ENGLISH
English I Grade 9
1 credit, Quality points 4
This literature-based composition course introduces students to various literary genres including the novel, short stories, poetry, and drama by reading a survey of major works of literature. In addition to examining important pieces of literature, this course also fosters the development of critical reading and writing skills, incorporating both critical analysis and creative assignments. Vocabulary and grammar components are also included as part of the writing curriculum
English I Honors Grade 9
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
This course is offered to 9th grade students capable of handling an honors program in English. Students in this literature-based composition course are challenged to read critically from an extensive variety of literary genres and works. Composition skills are developed through an advanced application of critical analysis and integrated grammar and vocabulary components.
Prerequisite: evaluation of student placement data
English II Grade 10
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course extends the literary skills and genres initiated in English I through the continued study of major works of literature with an emphasis on the language of literature including symbolism, irony, plot, and character development. This course particularly emphasizes argument and persuasion in writing and critical reading through the examination of both fiction and non-fiction texts. Students are guided through the research paper process in greater depth, learning skills for examining scholarly research.
English II Honors Grade 10
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
This course is offered to 10th grade students who have demonstrated ability and interest in English studies. Students participate in an advanced and extensive examination of major literary works and the writing process. Techniques involved in the preparation and completion of a research paper are stressed. Emphasis is placed on argumentative and persuasive writing and adhering to MLA guidelines.
Prerequisites: Minimum of a 3.0 in English I and teacher recommendation.
English III Grade 11
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course explores American Literature from the Puritan settlers through the present and focuses on the development of critical thinking, active reading, and analytical writing. Representative political documents, poetry, short stories, drama, and novels are read closely and analyzed in creative, expository, and argumentative writing. The course continues the development of composition and research techniques, integrated grammar and punctuation, and MLA documentation. Students produce one research-based project each semester.
English III Honors Grade 11
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
This honors level course surveys American Literature from the Puritan settlers through the present and includes additional readings as well as greater depth and development in written work. Representative political documents, poetry, short stories, drama, and novels are read closely and analyzed in detail. Composition includes creative, expository, and argumentative writing with attention to grammar, punctuation, and MLA proficiency. Honors students produce one advanced level research-based project each semester.
English IV Grade 12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course is based on a thematic study of World Literature. World Literature surveys a selection of classical and contemporary short stories, drama, and poetry from around the world. The content of this course is drawn from a geographical approach of literary works and traditions. Textual analysis will involve a literature-based research paper following MLA guidelines.
Advanced Placement Language/Composition
1 credit, Quality Points 5
An AP course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose, written in a variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming proficient writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their 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. All students enrolled in this course are required to take the College Board AP examination.
Advanced Placement Literature
1 credit, Quality Points 5
An AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. All students enrolled in the course are required to take the College Board AP examination.
College Composition (ENC 1101)
TCC Dual enrollment Credit
Quality Points 5 for year course
This course centers on reading and writing activities that support critical inquiry. Stressing writing as a process, the course emphasizes the rhetorical principles of academic writing. Written work (6,000 words minimum) is required. First semester only.
Prerequisite: Minimum of “B” in English III, teacher recommendation, 3.0 unweighted overall GPA and acceptable TCC placement test score.
Argument and Persuasion (ENC 1102)
TCC Dual Enrollment Credit
This course incorporates the process of expository and persuasive writing that the student learned in ENC 1101. The major elements of the course are inductive and deductive reasoning, evidence, audience, style, and fallacies. Written work (6,000 words minimum) is required which includes a research paper.
Prerequisites: ENC 1101.
FINE ARTS
Fundamentals of Art Grades 9-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course enables students to communicate ideas and concepts through basic two and three-dimensional design and composition and develop appreciation of exemplars in varied cultures and historical periods.
Drawing and Painting I Grades 9-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course enables students to develop basic perceptual, observational, and compositional skills necessary to communicate a range of subject matter, symbols, ideas, and concepts using knowledge of drawing and painting media, processes, and techniques.
Drawing and Painting II, III
Grades 10-12
1 credit each year
Quality Points 4 for each course
Students develop intermediate-level perceptual, observational, and compositional skills necessary to communicate a range of subject matter, symbols, ideas, and concepts using knowledge of drawing/painting media, processes, and techniques.
Prerequisite: Drawing/Painting I, II
Advanced Placement Portfolio Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 5
This course addresses a broad interpretation of two-dimensional design and drawing issues. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. All students enrolled in this course will submit a portfolio for consideration by the College Board.
