GENERAL STUDIES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
Click on the appropriate subject to see course descriptions of each class.
Art
English
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Foreign Languages
Journalism
Mathematics
Physical Education
Sciences
Social Studies/History
Speech
Technology
Theater ArtsArt
— Art I
— Art II Photography
— Art II PrintmakingArt I
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9
(1 credit)
The first semester emphasizes two-dimensional design, especially drawing, color and composition. Students study some of the major styles of painting, including Realism, Impressionism and Surrealism. The second semester includes further practice in drawing, painting, and printmaking. Styles of art are reviewed with emphasis on 20th Century developments. Supply fee charged.Art II Photography
Prerequisite: Art I and a 35-mm, non-automatic camera or auto camera with off switch for auto
Grades: 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
A creative approach to black and white photography with an emphasis on composition and design. This introductory class explores the use of the 35-mm camera, as well as developing and darkroom techniques. Supply fee charged.<back to top>Art II Printmaking
Prerequisite: Art I
Grades: 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
Art II Printmaking is a study of multiples, both traditional and nontraditional. The concept of multiples is explored through woodcut, linocut, monoprint, xerox and computer. Supply fee charged.
English
— English I Pre-AP
— English II Pre-AP
— AP English III: Language and Composition
— AP English IV
— English IV AP: Literature and Composition
— HumanitiesEnglish I Pre-AP
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9
(1 credit)
This college-preparatory course requires students to perform extensive reading of nonfiction as well as well-known classics. Students will learn to write timed analytical papers designed to enable students to use elements of language effectively. Students continue an intensive study of vocabulary and learn the essential steps of the research process.English II Pre-AP
Prerequisite: English I
Grade: 10
(1 credit)
This college-preparatory course deepens students’ understanding of analyzing literature, composition and communication and requires them to perform extensive reading of nonfiction and well-known classics. Students will advance their skills by writing in-class timed analytical papers related to literature and rhetoric Students continue an intensive study of vocabulary and are required to write a literary-based research paper.AP English III: Language and Composition
Prerequisite: English II
Grade: 11
(1 credit)
This college level course offers students an in-depth study of rhetoric, focusing on specific purposes and targeted audiences. Intense vocabulary study is designed to prepare students for reading sophisticated texts and writing papers. A research paper on a literary topic is required, and students are expected to take the Language and Composition AP exam. The course requires students to perform extensive reading of nonfiction and well-known classics. Students will advance their skills by writing in-class timed analytical papers related to rhetorical analysis and argumentation. They are also required to write a literary-based paper.AP English IV
Prerequisite: English III
Grade: 12
(1 credit)
In this course, study of literature focuses on abilities to develop analogical imagination. Students are introduced to a study that ultimately will require them to analyze and synthesize how writers in multiple texts develop complex moral, ethical and philosophical themes. Students will also develop their abilities to perceive and critique writers’ motives, stances and credibility. Students will advance their skills in writing with precision, economy and grace. Emphasis is placed especially on the recursive nature of the writing process, as students will be expected to turn in multiple drafts of a composition. Successful completion of a research paper is a course requirement. Students will also develop their skills in advanced media and production.English IV AP: Literature and Composition
Prerequisite: English III
Grade: 12
(1 credit)
A college-level course designed to develop skills in literature and composition beyond those customarily acquired in the regular four-year high school curriculum, this course offers solid grounding in literary classics and the tools for writing clear, logical prose. Successful completion of a research paper is a course requirement. Students are expected to take the Literature and Composition AP exam.Humanities
Prerequisite: English II
Grades: 11 and 12
(0.5 credit)
A one-semester course that explores great works of art, literature, music and architecture form historic periods. This course attempts to explain people’s need to express themselves and communicate through various aesthetic media.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
— English I ESL
— English II ESL
English I ESL
Prerequisite: None
Grades:9, 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
Uses the English and social studies curriculum, but modifies it for the ESL student.English II ESL
Prerequisite: English I ESL
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
A continuation of English I ESL.
Hebrew I-VI
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
Comprehensive continuing education in Hebrew.French I-II
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
Comprehensive continuing education in French.
Journalism
— Journalism I NP
— Journalism I YB
Journalism I NP
Prerequisite: English I
Grades: 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
Full-year course that improves communication skills and the ability to deal with mass media information. It involves the study and hands-on experience of working with a variety of journalistic writing styles. Students will become familiar with newspaper and publications design.Journalism I YB
Prerequisite: English I
Grades: 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
Full-year course that improves communication skills and the ability to deal with mass media information. It involves the study and hands-on experience of working with the variety of journalistic writing styles. Students will become familiar with yearbook and publication designs.
