Curriculum
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The Lutheran High School of Kansas City Curriculum Handbook
English
English 1 (1 credit course)
In this course, students will explore the full spectrum of literary forms and will produce various types and styles of writing, both academic and creative. Oral, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary skills will be integrated into the work, as well. The activities of this course form the foundation of a high school English curriculum.
English 2 (1 credit course)
This course is a chronological study of American literature. Analytical reading is emphasized and good writing skills are promoted. Selected novels and plays are studied in addition to the works contained in the anthology. Vocabulary, oral skills, and grammar study continue to be integrated into the course curriculum. Students must have successfully completed English I to take this course.
English 3 (1 credit course)
Students will study several representative works of literary merit from various genres and periods. English 3 is designed to continue to develop students’ reading and writing skills. Literature will include novels, dramas, short-stories, and non-fiction. In addition to reading, discussing, and analyzing the texts, students will also engage in both formal and informal writing. Semester 1 begins with Catcher in the Rye, followed by the dystopian novel, 1984. Other British Literature novels studied are Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Jane Eyre, and Rebecca. Finally, the course ends with a unit on Shakespeare in which students will read the tragedy of Othello.
Experiences in Literature (1 credit course)
This course will give students the opportunity to read different works of literature surrounding the Christian faith. Why did certain authors choose to present their faith in the form of fiction? We will examine the relationship between written works and how they help us delve deeper into basic human questions of faith, identity, ethics, spirituality, purpose, truth, etc. The second semester focuses on texts that challenge our faith. Novels read in this course are The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Screwtape Letters, Skeleton in God’s Closet, This Present Darkness, Angels and Demons, and The Da Vinci Code.
World Literature (.5 credit course)
This course will consist of selections of masterpieces; vocabulary; composition and grammar units; book reviews; and daily writing folders. English I and II are prerequisites for this course. This is a Dual Credit course.
Expository Writing (.5 credit course)
Required for graduation. Students will engage in writing a variety of essays including comparative, descriptive, narrative, classification, persuasive, definition, etc. The writing process will be employed on an individual basis to enhance each student's improvement as a writer. A major research paper with MLS documentation will be required. This class may be taken for dual credit.
Creative Writing (.5 credit course)
In this one semester course students work on pieces that showcase a more informal, creative side to writing. These works often include short stories, memoirs, poetry, one-act plays, children’s books, etc. Peer review and revision also occur.
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Social Studies
World History (1 credit course)
This course is the study of man’s social, cultural, and political achievements from the earliest civilizations through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and to the present day. Main emphasis will be on the development of Western Civilization, some time will also be spent on essential elements of non-western cultures. Particular emphasis is placed on events leading up to the current international issues and modern political views.
United States History (1 credit course)
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.
Modern American History (1 credit course)
This course is designed to explore critical events that continue to shape the American experience today. The course timeline includes events starting with the great depression, and moving forward to modern day. (1930-2000’s.) Important subtopics in this field include: The growth of the federal government, Foreign Wars, The Cold War, Vietnam, Social Reform and the Civil Rights movement, as well as modern contemporary politics.
American Government (.5 credit course)
Students in Government will explore the beginnings of the United States government and its function according to the Constitution and other founding documents. An Emphasis on patterns in cultural and national behavior will be examined throughout U.S. history to provide students with a grasp of how varying influences developed our nation throughout history. Students will learn to define and apply critical terms and identify them in both historical and current contexts. By the end of each class, students will be able to describe key concepts from within and use terms and historical examples to support and explain them. This class will evaluate and discuss current legislation and Supreme Court decisions to aid in developing an ability to have a discourse on topics as well as encouraging empathy and understanding between opposing views.
Economics (.5 credit course)
This course will focus on Economics or the study of the way in which society organizes its limited resources to satisfy the many wants and needs of people in that society. Students will be introduced to the characteristics of the mixed market U.S. economic system and how basic economic problems are dealt with. This is a Dual Credit course.
