Bible Curriculum
Old Testament Survey
Grade Level: 7
This class approaches the study of the 39 Old Testament books from both a historical and theological perspective. In order for students to understand more deeply the nature of God, the class will include discussions of many of the great stories of the Old Testament where God's intervention is clearly and powerfully revealed. For each book, students will be expected to learn the theme, setting, major events, and glimpses of Christ. Since God's future plan of redemption in Christ is the focus throughout the Old Testament, each book will be presented as a piece of the redemptive plan.
New Testament Survey
Grade Level: 8
The New Testament survey course is designed to introduce the students to the primary teachings about God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as revealed in the new covenant. The primary teachings and themes of each book will be considered within their appropriate contexts. Special emphasis will be given regarding how to live the Christian life by following the model of Jesus Christ.
Gospel of Luke/Gospel of John
Grade Level: 9
The study of the gospel of Luke is designed to give students an understanding that Jesus is the Savior of all mankind. Emphasis is given to the humanity of Jesus from his physical birth to the physical resurrection. The basics of practical, everyday Christianity will be stressed through the study of the Beatitudes and other important teachings of Jesus as recorded by Luke.
The study of the gospel of John is designed to give students an understanding of the divinity of Jesus as seen through the eyes of the apostle John. To underscore the concept of Jesus' divinity, students will study the scriptures that emphasize the word "Father," the phrases "I Am," and "miraculous signs" of Jesus throughout this gospel. Special emphasis will be given to the crucifixion and resurrection events during Easter week.
Christian Evidences/Acts of the Apostles
Grade Level: 10
Christian Evidences is a semester-long course which attempts to provide reasonable and credible evidence for such theological topics as the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, the historicity of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and special creation. Additionally, the course deals with the meaning and nature of faith and how we came to have the Bible. The course is designed to provide students with the foundation necessary to formulate and nurture their own vibrant faith.
Acts of the Apostles focuses upon the beginning of the early church, its spread throughout the Roman Empire, and its rapid growth. The works of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Peter and Paul receive special attention. Theological insights are pursued through investigating the text in its historical and cultural settings. Practical understanding of the concept of New Testament Christianity is emphasized throughout the course.
Gospel of Mark
Grade Level: 10-12
The gospel of Mark is designed to investigate the life of Jesus Christ in an in-depth manner. The ministry and actions of Christ are pursued within his historical framework. Special emphasis is placed upon the theme of discipleship. Students will be taught how to be more like Jesus Christ through seeking a clearer understanding of his mission and purpose in the world.
Who Was Jesus?
Grade Level: 10-12
This course aims at helping students discover an answer to Jesus' all-important question: "Who do you say that I am?" From selected texts in the gospels, the student will strive to establish first how the Bible presents the life and character of Jesus of Nazareth. Next, diverse forms of media will be used to explore traditional and popularized conceptions of Jesus in order to help the student see the Christ as others have. Most important, this course intends to highlight how the answer one gives to the identity and actions of Jesus of Nazareth ultimately has a fundamental impact on one's worldview and behavior.
Romans/Psalms and Proverbs
Grade Level: 11
The study of Romans is a textual course about Paul's Epistle to the Romans. Attention is given to the historical and literary background of the letter so that students can better understand the message of Romans. Great importance is placed on the modern application of this book's teachings to the beliefs and actions of today's Christian. Emphasis is placed on God's message of salvation through Jesus Christ and everyday empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
The study of Psalms and Proverbs is textual and topical in nature. Attention is given to the historical and literary background of the selected Psalms and Proverbs so that students can better understand the message intended by the author. Great importance is placed on the modern application of the passages to the beliefs and actions of today's Christian. Emphasis in the Psalms study is placed on honest, faithful prayer in blessing and dismay, and the role of such prayer in understanding life experiences and God. Emphasis in Proverbs is placed on selfless, God-centered, ethical decision-making and the rewards such brings.
Christian Family Living
Grade Level: 12
Christian Family Living is a Bible class designed to help students understand the major facets of the family from a Christian perspective. Students will explore their own family backgrounds and personality development in order to gain a better understanding of who they are as individuals. Emphasis is placed on subjects such as dating, sexual ethics, independent living, and other topics related to the family. Each student will complete a "Partner Project" which will give students practical insight into what is involved in creating and maintaining a new family.
