English
ACADEMIC ENGLISH – World Literature
(Wld Lit P)
Grades 9 - 12 Required
1 Year
Through the study of world
literature students will develop the foundational skills in reading, writing,
and oral language that will be necessary for their academic success through the
rest of high school and beyond. As writers, students must demonstrate mastery
of sensory description, the autobiographical story, the persuasive essay, and
the research paper. As readers, students will apply critical analysis to the
four major genres of literature—novel, short story, poetry, and drama—as well
as learn techniques for understanding academic texts. As speakers of the
English language, students will make persuasive speeches, tell stories, and
participate in intellectual seminars.
ACADEMIC ENGLISH - American Literature (Am Lit P)
Grades 9 - 12 Required
1 Year
Through the study of
American literature students will continue to develop the foundational skills
in reading, writing, and oral language that will be necessary for their academic
success through the rest of high school and beyond. As writers, students must
demonstrate mastery of, the autobiographical story, the critical essay essay,
letter writing, and self reflection. As readers, students will apply critical
analysis to the four major genres of literature—novel, short story, poetry, and
drama—as well as learn techniques for understanding academic texts. As speakers
of the English language, students will make persuasive speeches, tell stories,
and participate in intellectual seminars.
ACADEMIC ENGLISH – Contemporary
Literature (Cntmp Lit P)
Grades 9 - 12 Required
1 Year
Contemporary Literature is
a course that encourages and engages students to become avid and selective
readers. This course focuses on literature of the last 25 years, with major
emphasis on the last 10 years, through the perspective of critical reading and
writing.
Fine
and Performing Arts
ART I
Grades 9-12 Elective
1 Year
Art 1 is a basic
foundation course to learn elements and principles of design and emphasizes
skills development and development of the creative thought process in 2
dimensional methods (first semester) and 3 dimensional (second semester)
methods of art making. Students will create individual works and through
integrated projects work collaboratively. Writing assignments and research on
Professional and Historical Artists/ Movements and Genres will be required. The
Class is designed to teach the required material in a way that the students can
access these concepts through their own personal expression.
DANCE I
Grades 9 -12
Dance is a component of the Drama curriculum. Dance includes an introduction to ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, choreography, dance performance and production. The class focuses on developing artistic perception, creative expression, reviewing the historical and cultural context of dance, aesthetic valuing and connecting, relating and applying skills learning in dance to other subject areas. As part of the Teens Teaching Through Theater productions of the Drama/Dance course, there will be frequent performances at schools and other venues throughout the school year.
DESIGN (DESIGN)
Grades 9-12
Design is a one-year
course. The first semester provides an introduction to the elements and
principles of visual design, such as line, shape, space and balance through a
series of projects in various media including fabric, gouache, ink and a
variety of paper and boards. Sonoma County is blessed with a large artist
community. Students will benefit from this community asset through
presentations introducing concepts, styles, techniques and strategies by a
series of talented local guest artists. Additionally, abstraction in two and
three dimensions will contrast literal assignments to demonstrate the power of
pure design to communicate. The development of technical skills in conjunction
with a personal design vocabulary will serve as a foundation for more complex
works such as hand-made books, miniature chairs and multi-part designs using
familiar images or found materials.
In the second semester students will continue the
exploration of design principles with a series of long-term, large-scale
assignments. These assignments cover concept to execution of work that will
have a practical application, such as wearable objects, signage on campus or a
conceptual work integrating community service. Assignments involving pattern
and repetition, modules, signage and symbol will provide students with methods
to organize disparate parts into a coherent whole. Relief printmaking using
foam core, acrylics, water-based inks and linoleum blocks will be introduced.
During each semester students will benefit from guest artist presentations and
will visit museums, recycling centers and designer's studios to expand their
sense of possibilities. Students will discover that design involves purposeful
decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an
integrative way.
DRAMA (DRAMA)
Grades 9-12 Elective
1 Semester
The Academy Production
& Performance (Drama) course is designed to give creative students an
understanding and appreciation for expressive and performing arts in all its
authentic forms.
We will provide students with a sound educational
experience in the arts that follows the intent of the California State Board of
Education approved Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Content Standards.
In the first semester students will learn basic acting
skills, including elements of stage movement, mime and voice. Students will
learn the principles of acting, stage direction and the process of developing
believable characters on stage. An introduction to ballet, modern, jazz,
hip-hop, choreography, dance performance and yoga is integrated.
Participation in an intensive journaling component is
required. Selected excerpts from Julie Cameron's “ The Artists Way” is
co-facilitated by an Advisory instructor and an artist in residence. Students
will write, edit & re-write monologues & dialogues mined from their
original works.
