Course Descriptions
ENGLISH
English 9: This course is intended to develop vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills enabling the student to write a well-constructed and grammatically acceptable composition. As freshman year is the initial stage of the high school experience, material covered encompasses a broad range of topics with focus on the fundamentals of style and form. The composition of the novel, short story, poem, and play are examined. Students are expected to master the fundamentals of research, culminating in a research paper.
English 9 PreAP: This course is a more intensive English 9 course with added emphasis on the study of literary topics. Geared toward the highly motivated student, the course includes a greater number of reading and writing projects highlighted by the necessity to construct more advanced essays. Added vocabulary and spelling assignments are required.
English 10: The emphasis of English 10 is on literature, as well as written and oral communication. The course is designed to strengthen the student's background and foster creativity through the interpretation of British, American, and international literature. Students establish a standard of critical evaluation and are called upon to demonstrate writing ability, as well as the development and expression of thought within a structured speech unit. The composition emphasis will be on descriptive, narrative, and expository writing, with an introduction to the development of the literary essay. A research paper, journal writing, and vocabulary and spelling are assigned.
English 10 PreAP: This course is appropriate for the more advanced student with a serious interest in English.
Particular emphasis is placed upon the investigation of symbolism, alternative writing styles, and the development of the modern novel. In addition to the fundamental examples, special types of speeches are included. Students in this course can expect a significantly greater number of reading and writing assignments.
English 11: This course covers selected writers and major themes that constitute the culture and thinking of the American people. The final objective of the course is for the student to better understand the process by which American literature has matured during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In addition to reading textbook selections and two novels, students engage in extensive essay writing. A research paper and weekly vocabulary are also required.
English 12: English 12 emphasizes refining skills in reading, critical thinking, as well as writing for a variety
of purposes and audiences. Oral communication skills include speaking effectively to both formal and informal audiences. Students are expected to recognize and apply a variety of literary concepts to the readings and to evaluate author’s intention and style. They will also analyze literature, media, and contemporary issues considering purpose, devices, and format. Longer creative writings and essays are produced to show a mastery of grammar and usage as well as a full and clear development of ideas. Students will participate in discussions, presentations, and projects relating to the topics studied.
Advanced Placement English Language: This course is designed to engage 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. A perspective on American Literature is integrated where applicable. Students in this class are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement exam in English Language in May.
Advanced Placement English Literature: This course is taught on the level of College Freshman English. It is designed to prepare the interested student of the skills in literary analysis and expository writing that are inherent in the upper level college courses. The course includes a study of English Literature from the Anglo-Saxon Period to the present. An emphasis is placed on the study of classic literary models from which students can sharpen their critical standards and understanding of the writer's craft. Students in this class are encouraged take the Advanced Placement exam in English Literature in May.
Creative Writing: This course is specifically designed for students who have an avid interest in expressing themselves through prose and poetry. A review of the basic literary forms and styles serves as an introduction to the various units of composition, criticism, poetry, drama, and short story. Emphasis is placed on the ability of the student to work independently in a "workshop" atmosphere, as well as on sharing and editing the writing samples of others.
Journalism: The course incorporates extensive research skills; investigative reporting; expository, argumentative, and journalistic writing skills; the writing process; and problem solving techniques. Students work as a collaborative team to brainstorm school issues, select articles, create layouts, work with photography and design the school yearbook.
FINE ARTS
Art: This is a full-year introductory art course focusing on the study of the elements (line, shape, form, color, texture/pattern, space) and principles (balance, rhythm, unity, contrast, emphasis) of design and how they relate to each other in a composition. Development of skills and creativity in a variety of media, drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage techniques coupled with the opportunity to show and compete with original works give students extensions into the realms of creativity expression, communication, and problem solving.