The Bible: God's Story for Your Life
Grade Level: 12
This course begins in Genesis and ends in Revelation with special emphasis placed upon the interaction of God with mankind through the major events recorded in the Biblical narrative. An intense effort is made to relate how the Bible is primarily about a loving Heavenly Father who has been deeply involved in bringing about salvation to humanity. This class also focuses upon the practical relevance of the stories and events in Biblical history for each student today.
Fitness
Grade Level: 7-12
Fitness is required for all seventh and eighth grade students who are not in band (beginner or junior). Additionally, one credit in fitness, earned in grades 9-12, is a requirement for graduation. Fitness is designed to create an awareness of the importance of taking care of one's body. Physical exercise, nutrition, team and individual sports, sportsmanship, and self-control are topics covered to allow for physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. This course allows students to develop skills through active participation in physical activity on a daily basis. It allows young people the opportunities to gain a knowledge and appreciation about their bodies as gifts from God.
Department of Visual Arts
Art I
Grade Level: 9-12
This course is designed to teach students basic art skills and to expose them to the elements of design. Drawing techniques, drawing principles, hand-built pottery, and acrylic painting will be explored in this yearlong course.
Art II
Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisite course: B- or higher each quarter in Art I
Designed to build on knowledge acquired in Art I, this course allows the students to further refine their skills in a variety of media and start to build a portfolio of work. Techniques in drawing, painting, pottery, printmaking, sculpture and digital imagery will be taught during this course. Students will also be introduced to a variety of career options in the visual arts. Students must have the instructor's approval before enrolling in this course.
Art III-IV
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite course: Art III: B- or higher each quarter in Art II
Prerequisite course: Art IV: B- or higher each quarter in Art III
This course offers students who have completed Art I and Art II the opportunity to choose a medium or a few specific media as their focus for the entire year. Each student will be bound to an individual contract that is agreed upon by the instructor. Because the course is designed to be a self-paced studio class, students must be advanced in their art skills and highly motivated. Interested students may work toward completing the rigorous portfolio requirements for the Advanced Placement art examination. Students must have the instructor's approval before enrolling in this course.
Department of Instrumental Music
Beginner Band
Grade Level: 7
Beginner band is an elective for seventh graders who wish to study instrumental music for the entire year. Students purchase or rent instruments, give four to five concerts per year, and participate in the West Tennessee Bands Solo and Ensemble Festival. Band students have a taped homework assignment each evening. Band meets every day of the week during school hours. Awards are given for excellent behavior and outstanding performance.
Junior Band
Grade Level: 8-9
The junior band is an intermediate instrumental program for students who have had about a year of instrumental training. Students purchase or rent instruments, give four to five concerts per year, and participate in the West Tennessee Bands Solo and Ensemble Festival. Band students have a taped homework assignment each evening. Band meets every day of the week during school hours. Awards are given for excellent behavior and outstanding performance. Students move from beginner to junior Band by selection of the teacher.
Senior Band
Grade Level: 10-12
Senior band is Harding's advanced instrumental performing group. Students purchase or rent instruments, give four to five concerts per year, and participate in the West Tennessee Bands Solo and Ensemble Festival. The band also performs occasionally off campus and usually takes an extended tour during the school year. Band students often have taped homework assignments. Band meets every day of the week during school hours. Awards are given for excellent behavior and outstanding performance. Students move from junior to senior band by selection of the teacher.
Department of Vocal Music
Chorus
Grade Level: 8
Eighth grade chorus is a beginning level chorus. Students audition for this chorus during their seventh grade exploration class. Students auditioning for this class must prove their ability to match pitches played and sung and must successfully sing a tune unaccompanied. Students have the opportunity to audition for the regional junior high honors chorus. The chorus performs for Harding Academy's elementary locations and joins the other choruses for two major concerts each year.
Chorus/Bible
Grade Level: 9
Freshman chorus is a performance-oriented class. Students learn to sing in many languages as they prepare to perform music from many lands and periods of history. The chorus doubles as a ninth grade Bible class. Each week, the students memorize assigned verses of scripture. Each Friday, the students write their memory verses to prove the assignment is complete. Chorus members are eligible to audition for the regional junior high honors chorus. Any ninth grade student is eligible to audition for this class.