Sociology (.5 credit course)
The emphasis of this course is the study of human behavior in groups. It is designed to acquaint students 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. We will explore the positive and negative impacts of group interactions on the individual. Students will explore the process of development from childhood to adulthood within a group setting along with case studies that allow us to expand our perspective.
Psychology (.5 credit course)
This course is the study of the general principles of human behavior and will focus on how human behavior affects learning, personality development, and mental health.
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Mathematics
Algebra I (1 credit course)
This course is designed to teach students the basic algebraic concepts, skills necessary to solve algebraic problems, and provide a firm foundation of mathematical skills used in higher-level mathematics courses. The course covers all operations with real numbers, all operations with polynomials, factoring of polynomials, expressions and functions, linear equations, linear and non-linear functions, equations of linear functions, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations and linear inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, polynomials, quadratic expressions, radical expressions and equations, statistics, as well as solving and graphing linear and quadratic equations. The course will be presented in a real-life approach with practical applications. Prerequisite: Successful completion of middle school math.
Geometry (1 credit course)
This course falls between Algebra I and Algebra II. Although between Algebra courses, you will find that we will use many algebraic concepts throughout the year. This course will cover Euclidean, transformational, and coordinate geometry, the Pythagorean Theorem and distance formula, properties of polygons, circles and 3-dimensional figures, perimeter, area, volume, two-column proofs and the development of mathematical reasoning. Prerequisite: Algebra I.
Algebra II (1 credit course)
This course is a continuation of the algebra skills developed in Algebra I. Algebra II is designed to develop the concept of a mathematical function. At the end of this course, students will be able to use functions, the equations used to create them and graph the functions. Additionally, students will solve equations and inquiries as well as systems of equations used to model real-world exercises. Students will learn about different types of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions along with the characteristics of their graphs. Functions will be used to develop sequences and series and will be used to analyze probability and statistics.
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry.
Advanced Algebra II (1 credit course)
This course is organized around families of functions, including linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational functions. As students study each family of functions, students will learn to represent them in multiple ways – as verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs. Students will also learn to model real-world situations using functions in order to solve problems arising from those situations. In addition to its algebra content, Advance Algebra 2 includes lessons on probability and data analysis as well as numerous examples and exercises involving geometry and trigonometry.
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry.
College Algebra (1 credit course)
College Algebra is an in-depth study of much of what students have learned in previous algebra courses. Students will model with functions, graph those functions, and solve equations to find the roots of the functions. Emphasis will be placed on using algebraic and graphical techniques to solve exercises involving linear, quadratic, piece-wise, absolute value, rational, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic equations and inequalities. Further topics may include counting theory and probability as well as conic sections and analytic geometry.
This is a Dual Credit course.
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Pre-Calculus (1 credit course)
This course is designed to prepare students to be able to take calculus. It is a year-long course consisting of one semester College Algebra and one semester Trigonometry at the college level. In the first semester, students will complete College Algebra. In the second semester students will complete the Trigonometry course. Students will work with the six basic trigonometric functions in all kinds of triangles, analyze trigonometric equations, use the trigonometric functions to compare triangles, and be introduced to vectors.
This is a Dual Credit course. Students may earn college credit for one semester of College Algebra (3 hours) and Trigonometry (2 hours).
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Statistics (1 credit course)
In this course, students will be introduced to the major concepts of probability, interpretation of data, and statistical problem solving. Students will learn the course concepts through hands-on experimentation and investigation. They will analyze existing data as well as data collected through a survey, observational study or experiment. They will then display the data in different ways, analyze it, and draw conclusions based on the results. The four main components of the course are: exploring data, data collection, probability, and inference.
This is a Dual Credit course.
Prerequisite: Algebra II
*Graphing calculators are required.
Calculus I (1 credit course)
This course is designed to build an understanding of the mathematics of “change.” At the end of this course, students will be able to use limits to find a tangent line, use derivatives to study change in the graphs of functions and their slopes, find the velocity or acceleration of an object at any given moment, and use integrals to find the area under a curve or how much value has accumulated given a rate of change.
