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Course Descriptions / Grades 9-12 2009 - 2010
Art | Foods | Foreign Language | Language Arts The planning and organization, which is needed for good decision- making, depends upon a variety of information. The information included for your use is intended to be a guide in your course selection. More information can be found by talking with teachers, counselors and teacher advisors. Art courses provide in-depth coverage in art: personal, cultural and historical. Art courses consist of some homework, some written class work, research/term paper and class projects. Art courses include drawing graphic design/computer art, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, textiles and art criticism.
Art I (Grades 9 - 12) Prerequisite - None This art course includes homework and written class work, including a required research/term paper and class projects. It is intended for students who are seriously interested in the study of art. Art II (Grades 10 - 12) Prerequisite - Must have completed with a passing grade one full year of Art I.
This art course includes some homework and some written class work, including a required research/term paper and class projects. An extension of the media and technique survey begun in art, intended for students who are seriously interested in the study of art. Advanced Studio Art, General Portfolio (Grades 11 and 12)
The student will develop his or her own portfolio. The student will work on independent projects that are agreed upon with both teacher and student.
This course is intended for highly motivated students who are seriously interested in the study of art. Ceramics (Grades 9 - 12)
This course offers students the opportunity to work with 3-dimensional concepts in clay. The history of ceramics will be explored while students master numerous hand building techniques including coiling, slab building and extension facilitation will focus on personal expression through clay, whether sculptural or functional.
Crafts (Grades 9 - 12)
Talent and ability to draw are not required or stressed. However, a positive attitude and effort are necessary to be successful. Students will create forms within fibers, basketry, bookbinding, pottery, beadwork, paper decorating and more. This semester course is designed to teach students the basics of nutrition and food preparation. The first quarter is spent focusing on the nutritional value of food eaten both at home and away from home. Attention is also given to food safety and sanitation, as well as the use and care of kitchen utensils and appliances. Second quarter focuses on food preparation. Recipes are selected with basic food groups and nutritional value in mind.
Spanish I Students will learn pronunciation, vocabulary and structure of the language. Practice is divided among the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Regular class work includes basic conversation and related vocabulary. Some introduction to Hispanic culture is given. Spanish II
Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I, with more emphasis on the history and culture of the countries where Spanish is spoken. Spanish III Spanish III is a continuation of Spanish II – with more emphasis on tenses and grammar of the Spanish language. Culture and careers using the Language will also be discussed and investigated. Spanish IV
Spanish IV continues the work on all of the tenses in Spanish and finishes up the grammar information of the Spanish Language. Culture of the Language and careers will be further discussed. 9th Grade Language Arts (Required for graduation)
Prerequisite: None This course is designed to reinforce and develop further skills in grammar, composition, reading, speech, vocabulary development, and logic. Students will be introduced to a variety of literature including poems, plays, essays, articles, short stories, and novels. They will write about these pieces of work using descriptive, expository, narrative, and creative writing techniques. There will also be an added emphasis on public speaking and job interviews, along with the continued emphasis on reading, writing, and listening skills. 9th Grade College Prep Language Arts
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 8th grade Language Arts and recommendation from 8th grade Language Arts teacher This Language Arts course is designed for those high school students who think that they might enter a college or university program after graduation. There will be a brief review of the 8th grade competency levels in grammar and punctuation. Students will be introduced to a comprehensive study of literature produced by a variety of authors. They will learn how to critically write about these pieces of literature using correct grammatical and mechanical skills needed for effective writing. Accelerated reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills will be stressed throughout the program.
10th Grade Language Arts (Required for graduation)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 9th grade General or C.P. Language Arts This course is designed to reinforce skills in grammar, composition, vocabulary, reading, and critical thinking. Students will read and analyze a variety of literature including plays, poems, short stories, and novels. Students will use a variety of writing techniques incorporated with the literature. Listening and speaking skills are also emphasized. Reading is taught as a process with a focus on comprehension skills associated with reading informational text, including inference, summary, context clues, and recalling details.
10th Grade College Prep Language Arts
Prerequisite: Successful completion of 9th grade General or C.P. Language Arts with teacher recommendation.
This Language Arts course is structured for the student who plans to continue his/her education after graduation at a college or university. Emphasis will be on critical thinking while developing reading, writing, research, and interpreting skills. A wide variety of literature forms will be used to reinforce critical thinking. There will also be vocabulary development for the college-bound student.
11th Grade Language Arts (Required for graduation)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Language Arts 9, 10 This course centers around various themes and ideas from American literature. Composition is an extremely important part of this year, carrying equal grade weight with tests.