A cappella
Grade Level: 10-12
The A cappella chorus is a performance-driven rehearsal class. Students learn and perform religious music from many periods. Students have the opportunity to audition for regional and state honors choruses. The chorus members are expected to be available to perform for local congregations of the Churches of Christ on Wednesday evenings, beginning in the fall semester and continuing throughout the spring semester. All members of the chorus are expected to keep themselves academically eligible for a performance tour during the spring semester.
Department of Social Studies
Geography
Grade Level: 7
All seventh graders engage in this study of the earth and how people use and interact with it. In this class, students study the regions of the earth and go on to master the skills of globe and map reading, and measuring to scale while perfecting their graph and chart interpreting skills. Where applicable, current events are incorporated into the study of the various regional units. Students also acquire an understanding of the different human interactions among the regions of the earth.
American History
Grade Level: 8
This course initiates the study of the history of our nation from its discovery through the period of Reconstruction. Students will explore the social, political, and economic movements which have shaped our country and will develop an understanding of democracy and citizenship in the United States.
World History
Grade Level: 9
This course presents a chronological narrative of world history from the earliest civilization to the present. Within this framework, the development of civilizations in different parts of the world will be traced. A number of themes will be integrated that form the pattern of civilization. Among those themes are political and economic development, the influence of geography on cultures, the growth of science and technology, the effect of contact between cultures, and creativity in the arts.
American History
Grade Level: 10-12
American history at the senior high level takes a broad look at our country?s past from the Civil War to the present. This course attempts to reveal the rich heritage of the United States and to offer explanations about why the country is what it is today. American history covers a wide range of topics during the designated period including music, sports, movies, military actions, politics, social life, and future trends. This course takes an honest and open look at all the endeavors of this country, both good and bad, and shows both the country's successes and its failures with an emphasis on learning from both.
Advanced Placement U. S. History
Grade Level: 11-12
Advanced Placement U.S. history, a college-level course, is a demanding introduction to American history and culture that requires students to develop analytical thinking, writing, and reading skills. The course integrates political and social history in order to convey the experiences of particular groups within the broader perspective of the American past. At the same time, it connects events and issues from the past to the concerns of the present. The College Board's Advanced Placement examination will be offered in May, and is a requirement of the class. Those who score well usually receive college credit, based on the Advanced Placement policy of the college.
U.S. Government
Grade Level: 11-12
This course gives the student a knowledge of the principles of American government with the goal of creating an informed citizen that understands the basic political structure of the country. National, state, and local government structure is examined to instill, enlighten, and reinforce pride in being a citizen of a democratic nation.
Humanities Seminar
Grade Level: 11-12
Humanities Seminar emphasizes visual and performing arts, as well as architecture, in an interdisciplinary context. Emphasis is on the study of selected works from the following periods and cultures: ancient Egypt, classical Greece and Rome, the European Middle Ages, and the periods of the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo/Neoclassic, Romanticism, and other -isms of art, music, and literature.
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH
The Harding Academy Outside Reading List 2006-2007
English
Grade Level: 7
English 7 is designed to improve the students' basic grammar skills, to broaden their vocabulary skills, to increase their ability to express themselves effectively through speech and composition, and to develop an appreciation of various types of literature. In grammar, students will concentrate on a study of the parts of speech, the parts of a sentence, and the types of sentences. In literature, students will be introduced to various novels, short stories, and poems. Representative works include London's Call of the Wild, Stevenson's Treasure Island, and Cisneros's House on Mango Street. During this course students will practice writing skills which incorporate grammar and vocabulary knowledge. The major writing forms to be studied are the paragraph and the short paper. The course also includes an introduction to research, a concentration on study skills, and an emphasis on higher level thinking skills. Summer reading is required.
English
Grade Level: 8
English 8 builds upon the grammar, mechanics, and usage skills the students have learned and provides deeper insight into the value of literature. Speaking, writing, listening, and higher order thinking skills are improved by regular practice in a classroom situation. Units of study include a review of the foundations of grammar and usage, development of personal vocabulary, paragraph and essay writing skills, study in improvement of reading comprehension, and a study of various elements of literature. Representative works studied include Hemingway's Old Man and the Sea, Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. Summer reading is required.
