Course Descriptions
Electives
Concert Choir: Students who take this course will be part of the school's performance choir called 'The Highlights'. The group performs regularly at area Lutheran churches and takes a 5-day music tour in the spring. Also, the choir performs several concerts throughout the year and participates in district and state music festivals. (Grades 9-12)
Concert/Jazz Band: In this course students will learn both concert and jazz band techniques and music. They will perform several concerts throughout the year and participate in district and state music festivals. They will also take a 5-day music tour in the spring. This will be a zero hour class. (Grades 9-12)
Handbells: This course will teach students to play handbells or improve upon their handbell ringing skills. The students will be part of a handbell choir that performs for chapel, occasional Ambassador Sundays and concerts throughout the year. (Grades 9-12)
Chamber Choir: This audition-only choir is for the music student who wants to strive for musical excellence in a smaller setting. Students will begin to learn music theory, sight-reading, ear training and directing skills. This group performs at chapel, area Lutheran churches and several concerts throughout the year. They will participate in district and state music festivals. (Grades 10-12)
Art I: Art I serves as a general introduction to all aspects of the visual arts, giving the student exposure to a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional studio disciplines, theory of aesthetics, art history and criticism. Students will explore visual problem solving using the elements of art and principles of design. (Grades 9-12)
Art Theory and Criticism: This course will place an emphasis on development of higher-level critical thinking skills and a broad introduction to the aesthetic vocabulary of form, concept, criticism and historical theories in the visual arts. Students will develop skills to articulate and defend critical positions about artists, works of art and art exhibitions. (Grades 11-12)
Drawing I: Drawing I is a course that emphasizes drawing techniques, drawing media and application of the elements of color, line, form, shape, space, texture and value to good design and composition. Experimentation with pencil, charcoal, ink, conte crayon, dry and oil pastel and colored pencil will be encouraged. Subject matter will include still life, portrait/figure, abstracts and landscape. Students will be exposed to professional masters' work and learn fundamentals of art criticism and evaluation. Successful completion of Introduction to Art is a prerequisite. (Grades 10-12)
Digital Photography/History of Film : The first semester of this course is for any student wishing to communicate visually in photographic work utilizing digital imaging processes. Students will solve visual problems using selected electronic imaging devices developing an awareness of the media and its impact on culture and history in addition to the fundamentals of art criticism and evaluation. Students will need their own digital camera. The second semester of this course will examine great American films historically, dramatically and technically. Students will learn the language of film while analyzing the social, historical and political influences surrounding the context and making of each film. The student will examine the technical elements including production, the role of the director and the actors' interpretations. Students will create storyboards and produce their own film. (Grades 9-12)
Drawing II: This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Drawing I and who have a desire to do advanced work in drawing. Experimentation and originality will be stressed. A variety of subject matter will be used, but the emphasis will be on drawing from life. Art history and criticism will be studied. Portfolio preparation for college and entry into competitive shows will be encouraged. Successful completion of Drawing I is a prerequisite. (Grades 11-12)
Painting I: This course is designed for students who have matured in their drawing ability and are ready to widen their personal skills with the introduction of painting techniques. The course will introduce painting application, color theory, first-hand observation and originality. Students will study the work of masters and learn fundamentals of art criticism and evaluation. Successful Completion of Drawing I is a prerequisite. (Grades 11-12)
Sculpture I: This course provides a three-dimensional approach to problem solving through a variety of media and materials, including paper, ply board, clay, plaster, wood and wire. Techniques will include modeling, carving, assemblage, casting and paper folding. The scale of problems presented will range from small pieces to larger freestanding forms. Successfaul completion of Introduction to Art is a prerequisite. (Grades 11-12)
Painting II: This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Painting I and have demonstrated effective, specific modes of problem solving with insight and reason as they relate to the art form. Experimentation and working from life will be stressed as well as art history and art criticism. Portfolio preparation for college and entry into competitive shows will be encouraged. Successful completion of Painting I is a prerequisite. (Grade 12)
Portfolio Seminar: This portfolio preparation course is designed for highly motivated students interested in post high school study of art. Students will work mostly in two-dimensional form. (Grade 12 by application through instructor only)
Yearbook/Journalism: The curriculum for yearbook will focus on yearbook production, including development of a theme, page layout, written commentary, photography and advertising. Journalism will focus on production of the school newspaper. Students will learn about all areas of newspaper writing such as features, special interest, sports, editorials and columns. Students will also learn the steps involved in writing, editing, printing and publishing a newspaper. (Grades 10-12)
Computer I: Students in this course will learn basic computer usage, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, computer graphics and robotics. (Grades 9-12)
C++ Computer Programming: Students in this course will concentrate on the development of skill in translating problems into algorithms and implementing those algorithms into a programming language. An emphasis will be placed on good programming style including structured programming techniques. Successful completion of Geometry is a prerequisite. (Grades 9-12)