This is a Dual Credit course. (Students may also opt to take the Calculus AB Exam.)
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus (or College Algebra and a satisfactory Trigonometry course)
Calculus II (1 credit course)
This course is intended for those students who have successfully completed the first semester (year) of Calculus. Students will further their knowledge of differentiation and integration from Calculus I. Topics include new integration techniques such as integration by parts, trigonometric substitution, partial fractions, and improper fractions. Students will also consider parametric equations and polar coordinates, furthering their knowledge of tangent lines, calculating area, surface area, and arc length. Additional topics will be in the realm of sequences and series, such as convergence of sequences, estimating the value of a series, and power series. Further topics may include vectors and three-dimensional space.
This is a Dual Credit course. (Students may also opt to take the Calculus BC Exam.)
Prerequisite: Calculus I
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Science
Biology (1 credit course)
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 all the way up to more complex forms. Laboratory work will focus on using the scientific method to investigate these concepts.
Physical Science (1 credit course)
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.
Chemistry (1 credit course)
Chemistry is a yearlong course in which students study the properties, composition, structure, and interactions of matter. Students will leave this course with a solid background in Chemistry and be prepared for upper level Science courses. The course will teach the following skills: problem solving, laboratory techniques, and how to analyze and interpret data.
Advanced Chemistry (1 credit course)
This course uses and expands on all the concepts learned in Chemistry. Students will perform labs on a more independent level and will learn to write formal lab reports. Students will study inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry.
AP (Advanced Placement) Biology (1 credit course)-
AP (Advanced Placement) Biology is a yearlong course in which students build upon what they learned in Biology and go more in depth in the study of 8 Biology units: chemistry of life, cells and cell membranes, cellular energetics, cell cycle/cell communication, heredity, gene expression and regulation, natural selection/evolution, and ecology. Students will leave this course prepared with a solid foundation for future college Biology classes and prepared to take the AP exam in the spring. If students score a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Biology exam, it will count as college credit for College Biology (check with the university you plan to attend to make sure they accept AP credit).
Anatomy and Physiology (1 credit course)
Anatomy & Physiology is a yearlong course that provides students an opportunity to explore the intricate and sophisticated relationship between structure and function in the human body. The course offers students an environment in which they may probe topics such as homeostasis, anatomical and physiological disorders, medical diagnosis and treatment, anatomical movements and directions, and survey of the remarkable array of body systems that comprise the human body. Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented in the course. Students will leave this course prepared with a solid foundation for college Biology and Anatomy.
Physics (1 credit course)
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 students for college level physics.
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Theology
Old Testament (1 credit course)
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 dealings with them. Students will learn about God’s covenant with His people and the prophecies that would later be fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of the promised Savior. The major emphasis and capstone of the entire course will be the history of the continuous redemptive activity of God among His people.
New Testament (1 credit course)
This course reinforces the principle teachings of Scripture through the in-depth study of the New Testament. The historical and modern-day significance of God’s New Testament is taught to the students with an emphasis on application to Christian living. The life of Christ is studied in the four Gospels. The birth and early life of the church follows in the Book of Acts, and the many concepts of the development of Christian doctrine are discovered in the Epistles.
World Religions (.5 credit course)
This course focuses on insight to world religions and practices. The majority of the course will deal with training an effective response to Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and various New Age Movements with a deeper understanding of Christianity. As we work through each religion we will dive into scripture to understand how to be prepared to give the response for the hope that we have.
Christian Denominations (.5 credit course)
This course is designed to introduce students to the various minor and major cults that have existed throughout history in the United States, as well as several of the evangelical denominations that emerged from the Protestant movement. As we learn about each cult or denomination we will reflect on how it relates to Christianity, more specifically Lutheranism.
Defending the Faith (1 credit course)
In this apologetics course, students will examine the rational basis for the Christian faith and how to defend their faith against contemporary objections. The course will be based on historical and scientific evidence and philosophical arguments, as well as Biblical knowledge as it considers and exposes other world views and claims of our time.