Honors English
Grade Level: 8
Honors English 8 is designed for the more scholastically mature English students and explores other areas in English beyond the traditional curriculum required for all eighth grade students. The course builds upon the skills in grammar the students have learned by examining them in greater detail, provides deeper insight into the value of literature, and emphasizes composition and broadening the students' literary and higher order thinking skills. Speaking, writing, and listening skills are improved by regular practice in a classroom situation. Representative works read include Christie's Murder on the Orient Express as well as those novels read in the regular class. Summer reading is required.
English
Grade Level: 9
English 9 serves as the introductory course in high school English, firmly grounding students in the fundamentals of grammar and extending knowledge past the rudiments. In literature the focus is on developing an understanding of and appreciation for poetry, drama, and the novel. Representative works studied include Dumas's Count of Monte Cristo, Knowles's Separate Peace, and Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Writing skills are refined through specific units studied and sustained writing assignments, including a teacher-guided research paper. Weekly vocabulary study and higher order thinking skills are emphasized. Students learn specific strategies for taking the verbal section of the SAT and the English section of the ACT. Summer reading is required.
Honors English
Grade Level: 9
Honors English 9 is designed to improve students' scholastic writing abilities through a variety of exercises, to broaden their vocabulary skills through weekly studies and drills, and to provide a greater awareness of the nature of the various genres of literature. The course also includes an intensive review of the fundamentals of grammar and writing a teacher-guided research paper. Representative works studied include Lewis's Great Divorce, as well as those works read in the regular course. Summer reading is required.
English
Grade Level: 10
English 10 is designed to improve the students' scholastic writing and speaking abilities, to broaden their vocabulary skills, to heighten their higher order thinking skills, and to provide a greater awareness of the nature of world literature. A brief, yet intensive, review of fundamental grammar is given with emphasis on more complex parts of the sentence, correct usage, and punctuation-what might be called common errors in English. Vocabulary is stressed weekly each semester. Composition is emphasized through numerous short papers during the literature study. Research methods are discussed culminating in a research paper. Literature includes a study of the short story, novel, nonfiction, essay and drama. Representative works include Eliot's Silas Marner, Lewis's Screwtape Letters, and Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Summer reading is required.
Honors English
Grade Level: 10
Students in Honors English 10, although sophomores, will be taking what is traditionally a junior level course, American literature. Honors English 10 is designed to improve the students' writing abilities, to broaden their vocabulary skills, to provide a greater awareness of the nature of the American literary heritage, and to prepare for the courses of Advanced Placement Language and Composition (Honors English 11) and Advanced Placement Literature and Composition (Honors English 12). A brief, yet intensive, review of fundamental grammar is given with emphasis on more complex parts of the sentence, correct usage, and punctuation ? what might be called the common errors in English. Extensive analytical writing and a research paper are required. Representative works read include Achebe's Things Fall Apart, Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter, and Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. Summer reading is required.
English
Grade Level: 11
English 11 is designed to improve the students' writing abilities, to broaden their vocabulary skills, and to provide a greater awareness of the nature of the American literary heritage. The major focus is a detailed survey of significant American writings. All major movements and authors are studied with an emphasis on understanding and interpretation through higher order thinking skills. A brief, yet intensive, review of fundamental grammar is given on what might be called common errors in English. A formal research paper is required. Literature selections to be studied include Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. Summer reading is required.
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite course: Honors English 10
The Advanced Placement course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both the writing and the reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer's purposes, audience expectations, and subjects as well as the way generic conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing. A formal research paper is required. The College Board's Advanced Placement examination will be offered in May, but is not a requirement of the class. Those who score well usually receive college credit for freshman English, based on the Advanced Placement policy of the college. Representative works read include Chopin's The Awakening, Ibsen's Enemy of the People, and Welty's One Writer's Beginnings, as well as various nonfiction essays. Summer reading is required.
English
Grade Level: 12
English 12 is designed to improve the students' scholastic writing abilities, to broaden their vocabulary skills, and to provide a greater awareness of the nature of English literature. Grammar and vocabulary are extended in preparation for college; students are required to demonstrate a knowledge of all fundamentals. A brief, yet intensive, review of fundamental grammar is given on what might be called common errors in English. The majority of the year is spent in a detailed survey of English literature, covering all major periods and significant authors. Much attention is given to Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare; students will read "The Prologue," a selected tale from The Canterbury Tales, Macbeth, and Hamlet. Many opportunities for critical thinking and reflective writing are provided. A research paper is required. Representative works read include Orwell's 1984, Brontë's Wuthering Heights, and Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. Summer reading is required.