Teacher Aide: This course is designed to give students practical work experience from secretarial work to teacher assistant work including the grading of simple papers. Responsibility in students will be strengthened and confidence gained in the completion of work. Applicants for the course MUST have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA. (Grades 11-12)
Early Dismissal/Late Start: Seniors who are ahead of pace for graduation in terms of credits may opt for either early dismissal or late start. No credit is given. (Grade 12)
English
Introduction to Literature: This course will consist of: writing, grammar and mechanics units; vocabulary units; literature units; composition units; book reviews; daily writing folders; study skills; novels/plays; and a research paper. (Grade 9)
World Literature: This course will consist of: selections of masterpieces; vocabulary, composition, and grammar units; book reviews; and daily writing folders. (Grade 10)
American Literature: This course will cover writing skills and American Literature from the early Native Americans to Harper Lee's, To Kill a Mockingbird. (Grades 11-12)
Experiences in Literature: This course will consist of: study of novels; short stories; composition units; book reviews; daily writing folders; poetry; and literary magazines. This is a semester course paired with Creative Writing. (Grades 11-12)
Creative Writing: This course provides studies in practical writing and experience in creative expression such as: poetry, short stories, autobiographies, children's stories and essays. Use of models, discussions and techniques of notable authors provide a basis of study. This is a semester course paired with Experiences in Literature. (Grades 11-12)
British Literature: This advanced English class samples, chronologically, representative authors of British heritage, such as, Anglo-Saxon period authors, Romantic and Victorian authors and poets and other famous authors such as Browning and Dickens. The class stresses oral and written work and independent reading and research. (Grades 11-12)
Foreign Language
German I: This course consists of basic skills in speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing. A verbal approach will be used as a foundation for learning German. (Grades 9-11)
German II: This course is aimed at increasing the students' ability to understand the language, improving their oral and writing skills and gaining knowledge of the societies and cultures of the German speaking nations. (Grades 10-12)
German III: The main goal of this course is to move students from beginner level to intermediate level. The level of difficulty increases with an expansion of vocabulary and more complex grammar. (Grades 11-12)
Spanish I: This course lays the foundation for the progressive development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in the areas of communication and culture. (Grades 9-11)
Spanish II: This course continues in the development of the student's linguistic proficiency in Spanish through a fully integrated approach to language learning. The four skill areas (reading, listening, writing, speaking) along with cultural information, provide the necessary practice to increase the student's skills and cultural awareness. (Grades 10-12)
Spanish III: One of the main goals of this course is to move the student from beginner level to intermediate level. The difficulty level increases with an expansion of vocabulary, the combining or various grammatical structures, and the leaning of additional tenses. (Grades 11-12)
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra: This is a transitional math course which bridges the gap between arithmetic and Algebra. Selected topics include: integers; fractions in algebra; surface area and volume; geometry; graphing equations; and inequalities. (Grade 9)
Algebra I: In this course abstract reasoning will be developed. Topics include: rules of Algebra; solving and graphing linear equations; powers and exponents; polynomials and factoring; proportions and rational fractions; radicals; and connections to geometry. (Grades 9-10)
Geometry: This course is the study of spatial figures and relations in a logical, deductive manner. Algebraic skills will be reviewed and reinforced throughout the course. Selected topics include: coordinate geometry; proofs; properties of triangles; polygons; congruence; similarity; circles; and trigonometry. (Grades 9-12)
Algebra II: This course is a review and an extension of the concepts developed in Algebra I. The structure of the number system is extended to include the set of complex numbers. The study of functions, quadratic equations, irrational numbers, coordinate geometry, logarithms, the binomial expansion, and probability is included in this course. (Grades 10-12)
Consumer Math: This course uses real-world application of computational skills to solve business and consumer problems. Students will be able to understand terminology relating to personal and business mathematics application, be able to apply basic math skills to the solution of both personal and business applications, and be able to use common mathematics formulas to solve a variety of personal and business mathematics problems. (Grades 11-12)
Trigonometry: This course is designed to provide the basis for further study of math beyond Algebra. Topics taught in this course include: defining, evaluating, and graphing of trigonometric functions: developing trigonometric identities; and solving triangles and studying their applications in engineering, navigation, etc. (Grades 11-12)
Pre-Calculus: This course is the study of elementary functions, their graphs and applications, including polynomials, rational algebraic functions and exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. This course is a prerequisite to Calculus. (Grades 11-12)
Calculus I: This course is designed to strengthen the concepts of analytic geometry essential to calculus; to develop the derivative and integral as limiting processes; and to study applications of calculus and apply them to the problems of engineering and science. (Grades 11-12)
Physical Education
Physical Education: This course is designed to help each student develop and maintain an acceptable level of physical fitness. Through a variety of exercises, sports and related health activities, each student will acquire useful physical skills, better health habits, and a more positive self-concept in a Christian environment. (Grades 9-12)