A historical, chronological approach beginning with early Native American literature and progressing through Modern American authors is the basic structure of this year of required English.
Weekly vocabulary study is a part of each quarter. Quarter 3 includes a 10-week long instruction unit on how to do a research paper during which the student writes his own paper. Honors Language Arts 11 Prerequisite: Completion of C.P. Language Arts 10 with at least a “B” average or Language Arts 10 with an “A” average This course is an advanced level language arts program for college-bound students. Students apply and are selected by predetermined criteria, including established patterns of strong writing and literary skills; high attendance; desire and consistency in maintaining high grades. (Students must have at least a “B” average for the year in sophomore College Prep. English or an “A” average for the year in sophomore English 10.) Required summer reading of 2-3 novels during both pre-junior and pre-senior years.
12th Grade Language Arts (Required for graduation)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Language Arts 11 Language Arts 12 is divided into two basic areas of concentration: Semester 1 - World Literature 1st quarter - Ancient Sumerian literature, Greek literature, The European hero 2nd quarter - Beowulf to Canterbury Tales, required book report Semester 2 - English Literature - Includes a study of the development of the English language. 3rd quarter - Renaissance English literature, including Shakespeare, required book report. 4th quarter - The Enlightenment, Victorian, and Modern English literature. A term paper is required for this quarter.
Honors Language Arts 12
Students planning to take Honors Language Arts 12 will be required to read two novels and write a paper on each novel. This assignment will be due the first day of class. There will also be an extended vocabulary assignment, which will be due the third day of class. Failure to complete these summer assignments will result in the student being rescheduled into 12th Grade Language Arts to fulfill the required Language Arts credit.
Student Publications Prerequisite: Must have had at least “C” average in English 10. A recommendation from the yearbook advisor is mandatory also.
This is an elective course, open to all students in grades 11-12 who have a serious interest in working on the school yearbook. Students are trained in using their writing skills when they write body copy and picture captions. Photo- journalism techniques will be used when students take pictures of events during the school year. Students will learn marketing skills by selling advertising to finance the yearbook. Yearbook Class Requirements are as follows: All students will be expected to go out into the community and solicit ads from businesses (each student must sell at least a page and a half). This may require time outside of the school day. All students will be expected to participate in fundraisers throughout the year. All students will be expected to go to school-sponsored activities to take pictures for the yearbook (at least 4 a quarter). All students will participate in the design of various sections of the yearbook (teacher’s discretion). Class time is to be used for yearbook related topics only. Student’s grade will be based upon work done in and out of class, including tests and quizzes.
Algebra I(College Prep) Algebra I is for students who are competent at adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents. This class is the basis for Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Math and Calculus and is a prerequisite for college admission. Good study habits, which include a commitment to do daily homework assignments, are necessary for success in Algebra I since it is a fast-paced course. Topics covered include calculating with integers and rational and irrational numbers, solving equations and word problems, simplifying and factoring polynomials, working with rational expressions, functions, graphing linear equations and solving inequalities. The course that follows Algebra I is either Geometry. Geometry(College Prep)
This course provides the essentials of euclidean geometry with emphasis on triangles, quadrilaterals, circles and trigonometry. Daily assignments include tests, quizzes and vocabulary. Geometry is designed for students who have successfully completed Algebra I. Topics covered include basic geometry terms; study of angles, perpendicular lines, parallel lines, and planes; axioms, theorems, and proofs pertaining to congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, similar polygons, and right triangles; circles; constructions, area and volume; and coordinate geometry. The course that follows Geometry is Algebra II.
Algebra II (College Prep) Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry.
Algebra II is designed for serious math students and is required for admission to many colleges. A review of and more in-depth study of the topics covered in Algebra I are included in the first semester. Course topics include simplifying algebraic expressions, working with polynomials, solving compound and complex equations and inequalities, graphing linear equations and solving quadratic equations. Other areas studied are irrational and complex numbers, analytic geometry, and trigonometry. Advanced Math (Honors) Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II with a “B” average or permission of the instructor who will be teaching the course.
Advanced Math is a course designed for the most dedicated math students and encompasses a variety of topics. A major emphasis of the course is to integrate material learned in Geometry and Algebra II. Areas studied include analytic geometry, polynomials, inequalities, functions, vectors, logarithms, trigonometry, advanced graphing, and sequences and series. STATISTICS, PROBABILITY & DATA ANALYSIS
This course may be selected as an elective mathematics course following the completion of Algebra II and with teacher recommendation. This course may be taken while taking Advanced Mathematics or Calculus by students who wish to study mathematics extensively.