Advanced Placement Literature and Composition
Grade Level: 12
AP English 12 is designed to improve the students' scholastic writing abilities, to broaden their vocabulary skills, and to provide a greater awareness of the nature of English literature. Grammar and vocabulary are extended in preparation for college; students are required to demonstrate a knowledge of all fundamentals. Various types of literature are studied with an emphasis on the poetry, drama, and fiction of Great Britain. Students are engaged in the careful reading of literary works. Such study sharpens awareness of language and understanding of the writer's craft, develops critical standards for the independent appreciation of any literary work, and increases sensitivity to literature as shared experience. Writing assignments focus on the critical analysis of literature and include essays in exposition, argument, and personal narrative. A research paper is required. The College Board's Advanced Placement examination will be offered in May, but is not a requirement of the class. Those who score well usually receive college credit, based on the Advanced Placement policy of the college. Representative works read include those novels read in non-AP sections as well as Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment; Paton's Cry, the Beloved Country; and Sophocles' Oedipus, the King. Summer reading is required.
DEPARTMENT OF MODERN LANGUAGES
Spanish 1
Grade Level: 9-11
Spanish I is offered as a foundation course in a useful modern language. The course introduces students to the language, geography, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will become familiar with vocabulary and grammar that will enable them to read, write, speak, and understand the Spanish language. The students will also develop an appreciation and respect for Hispanic culture and history.
Spanish 2
Grade Level: 10?12
Prerequisite course: Spanish 1
Spanish 2 builds on the concepts learned in Spanish 1. Students will expand their knowledge of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. In addition, they will also study the history and culture of Latin American countries. Emphasis will be placed on conversational Spanish, as well as help students develop linguistic proficiency and cultural sensitivity.
Spanish 3
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite course: Spanish 2
Spanish 3 is designed as a continuation of Spanish 2. Practical use of the concepts learned in Spanish 1 and 2 will be emphasized through advanced vocabulary, grammar, and conversation. The class will emphasize speaking, reading Spanish literature, and exploring cultural topics, including current events, history, geography, and art.
French 1
Grade Level: 9-11
French 1 introduces students to the language, culture, history, politics, and geography of France and the French-speaking world. Students will become familiar with basic vocabulary and grammar that will enable them to read, write, and speak French.
French 2
Grade Level: 10?12
Prerequisite course: French 1
Course: French 3
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite course: French 2
French 3 is designed as a continuation of French 2. Practical use of the concepts learned in French 1 and 2 will be emphasized through vocabulary, grammar, and conversation. The class will emphasize speaking, reading French literature, and exploring cultural topics, including current events, history, geography, and art. Students will participate in a variety of cultural projects from topics including literature, drama, history, geography, art, cuisine, and music. The College Board's Advanced Placement examination in French Language (not literature) will be offered in May, but is not a requirement of the class. Those who score well usually receive college credit, based on the Advanced Placement policy of the college.
Drama
Grade Level: 11-12
Drama is designed to expose students to theater and its many facets, to develop basic acting skills, to develop self-confidence, and to gain an appreciation for and interest in theater. As a foundational course, drama introduces students to dramatic literature, play production, improvisation, and various acting methods, as well as objective criticism and directing.
Journalism
Grade Level: 9-12
Journalism is designed to improve students' abilities to write clearly, to work under pressure, and to work cooperatively. It also provides the opportunity to learn various facets of desktop publishing, including advanced word processing, page design, and photographic selection and enhancement. Journalism is a laboratory course, resulting in publication of the school yearbook, The Shield, and newspaper, The Lion. Students enrolling in this class must have the instructor?s approval.
Speech
Grade Level: 11-12
Speech is designed to give students a better understanding of the process of communication, appreciation of the importance of communication, and confidence in their ability to communicate. Communication is studied as it relates to social, academic, vocational, economic and political aspects of life. Special emphasis is placed on public speaking, methods of persuasion, group discussion, and conflict resolution. Students are taught how to become intelligent listeners in an age in which they are daily bombarded with thousands of persuasive messages.
Department of Mathematics
Mathematics
Grade Level: 7
Seventh grade mathematics is designed for students who have completed sixth grade mathematics and are preparing for prealgebra in the eighth grade. Basic mathematical concepts and skills are reviewed and reinforced. Concepts, procedures, and vocabulary needed to succeed in upper-level mathematics courses are introduced and developed incrementally.
