SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

2007-2008           

 

BIBLE

 

Savannah Christian Preparatory School requires one unit of Bible to graduate.  These are nonacademic classes.  The Bible courses are as follows:

 

ACTS AND EPISTLES (11th and 12th)

                This course is a study of early church history beginning with events after the Ascension and a basic introduction to the Epistles.                  Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit     Prerequisite:  None

 

FACING LIFE'S ISSUES (11th and 12th)

                This course is a study of Christian ethics, their Biblical basis and their applications to various contemporary situations.                  Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit     Prerequisite:  None

 

LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS

                This course is a study of the events in and surrounding the life of Jesus and a review of His basic teachings in the Gospels.                  Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit     Prerequisite:  None

 

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY

                This course is a basic overview of the content and history of the Old Testament. 

Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit                     Prerequisite:  None

 

UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES

                This course is designed as a video-based curriculum for 11th and 12th grade that brings a host of Christian worldview and apologetic experts into the classroom.  This curriculum will help students clearly understand the tenets of the Christian worldview and how they compare and contract with other leading worldviews of today.

Length:  One semester                        Credit:  ½ unit                       Prerequisite:  Old Testament and Life of Jesus

 

 

BUSINESS

 

SCPS does not require any business courses in order to graduate.  There are academic and nonacademic business courses.

 

ACCOUNTING I

                This course places emphasis on the basic principles, concepts and procedures of accounting.  It is a nonacademic elective.                Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit                     Prerequisite:  None

 

ACCOUNTING II

                Accounting I is continued with a focus on characteristics, forming and dissolving business structures such as proprietorships, corporations, and partnerships.  Ethical policies of real-world companies are reviewed.  Business performance in all aspects of operations will be analyzed using financial statements.

Length:  One semester                        Credit:  ½ credit                    Prerequisite:  Accounting I

 

COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING

This class will follow the first semester of accounting.  All applications learned the first semester would be applied on the computer.  Graphing of applications will also be used.  Length:  One semester           Credit: 1/2 unit  Prerequisite:  Accounting       I                                                              

 

TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIETY

                The students develop an understanding of the social impact of the World Wide Web by examining society’s ethical and legal issues created by it.   Students learn the techniques and skills of alphabetic keyboarding, formatting, mail merge, document processing of letters, reports, and tables in Microsoft Word.  PowerPoint, Access, and Excel are introduced.           Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit         Prerequisite:  None

 

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I (EXCEL)

                Students will develop an understanding of Excel, a spreadsheet program that allows you to organize data, complete calculations, make decisions, graph data, develop professional looking reports, and publish organized data on the Web.           Length:  One semester            Credit:  ½ unit

 

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II (ACCESS)

                Students will develop an understanding of Access, a database management system maintaining and querying a database, creating custom toolbars, menus, etc.             Length:  One semester            Credit:  ½ unit

 

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS III (MICROSOFT WORD)

This course is designed to explore all areas of Microsoft Office using Microsoft Word. 

Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit                     Prerequisite:  Technology & Society                                                               

BUSINESS LAW (11th and 12th)

                A practical approach to law that emphasizes current and relevant topics students need to understand for business transactions; i.e., contracts, personal property, sales, business organization, real property, risk-bearing, sexual harassment, computer law, etc.      Length:  One semester                                Credit:  1/2 unit

 

PERSONAL FINANCE (11th and 12th)

                Real-world applications that relate directly to students’ lives give students the opportunity to make and evaluate consumer decisions.  Issues facing consumers are explored:  writing checks, paying rent, buying a house, applying for credit, looking for a job, buying a car, paying taxes, shopping for necessities, buying life and car insurance, etc.    Length:  One semester                        Credit:  1/2 unit

 

 

 

ENGLISH

 

Savannah Christian requires four units of English to graduate.  English must be passed each year to be promoted to the next grade.  Academic electives do not replace English requirements.