Advanced Placement Art: Drawing: AP Art is an advance level course designed to encourage students to further develop talents and abilities in areas of interest. Students develop an area of concentration and interest that is honed and developed throughout the year and submit a portfolio of work to the Advanced Placement Committee for evaluation and possible college credit. The core of drawing AP teaches and develops higher level thinking skills while polishing the artistic skill levels of each student artists in the exploration, production, evaluation and sharing of meaningful works of art.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
French I or Spanish I: Students learn basic vocabulary and structures. They will be able to understand and communicate in the foreign language in everyday situations. Reading and writing are introduced and cultural activities are included. Communicative skill development is achieved through a variety of activities and media.
French II or Spanish II: Speaking and comprehension abilities continue to be the major goals of these courses. Vocabulary building and structures are expanded and several verb tenses are introduced. Reading and writing skills receive a greater focus. Students expand their cultural study through readings, reports, and use of media.
French III or Spanish III: On this level of foreign language, more complex grammar and syntax are introduced in the spoken and written language. Emphasis is on vocabulary expansion, listening, reading comprehension, and writing. Students develop comprehension skills and are able to express themselves in speaking and writing with relative ease in controlled activities and continue to increase their cultural awareness through readings and films. A
PreAP French III and Spanish III course is also offered, providing more rigorous study and additional topics related to course content.
French IV or Spanish IV: In this course, students will prepare for the Advanced Placement Exam in French/Spanish language. The target language will be used exclusively in the classroom. All grammar and verb tenses will be reviewed and mastered. Vocabulary will be expanded through discussions, readings, and film. Speaking and listening skills will be practiced on a regular basis in the language lab. In addition to the course work, students will be required to read several novels, write essays, and prepare recorded assignments at home. All students will have the option to take the A.P. Exam at the end of the course.
MATHEMATICS
Algebra I: This is a first year course in High School Algebra. Topics include operations in algebra, equations, proportional reasoning, linear functions, inequalities, absolute value function and equations, solving systems of equations and inequalities, exponents, polynomials, factoring, quadratic functions, radicals and coordinate geometry. An Algebra I PreAP course is also offered, providing more rigorous study and additional topics related to the course content.
Geometry: This is full-year course in Plane geometry. Topics include points, lines, planes, angles, deductive reasoning, parallel lines and planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, inequalities for triangles, similar polygons, right triangles, circles, loci and areas of plane figures. A Geometry PreAP course is also offered, providing more rigorous study and additional topics related to course content.
Algebra II: This is second year course in Algebra with a study of Trigonometry. Topics include data and linear representations, numbers and functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, polynomial functions, rational functions, conic sections, trigonometric functions, the laws of sines and cosines, fundamental trigonometric identities, and trigonometric equations. A
Algebra II PreAP course is also offered, providing more rigorous study and additional topics related to course content.
Pre-calculus: This course is designed to prepare students to take an Advance Placement Calculus course in high school or a college calculus course. Topics include functions, function theory, types of functions such as polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic, the study of conics, sequences and series, and an introduction to calculus that includes limits, derivatives, critical points, continuity, rules for derivatives, and integration. A Pre-Calculus PreAP course is also offered, providing more rigorous study and additional topics related to course content.
Advanced Placement Calculus AB: This advanced placement course consists of a full academic year of work in calculus and related topics. One semester of college calculus credit can be earned. Course topics include properties of functions, limit theory, and differential and integral calculus. Students in this course will take the Advanced Placement exam in May.
Advanced Placement Calculus BC: An advanced placement course continuing the study of calculus, topics include parametric, polar and vector functions, geometric interpretation of differential equations via slope fields, numerical solution of differential equations using Euler's method, series and sequences, and Taylor series. Students in this course will take the Advanced Placement exam in May.
Advanced Placement Statistics: The purpose of the AP course in statistics is to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad conceptual themes: 1. Exploring Data: Describing patterns and departures from patterns, 2. Sampling and Experimentation: Planning and conducting a study, 3. Anticipating Patterns: Exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation, 4. Statistical Inference: Estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
9th , 10th , and 11th and 12th. : These courses offer a fine variety of physical activities to meet the needs of the age group of both girls and boys. The emphasis of fundamental skills is applied to individual and co-ed team sports. The courses offer soccer, speedball, volleyball, basketball, flag football, tennis, badminton, track and field and softball. Physical fitness is also a prime objective of the course; the New York State Physical Fitness Test is given each semester.