INFORMATION TECH (1/2 credit) Prerequisite: None - Elective open for students in grades 9 - 12. Course Description: This course is intended to introduce students to the evolving world of information Technology. Students will have the opportunity to explore computer software employed in the I.T. field.in a computerized lab setting. Students will rotate through computer modules such as the following: Business concepts, Graphic Communication, Digital Photography, Interactive Multimedia, Computer Animation, etc. The class will emphasize hands-on learning, self-motivation, and career exploration. TECH II (1/2 credit) - Open to students in grades 9 – 12 who have successfully passed 8th grade Computer Education. This course is designed for those students who have successfully developed basic skills of keyboarding and computers. They should have basic knowledge and understanding of word processing, database management, and spreadsheets. They must also have developed a solid understanding of the Internet and the skills needed to use it effectively. With this, they will become more advanced skills with the Internet and multimedia presentations. This course will also introduce the student to the basic skills of developing web pages. In this course, the student will use productivity/multimedia tools & peripherals - i.e. - digital cameras, scanners. TECH III (1/2 credit) - Open to students in grades 9 - 12 who have successfully passed Tech II. This course is designed for advanced technology students. Students in this course must have strong skills in all areas of computer use and technology. This course will be primarily project oriented. Students will design, develop, publish, and in some cases present products, such as web pages, multi-media presentation videos, etc., using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom. This course will also include introduction and application of desktop publishing tools. TECH IV (1/2 credit) Prerequisite - Tech II and Seniors only Multimedia Students will use digital cameras, scanners, digital video cameras to produce movies with sound, music, titles, credits, etc. They will learn editing techniques and the use of the equipment.
Concert Band* (Grades 8-12 -- 1 credit per year for Grades 9-12) Open to students who are interested in playing woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments in a concert band setting. Various types of music will be performed in accordance with the seasons of the year. *Membership will be at the discretion of the band director.
High School “Titan Choir” The “Titan Choir” combines the “Mixed Chorus” and “Concert Choir.” It is for anyone in grades 9 - 12 who love to sing and perform. Students in this group should have good attendance and be willing to perform in the evenings (about 4 times per year) and on weekends (twice a year). Auditions will be held to determine voice parts, not membership. Steel Drum Band (1 credit per year for Grades 9-12) Open to all students (9-12) who wish to participate in one of the few high school bands of this type in the United States. Learning to read music is required. This group performs locally and regionally. Membership will be at the discretion of the music director. Student must be willing to devote extra time outside of class to practice.
English Hand bells (1 credit per year) Open to all students in grades 9-12 who wish to participate in one of the few English hand bell choirs in the area. Learning to read music is required. This group will perform locally and regionally.
High School Health This required course is one semester and actively engages students in the following topics: alcohol and drug abuse, tobacco, Growth & Development, and Nutrition. Students will also utilize critical thinking skills to discuss the impact of current health issues.
Basic Physical Education
Based on Jr. Hi. Instructor recommendation: These students will be evaluated on progress and improvement as well as participation in fitness testing and a variety of basic individual skills. This required course is one semester and emphasizes on active lifestyles. Students will participate in a variety of traditional and nontraditional games. Students will apply learned skills and modified game situations. They will demonstrate basic knowledge of fitness components.
Team Physical Education Based on Jr. Hi. Instructor recommendation: These students will be evaluated on fitness test scores as well as participation and knowledge of team oriented skills and terms. This course is designed for more competitive and active students. Students will apply skills in game situations. Students are also required to demonstrate knowledge of the rules, strategies and basic components of fitness. Students will be required to take written tests as well as complete an internet research project.
Physical Education Elective I (Grades 10,11,12) This program is elective and is offered on a semester basis. The Physical Education course is directed to co-educational, individual, and team sports. Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of rules and strategies. Students will demonstrate knowledge of fitness components relating to individual health. Internet research required. Physical Education Elective II (One semester) - 1/2 credit Course Description: This course is directed to co-educational, individual, and team sports. Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of rules and strategies. Students will demonstrate knowledge of fitness components relating to individual health. Internet research required. Geology Prerequisite – Successful completion of Physical Science 1 and 2 as well as Biological Science 1 and 2 or by successful completion of chemistry or by permission of instructor. Students will explore how the Earth formed and how it has been shaped to create the surface visible today. This will include the study of plate tectonics and erosional processes. Environmental challenges will also be discussed.
Astronomy/Meteorology Prerequisite – Successful completion of Physical Science 1 and 2 as well as Biological Science 1 and 2 or by successful completion of chemistry or by permission of instructor.
Students will study the composition of our solar system and the greater universe that it is a part of. This will include the study of telescopes, stars, constellations and galaxies. Environmental challenges will also be discussed.