 

ENGLISH 9

                English 9 emphasizes sentence and paragraph development; students write various types of paragraphs, including descriptive, process, compare/contrast, persuasive, and informative.  Students study certain areas in grammar which their writings demonstrate the need for additional study, such as writing in complete sentences, correct agreement, correct verb and pronoun usage, correct use of modifiers, and correct punctuation.  Students read various literary genres, including several novels (one class novel), short stories, drama, and poetry, as well as study vocabulary and spelling.            Length:  One year                Credit:  1 unit                        Prerequisite:  None

 

ADVANCED ENGLISH 9

                Advanced students study material at a quicker pace, which allows them to study additional material.  In addition to the English 9 curriculum, students write full compositions, such as personal narratives and persuasive essays.  Grammar study consists of some of the weaknesses listed in English 9, depending upon demonstrated need.  Students read two class novels, as well as 7 other novels considered to be “classics,” and study more vocabulary. 

Length:  One year                Credit:  1 unit                        Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation

 

ENGLISH 10

                English 10 includes a review a basic grammar, including verb usage, correct punctuation, sentence structure, and appropriate diction.  The literature focus will be on a survey of British literature.  Evidence of mastery in grammar and understanding of literature is shown through paragraphs, comparison/contrast compositions, and the three-point essay.  Additionally, creative writing is required as an outlet for personal thoughts and expressions. Length:  One year                  Credit:  1 unit                     Prerequisite:  English 9

 

ADVANCED ENGLISH 10

                Advanced English 10 students must have a proficiency in grammar usage and composition.  Emphasis is placed on a survey of British literature and using newly acquired vocabulary in compositions, which analyze and evaluate novels, short stories, poetry, and drama.  Additionally, students can write a well-developed three-point essay.  Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  English 9 and teacher recommendation

 

 

 

ENGLISH 11         

                English 11 is a survey of American literature beginning with the Puritan period and continuing through the twentieth century.  Students read three class novels as well as a comprehensive selection of short stories, poetry, and drama.  To enhance this literary emphasis, students write extensively--from expressive pieces to formal compositions, including analysis, classification, comparison/contrast, persuasion, and a documented research paper.  In addition, students prepare for college entrance exams through intensive study of vocabulary and grammar.

Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  English 10

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT LANGUAGE/COMPOSITION

                This class is a comprehensive reading and essay writing course in which the students are exposed to American literature as well as being required to write extensively.  Typically, the class will study a genre of American literature and then be required once every two weeks to write a composition on some topic pertaining to the material.  Included in this course is a rigorous study of vocabulary that is preparatory for the SAT.  The students will have daily reading checks over material and will be expected to keep up with a demanding load of coursework.           

Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  English 10, PSAT and teacher recommendation

 

ENGLISH 12

                English 12 is basically a genre course in which a wide range of British, American and World Literature is studied and analyzed in compositions.  Vocabulary is given on a weekly basis and grammar is corrected in the weekly writing assignments.      Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  English 11

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT LITERATURE/COMPOSITION

                This class emphasizes critical interpretation of and analytical writing about a wide range of works in various genres.  The students are expected to work on a college level, preparing in depth for the critical reading and writing expectations of the AP exam that is given in May.       Length:  One year                Credit:  1 unit    

Prerequisite:  English 11, PSAT and teacher recommendation

 

DRAMA

                Drama emphasizes imagination, movement, language, voice, discipline, interpersonal, and improvisational skills.  Basic history, terminology, and technical skills are taught in the classroom while many other objectives are reached through stage performance.  Every member of the drama class is required to participate in the production of the play that is taken to the region competition.            Length:  One semester                Credit:  1/2 unit              Prerequisite:  Teacher approval

 

SPEECH

                In this introduction to public speaking course, students will study famous speeches that have gained historical significance and create individual speeches that they will perform for a group audience.  Grammar, linguistics, posture, voice, and proper public speaking etiquette will be reinforced.               

Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit                     Prerequisite:  None             

 

YEARBOOK

                Yearbook is an introduction to copy writing, editing, layout design, photography, and business management with specific relation to the school annual.  Emphasis is placed on various writing techniques as well as grammar usage.  A student should see the yearbook advisor for an application.  Class size is limited to 12 students. 

Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit                    Prerequisite:  English 9, teacher recommendation and teacher approval

 

MYTHOLOGY (10th – 12th)

                This course studies the myths of thousands of years ago, as the ancients searched for their places in the world and explanations of the world around them.  Included are stories of the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses:  their origins, key dramas and characters, and their interactions with and influences on mortals.           

Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit

 

CREATIVE WRITING (11th and 12th)

                In this course students will develop an extensive portfolio of personal narratives, short fiction, poetry, essays, reviews, and scripts with the ultimate goal of publication.  Students should have strong reading and writing skills, be open to working in a variety of genres, and be able to work well both independently and in group situations.              Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit        Prerequisite:  Teacher approval

 

 

 

 

JOURNALISM

                Students will read and write nonfiction, including news stories, features, editorials, and reviews.  Students’ work will be published in the school newspaper and/or the quarterly Raider.  The production element of the class publishes the school newspaper.  Course covers censorship, freedom of the press, ethics, libel, and interview and research skills for writing various forms of journalism.               Length:  One semester (available both semesters)

Credit:  ½ unit                       Prerequisite:  Teacher approval

 

COMPOSITION

                This course is designed to help students with writing.  Students who need a refresher course on writing or students who need to strengthen their writing skills would benefit from this class.       Length:  One semester

Credit:  ½ unit                      

               

 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

 

Two foreign language credits (both in the same language) are required for graduation.

 

FRENCH I

                The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the basic patterns of French.  Most importantly, it develops oral-aural skills and emphasizes the ability to read and write.  The cultures of French-speaking people are also studied.     Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  None

FRENCH II

                The purpose of this course is to further develop oral-aural skills and to prepare students to read and write for enjoyment.  Cultural and historical information about French-speaking countries is an additional feature.   Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit                             Prerequisite:  French I

 

FRENCH III (ADVANCED)

                This course introduces students to the study of French literature as well as advanced grammar.  Speaking and writing skills will also be emphasized.     Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  French II and teacher recommendation

 

FRENCH IV (ADVANCED)

                This course is a continuation of French III.  Classes are conducted with only French spoken. 

Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  French III and teacher recommendation

 

SPANISH I

                The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the basic patterns of Spanish.  Most importantly, it develops oral-aural skills and emphasizes the ability to read and write.  The cultures of Spanish-speaking people are studied, also.    Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  None

 

SPANISH II

                The purpose of this course is to further develop oral-aural skills and prepare students to read and write for enjoyment.  Cultural and historical information about Spanish-speaking countries is an additional feature.    

Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit                    Prerequisite:  Spanish I

 

SPANISH III

                This course is designed for students who wish to take a third year of Spanish but do not wish to take the Advanced Spanish III course.   Length:  One year      Credit:  1 unit         Prerequisite:  C or better in Spanish II

 

SPANISH III (ADVANCED)

                This course begins with a rapid review of Spanish with special work with the subjunctive mood.  Reading, writing, and conversation in the target language are emphasized.            Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  Spanish II and teacher recommendation

 

SPANISH IV (ADVANCED)

                This course is a continuation of Spanish III.  Reading Spanish literature and periodicals is stressed.  Classes are conducted with only Spanish spoken.          Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  Spanish III and teacher recommendation

 

 

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH

                This course is an in-depth study of Spanish grammar and literature with emphasis on preparing students to take the AP Exam.  Length:  One year                Credit:  1 unit        Prerequisite:  Spanish III with an 80 or better average, PSAT and teacher recommendation

 

 

 

MATHEMATICS

 

SCPS requires four math credits for graduation.  Those courses must include Geometry and Algebra II.  Algebra I taken in the 8th grade may count as one of your credits if your school awards a carnegie unit.  The math courses are as follows:

 

ALGEBRA I

                The purpose of this course is to develop in students the skills and concepts necessary for the solving of basic algebraic equations and to show the application of these skills in practical word problems.  Students should be skilled in operations with fractions, decimals, and percents.  They should develop a thorough understanding of linear equations, their graphs and their real world applications.    Length:  One year        Credit:  1 unit                       

 

GEOMETRY

                The purposes of this course are to develop the student's understanding of how geometry is evolved through the use of postulates, definitions, and theorems, and to review algebraic skills and show their applications to geometric situations.                 Length:  One year                Credit:  1 unit        Prerequisite:  Algebra I (With teacher recommendation, this course may be taken the same year as the student takes Algebra II.)

 

ALGEBRA II

                The purpose of this course is to reinforce the student's comprehension of basic algebraic skills and concepts, while developing an understanding of functions and relations, their graphs, and their applications using numeric, graphic, and analytical approaches.     Length:  One year                Credit:  1 unit        Prerequisite:  Algebra I

 

ADVANCED ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY

                The purpose of this course, in preparation for college-level mathematics, is to expand the skills and concepts of Algebra II and to introduce and develop an understanding of the concepts of trigonometry. 