First Aid/CPR: In this class the students learn the skills needed to pass the First Aid/CPR test as given by the American Red Cross. Students learn the skills in adult, child and infant CPR, as well as first aid. This is a semester course paired with Health. (Grades 10-12)
Religion
Old Testament: This course will follow the creative, redemptive, and preservative work of God among His Chosen People. Beginning with the creation narrative and ending with the minor prophets, this course teaches the history of Israel and God's dealing with them. Students will learn about God's covenant with His people and the prophecies that would later come true in the fulfillment of the New Testament. (Grade 9)
New Testament: This course contains a strong emphasis on the unfolding of God's promise of salvation in the birth, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, and His work through the people of the early Christian church in spreading the gospel to others. (Grade 10)
Early Church History: This course surveys the history of the Church from the time of Jesus and the twelve disciples to Luther and the Reformation. Special emphasis is placed on the doctrinal controversies that brought about the Lutheran confessional heritage. Topics include: The development of Christian doctrine; the struggle for power between Church and state during the Middle Ages; and the Protestant reform movement. This is a semester course paired with Comparative Religions. (Grades 11-12)
Comparative Religions: In this course students will study several of the evangelical denominations that emerged from the Protestant movement. The majority of the course will deal with training an effective response to Islam, Hinduism, and its various forms including the New Age movement, and various cults of Christianity. This is a semester course paired with Early Church History. (Grades 11-12)
Christian Living: This course will consider, from a Christian perspective, the everyday decisions teenagers and young adults face. Topics for consideration include worship and church life, physical and mental health, occupation, relationships with family and friends, male/female relationships, entertainment choices and life and death issues. (Grades 11-12)
Applied Christianity: This course is designed for the Christian student who desires to boldly share his/her faith in Christ. This class will give tangible ways to live a Christian life in an increasingly challenging world. Most visibly, students in this class will help in the creation and presentation of the weekly chapel services. (Grades 10-12 by application only)
Biology: This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of biology. Students will be introduced to the unity and diversity of life as well as a basic understanding of life processes at the cellular and molecular level. Laboratory work will focus on using the scientific method to investigate these concepts. (Grade 9)
Physical Science: This course teaches the use of the scientific method to solve problems, the metric system of measurement, laboratory skills and basic concepts in physics and chemistry. (Grade 10)
Earth Science: This course is the study of the earth's ecology and the physical and chemical phenomena involved in the solar system's formation. (Grade 11-12)
Chemistry: This course presents the basic concepts of chemistry and is designed for beginning chemistry students. The course will teach the following skills: problem solving, laboratory techniques, and how to write formal laboratory reports. (Grades 11-12)
Physics: This course presents the basic concepts of physics in a logical sequence. The course is designed to teach basic problem solving and laboratory skills that should prepare the students for college level physics. (Grades 11-12)
Social Studies
World Geography: This course is designed to explore the world's geographic regions in terms of the Five Themes of Geography: location, place, human-environment interaction, movement and region. This course will include a current events requirement that will allow the students to put their geographic knowledge to use. (Grade 9-10)
World History: This course is the study of man's social, political, and cultural achievements from the earliest civilizations through the Middle Ages, and from the Renaissance to the present day. First semester, the main emphasis is on the development of Western Civilization and second semester emphasis is placed on the rise of nation states and the development of modern political views. (Grade 9-10)
Honors World History: This course will include all the material from World History, however, topics will be studied more in-depth using additional projects, debates, and group activities. This is a weighted class. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA to request this course and maintain at least an 80% to remain in the course. (Grade 9-10)
U. S. History: This course explores seven broad themes: global relations, constitutional heritage, democratic values, technology and society, cultural diversity, and economic development. This course will also develop critical thinking skills, create a knowledge base of past decisions to help make informed decisions today and bring American History to life. (Grades 10-12)
American Government/Current Issues: This course is designed to explore the origin and working of the current system of government in America. The first semester of the course will concentrate on the study of the governmental system. The second semester will allow students to explore issues happening in today's society and understanding those issues based on the workings of the system of government of America. (Grades 11-12)
Psychology: This course is the study of the general principle of human behavior and will focus on how human behavior affects learning, personality development and mental health. This is a semester course paired with Sociology. (Grades 11-12)
Sociology: The emphasis of this course is the study of human behavior in groups. It is designed to acquaint the student with the types of groups we form, how we function in these groups and how we deal with social problems resulting from the interaction from within and between these groups. This is a semsester course paired with Psychology. (Grades 11-12)
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