Applied Christianity (1 credit course)
This course is designed for Christian students who desire to boldly share their faith in Christ. This class will challenge students to live a Christian life in an increasingly changing world. Most visibly, students in this class will help in the creation and presentation of the weekly chapel services.
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Electives
German 1 (1 credit course)
This course is designed for beginning German learners. Students will acquire vocabulary and proper sentence structure by participating in a variety of communicative activities that focus on developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in the German language. Students will also develop cultural awareness through discussions of cultural customs and cultural activities.
German 2 (1 credit course)
This course is designed for intermediate German learners. Students will continue to acquire vocabulary and proper sentence structure by participating in a variety of communicative activities that focus on developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in the German language. Students will also continue to develop cultural awareness through discussions of cultural customs and cultural activities.
German 3 (1 credit course)
This course is designed for advanced German learners. Students spend the first semester reviewing grammar and vocabulary concepts from German 1 and 2 while continuing to acquire the language through communicative activities that focus on refining students’ speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. In the second semester the class is taught entirely in German with emphasis being put on student initiated language interaction, complex grammatical structures, and authentic films. In addition, students who complete the third year of German are eligible to participate in a trip to Germany with LHS through EF Tours.
German 4 (1 credit course)
This course is designed for advanced German learners. German 4 is taught entirely in German and students are required to communicate entirely in German as well. The course focuses on developing speaking and writing skills in German. Students will explore a variety of German literature, music, films, idioms, and cultural celebrations while acquiring vocabulary and refining grammatical skills along the way. Each student is expected to demonstrate greater competence and confidence in speaking and writing throughout the year. In addition, students who complete the fourth year of German are eligible to participate in a trip to Germany with LHS through EF tours.
Spanish 1 (1 credit course)
This course is designed for beginning Spanish learners. Students will acquire vocabulary and proper sentence structure by participating in a variety of communicative activities that focus on developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in the Spanish language. Students will also develop cultural awareness through discussions of cultural customs and cultural activities.
Spanish 2 (1 credit course)
This course is designed for intermediate Spanish learners. Students will continue to acquire vocabulary and proper sentence structure by participating in a variety of communicative activities that focus on developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in the Spanish language. Students will also continue to develop cultural awareness through discussions of cultural customs and cultural activities.
Spanish 3 (1 credit course)
This course is designed for advanced Spanish students. Two years of curriculum are taught on a rotating basis, allowing for students to take a third year of the language. Students will continue to acquire the language through communicative activities that focus on refining student’s speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Emphasis is put on the student initiated language interaction, complex grammatical structures, and authentic literature and films. In addition, students who complete the third year of Spanish are eligible to participate in a trip to Spain with LHS through EF Tours. This is a Dual Credit course.
Spanish 4 (1 credit course)
This course is the higher level of High School Spanish and is designed for advanced Spanish students. Three years of curriculum are taught on a rotating basis, allowing for students to take a fourth year of the language. Students will continue to acquire the language through communicative activities that focus on refining student’s speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Emphasis is put on the student to continue language interaction, complex grammatical structures, and authentic literature and films. In addition, students who complete the fourth year of Spanish are eligible to participate in a trip to Spain with LHS through EF Tours. This is a Dual Credit course.
Personal Finance (.5 credit course)
This course is designed to help students gain an understanding of financial responsibility including: Goals and Decision Making, Careers and Planning, Budgeting, Banking Services, Saving and Investing, Credit, and Consumer Skills.
Health (.5 credit course)
This course will deal with the integration of physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions of life in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. This is a semester course paired with Personal Finance.
Physical Education (1 credit course)
This course is designed to help students develop and maintain an acceptable level of physical fitness. Through a variety of exercises, sports and related health activities, students will acquire useful physical skills, better health habits, and a more positive self-concept in a Christian environment.
Concert Choir (1 credit course)
In this selective course, students will learn fundamentals of music theory, proper vocal technique and sight singing. They will perform for chapel, area Lutheran churches, concerts throughout the year and during the 5-day music tour in the spring. Individuals and small goups will be allowed participate in district and state music contests and festivals if they choose.