Length:  One year                Credit:  1 unit                        Prerequisite:  85 or better in Algebra II (or teacher approval)

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS

                The purpose of this course is to provide a college-level calculus course including the study of the concepts of limits, derivatives, continuity, antiderivatives, integration, and the application of these concepts. 

Length:  One year                Credit:  1 unit        Prerequisite:  Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry, minimum PSAT math score of 550, and teacher approval.

 

CALCULUS

                The purpose of this course is to provide a basic calculus course including the study of limits, derivatives, continuity, antiderivatives, integration and the application of these concepts.  Length: One year           Credit: 1 unit

Prerequisite:  Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry and teacher approval

 

PROBABILITY/STATISTICS

                The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of the fundamental ideas of probability and statistics.  The topics presented include the handling of numerical data, the treatment of random variables, and the use of statistical methods in determining confidence intervals and significance levels. Length:  One semester

Credit:  1/2 unit     Prerequisite:  Algebra II and teacher recommendation

 

ALGEBRA III

                The purpose of this course is to further develop the skills and concepts of Algebra II as well as prepare the student for college-level mathematics.         Length:  One year      Credit:  1 unit                   Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation

 

 

 

 

 

MUSIC

 

Savannah Christian does not require music in order to graduate.  These are academic electives.

 

BAND (AFTER SCHOOL FIRST SEMESTER)              

                Band is for students in grades 9-12 who have had previous instruction or who can demonstrate the ability to play a band instrument.  Study and performance of various band literatures is covered.  The class will meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays after school from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM.  The band will perform at pep rallies, games, parades, festivals, concerts, etc.                               Length:  One semester                                Credit:  1/2 unit

 

CONCERT BAND               

                This ensemble is for students with middle school or high school band experience.  The band performs at various functions including Christmas and Spring Concerts as well as band festivals.

Length:  One semester                        Credit:  ½ unit

 

JAZZ BAND

                This course is for students with an interest in jazz who have middle school or high school band experience.  Guitar, piano, set drummers, and electric bass players do not need band experience but must able to read music.  Rhythm section players (i.e., piano, bass, guitar, and drums) may be required to audition.

Length:  One semester                        Credit:  ½ unit                       Prerequisite:  Director’s approval

 

CHORUS              

                Chorus is for students in grades 9-12 who can demonstrate the ability to sing.  The chorus will perform at chapel programs, concerts, and other events.                                Length:  One semester                        Credit:  1/2 unit

 

MUSIC APPRECIATION  

                This course focuses on the elements of music, historical trends, and listening.  Important musical works and major composers that represent the different periods in music history are also studied.                 Length:  One semester Credit:  1/2 unit

 

HISTORY OF JAZZ

                From its African, American, European and Caribbean roots to its various evolutions into popular culture, History of Jazz is a survey of important movements, performers, and social influences that shaped the art of Jazz as well as many other popular styles of music.  DVD documentaries are an important tool in this class.

Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit

 

ADVANCED MUSICIANSHIP

                This course is for student musicians at the intermediate to advanced levels who play a band, string, or keyboard instrument.  The focus will be on performance and music theory.  Topics covered may include jazz/rock improvisation, composing and arranging music, improving instrumental skills, and performing original student works.                      Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit                     Prerequisite:  Teacher approval

 

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THEORY

                Anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of music theory as well as students who may wish to pursue a college degree in music may take this course.               Length:  One semester                        Credit:  ½ unit

 

 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

 

PERSONAL FITNESS/HEALTH

                Two semesters (1 unit) of this course are required for all students.  The course will consist of the development of individual skills, participation in team sports, and emphasis on physical conditioning and weight lifting.  The students will spend some class time studying health.  This part of the program teaches students the skills necessary to weigh options, to make responsible decisions, and to develop behaviors that promote healthy lifestyles.     

Length:  One semester     Credit:  1/2 unit        Prerequisite:  None

 

DRIVER'S EDUCATION

                This class involves 30 hours of classroom instruction dealing with rules of the road.  Some insurance companies offer a discount to families who children complete this course.

Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit    

 

BODY SCULPTING

                An aerobics, toning, and weightlifting class for the girls.            Length:  One semester        Credit:  ½ unit

 

WEIGHT LIFTING              

                A weight lifting course designed for the boys.              Length:  One semester                        Credit:  ½ unit

 

TEAM SPORTS

                A course designed for boys and girls.                             Length:  One semester                        Credit: ½ unit

 

 

SCIENCE

 

Savannah Christian requires three units of science for graduation.  These must include Chemistry and Biology.

 

CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS

                This is an introductory physics course in which the concepts are presented in a qualitative, rather than quantitative, manner.  Topics covered include classical mechanics, heat, fluids, waves (sound and light), electricity and magnetism.  While mathematics is not emphasized in this course, some knowledge of elementary algebra and equation solving will be necessary.                     Length:  One year                Credit:  1 unit

 

CHEMISTRY

                This course investigates through lectures and laboratory experiments the structure and composition of materials and the changes in composition of these materials.  It includes a study of the fundamental principles and laws of chemistry with an introduction into inorganic, organic, quantitative, and qualitative analysis.             

Length:  One year                Credit:  1 unit        Prerequisites:  Algebra I; Conceptual Physics

 

BIOLOGY

                This is an introductory course, including laboratory experience, taught at the eleventh grade level.  The scientific method of problem solving is emphasized.  The curriculum includes the basic biological processes--photosynthesis, protein synthesis, respiration, etc.--and a survey of the animal kingdom.  Evolutionary theory is a theme that repeats throughout the course.     Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit         Prerequisite:  Conceptual Physics; Chemistry

 

PHYSICS

                This is a fundamental course that includes the basic study of motion, forces, energy, sound, light, optics, electricity, magnetism and modern physics.  Critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and a solid mathematical background will be developed.             Length:  One year        Credit:  1 unit                       

 

ADVANCED BIOLOGY

                This lecture/lab course is designed to compliment the first year of biology.  Topics will be covered in greater depth, and there will be more emphasis on laboratory work.  It includes a survey of both plants and animals.  Collections are made and studied.  In-depth dissections are done on various vertebrates with attention given to comparative anatomy.     Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  Biology

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY

                This course is open to juniors and seniors by invitation only.  Invitations are based on science and math grades and/or PSAT scores.     Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS

                This is a college-level course incorporating algebra, trigonometry, and vectors.  This course is designed for serious, self-motivated, successful science and math students seeking a challenge with the reward of possible college credit.  Topics covered will include:  motion, force, energy, momentum, circular and rotational motion, oscillations, gravitation, heat, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, waves, optics, modern physics, atomic physics, and nuclear physics.  The pace is fast and requires a significant amount of independent work.  All students will take the Advanced Placement exam at the end of the course.                     Length:  One year

Credit:  1 unit        Prerequisite:  Teacher approval

 

 

 

 

ECOLOGY (11th and 12th)

                This is a study of the relationships between living things and their environment.  As a science, it is a division of biology.  EDEN will be used extensively during the course as an outdoor classroom.    

Length:  One semester     Credit:  1/2 unit  

 

MARINE BIOLOGY (11th and 12th)

                This course covers the major marine phyla ranging from microscopic plankton and "red tide" to the largest mammals, the whales.  It is geared to give the student a working vocabulary in the marine sciences and knowledge of ecosystem processes along the Atlantic coastline, which includes:  rocky and sandy shorelines, salt marsh, mangroves and coral reef communities.     Length:  One semester     Credit:  1/2 unit  

 

ASTRONOMY (12th)

                This course will involve the study of persons and instruments related to astronomy up to and including modern astronomy.  It will also include a study of the planets and their moons, formation of the solar system, the sun, star formation, and life and death and types of stars.  The universe will be studied as to its origin, size, and life in the universe.                    Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit

 

CLIMATOLOGY (12th)

                This course will include energy balance, greenhouse effect, air motion, pressure, fronts, precipitation, weather variables and measurement, instruments used, and how weather is predicted. Length:  One semester

Credit:  1/2 unit

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (12th) 

                AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.  Length:  One year

Credit:  1 unit        Prerequisite:  Teacher approval

 

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

 

The State of Georgia and SCPS require three social studies credits for graduation.  Mandatory courses at SCPS are World History, American History, American Government and Economics.  The social studies courses are as follows:

