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
Prerequisite: Art I
Grades: 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
English
— English I Pre-AP
— English II Pre-AP
— AP English III: Language and Composition
— AP English IV
— English IV AP: Literature and Composition
— Humanities
—Creative Writing
English 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.Creative Writing
Prerequisite: none
Grades: 11 and 12
(1 credit)
This elective course allows students to study the craft of poetry and read some of the best major poets as mentors for their own writing. Concentrating on the composition of poetry, students complete the course by producing a chapbook of their own poetic work. The class will create the annual Yavneh literary journal and oversee presentation of the Fall Arts Night and the Spring Literary Café. The class can be repeated for credit.
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 for level I.Successive years' study in order, or pass competancy exam.
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
Comprehensive continuing education in Hebrew.Spanish I-IV
Prerequisite: None for level I.Successive years' study in order, or pass competancy exam.
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
Comprehensive continuing education in Spanish.French I-II
Prerequisite: None for level I.Successive years' study in order, or pass competancy exam.
Grades: 9, 10, 11 and 12
(1 credit)
Comprehensive continuing education in French.
Journalism
— Journalism I NP
— Journalism I YB
Journalism I NP
Prerequisite: None
Grades: 9, 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: None
Grades: 9, 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
—Anatomy & Physiology
— Biology I - Pre-AP — Biology AP
— Chemistry I - Pre-AP
— Chemistry AP
— Environmental Science
— Physics I - Pre-AP
— Physics II
— Physics AP C
Anatomy & Physiology
Prerequisite:
Grades:
(1 credit)
This is an advanced survey course covering the history of anatomy and physiology as well as all aspects of human anatomy and physiology at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels. The integration of structure and function is emphasized particularly with respect to the maintenance of homeostasis. Various pathologies and clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic technologies are also discussed within each unit. To insure that students appreciate the nature of science and scientific inquiry laboratories cover a wide array of techniques and topics including histology, and electrophysiology in addition to the gross anatomy of the various organ systems.Biology I
Prerequisite: Physics I, Chemistry I
Grade: 11
(1 credit)
This course provides an overview of biology as well as exposes students to the principals and ethics governing science, the nature of scientific inquiry, the history of science, and the application of science in society. Major themes emphasized include: the scientific process and technology, biological structure (and the relationship between structure and function), levels of organization (from molecules to ecosystems), growth and differentiation, energy conversions, classical and molecular genetics, evolution, taxonomy and diversity, as well as ecology. Laboratories are designed to reinforce class content and encourage the development of critical thinking skills.Biology I - Pre-AP
Prerequisite: Pre-AP Physics I, Pre-AP Chemistry I
Grade: 11
(1 credit)
This course rigorously presents all aspects of modern biology, as well as the nature of scientific inquiry with the intent of providing students with the background and tools needed to take AP Biology in the senior year. It covers the three main subject areas of biology - molecules and cells, heredity and evolution and organisms and populations. Emphasis is placed on integrating the eight major organizing themes of biology covered in the AP Biology curriculum: science as a process, evolution, energy transfer, continuity and change, structure and function, regulation, interdependence in nature, and technology and society. Experimental and critical thinking skills are emphasized both in class and in laboratory..Biology AP
Prerequisite: Pre-AP Physics I, Pre-AP Chemistry I, Pre-AP, Biology, Pre-Calculus (or permission of the instructor)
Grade: 12
(1 credit)
This is a college level course for students interested in a career in either the life or health sciences. The curriculum is approved by and follows that outlined by the College Board. A wide array of topics in molecular and cellular biology, heredity and evolution as well as organismal and population biology (including ecology) are covered in great depth both in class and laboratory. Students are expected to master the material at a level which enables them to apply that material to new and novel situations.Chemistry I
Prerequisite: Physics I, Algebra I
Grade: 10
(1 credit)
This is an introductory course in fundamental chemical concepts and laboratory techniques. Topics include matter and it physical states, scientific measurements, the periodic table, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonds gases, acids and bases, chemical reactions, solutions, organic chemistry and thermochemistry. Concepts and chemical laws are derived and tested through extensive laboratory investigations.Chemistry I - Pre-AP
Prerequisite: Pre-AP Physics I, Algebra I
Grade: 10
(1 credit)
This is a rigorous laboratory course that covers matter and its interactions. Topics include atomic structure, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, acids and bases, kinetics, equilibria, redox reactions, and electrochemistry. Both qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical behavior are studied in depth. Critical thinking and problem solving are addressed on a daily basis. The content and pace of the course are consistent with preparing students for AP Chemistry.Chemistry AP
Prerequisite: Pre-AP Physics I, Pre-AP Chemistry I, Pre-AP Biology I,Calculus
(which may be taken concurrently) or permission of instructor.
Grade: 12
(1 credit)
This course adheres to the College Board curriculum and is comparable to the first year of college chemistry. Students are expected to become facial with a wide array of chemical terms and concepts as well as with chemical calculations and the mathematical formulation of principles. Topics such as the structure and states of matter, types of reactions, stoichiometry, equilibria, kinetics, and thermodynamics as well as qualitative analysis and basic organic chemistry are addressed at an advanced level. Laboratory exercises supplement each major topic.Environmental Science
Prerequisite:Physics I, Chemistry I, Biology I
Grades: 12
(1 credit)
This is an advanced survey course covering all aspects of environmental science including: biotic and abiotic factors, habitat and habitat disruption, ecosystems, biomes, the various biogeochemical cycles, energy flow, food-chains, population dynamics, the atmosphere and air pollution, land use (farming and forestry) and urban planning, mining, water supply systems and pollution, fossil fuels and alternative energy sources as well as conservation. The history, politics, economics, as well as the legal and social aspects of environmental science also are discussed. There are fourteen laboratory exercises associated with this course.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 I - Pre-AP
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Grade: 9
(1 credit)
This advanced 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
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus
Grades: 11
(1 credit)
This trigonometry-based, college-level course is for students planning a career in science, math or engineering. The topics include a semester of mechanics and electromagnetism.Physics 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.
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 History— World History AP
Economics (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 AP
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.Pre-AP World History
Prerequisite: World Geography
Grade: 10
(1 credit)
This college-preparatory course offers students an overview of the entire history of humankind from prehistory to the present. Focusing on the most influential epochs, the course examines the origins of our current philosophical, religious, political, cultural, and economic systems and how the contemporary world developed. The course also examines the tools historians use and how historian practice their profession.
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
Microcomputer Applications
Video ProductionMicrocomputer Applications
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 10
(1 credit)
Development of skills in software applications such as word processing, spread sheet, data base and PowerPoint.Video Production
Prerequisite: None
Grade: 9
(1 credit)
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.