Prerequisite: GPA 3.75, two prior art courses, and approval of art teacher.
Three-Dimensional Art Grades 10-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course enables students to communicate ideas and concepts through basic three-dimensional design and composition and develop appreciation of exemplars in varied cultures and historical periods.
Graphic Design I/Yearbook Grades 10-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course enables students to develop skills in graphic design. Students will learn layout, typography, and design to create images and products that reflect knowledge of the elements of art and principles of design.
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation
Chorus I, II ,III, and IV Grades 9-12
1 credit for each course
Quality Points 4 for each course
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop basic individual and ensemble skills in choral performance. Emphasis will be placed on healthy and expressive singing, accurate interpretation of notation, and development of critical and aesthetic response to music.
Guitar I Grades 9-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course enables students to develop and refine technical skills on acoustic guitars. Emphasis will be placed on technique, tone production, interpretation of notation and expressive markings through individual and ensemble performance and critical listening.
Instrumental Ensemble I ,II, III, IV (String, Woodwind, and Brass) Grades 9-12
1 credit for each course
Quality Points 4 for each course
This course enables students to develop and refine technical skills on orchestral string, woodwind, and brass instruments. Emphasis will be placed on technique, tone production, interpretation of notation and expressive markings through individual and ensemble performance and critical listening.
Prerequisite: For courses II, III, and IV – must have taken the previous level course.
Drama I, II, III, IV Grades 9-12
1 credit for each course
Quality Points 4 for each course
These courses introduce students to fundamental, intermediate and advanced skills in multiple elements of theater as a collaborative art. The content will include acting and characterization, movement and vocal production, pantomime and improvisation, theater terminology, script elements, theater production, and artistic discipline.
Prerequisite: For levels II, III, and IV – must have taken previous level course.
Advanced Placement Music Theory Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 5
This course will provide knowledge about the structure and notation of music essential to success in creating musical compositions. The course will develop the student’s ability to recognize and understand the basic materials and process in music that is heard or read, in score. After successfully completing this course, the student will apply fundamental terminology and notational skills to intervals, key signatures, rhythmic and metric notation, transposition and musical terms; analyze pitch organization, rhythmic organization, texture and form; and, identify aurally single line rhythms, melodic lines, two-part excerpts, and block chord and other homophonic textures. Coursework will include creating elementary musical compositions including melodies to specification, two-part counterpoint, harmonization of a melodic line, and four-part realization of figured bass symbols and Roman numerals. All students enrolled in this course are required to take the College Board AP examination.
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Latin I Grades 9-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course is offered to students interested in the study of classical language and culture. Along with the grammatical developments and vocabulary studies, students will learn about Roman society and be introduced to adapted selections from Latin literature.
Latin II Grades 9-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course, as a continuation of Latin I, develops more sophisticated aspects of Latin grammar and challenges the students with translation of actual passages from Latin literature. Ongoing vocabulary and cultural studies are included.
Prerequisite: Latin I
Latin III Honors Grades 10-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
This course is offered to students who are interested in reading classical works of literature in Latin. Emphasis will be placed on the works of Sallust and Vergil but other writers will also be studied.
Prerequisites: Minimum of B in Latin II and teacher recommendation.
Latin IV Honors Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
The purpose of this course is to enable students to enhance their proficiency in the foundations of Latin vocabulary and grammar and to expand their knowledge of classical culture. Emphasis will be place on Sallust and Virgil’s Aeneid.
Prerequisites: Minimum of B in Latin III Honors and teacher recommendation.
Advanced Placement Latin – Virgil
Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 5
This course offers advanced Latin students an intense translation of Virgil’s Aeneid. Students will translate selections from books 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 12 as well as discuss important themes, history, meter, and secondary literature in preparation for the AP Latin exam. All students enrolled in this course are required to take the College Board AP examination.
Prerequisite: teacher recommendation
Ancient Mythology Grades 10-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course is offered to those students who are interested in studying the major mythologies of the world. Students will be introduced to myths from Mesopotamia, Greece, India, Northern Europe, and the Americas, to name a few, and will explore such mythic themes as creation, destruction, the hero, and the underworld. Through the examination and comparison of myths, students will explore the ancient civilizations, who told these myths, and why.
Spanish I Grades 9-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
The instruction of this course emphasizes the four communicative skills- reading, writing, speaking, and listening- in a culturally authentic content. Instruction is given in skills of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish with emphasis on pronunciation, vocabulary building and grammatical structures.