 

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

                This is the study of American government, including its history, the Constitution, and its operation.  It is a required course.       Length:  One semester     Credit:  1/2 unit        Prerequisite:  None

 

ANCIENT WORLD HISTORY

                This is a required course for incoming freshmen.  The course will cover world history from Prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.                Length: One semester         Credit: ½ unit        Prerequisite: None

 

WORLD HISTORY

                A historical study from the Roman Empire to the Cold War, with an emphasis on the political, economic, and social factors that shaped the times.  Political geography is also emphasized.  Students usually take this course in the 10th grade.             Length:  One year      Credit:  1 unit    

 

U. S. HISTORY

                This is a study of the economic, political, social and diplomatic history of the United States from colonization to George W. Bush.     Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit       Prerequisite:  Recommend World History

 

SOCIOLOGY (11th and 12th)

                Sociology is the scientific study of human society and social interactions.  Focus will be placed on an examination of culture, socialization and social interaction, deviant behavior/social control, social stratification/class, gender/age stratification, racial and ethnic minorities, marriage/family, religion, education, and political systems.                      Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit    

 

 

 

PSYCHOLOGY (11th and 12th)

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic voluntary of psychological terms and the role of the scientific method in measuring and testing human behavior.  The course will introduce students to psychology and examine the aspects of psychological testing:  body and mind, learning and cognition, development, personality, and health and adjustment.           Length:  One semester     Credit:  1/2 unit    

 

ECONOMICS (11th and 12th)

                This course is a study of the wise use of money, time and one's possessions.  Topics include buying life, health, and car insurance, borrowing, banking, investing in the stock market, and investing in bonds and current consumer topics.  Length:  One semester     Credit:  1/2 unit    

 

THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR (12th)               

                This is a course that studies the political, social and military aspects of the conflict as well as the legacy of the war today.    Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit    

THE 20TH CENTURY (11th and 12th)

                20th Century will examine the major events of the twentieth century.  While the course will include an examination of individual life during the century, specific emphasis will be placed on Imperialism, World War I, the Great Depression, the rise of Communism and Fascism, World War II, and the Cold War and its effect on the modern world.  Students will study the time period through use of contemporary sources, historical records, and student debates/exercises.                         Length:  One semester                       Credit:  1/2 unit    

 

WORLD WAR II (11th and 12th)

                This course will examine the background to the conflict including the Versailles Treaty, the rise of fascism, the rise of Nazism, militarism and the impact of the Great Depression.  Students will examine the re-armament of Germany and Japanese expansion in Asia.  Students will have an understanding of the major historical figures, events, and battles of the conflict, as well as the impact of the war on the average citizen and soldier of the combatants.  Finally, the students will examine the effects and consequences of the War.

Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit

 

CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY

                This social studies course combines the study of physical and political geography with the relationship between various world societies and the lands that they inhabit.        Length:  One semester        Credit:  1/2 unit

 

CURRENT ISSUES (11th and 12th)

                Current Issues will provide students with the opportunity to examine current events from around the world.  Emphasis will be placed on applying concepts gleaned in other social studies classes to current events that are shaping our world.  Students will study the world they live in through the use of contemporary sources and student debates/exercises.                               Length:  One semester                Credit:  1/2 unit

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY (12th)          

This is an in-depth study of European history from the High Renaissance to the present.    Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  Must have completed World History, be a motivated B student, have an interest in history, and be recommended by the Social Studies and English Departments. 

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN HISTORY

                This is an in-depth study of United States history.  Qualified 11th or 12th grade students may take this to satisfy their American History requirement.      Length:  One year      Credit:  1 unit     Prerequisite:  Must have completed World History, be a motivated B student, have an interest in history, and be recommended by the Social Studies and English departments. 

               

ADVANCED PLACEMENT WORLD HISTORY

                The purpose of this course is to provide students a survey of world history from pre-literate times to the 21st century.  The program emphasizes the contributions of the past to contemporary life, other societies’ attempts to answer perplexing questions.  An emphasis is placed on non-western history.         Length:  One year     Credit:  1 unit  Prerequisite:  Teacher recommendation and strong PSAT verbal score

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

                This is an in-depth study of American Government and politics with an emphasis on the US