2011-2012 High School Course Descriptions
Electives
Anthropology *
0.5 CreditAnthropology courses introduce students to the study of human evolution with regard to the origin, distribution, physical attributes, environment, and culture of human beings. These courses provide an overview of anthropology, including but not limited to both physical and cultural anthropology.
Career Exploration
0.5 CreditCareer Exploration courses help students identify and evaluate personal goals, priorities, aptitudes, and interests with the goal of helping them make informed decisions about their careers. These courses expose students to various sources of information on career and training options and may also assist them in developing job search and employability skills.
Forensics
0.5 CreditThis course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of forensic science. The overall goal of the course is to use the scientific method to develop the students’ problem-solving skills, using the tools and techniques of modern forensic scientists. Students will learn about specific techniques used in forensics encompassing the fields of biology, chemistry, physics and crime scene investigation. Topics covered will include crime scene processing, analyzing evidence, and specialized fields of forensic study, careers and the impact of media. Students will gain an understanding of the inquiry approach necessary to perform an investigation and the application of the tools available to solve a crime. Forensics counts as an elective credit. It does not count for a science credit.
Journalism
0.5 Credit(Typically associated with the production of a school newspaper, yearbook or literary magazine) emphasize writing style and technique as well as production values and organization. Journalism courses introduce students to the concepts of newsworthiness and responsibility; develop student’s skills in writing and editing stories, headlines, and captions; and teach students the principles of production design, layout and printing. Photography and photojournalism skills may be included.
Marine Biology
0.5 CreditThis course introduces marine biology as the study of living organisms within saltwater ecosystems. Through this course, concerned citizens can acquire the necessary tools to teach others about the importance of saving our oceans. Students develop a firm grasp of scientific vocabulary, facts, and concepts along with scientific literacy: the ability to read scientific studies, interpret numeric information, weigh and assess data, make connections, apply what was learned to issues outside of the classroom and write effectively about scientific results. These skills are invaluable in advocating for informed protection of the marine environment.
Psychology *
0.5 CreditPsychology courses introduce students to the study of individual human behavior. Course content typically includes (but is not limited to) an overview of the field of psychology, topics in human growth and development, personality and behavior, and abnormal psychology.
Study Skills
0.5 CreditStudy Skills courses prepare students for success in high school and/or for postsecondary education. Course topics may vary according to the students involved, but typically include reading improvement skills, such as scanning, note-taking, and outlining; library and research skills; listening and note-taking; vocabulary skills; and test-taking skills. The courses may also include exercises designed to generate organized, logical thinking and writing.
Video Game Design
0.5 CreditCredit Students learn how to design, write, and test software using object-oriented software development environments. Students are introduced to the concept of humane game design and explore how computer programs and games can be used to communicate values, ideas, and thoughts. Students explore the idea of game and how this transfers to computers. Students learn how to convert their ideas into visual, audio, and story assets for their game software. Topics covered include fundamental design processes, use of variables in programming, program control and flow features, iterative statements, and incorporating files and graphics into software.
Web Design
0.5 CreditWeb Page Design courses teach students how to design web sites by introducing them to and refining their knowledge of site planning, page layout, graphic design, and the use of markup languages—such as Extensible Hypertext Markup, JavaScript, Dynamic HTML, and Document Object Model—to develop and maintain a web page. These courses may also cover security and privacy issues, copyright infringement, trademarks, and other legal issues relating to the use of the Internet. Advanced topics may include the use of forms and scripts for database access, transfer methods, and networking fundamentals.
Workplace Experience
0.5 CreditWorkplace Experience courses provide students with work experience in a field related to their interests. Goals are typically set cooperatively by the student, teacher, and employer (although students are not necessarily paid). These courses may include classroom activities as well, involving further study of the field or discussion regarding experiences that students encounter in the workplace.
* NCAA Approved Core Course