Honors Prealgebra
Grade Level: 7
Prealgebra is designed to review students in the basic concepts of adding subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Students learn to work with percents and to solve basic percent problems, to solve word problems using the rate and ratio methods, and to solve equations. Students also learn to work with exponents, variable expressions, graphing, probability, surface area, and volume. This course is designed for those students who have the ability to solve complex equations and discern abstract ideas at an earlier age. Students are selected for this course based on the following criteria: A- average for the second semester of sixth grade mathematics, appropriate Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test score, appropriate achievement test scores, recommendation by sixth grade teacher.
Prealgebra
Grade Level: 8
Prerequisite course: seventh grade mathematics
Prealgebra is designed to review the basic concepts of adding subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Students learn to work with percents and to solve basic percent problems, are taught to solve word problems using the rate and ratio methods, and discover how to solve equations. Students also learn to work with exponents, variable expressions, graphing, probability, surface area, and volume.
Honors Algebra I
Grade Level: 8
Prerequisite course: Honors Prealgebra
Algebra I expands the idea of working with variables and variable expressions and teaches the student to solve many types of word problems which cannot be solved using elementary mathematics methods. Algebra I teaches students to solve systems of equations, expands graphing to include parabolas and hyperbolas, and introduces the student to radicals, radical expressions, functions and function notation. Students are selected for the course will meet the following criteria: 90% average for third quarter, fourth quarter and the second semester examination of honors seventh grade prealgebra, and recommendation of honors seventh grade prealgebra teacher.
Algebra I
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite course: Prealgebra
Honors Algebra II
Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite course: Honors Algebra I
Honors Algebra II is an in-depth continuation of Algebra I and includes equations in 1, 2, and 3 variables. Matrices, functions, linear systems, polynomials, exponential laws, and radical equations are examined. Various methods for solving linear, quadratic, and higher degree equations are covered. Graphing and conic sections are studied, and trigonometry is introduced. Students selected for this course will meet the following criteria: 90% average for third quarter, fourth quarter, and the second semester examination of honors eighth grade Algebra I and recommendation of eighth grade Algebra I teacher.
Algebra II
Grade Level: 10Prerequisite course: Algebra I
Algebra II is the fourth of a four-course sequence designed to help the student see mathematics as an abstract study of the behavior and interrelationships of numbers. It continues the study of topics from algebra and geometry and begins the study of trigonometry and analytic geometry. Application problems are presented with each concept.
Honors Geometry
Grade Level: 10
Geometry is the study of the relationships existing between both plane and solid figures. Beginning with the most elementary geometric figures - point, line, and plane - a logical system of deductions is formulated as postulates are explored and theorems are derived. Applications of the postulate and theorems will be demonstrated in problem solving and by writing formal two-column proofs. Emphasis will be on logical thought patterns and practical applications of the subject matter. The second semester of advanced geometry will focus on more thought-provoking and independent work as a precursor for precalculus and calculus. Students selected for this course will meet the following criteria: 90% average for third quarter, fourth quarter, and the second semester examination of Honors Algebra II and recommendation of the Honors Algebra II teacher.
Geometry
Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite course: Algebra II
Geometry is the study of the relationships existing between both plane and solid figures. Beginning with the most elementary geometric figures - point, line, and plane - a logical system of deductions is formulated as postulates are explored and theorems are derived. Applications of the postulate and theorems will be demonstrated in problem solving and by writing formal two-column proofs. Emphasis will be on logical thought patterns and practical applications of the subject matter.
Precalculus
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite course: Algebra II, Geometry
This course is equivalent to a college algebra course offered at a certified institution of higher learning. Linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions are covered as well as inequalities in linear and higher degrees. Functions in one and two variables, exponential functions, and logarithms with the natural logarithm function are examined. Analytic geometry, polar coordinates, polar equations, vectors, and an extensive study of trigonometry are included. Application problems are presented with each concept along with a team project on navigation or surveying.