Handbells (1 credit course)
This course will teach students to play handbells or improve upon their handbell ringing skills. These elements of music – time signature, key signature, dynamics, texture, meter, note names, note values, tempo – will be taught as well as basic conducting and sight-reading. Students will be part of a handbell choir that will perform for chapel, at area Lutheran churches, concerts throughout the year and a 5-day music tour in the spring.
Concert Band (1 credit course)
Students in concert band will perform at chapel, area Lutheran churches, concerts throughout the year, basketball games (pep band), and during a 5-day music tour in the spring. Fundamentals of music theory will be taught and students will learn how to be a part of an ensemble, follow direction and make their contribution to the final performances. Individuals or groups will be able participate in district and state music contests and festivals if they choose.
Beginning Drawing & Painting (1 credit course)
This course serves as a general introduction to drawing and painting giving the student exposure to a variety of two-dimensional studio disciplines, color theory, first-hand observation and originality as well as theory of aesthetics, art history and criticism. Students will explore visual problem solving using the elements of art and principles of design.
Intermediate Drawing & Painting (1 credit course)
This course emphasizes drawing and painting techniques and media and application of the elements of color, line, form, shape, space, texture and value to good design and composition. Experimentation with a variety of materials will be encouraged. Subject matter will include landscape, still life, portrait/figure and abstracts. Students will be exposed to professional masters' work and learn fundamentals of art criticism and evaluation. Successful completion of Beginning Drawing & Painting is a prerequisite.
Advanced Drawing and Painting (1 credit course)
This course serves as a dual credit and is designed for students who have successfully completed Intermediate Drawing & Painting and have demonstrated effective 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.
Portfolio Seminar (1 credit course)
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)
Ceramics
This course provides an introduction to hand building and wheel-thrown ceramic methods. Hand building techniques include pinch, slab, coil, and drape and extruded forms. The elements of art and principles of design are stressed as they are applied to form and surface decoration. Historical and present cultural references will be explored as they pertain to functional and non-functional wares.
Digital Photography (.5 credit course)
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.
Graphic Arts (.5 credit course)
This course introduces students to graphic design as a form of visual communication through the use of type, image, form, and color. Combined with their knowledge from Digital Photography students will create projects that explore design processes in two and three dimensions, visual identity and communication, creative problem solving, and basic design practice of critiques and discussion. Prerequisite: Digital Photography.
Yearbook/Journalism (1 credit course)
This course will focus on yearbook production including development of a theme, page layout, written commentary, photography, and advertising. Students will learn about 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.
CAD/3-D Printing (1 credit course)
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles, concepts, practices and standards for architectural and engineering design and construction. Students will learn the basic process for drafting design, while using tutorials to develop understanding of drafting software. Students will be learning basic design and engineering principles through the use of discussion and projects. The students will be working toward an engineering and architectural capstone that will be developed and made using a 3D printer.
Coding I - Python/Introduction to Computer Science (1 credit course)
This course is designed to offer an introduction to computer science. Students will learn the basics of computer programming along with the basics of computer science. The material emphasizes computational thinking and helps develop the ability to solve complex problems. The course gives a foundation in the tools used in computer science and prepares students for further study in computer science. This class is a prerequisite for coding courses including AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A courses.
AP Java - Coding II (1 credit course)
This course builds upon the concepts of Introduction to Computer Science/CPU Coding. It is designed to give students command of the Java coding language. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for the AP college board exam following the successful completion of the course. Pre-requisite: Coding I.
AP Computer Science Principles (1 credit course)
This is a survey course designed to present you a wide array of the ethical issues in coding and a variety of coding applications. It is a course with a broad array of topics, and is also designed for students to successfully pass the AP college board examination upon course completion.
Industrial Shop (1 credit course)
Learn a variety of vocational, practical, and hands on skills using industrial shop equipment. Learn safe operation of tools and proper functioning of electric power tools. Work in a hands on environment with wood and other construction materials.
Teacher Aide (1 credit course)
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.