Spanish II Grades 9-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course is a continuation of Spanish I and will continue to develop conversational skills and grammatical competence. Listening comprehension and writing of the language will also be emphasized as well as cultural aspects.
Prerequisite: Spanish I
Spanish III Honors Grades 9-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
This course is a continuation of Spanish II with particular emphasis on conversation, Spanish literature, and composition writing. Listening comprehension will be continued with a goal of simultaneous translation.
Prerequisite: Spanish II and teacher recommendation.
AP Spanish Language Grades 10-12
1 credit, Quality Points 5
The purpose of this course is to develop oral and written fluency in Spanish. The student successfully completing this course will comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish, possess vocabulary and structure that allows reading of newspaper and magazine articles and of modern Spanish and Hispanic-American literature, compose expository passages, and express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. The content is specified by the Advanced Placement program. All students enrolled in this course are required to take the College Board AP examination.
Prerequisite: A grade of at least a “B” in Spanish III and/or recommendation of teacher.
MATHEMATICS
Algebra I Grades 9-10
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course provides the foundation for more advanced courses. Topics include tools of algebra, functions and graphs, solving equations and inequalities, graphing and writing linear equations, solving systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic equations, exponents, polynomials, and rational expressions. A scientific calculator is required for this course.
Prerequisite: Evaluation of student placement data or signature of current math teacher.
Geometry Grade 10-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
Students study Geometry as a mathematical system through the deductive development of relationships in the plane and space developed intuitively in previous years. Students study congruent segments and angles, circle chords, secants and tangent segments, parallel and perpendicular lines, angle measure in triangles, direct and indirect triangle congruence and similarity, proofs, solids of revolution, logic, similar triangles, transformations, the Pythagorean Theorem, geometric constructions, coordinate geometry, and surface area and volume of solids.
Prerequisite: Algebra I.
Geometry Honors Grades 9-11
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
Students study Geometry as a mathematical system through the deductive development of relationships in the plane and space developed intuitively in previous years. Students study congruent segments and angles, circle chords, secants and tangent segments, parallel and perpendicular lines, angle measure in triangles, direct and indirect triangle congruence and similarity, proofs, solids of revolution, logic, similar triangles, transformations, the Pythagorean Theorem, geometric constructions, coordinate geometry, and surface area and volume of solids. . The main goal of this course is to teach the essential material related to the traditional approach and to have students learn how to think inductively and deductively in an in-depth manner. Challenging problems will be included.
Prerequisite: Minimum of B average in Algebra I and teacher recommendation.
Algebra II Grades 9-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course continues the study of algebra and provides the foundation for applying these skills to other mathematical and scientific fields. Topics include relations, functions and graphs, matrices, linear systems and systems of inequality, quadratic equations and functions, complex numbers, polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, quadratic relations, periodic functions, and probability. A TI-83 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.
Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry.
Algebra II Honors Grades 9-11
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
This honors course provides a rigorous in-depth study of the topics of Algebra II with emphasis on theory, proof, and application. Topics include, but shall not be limited to relations, functions and graphs, matrices, linear systems and systems of inequality, quadratic equations and functions, complex numbers, polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational functions, quadratic relations, periodic functions and trigonometry, probability and statistics, and sequences. A TI-83 Plus graphing calculator is required for this course.
Prerequisites: Minimum of a “B” average in Geometry (H) and Algebra I and teacher recommendation.
Financial Algebra Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
Financial Algebra is an algebra-based, technology-rich program that uses Algebra I skills in a financial setting. It also introduces students to selected topics from Algebra II, Geometry, Statistics, and Pre-calculus in an ability-appropriate way, while covering the study of taxes, insurance, banking, budgeting, investing, home ownership, auto ownership, credit, and more, It offers all students the opportunity to extend and practice their algebra mechanics and problem-solving skills in an age-level interest scenario.
Pre-Calculus - Honors Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
The formal study of elementary functions is extended in this course. Students apply technology, modeling, and problem-solving skills to the study of trigonometric and circular functions, identities and inverses, and their applications, including the study of polar coordinates and complex numbers. Vectors in two dimensions are studied and applied. Problem simulations are explored in multiple representations-algebraic, graphic, and numeric. Quadratic relations are represented in polar, rectangular, and parametric forms. The concept of limit is applied to rational functions and to discrete functions such as infinite sequences and series.