Physical Science 1 and 2 1st semester - Physical Science 1 2nd semester - Physical Science 2 This course will cover all 9th grade State of Ohio Academic Content Standards in science in preparation for the Ohio Graduation Test or O.G.T. To meet these standards the content of physical science 1 and 2 will be divided between earth and physical science. Earth science will include astronomy, geology and oceanography. Physical science will include basic chemistry and physics. All 2008-09 freshman should sign up for both Physical Science 1 and 2. Biological Science 1 and 2 1st semester - Biological Science 1 2nd semester - Biological Science 2 This course will cover all 10th grade State of Ohio Academic content Standards in science in preparation for the Ohio Graduation Test or O.G.T. To meet these standards the content of Biological Science 1 and Biological Science 2 will be divided between Earth Science and Biological Science. Earth Science will include Meteorology, Geology and Environmental Science. Biological Science will include Genetics, Environmental Science, Evolution, Cell Biology, and classification. All 2008-09 sophomores should sign up for both Biological Science 1 and Biological Science 2. Physics Prerequisites: Grades 11 & 12 only
Each student must have an adequate level of knowledge, both in mathematics and in the physical sciences in order to expect success in Physics. Additional advanced mathematics courses will be quite useful. Prior class work aside, the student must have the desire to master a new and sophisticated subject.
Physics I
This course of studies covers the following topics: Systems of Measurements, Vector Equations, Properties of Motion, and Properties of Forces.
Physics II
This course of study covers the following topics: Wave Properties, Sound, Light, Electricity, Theories in Relativity, and String Theory.
Human Anatomy & Physiology Prerequisite: Grades 11 & 12 The human body is a complex combination of systems that perform essential functions helping to maintain the body’s dynamic equilibrium. Several systems will be investigated and researched through a variety of resources: written, laboratory, and computer technology. Major body systems studies will include the following: Movement (skeletal/muscular), Metabolism (digestive), Regulatory (respiratory/urinary) and Reproductive (male & female reproductive).
Practical Horticulture Prerequisite: Grades 11 & 12
Practical Horticulture is an upper level Botany course presented from a practical/real-life perspective. Classification, characteristics, and basic plant processes will be discussed in each of the following units: lawns, nursery stock, greenhouse operations, floriculture and landscaping. Topics such as soils, fertilizers, pesticides, plant propagation and landscape design will offer a unique application-based concept of botany. A minimum of 12 hours of after-school community service project time is required for class. Chemistry Prerequisites: Grades 11 & 12 only
Each student must have an adequate level of knowledge, both in mathematics and in the physical sciences in order to expect success in chemistry. At the minimum level, a “C” average in Algebra I and credit for General Science are essential. Prior class work aside, the student must have the desire to master a new and somewhat sophisticated subject.
Chemistry I
This course of study covers the following topics: Systems of Measurements, Periodic Table, Structure of an Atom, Chemical Bonding Chemical Formulas, and Chemical Reactions.
This course of study covers the following topics: Stoichiometry, Gas Laws, Acids and Bases, Thermodynamics, Oxidation-Reduction Reactions, and Organic Chemistry.
Law Class (Semester Course) Elective open to all students Objective: To teach the principles of fairness, justice, authority and responsibility that form the basis of the American legal system. In addition, the course will concentrate on Street Law. The course will be designed to engage high school students in a critical examination of their legal responsibilities and rights. By taking law to high schools, law students have the opportunity to conduct discussions with the high school students about practical legal problems, contemporary legal issues, and the ramifications of breaking the law. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide high school students with a sense of belonging in society through empowerment with knowledge of the law. By providing students with a non-adversarial view of the law, Street Law works to impart an understanding of the fundamental principles of authority, fairness, justice and responsibility that underlie our legal system. By demystifying the law, Street Law will hopefully allow young people to develop a positive attitude towards the law and reduce juvenile delinquency. World Studies 1750 - present Required for all 9th graders.
This course examines the historical narrative as well as geography, government, and economics of the world since 1750. Major topics include Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, World Wars I & II, the Cold War, and the contemporary world. This course will focus on the Ohio content standards in preparation for the OGT.
Honors World Studies 1750 - present May substitute for World Studies.
This course examines the historical narrative as well as geography, government, and economics of the world since 1750. Major topics include Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution, Imperialism, World Wars I & II, the Cold War, and the contemporary world. This course will focus on the Ohio content standards in preparation for the OGT. Additional reading, writing, and critical thinking assignments are required.
