makes a movie good, or, better yet, what makes one great?  Most would agree that a good movie has a well-developed, plausible plot with interesting characters. But some movies reach beyond mere entertainment and teach us life lessons; they touch our hearts; they inspire our excellence.  This course will examine elements of great story-telling using movies as our textbook to understand such literary concepts as plot, character, symbol, irony, and theme.


Social Studies Electives
 
Psychology
Course Length: full year
Open to Juniors and Seniors
This elective course is a semester survey course. Special attention is given to heredity, growth, biological maturation, sensation and perception, learning of simple and complex skills, motivation, stress frustrations, mechanisms of defense and behavioral disorders. The course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the major topics and issues discussed in the field of psychology today, including development, personality, intelligence, learning, psychological disorders, and therapy methods. Discussions of key psychologists/psychiatrists and their theories will be part of the curriculum. The course will also cover practical problems of modern life in relation to the human development.


Introduction to Political Science
Course Length: 1 semester (fall)
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
This elective course is designed to be an overview of the American Political system, including the Constitution, the Presidency, Congress, and the Supreme Court. The class will also cover civil rights and liberties, political campaigns, and current political events
Politics in the Media
Course Length: 1 semester (spring)
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
This course is designed to encourage critical thinking about the role the media plays in American politics, as well as the influence the government has over the media. Topics included in the course include the history of the press in American politics, the roles media play in society, and how individuals consume the news, the concepts of objectivity / bias, campaigns and elections, the President’s relationship with the press, evolving technology, and political humor. The hope of the instructor is to help students become responsible consumers of the news media.
The History of the Old West
Course Length: 1 semester (fall)
This class is a study of the Old West, its history, the way it really was.  Through the use of videos, power point presentations, readings, paintings, films and student projects, the class will compare the “Real West” with the Hollywood West (Reel West) or “How the West was Won” on the big and small screen.  The class will be a presentation of how people really lived – and died – between the late 1700s to 1900 and the turn of the 20^th century.  Students will be asked to research an event such as the Alamo, Gunfight at the OK Corral or Custer’s Last Stand – and try to glean the truth from fiction through research, readings and films.  Higher levels of thinking will be demanded of students in the class based on information researched and presented.
 
The Old West in Film and Literature
Course Length: 1 semester (spring)
The class will stand alone from Semester1 as we look at the impact that the Old West has had on American film, television, literature, poetry and song – in otherwards, on the American culture.  Several novels will be discussed as well as short stories, dime novels and “penny dreadful” by individuals who lived in the American West of the 19^th century.   Both early and modern authors and their views on the Old West will be researched.  The course will look at the role of the West in American popular culture and will trace the development of the genre of Western film and Western television shows.  Students will learn how to critique the “western” for originality and authenticity.  Students will be given an opportunity to create their own “short western” or skit based on some historic event of the Old West.
 
Theology Electives
 
Faith Leadership
Course Length: 1 semester (fall)
An elective course designed to teach students to be effective peer ministers, and virtuous leaders.  By exploring their own spiritual journeys, students will assess their gifts and how Christ is calling them to lead.  Students will assist the Campus Minister in planning and facilitating Freshman & Sophomore retreats while learning to lead small groups and prepare witness testimony.  Personal and spiritual development will occur through a combination of scripture reflections, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and  a study of the lives of saints.
 
Honors Theology of the Body
Course Length: 1 semester (spring)
An introduction to John Paul II's Theology of the Body whereby students will look at God's plan for love and life.   These teachings focus on a study of God and the purpose of our existence, as discovered and revealed through the human body and our sexuality.  Topics such as chastity, sacramentality and language of the body, love vs. lust, utilitarianism, dating, marriage, and more will be discussed.
 
Miscellaneous Electives

Intro to Business
Course Length: 1 semester (fall, spring)
An introductory business course that focuses on general business terminology and provides study into the areas of accounting, marketing, human resources, ethics, business ownership, and business management.  Students will design their own company as a final project.  PREREQUISITE:  Algebra 1

SAT/ACT Math Preparation
Course Length: 1 semester (fall, spring)
This course is designed to help students know “how” to take the ACT/SAT by providing them with practice tests, test taking strategies, and reinforcing appropriate skills necessary to succeed. Students will be required to purchase a workbook for class.

SAT/ACT English Preparation
Course Length: 1 semester (fall, spring)
This course examines how to take the English(verbal) portions of both the SAT and the ACT college entrance exams. It will guide student skill development for the following: critical reading, vocabulary, grammar, writing, and approaching the various ty