SCIENCE
Biology: This class involves extensive laboratory work and written lab reports. The course emphasizes the cellular approach to biology and the position of humans in the ecosystem. Typical animals and plants are used to explain the mechanics of biology. A Biology PreAP course is also offered, providing more rigorous study and additional topics related to course content.
AP Biology: Advanced Placement Biology is the equivalent of a first-year college course. Students gain in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of biology and some competence in problem solving in the field of biology. The course differs from Biology I with respect to the text used, the breadth of topics, the thematic approach advocated by the College Board AP program, and the type of laboratory work. All twelve labs required by the College Board will be performed along with additional supplementary labs, seminars, and field activities.
Chemistry: This course provides students with a modern view of the fundamental concepts of chemistry. Topics include matter and energy, atomic structure, bonding, the periodic table, the mathematics of chemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, acid-base theories, redox and organic chemistry. This class requires extensive laboratory work and written lab reports. Students are encouraged to take the SAT II in Chemistry upon completion of this course. A Chemistry PreAP course is also offered, providing more rigorous study and additional topics related to course content.
AP Chemistry: Advanced Placement Chemistry is the equivalent of the first two semesters of college chemistry. The course is designed with the AP Chemistry exam as the final goal and the exam topics dictate the curriculum. Topics from Chemistry I are revisited but in more detail, with emphasis on calculations and the mathematical basis behind the overriding theories. The course differs from Chemistry I with respect to the text used and the greater importance of problem solving skills and applications of the material.
Physics: This course provides students with a modern view of the fundamental concepts of physics and is designed for students who are planning to major in the sciences, medicine, or engineering. The major topics covered are mechanics, energy, electricity and magnetism, waves, and modern physics. Additional topics include motion in a plane, internal energy, geometrical optics, and nuclear physics. This class includes extensive laboratory work and written lab reports. Students are encouraged to take the SAT II in Physics upon completion of this course. A Physics PreAP course is also offered, providing more rigorous study and additional topics related to course content.
AP Physics B: AP Physics B is an Advanced Placement course in Physics. This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry, but rarely calculus. In most colleges, this is a one-year terminal course including a laboratory component and is not the usual preparation for more advanced physics and engineering courses. However, the B course provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, pre-medicine, and some applied sciences, as well as other fields not directly related to science. Students will be required to maintain an average of 85 in order to remain in the course. The course will culminate in the administration of the May Advanced Placement Exam. All students will be encouraged to take the final exam in May.
Anatomy and Physiology: This course is involved with the structure and function of the human body. Detailed attention is given to each organ in the different organ systems, showing the relationship to the organism as a whole. The time is divided between lecture and laboratory work with emphasis on lecture. The course requires a major dissection during the second semester, and is designed for students who are planning to major in the Life Sciences on the college level. An optional test is offered by the Excelsior College for college credits.
AP Environmental Science: This course examines specific concepts of what natural ecosystems are and how they function. The major Biomes of the world will be examined with respect to climate, plant and animal populations and their interrelationships. Impact studies of the effects of the following will be examined and discussed in light of the most recent information: 1) human population trends, 2) soil and water quality and management, 3) major pollution agents and issues such as sewage, hazardous wastes, air pollution, acid rain, Greenhouse effect and ozone depletion as well as pest control, 4) the role of recycling in our society, 5) energy options, such as fossil fuels, nuclear, solar, hydropower, and their advantages and disadvantages, and 6) lifestyle, land use, and the role of aesthetics in the environment.
SOCIAL STUDIES
World Geography: This course is designed to focus on the five Social Studies standards, common themes that recur across time and place, and eight historical eras to be studied in chronological order. Students explore what is happening in various global regions and civilizations at a given time and investigate issues from multiple perspectives. Over the two years, events and themes of the non-western world (including Africa, China, Japan, India, the Middle East, and South America) are studied. The first year core curriculum extends from the ancient world to the modern world. Focus will be placed on world geography, document and thematic based essays, and note-taking skills.