Prerequisite: Minimum of “C” average in Algebra II and teacher recommendation.
AP Calculus AB Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 5
This honors course is for students who excel in the mathematical skills of algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Topics to be learned include limit theory, the slope of a curve and derivatives, integration, the application of the definite integral to areas between curves and volumes of revolution. This course is recommended only for superior college-bound students who wish to pursue mathematics related careers. Students will be required to take the College Board AP examination for credit.
Prerequisites: Minimum of a “B” average in Algebra II (H) and Pre-Calculus, and signature of pre-calculus teacher.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
HOPE (Health Opportunities through Physical Education)
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course seeks to combine the physical activity achieved through a physical education course with the fundamentals of human health. The physical education portion of the class will focus on team sports which all students will be expected to participate. In the classroom, students will follow the state-suggested health curriculum.
RELIGION
Fundamentals of Catholicism (Religion I)
Grade 9
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course provides an overview of the main truths of the Catholic faith, focusing on the Creed, Code, and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. The students are led to a deeper understanding of the main truths of the Catholic faith through various assessments, journal reflections, and prayer experiences.. Christian service projects are required of all students.
Scriptures (Religion II) Grade 10
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course explores both Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. The firs semester focuses on the major themes, people, and issues seen in the Hebrew experience of God. The second semester explores the themes of the Gospel message as well as the events associated with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus./ It concludes with a general review and summary of the Church’s developing understanding of Jesus through history and faith. Students will reflect on how biblical truths may be incorporated into their own lives.
Catholic Morality/Catholic Social Teaching (Religion III) Grade 11
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course provides an introductory study of basic Catholic moral principles and teachings in light of the Gospel message. Emphasis is placed on conscience formation and practice in making informed, intelligent Christian decisions based on Catholic guidelines and principles which Jesus preached and lived. Current moral issues will be discussed in light of Catholic Church teachings. This course also provides a foundation in the principles of Catholic social Teaching and their application to pressing social and moral problems. The course stresses magisterial teaching, drawing chiefly on the Catechism of the Catholic church, scripture, papal encyclicals, Vatican II Documents, and statements from the United States Catholic conference of Bishops.
Christian Lifestyles/ Catechism of the Catholic Church (Religion IV) Grade 12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course focuses on the following: discernment and its important role in a person’s life and relationship with God, what constitutes a Christian lifestyle, the importance of healthy interpersonal relationships, developing skills for cooping with the challenges of a Christian lifestyle and exploring single, married, and religious life. Various means of assessment are used in conjunction with reflections and prayer experiences. Christian service projects are required of all students. This course also gives the students the knowledge and skills to defend the Catholic faith. It enables the students to realize the challenge of living one’s religious beliefs.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Biology I Grades 9 and 10
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course provides students with an understanding of the basic concepts and issues of living organisms. The content includes chemistry of life from a biological perspective, cellular structure and function, heredity, mechanisms of biological diversity, interdependence of living organisms, as well as a survey of living organisms, and basic anatomy and physiology. Laboratory experiments are an integral part of this course.
Biology I Honors Grades 9 and 10
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
This course is appropriate for students who may pursue careers in which science and technology are a part of their career focus. This course provides students with an understanding of the basic concepts and issues of living organisms. In addition to covering the material in the basic biology course, students in this course will be exposed to more challenging and in-depth concepts. Laboratory experiments are an integral part of this course. This course builds the foundation for students who wish to take Advanced Placement Biology.
Advanced Placement Biology Grades 11 and 12
(Offered every other year)
1 credit, Quality Points 5
This course is the equivalent of entry-level college biology. It emphasizes understanding rather than memorization. This course will explore in-depth concepts learned in basic biology: cell and molecular biology, evolution and natural selection, genetics, classification, populations, and basic anatomy and physiology. There is a significant time commitment for work outside the classroom. Students who take this course are required to take the College Board AP examination.
Prerequisite: Biology I Honors with an A or B average, Chemistry I Honors with an A or B average.
Chemistry I Grades 10-12
1 Credit, Quality Points 4
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of chemistry which provides students with exposure to topics including matter, measurement, atomic structure, chemical periodicity, quantum mechanics, chemical bonding, basic nomenclature, balancing equations, the mole, specific heat capacity, solutions, behaviors of gases, and reaction rates. Emphasis will be placed on lab techniques and problem solving.