Mathematics
— Algebra I
— Mathematical Models with Applications
— Geometry
— Algebra II Pre-AP
— Geometry Pre-AP
— Precalculus Pre-AP
— Calculus I AP (AB or BC)Algebra I
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra
Grade: 9
(1 credit)
Designed as the first of a two-year sequence in the study of algebra, this course emphasizes rules, symbols and the laws of arithmetic as applied to algebraic structure. This is the first course in the college-preparatory program.Mathematical Models with Applications
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Grade: 9
(1 credit)
Students build on K-8 and Algebra I foundations by using algebraic, graphical and geometric reasoning to recognize patterns and structure; to model information; and to solve problems from various disciplines.Geometry
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Algebra I Pre-AP
(1 credit)
One-year course with emphasis primarily on plane geometry, but including some space and coordinate geometry. Formal geometric proof is emphasized.Algebra II Pre-AP
Prerequisite: Algebra I
(1 credit)
The second of a two-year sequence in algebra, this course teaches students to combine separate algebraic skills with analytical and critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems. Algebra II Pre-AP and Geometry Pre-AP must be taken concurrently.Geometry Pre-AP
Prerequisite: Algebra II Pre-AP
(1 credit)
More intensive and extensive than the regular course. Specific differences include, but are not limited to, separate units on trigonometry, vectors, conics and intensive space and coordinate geometry. Emphasis is on problems that require considerable mathematical insight. Algebra II Pre-AP and Geometry Pre-AP must be taken concurrently.Precalculus Pre-AP
Prerequisite: Algebra II Pre-AP and Geometry Pre-AP
(1 credit)
This full-year honors course comprises functions and graphs, trigonometry, discrete mathematics and data analysis, and an introduction to calculus with primary emphasis on functions and the development of problem solving, reasoning, communication and technology skills. This course is more intensive and extensive than precalculus.Calculus I AP (AB or BC)
Prerequisite: Precalculus or Precalculus Pre-AP
(1 credit)
University-level calculus course for high school seniors that provides the opportunity to earn three to nine semester hours of college/university credit. The scope of the course includes concepts associated with the study of elementary functions, limits of functions, derivatives, techniques of integration, application of integral, transcendental functions, vector functions, polar coordinates, sequences and series and parametric equations. Calculus may be selected at two levels, AB or BC.
Physical Education
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(0.5 credit each semester)
Information and activities that deal with major components of fitness; body composition, flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
Sciences
— Biology I
— Chemistry I
— Physics I
— Physics II AP CBiology I
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 11
(1 credit)
An investigation of the concepts of living organisms and their relationship to the environment through classroom, laboratory and worldwide community applications. Topics include, but are not limited to, ecology and pollution, biomes, characteristics of living organisms, molecular and cellular biology, classification of living organisms, the anatomy and physiology of micro-organisms, plants and animals, genetic engineering DNA, genetics and heredity, and human body systems.Chemistry I
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Grade: 10
(1 credit)
The study of the composition of matter. Topics include atomic interactions and molecular structure. Chemical laws will be derived and tested through extensive laboratory investigations.Physics I
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9
(1 credit)
This course surveys basic concepts in physics including motion, forces, energy, momentum, gravitation, electricity, magnetism, light and modern physics. A “modeling” approach is taken, where students participate in laboratory experiments and activities aimed at better understanding concepts.Physics II AP C
Prerequisite: Physics I, Chemistry, Biology; concurrent enrollment in Calculus
Grades: 11 and 12
(1 credit)
This is a calculus-based, college-level course for students planning a career in science, math or engineering. The topics include a semester of mechanics and electromagnetism.<back to top>
Social Studies/History
— Economics, with emphasis on the free enterprise system and its benefits
— United States Government
— United States History AP
— World Geography Studies
— World HistoryEconomics, with emphasis on the free enterprise
system and its benefits
Prerequisite: U.S. History or U.S. History AP
Grades: 11 and 12
(0.5 credit)
This course is a survey of the operational characteristics and institutions that compromise the American free enterprise and other economic systems.United States Government
Prerequisite: U.S. History or U.S. History AP
Grade: 12
(0.5 credit)
This course focuses on the principles and beliefs upon which the United States was founded and on the structure, function and power of government at the national, state and local levels. A significant focus of the course is on the U.S. Constitution. Students analyze major concepts of republicanism, federalism, checks and balances, separation of powers, popular sovereignty and individual rights and will compare the U.S. system of government with other political systems. They will also study the impact of individuals, political parties, interest groups and the media on the American political system, evaluate the importance of voluntary individual participation in a democratic society and analyze the rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.United States History AP
Prerequisite: World History
Grade: 12
(1 credit)
This course studies U.S. history from the age of Exploration to the present, emphasizing facts and issues in social and political history. Attention is given to the use of primary and secondary sources to present issues and events for objective analysis and knowledgeable interpretation by the student. A research project/term paper is a course requirement. Extensive outside reading is required for the course.World Geography Studies
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9
(1 credit)
An examination of the physical, cultural and historical geography of the world with an emphasis on contemporary events and issues, and on the increasingly important and diverse global connections among world societies.World History
Prerequisite: World Geography
Grade: 10
(1 credit)
World history studies is the only course offering students an overview of the entire history of humankind. Traditional historical points of reference in world history are identified as students analyze important events and issues in western civilization as well as in civilizations in other parts of the worlds. Students evaluate the causes and effects of political and economic imperialism and of major political revolutions since the 17th century. Students examine the impact of geographic factors on major historic events and identify the historic origins of contemporary economic systems, analyze the process by which democratic-republican governments evolved, ideas from historic documents that influenced that process and trace the historical development of important legal and political concepts.
Speech
— Speech: Communication Applications
— Debate: Communication ApplicationsSpeech: Communication Applications
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(0.5 credit)
This course introduces basic communication and speech-making skills and helps students develop a more positive self-concept.Debate: Communication Applications
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(0.5 credit)
Competitive debate, including participation in interscholastic debate competitions.Mock Trial : Communication Applications
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(0.5 credit)
Competitive mock trial, including participation in interscholastic competitions.
Technology
— Computer Science I AP
— Microcomputer ApplicationsComputer Science I AP
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9
(1 credit)
Computer Science I AP focuses on programming methodology with an emphasis on problem solving and algorithm development and includes the study of data structures and abstraction. It is meant to be the equivalent of a first semester college course in computer science.Microcomputer Applications
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 10
(1 credit)
Development of skills in software applications such as word processing, spread sheet, data base and PowerPoint.
Theater Arts
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
This course surveys the development of the physical theatre, the history of the theatre and the basic principles of acting. Second semester covers the principles of directing and stagecraft and concludes with exploring the specialized theatrical style of film.