World History: The course is designed to continue the focus on the five social studies standards, common themes that recur across time and place, and eight historical eras to be studied in chronological order. Students explore what is happening in various global regions and civilizations at a given time and investigate issues from multiple perspectives. The core curriculum extends from ancient Greece to modern times with the primary focus on the western world. Emphasis will be placed on Document Based Essay (DBQ) writing, and critical thinking skills. A World History & World Geography PreAP course is also offered, providing enriched study and additional topics related to course content.
U.S. History: This course examines the emergence and growth of the United States from 1789 to the 20th Century. Emphasis is placed on political, social, ethnic and international relations.
Advanced Placement American History: This course is a chronological, college-level survey/seminar approach to American History, with emphasis on interpretation and analysis of significant historiographical material. It is primarily a reading course; texts and supplementary readings have been chosen for their collective coverage of specific periods and because they represent a wide variety of genres of historical writing. Students in this course will take the Advanced Placement American History exam in May.
Government: The goal of the Government course is to help students acquire the knowledge necessary to be active participants in American society. This course assists students in becoming aware of their roles as citizens and helps them evaluate public issues, make informed judgments, and provide an understanding of how a person's values affect their decision ¬making process. Students acquire knowledge of how citizens have in the past, and can now and in the future, directly and indirectly interact with the public policy processes.
Economics: The goal of the Economics course is for the student to demonstrate an understanding of basic economic concepts. Students become familiar with the economic system of the United States and how it operates. They also explore the roles of various components of the American economic system. Students examine their roles as consumer, worker, investor and voting citizen. Topics of discussion include the Stock Market, comparative economic systems, and the impact of political and social decisions on the economy.
Advanced Placement Government, Politics, and Economics: This course is the traditional, college level survey/seminar elective in the study of American government. The major emphasis is placed on the study of American political ideology and the evolution of its democratic institutions. The course's purpose is to demonstrate the political behavior of the American electorate, the function of its citizens and their involvement in the local, state, and national structures of the American political system. Students will be able to evaluate the role of the national government and its relationship to the concept of liberty in a pluralistic society. Discussions will emphasize the changing political culture of American society and its effect on voting patterns, trends and the processes in government. Students in this course are encouraged take the Advanced Placement Government, Politics, and Economics exam in May.
Advanced Placement World History: The purpose of the AP World History course is to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. The course highlights the nature of change in international frameworks and their causes and consequences, as well as comparisons among major societies. The course emphasizes relevant factual knowledge deployed in conjunction with leading interpretive issues and types of historical evidence. The course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage. Specific themes provide further organization to the course, along with consistent attention to contacts among societies that form the core of world history as a field of study.
Advanced Placement European History: The study of European history since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the world
in which they live. Without this knowledge, we would lack the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present-day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. In addition to providing a basic narrative of events and movements, the goals of AP European History are to develop (a) an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European history, (b) an ability to analyze historical evidence and historical interpretation, and (c) an ability to express historical understanding in writing.
SPEECH
Speech provides the students with a fundamental background in oral communication with a strong emphasis on life communication skills. This class provides students with an exploratory experience in several speech areas, including nonverbal and verbal communication, as well as drama. Students are expected to participate in all individual and group assignments. Students are expected to participate in class discussions and listen respectfully to the ideas of others.
HEALTH
Health: This course discusses the areas of practical health, sociological health problems, mental health, environmental and community health, and education for survival.
PSYCHOLOGY
Introduction to Psychology: Psychology is an introductory level course that examines the science of human behavior. Students will be exposed to varied topics including adolescent, abnormal and developmental psychology. Included in this survey will be discussion of the major theories and theorists in the fields of modern psychology.
BCIS
This course prepares students to apply technology skills to personal/workplace business situations focused on word processing, spreadsheet, database, telecommunications, desktop publishing, presentation management, networking, operating systems, and emerging technologies.
|