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite course: Precalculus
AP Calculus is equivalent to the first semester of college calculus along with some of the subject matter of the second semester of college calculus. The course covers limits and continuity. Differentiation is thoroughly examined through the chain rule, implicit differentiation, related rates, extrema and optimization. Concavity, velocity, and acceleration are studied. Simple differential equations, integration using an antiderivative, areas, and volumes using rotation as well as known cross sections are covered. Separable differential equations, logarithmic functions, l'Hopitals rule and integration by parts are treated. The four graphing calculator requirements put forth by the College Board for AP Calculus are included. Application problems are presented throughout the course in areas of biology, business, economics, and agriculture. The College Board's Advanced Placement examination will be offered in May, but is not a requirement of the class. Those who score well usually receive college credit, based on the Advanced Placement policy of the college.
Introduction to Statistics
Grade Level: 11-12
Introduction to Statistics is designed to introduce the student to descriptive and inferential statistics typically covered in a one-semester college course. Emphasis will be given to organizing large amounts of data, describing data concisely and accurately, basic probability theory, and hypothesis testing. The course will prepare students for requirements of statistical work on the college level. In addition to the content of the course, students are challenged with a different learning and teaching approach, learning by discovery. By working with carefully selected sets of data and through thoughtful in-class activities as well as homework, students learn to discern the relationships found in carefully considering statistical tools and values. This type of teaching strategy places responsibility on the student and encourages higher order thinking.
Department of Business
Computer Applications
Grade Level: 9-12
Computer Applications introduces students to basic word processing activities, allows students to create simple PowerPoint presentations, and explores the uses of Excel. The Internet is used as a tool for research on a college and career and as a resource for enhancing documents and slide shows with articles, clip art, and sound clips.
Accounting
Grade Level: 11-12
This course, an introduction to the basic accounting cycle, takes a student through the process of opening a business, journalizing transactions, posting to the ledgers, completing a worksheet, determining net income or net loss, preparing financial statements, and recording adjusting and closing entries to complete a fiscal period. A workbook is used for daily activities and two simulations are completed during the year to emphasize how all of the segments of the accounting cycle come together.
Department of Sciences
General Science
Grade Level: 7
General Science
Grade Level: 8
Physical Science
Grade Level: 9
Physical science is required of all students not taking biology in the ninth grade and is designed to provide the students with a conceptual base of physics, chemistry, and geology. It is a study of the rules of the physical world. This concept-based study encompasses the laws of motion, energy, electricity, heat, and sound, as well as an introduction to chemistry and a study of the planet Earth. It is designed to provide the students with the basic knowledge of science as it relates to them and to their expanding experiences. Young people will use their abilities to develop an appreciation for the basic concepts of physical science.
Biology
Grade Level: 9-10
Biology is a comprehensive study of the cell, matter, energy, organization in living things, molecular basis of heredity, the interdependence of organisms, and the behavior of organisms. The study of organisms and biological diversity is the backbone of biology. Life is explored from molecules to ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on genetics and its role in technology and society. Students will master and apply central concepts and ideas rather than memorize facts.
Health
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology
Health focuses on the relationship that exists among physical, mental, social and spiritual health. The emphasis is on personal responsibility and health promotion. Topics include stress management, personal relationships, basic anatomy, disease prevention, nutrition, fitness, and substance abuse. Students will have laboratory experiences, demonstrate first aid, and be certified in CPR.
Chemistry
Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite: Biology
Chemistry is designed to investigate the relationship between the properties of matter and its structure by developing a working chemistry vocabulary, exploring the properties of matter, and mastering the fundamentals of its structure. The study of this relationship is integrated with an appreciation for the role of chemistry in our society.
Physics
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry
Physics is designed to provide background and skills necessary to succeed in college physics. Problem solving skills-reading carefully, thinking analytically, and communicating concisely-are emphasized. The course follows a classical approach. Students study Newtonian mechanics, review thermodynamics, examine electricity and magnetism, and investigate sound and light.
Anatomy and Physiology
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite courses: Biology, Chemistry
Anatomy and Physiology is a survey of human organ systems with emphasis placed on homeostasis. This is the process by which the body maintains stable internal conditions, allowing its cells to function normally and is the major unifying concept of physiology.
Advanced Placement Biology
Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite courses: Biology, Chemistry
Advanced Placement Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by majors during their first year. The course provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The College Board's Advanced Placement examination will be offered in May, and taking this examination is a requirement of the class. Those who score well usually receive college credit, based on the Advanced Placement policy of the college.