U.S. Studies 1877 - present Required for all 10th graders This course examines the historical narrative as well as geography, government, and economics of the US since 1877. Major topics include Industrialization, Immigration, Imperialism, World War I, the Roaring 20s, the Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Civil Rights movement, Vietnam War, and contemporary American society. This course will focus on the Ohio content standards in preparation for the OGT. Honors U.S. Studies 1877 - present May substitute for U.S. Studies This course examines the historical narrative as well as geography, government, and economics of the US since 1877. Major topics include Industrialization, Immigration, Imperialism, World War I, the Roaring 20s, the Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Civil Rights movement, Vietnam War, and contemporary American society. This course will focus on the Ohio content standards in preparation for the OGT. Additional reading writing, and critical thinking assignments are required.
Personal Finance (semester course) Elective for grades 11 and 12 Objective: To teach the fundamental principles of the US economy as it relates to high school students and young adults. This course focuses on personal economic skills necessary for living and working in the 21st century. Key topics include personal budgeting, checking accounts and other bank products, obtaining loans and credit, comparing insurance, filing taxes, investment options, finding and keeping a job, supply, demand and inflation, and how global changes affect employment. There will be a combination of reading/discussion and hands-on activities. With today’s economic climate, this course will be an important step in understanding and securing your economic future
Current Global Issues (semester course – may be repeated) Elective for grades 9 - 12 Objective: To teach students about current issues and to teach students how to evaluate events in the US and around the world. This course focuses on examining and understanding what’s going on in the world today and how different media outlets portray the events in different ways. Key topics will include a variety of domestic and international issues, taken from the headlines and today’s hot button issues. Mediums used will include newspapers and magazines, TV, and internet. Reading, writing, critical thinking, and debate will be stressed. By breaking down current issues and various media perspectives on those issues, students will be better equipped to take entry level college courses in social sciences, humanities, and language.
American Government/Economics (Juniors and Seniors only) Problems of Democracy is comprised of three major topic areas: government and presidential election process, stressing the individual’s responsibility as a voter; the introduction to the Behavioral Sciences, stressing independent thinking and being a responsible citizen of a democratic society; and Law, stressing the trial process. Honors American Government/Economics (Juniors and Seniors only) Honors American Government is an advanced level Social Studies course for college-bound students. This class is a more in-depth study of the material listed in the American Government course description. Required work will include summer readings or reports, a term paper, book reports, vocabulary study, debates and oral presentations. Students who apply are selected by a pre-determined criteria. Back to Top
GRADS (Graduation, Reality and Dual-Role Skills) This is a program for pregnant or parenting teens. The goals of this program are: a. To increase the likelihood that participants will remain in school during their pregnancy and after the birth of their child to the point of graduation. b. To assist participants in carrying out positive health care practices for themselves and their children in both prenatal and postnatal stages. c. To provide knowledge and skills related to child development and positive parenting practices.
Course Descrjptions for the Medical Office Management program
This career technical high school program is a two-year sequence of courses beginning in the junior year, which prepares students for the scope, rigor and discipline needed for a career and post-secondary education in a variety of fast growing occupational fields related to medical office and healthcare management. Employment in this career field is expected to grow faster than average through 2014. Increasing demand for standardized records should result in rapid employment growth in medical offices and hospitals. Some of the occupations in the field are Benefits Coordinator, Medical Accounts Specialist, Claims Processor, Patient Information Coordinator, and Medical Code Specialist. Junior Year
Principles of Medical Office Management As a student in Principles of Medical Office management, you will be introduced to a variety of business topics that form the building blocks necessary to be successful in a medical office environment. Business skill development begins with a look at our nation’s economy, the effects of changes in supply and demand, inflation, business cycles, and economic trends. Students will learn effective business communication methods, accounting procedures, management styles, and teamwork as it applies to a medical environment. Students will close the year with a career seminar and job-shadowing experience designed to prepare them for an internship program as a senior. Senior Year
Medical Office Management
Students in Medical Office Management will take an in-depth and application-based approach to medical office topics. The focus of the course will be on professionalism, communication skills (both written and oral), medical office procedures, medical office ethics, medical concepts, and management sectors including financial operations, human resources, and marketing. This course requires concurrent enrollment in the Medical Office Management Internship. Medical Office Management Internship
Students will participate in a non-paid internship, which is a practical learning experience in a medical office environment outside of school. Senior Medical Office Management students will build advanced skill sets based on their earlier coursework. Over the course of the year, students will participate in three or four internships; each lasting from eight to ten weeks with an average of eight to twelve hours of work per week. Students will be required to do a summary of their experience in a presentation to an adult audience at the conclusion of the internship. Reliable transportation to and from the internship site is a necessity. |