Activities will provide students an opportunity to see
and critique plays performed in the community and to read & interpret
selected works from a variety of plays, both contemporary and historical.
Students will produce original works based upon contemporary cultural &
social justice issues.
In the second semester, assignments will be the
culmination of concept to execution. Performance for audiences outside of the
class is required. Using theatrical terminology and processes, students will
reflect on and make judgments about the effectiveness their personal work and
the work of others. Production crew activities include: directing, sound
theory, set & sound crew, scriptwriting, stage set-up, prop management
& costumes. Studio activities include: painting, set design &
construction, lighting design, rendering, drafting and model making.
Throughout the course, performances by touring music,
dance, and theater groups will be facilitated. Community artists &
professionals will teach workshops on a unique medium/subject in their area of
expertise. Intensives will teach through immersion, encouraging collaborative
interdisciplinary art exploration and influence.
Sonoma County is blessed with a large artist community.
Students will benefit from this community asset through presentations
introducing concepts, styles, techniques and strategies by a series of talented
local guest artists. Students will attend concerts, festivals and performances
experiencing diverse folk and fine art forms in their home community. Artist
residencies will be used to the greatest extent possible.
ADVANCED DRAMA (ADV DRAMA)
Grades 10-12 Elective
1 Semester
This course will provide an in-depth study of
acting methods and opportunity to develop skills which build on the foundation
of the beginning drama class. In a workshop format, students will gain
extensive experience in applying techniques through the performance of scenes
and short plays and in incorporating feedback from several angles. Though the
class will emphasize acting, it will also cover the basics of directing,
producing, stage managing and other technical aspects of theater production.
Performance for audiences outside of the class is required.
Foreign
Language
SPANISH I (SPAN I P)
Grades 9-12 Elective
1 Year
This first year of Spanish
develops the four basic language skill areas of listening, speaking, reading
and writing and also provides an introduction to cultures. The class is taught
in the target language and students frequently interact orally using the
Spanish learned; reading a variety of level-appropriate materials and written
production of Spanish is also emphasized. Upon successful completion of this
course, students will be able to talk or write about themselves, their family
and friends, express their likes and dislikes and be able to discuss their
daily activities.
SPANISH II (SPAN II P)
Grades 9-12 Elective
1 Year
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Spanish I with a
Spanish GPA of 2.0 or higher.
In this second year of
Spanish, students continue to build on their listening, speaking, reading and
writing skills. Students will engage in debates related to readings and other
course materials and will be asked to write and express their opinions and viewpoints.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to write or
speak in a limited fashion about topics of personal interest in limited time
frames, understand spoken and written Spanish on familiar topics, and be
familiar with places where the Spanish language is spoken.
SPANISH III (SPAN III P)
Grades 9-12 Elective
1 Year
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Spanish II with a
Spanish GPA of 3.0 or higher.
In this third year of Spanish, students increase
their proficiency in the four basic language skills and become more creative
with using the language. Students are able to understand and actively engage in
general conversations, begin to write essays and research papers, and narrate
in all major time frames. Upon successful completion of this course, students
will be able to interact successfully with Spanish speakers and write at the
paragraph level on general topics.
SPANISH IV (SPAN IV P)
Grades 10-12 Elective
1 Year
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Spanish III with a
Spanish GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Students in this level learn to refine and become
more confident in their production and comprehension of the target language.
Students will revisit the topics focused upon during their previous years of
language instruction that will help them learn to better adjust their language
according to sociocultural norms. They will also develop skills necessary for
literary comparison and analysis. Upon successful completion of this course,
students will be able to be understood without difficulty, be able to narrate
and use all time frames to describe, tell stories, explain, and compare.
Mathematics
ALGEBRA 1A (P ALG 1A)
Grades 9 1
Year
Algebra 1A is the first half of a two-year sequence
of algebra courses designed to accommodate the student who is better served by
studying traditional algebra concepts over a longer period of time. Systematic
experiences with patterns build to an understanding of the idea of functions
and how to use a variable to write equations and inequalities. Topics covered
include properties of real numbers, solving, graphing, and writing linear
equations, and solving and graphing linear inequalities. A graphing calculator
is provided.
ALGEBRA 1B (P ALG 1B)
Grades 9 & 10 1
Year
PREREQUISTE: Grade of “C” or better in Algebra 1A.
(For incoming freshmen, placement depends upon the results of the Placement
Test and a qualifying test to demonstrate mastery of Algebra 1A concepts.)
Algebra 1B is the second half of a two-year sequence of algebra courses
designed to accommodate the student who is better served by studying
traditional algebra concepts over a longer period of time. It also accommodates
the student who took Algebra 1A in Grade 8. Students will solve systems of
linear equations and inequalities, and learn about exponents and exponential
functions, quadratic functions, polynomials and factoring, rational expressions
and equations, and radical functions. A graphing calculator is provided.