Pre/co-requisite: Biology, Algebra II
Chemistry I Honors Grades 10 -12
1 Credit, Quality Points 4.5
This course is appropriate for students who may pursue careers in which science and technology are a part of their career focus. While exploring the topics covered in Chemistry, this course places particular emphasis on interpretation of data, problem-solving, and lab techniques with exposure to more challenging and in-depth concepts. Proficiency in Algebra is required for success in this course.
Prerequisite: A or B in Biology Honors and Algebra I; Co-requisite: Algebra II
Advanced Placement Chemistry Grades 11-12
(Offered every other year)
1 credit, Quality Points 5
This college level course expands on the principles and techniques learned in basic chemistry. Emphasis will be placed on matter, atomic structure, quantum mechanics, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, kinetic molecular theory of gases, nuclear chemistry, and thermodynamics. Students wishing to major in science, engineering, or the health professions are strongly encouraged to take this course. There is a significant time commitment for work outside of the classroom. Students who take this course are required to take the College Board AP examination.
Prerequisite: Biology I Honors with an A or B average; Chemistry I Honors with an A or B average; science and math teacher recommendation.
Physics Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This course provides opportunities to study the concepts, theories, and laws governing the interaction of matter, energies, and forces, as well as their applications through exploratory investigations and activities. The content should include, but not be limited to the following: unifying concepts and processes of science, energy, force and motion, dynamics, wave characteristics, conservation of energy and momentum, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, interactions among science, technology and society.
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology I, Chemistry I and Algebra II.
Physics Honors Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
This course provides opportunities to study the concepts, theories, and laws governing the interaction of matter, energies, and forces, as well as their applications through exploratory investigations and activities. Critical thinking problems are included. The content includes unifying concepts and processes of science, energy, force and motion, dynamics, wave characteristics, conservation of energy and momentum, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, interactions among science, technology, and society.
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology I, Chemistry I and Algebra II as well as science teacher recommendation.
Anatomy and Physiology Honors Grades 10-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
This lab-oriented course studies the organization, structure, and function of cells, tissues, and each of the human body systems, giving special attention to health issues and diseases. Gross to microscopic anatomy will be studied in light of the human body with emphasis on cellular and molecular physiology. Dissections (both live and virtual) as well as case studies will supplement class activities. Lab explorations are an integral component of this course.
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Geometry
Multi-media Production Grades 10-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
The content of this course is designed to enable students to develop basic knowledge skills of visual communication. The students will be involved in the productions for John Paul II Catholic High School Instructional TV, utilizing resources from video, digital cameras and computer programs/graphics. Students will also cover basic library technology/on-line data bases. Some visual productions are based on student research on a variety of topics. Students will produce a project each semester, combining their knowledge of new information sources and video/computer technology.
Prerequisite: None
Principles of Technology I, Grades 9-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This lab oriented course studies the relationship between matter and energy and how they interact. The course will have a strong emphasis in the application of physics in technology. Students will study the four energy systems: mechanical, fluid, thermal and electrical. Emphasis will also be placed on creative thinking and problem solving, while gaining an understanding about scientific inquiry and the ability to conduct inquiry.
SOCIAL STUDIES
World History Grade 10
1 credit, Quality Points 4
This survey course studies the important social, political and economic events in Western and non-Western history. A comparison of cultures, the effects of other countries on our history and way of life, and the lives of prominent people are stressed. First semester covers ancient history through the 1400’s. Second semester continues with the Renaissance and concludes with highlights in the early 20th century.
World History Honors Grade 10
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
This honors course studies the important social, political, and economic events in Western non-Western history. A comparison of cultures, the effects of other countries on our history and way of life, and the lives of prominent people are stressed. First semester covers ancient history through the 1400’s. Second semester continues with the Renaissance and concludes with highlights in the early 20th century. This course is intended for students with above average interest and ability in social Studies and requires additional reading, research, and writing.
Prerequisite: History teacher recommendation and course teacher’s signature.
Advanced Placement World History Grade 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 5
The AP World History course examines the human experience, beginning with the evolution of homo sapiens through the present time. The course examines the history of civilizations from a global perspective, exploring in detail the interactions between societies over time, the development of technologies and institutions, and human-environmental interactions. Students will be required to analyze primary source documents, establish a frame of reference and determine the point of view for each source. The course emphasizes critical thinking skills by comparing a variety of civilizations over time while noting changes and continuities as well as reoccurring patterns between the interacting societies. The course is organized around six central themes and instruction is carried out chronologically. All students enrolled in the course are required to take the College Board AP examination.