Completion of both Algebra 1A and Algebra 1B
constitutes the 1st course in the College Prep Math Sequence.
ALGEBRA I (ALG I P)
1 Year
PREREQUISITE: Grade 9 placement depends upon the
results of the Placement Test and recommendations of 8th grade school.
Symbolic reasoning and
calculations with symbols are vital to the study of algebra. Through the study
of algebra, students develop an understanding of the symbolic language of
mathematics and the sciences. In addition, students tackle large
"unit" problems that help them develop critical thinking and
reasoning skills. Algebra I includes the introduction of variables, constants,
expressions, equations, and functions. Topics include solving equations,
simplifying expressions, understanding order of operations, performing
operations with positive and negative numbers, exploring polynomials,
factoring, graphing (linear and quadratic equations), working with radicals,
and expanding arithmetic knowledge.
GEOMETRY (GEOM P)
1 Year
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or better in Algebra I.
This course is designed to
develop geometric skills and concepts and the ability to construct formal
logical arguments and proofs in geometric settings and problems. The course
focuses heavily on plane or Euclidean geometry; however, course pacing also
allows time for the study of coordinate geometry and its transformations.
Instruction in establishing the validity of assertions through logical
deductions is an important aspect of study. Students learn that central to the
study of geometry is the mathematical correctness of the argument.
ALGEBRA II (ALG II P)
Elective 1
Year
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or better in Algebra I
and Geometry.
This course complements
and expands on the mathematical content and concepts of Algebra 1 and Geometry.
The course of study will provide experience with algebraic solutions of
problems in various content areas, including the solution of systems of
quadratic equations, logarithmic and exponential functions, the binomial theorem,
and the complex number system. Instruction provides a preliminary review of key
algebra concepts – linear equations, systems of linear equations, equations and
inequalities, and then proceeds to more complex concepts and techniques
required for more advanced courses in mathematics, science, and in the workplace.
These new concepts include the study of quadratic equations and parabolas,
functions, powers, roots, radicals, exponential functions, logarithmic functions,
polynomials, polynomial functions, rational functions, quadratic relations, sequences,
conic sections, series, probability and statistics.
Physical
Education
PE I (PE 1)
Grades 9 - 12
This is an activity course designed to improve
individual physical fitness levels through the development of fundamental
sports skills. Knowledge of component parts of physical fitness are
incorporated as part of vigorous daily activity. The following units are
taught: volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer, track/field, physical
fitness, assault prevention and self defense.
Science
INTRODUCTORY PHYSICAL SCIENCE (IPS P)
Grades 9 - 12 1
Year
This course gives students
a beginning knowledge of physical science and offers insights into the means by
which scientific knowledge is acquired. Topics covered include the structure of
the atom, compounds and elements, covalent and ionic bonding and chemical
reactions. It is expected that students will develop a good preliminary
understanding of these concepts as well as the physical properties of matter.
Laboratory work, both actual and virtual, is part of the course work, and is
used by students to arrive at broad-based principles. The scientific approach
to problem solving is continually used. A brief introduction to earth science
and astronomy is included. The course content is designed to provide a solid
foundation for further study of chemistry in the future. Specifically, the
metric system, scientific notation and lab techniques are studied.
ACADEMIC BIOLOGY (BIOLOGY P)
Grades 9 - 12 1
Year
Biology is a lab-oriented
course designed to familiarize the student with basic principles of life
sciences. Course topics include: the chemistry of life, cell structure and
function, how organisms obtain and use energy, patterns of heredity and
genetics, the continuity and development of life on Earth, how organisms adapt
to their environment, the diversity of life, basic life processes, human
anatomy, and ecology. All students will participate in laboratory and field
exercises that illustrate concepts, utilize the scientific method, and teach
basic lab skills (and safety).
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY (ENVRMNT CHEM)
Grades 9 - 12 1
Year
PREREQUISITE: Completion of, or concurrent
enrollment in Geometry, completion of Academic Biology, and teacher
recommendation.
Environmental Chemistry is a yearlong elective course
focused on chemistry-related technology and issues confronting our society and
world. The issues serve as a basis for understanding the chemistry concepts
needed to understand and analyze the issues, and the impact they will have on
society. The course includes the major chemistry concepts, vocabulary, thinking
skills, problem-solving skills, and laboratory techniques. The course contains
units dealing with supplying our water needs, conserving chemical resources,
petroleum, understanding foods, nuclear chemistry, air and climate, health, and
the chemical industry. The curriculum contains a greater number and variety of
student-oriented activities than is customary. In addition to numerous
laboratory exercises each unit contains three levels of activities and several
types of problem-solving exercises.
CHEMISTRY (CHEM P)
Grades 11 - 12 1
Year
PREREQUISITE: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra II
or completion of Algebra II with a “C” or higher. Grade of “C” or better in
Biology or “B” or better in Environmental Chemistry.
This course is designed to build upon the
foundation in chemistry established in the prerequisite courses. The concept of
the mole, atomic structure, compound formation, chemical equations and the
basic behavior of matter are introduced. Quantitative aspects are presented
through use of problems involving the gas laws, stoichiometry, molarity,
titrations, and equilibrium calculations. Topics include thermodynamics,
kinetics, radioactivity, molecular geometry and oxidation-reduction. Lecture,
discussion and laboratory exercises are used. Students are expected to provide
their own calculator for use during the course.
CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS (PHYSICS P)
Grades 11 - 12 1
Year
PREREQUISITE: Grade of “C” or better in Algebra II,
Academic Biology and Chemistry courses or “B” or better in Environmental
Chemistry and department approval.
This course will present the basic concepts of
Physics with the main intent to prepare the student for future courses in
science or engineering. The methods used will be lecture, laboratory, and
written discussion. The central theme will be the relationships between matter
and energy expanded through the topics of Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics,
waves (sound and light), electricity, magnetism, atomic and nuclear physics,
and relativity.
Social
Studies
WORLD HISTORY (W HIST P)
Grades 9 - 12 Required
1 Year
In World History Cultures,
& Geography, students study major turning points that shaped the modern
world from the late 18th century through the present, including the cause and
course of the two world wars. They trace the rise of democratic ideas and
develop an understanding of the historical roots of current world issues,
especially as they pertain to international relations. They extrapolate from
the American experience that democratic ideals often are achieved at a high
price, remain vulnerable, and are not practiced everywhere in the world.
U. S. HISTORY (US HIST P)
Grades 9 - 12 Required
1 Year
United States History
emphasizes a thematic study of America's history with the major emphasis on the
20th century. Utilizing the following themes -- Justice Requires Restraint,
Courage Requires Moderation, Responsibility Requires Action, Change Requires Effort
-- students inquire into the content of America's history from the founders of
the republic to the 21st century. Students investigate episodes in World War II
and Vietnam In terms of justice; the American Revolution, the Civil war, and
the Civil Rights movement in terms of courage; the 1920s and the 1930s In terms
of responsibility; and the progressive era In terms of change.
ECONOMICS (ECON P)
Grades 10 -
12 Required 1 Semester
Economics provides a
combined approach of economic theory and application. It is learning to
interpret human choices and behaviors by examining the incentives and
disincentives that motivate us to behave as we do in the context of current
problems. It explores how market mechanisms allocate scarce resources among
competing uses; it uses supply, demand, production, and distribution theory to
analyze problems. Students will study macro and micro economic theories, to
include international markets, investments, money and banking, economic growth
and stability, unemployment, inflation, and role of government. Practical
applications are used to support course work.
U. S. GOVERNMENT (US GOVT P)
Grades 10 -
12 Required 1 Semester
The stress of this course
is for the student to develop an understanding of the nature, organization,
processes, and issues of federal, state, and local government. While emphasis
is placed on the structure of America’s government, special attention is placed
on the influences (political parties, pressure groups, public opinion,
elections) that affect decision-making. A special focus is also made of the
individual’s rights and responsibilities in the political system with special
emphasis on the ethical implications on political decision-making regarding the
issues of the day.
SOCIAL JUSTICE 1 (SOC JUST)
Grades 9 - 12 Elective 1 Semester
In this course a study is made of the basic
components of ethics necessary for making good decisions on the vital issues of
our times. Students will learn about the pluralism of ethical theories, which
are common in the modern world. They will understand the human person as an
intelligent animal with a free will and the duty to form and follow their
conscience. The various external factors, which influence the development of
personal morals, will be investigated and students will criticize their own
moral code in light of these. Students will have an opportunity to test their
moral beliefs though an investigation of some of the moral dilemmas commonly
encountered by individuals as members of family, nation, and world.
Speech
AMBASSADOR
Grades 9-12 Elective
1 Semester
This course is a performance class available to
students interested in competitive forensics and debate. The course is based on
the Teen Court program and will refine the students’ preparation methods,
presentation techniques and confidence. In preparation for competition,
students will learn oral interpretation (literary and dramatic) and debate. The
debate component will develop critical thinking, argumentation and research
strategies, effective speechwriting, and the talent of persuasion using both
affirmative and negative opinions. Class level and public debates will be the
primary focus of the class.