Prerequisite: English and history teacher recommendation, a history writing sample, and the course teacher signature are required. 3.0 unweighted overall GPA is also required.
American History Grade 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand the development of the United States within the context of history with a major focus on the post-Reconstruction period. Students will use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures, and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, and social settings.
American History Honors Grade 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4.5
The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand the development of the United States within the context of history with a major focus on the post-Reconstruction period. Students in the honors section of this course will write a research paper each quarter and will use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures, and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, and social settings.
Prerequisite: history teacher recommendation and course teacher’s signature.
History of the United States I and II (AMH 2010-2020)
Grades 11-12, TCC Dual Enrollment
First semester this course is a comprehensive survey of US history from the Colonial period through Reconstruction. It provides a perspective on the historical roots of America through examination of major issues and interpretations of US history. Written work (1,000 words minimum) is required.
Second semester this course provides a comprehensive survey of US history from the Reconstruction period through the present. It provides a perspective on the historical roots of America through examination of major issues and interpretations of US history. Written work (1,000 words minimum) is required
Prerequisite: English and history teacher recommendation, a history writing sample, 3.0 unweighted overall GPA, acceptable score on TCC placement test, and course teacher signature required.
American Government/Economics
Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
American Government, taught first semester, enables a student to gain an understanding of American government and political behavior that is essential for effective citizenship and active involvement in a democratic American society. Special emphasis will be made regarding the structure, purpose, and application of political principles embodied in the constitution of the United States and analyzing the evolution of how such principles are interpreted.
Second semester Economics provides students with the knowledge and decision-making tools necessary for understanding how society organizes its limited resources to satisfy its wants. Students will gain an understanding of choices they must make as producers, consumers, investors, and taxpayer.
Psychology I and II Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 4
Through the study of psychology, students acquire an understanding of and an appreciation for human behavior, behavior interaction and the progressive development of individuals in an effort to better prepare them to understand their own behavior and the behavior of others.
Advanced Placement European History Grades 11-12
1 credit, Quality Points 5
This study of European History since 1450 introduces students to cultural, economic, political, and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping the contemporary world. The major emphasis is on student understanding of European within the context of history by examining connections to the past to prepare for the future as participating members of a global community. Students opting to study European History through the AP process will go beyond the basic narrative of events and movements by developing an understanding of some of the principal themes in modern European History and an ability to analyze historical evidence. All students enrolled in an AP class are required to take the College Board AP examination.
Prerequisite: English and history teacher recommendation, a history writing sample, an unweighted overall 3.0 GPA, and the course teacher signature.
Senior Seminar: Advanced Topics in History Grade 12
1 credit, Quality Points 5
Through an in-depth exploration of four topics (one per quarter) students will create a portfolio of college-level work. Extensive reading and writing is required. Class will be a combination of lecture and individual student research, along with a final presentation to the class and a defense of the quarter project to a faculty panel.
Prerequisites: English and history teacher recommendation, a history writing sample, a 3.5 unweighted overall GPA and the course teacher recommendation and signature are required.
Special Topics in history: American Mosaic
Fall: A Conspiratorial History of the U.S.
Spring: World War II and the Holocaust
Grade 11&12
1 credit, Quality Points 5
From the founding fathers’ belief in a British conspiracy to enslave them, to the antebellum slave-power and abolitionist conspiracies, 1950s flying saucer menace, JFK’s assassination, and end of the world prophecies, popular belief in conspiracy theories has helped shape American history. Using historical readings, mini-lectures, videos, power points, independent Internet research, learning simulations, and local field trips, this course examines and critically analyzes select conspiracies that influenced U.S. history. Students will develop a better understanding of the origins, meaning, and consequences of such beliefs, and improve their ability to critically analyze conspiratorial narratives, themes, arguments and evidence, and evaluate their overall significance in American culture.
World War II and Holocaust is an in depth exploration of America’s “last good war” and one of the most horrific genocides in modern history. WW II and the Holocaust had a profound political, economic, social, and scientific impact on world history. The course begins by examining the consequences of the Versailles Treaty, the growth of German and Japanese ultra-nationalism and anti-Semitism, and rise of Hitler. Detailed study will then be made of the war’s military campaigns and home fronts and the origins and implementation of Hitler’s final solution using lectures, project presentations, field trips, primary and secondary readings, military simulations and videos. Due to mature nature of the course content, this course is restricted to juniors and seniors.