2008-2009
COURSE LIST
GRADE 11
LANGUAGE ARTS
ENGLISH 11 (1 credit)
In English 11, students integrate the skills of reading
and writing with the interpretation of literature of
various periods and genres of the American literary tradition.
The study of literature is emphasized through the genres
of the novel, poetry, and drama. Students write
to express ideas, to describe, to inform and to persuade.
The course demands a greater proficiency in developing
writing skills in order to analyze fiction and nonfiction,
including text structures. Students examine how literary
themes reflect American culture and recognize the significant
connections between literature and culture. Themes emphasized
in this course include “the American dream” and “social
justice.” This course requires a greater
degree of independence and competence in communicating
and critical thinking. The research paper or research
project is a course requirement. Students continue to
build their writing portfolios.
HONORS ENGLISH III (1 credit)
Honors English 11 is an accelerated course that focuses
intensively on writing and American literature at advanced
levels. Students develop literary interpretations and
critical essays using primary literary sources. This
course requires a greater degree of independence and
competence in communicating and critical thinking. A
research paper is a course requirement. Students continue
to build their portfolios.
WESLEYAN HUMANITIES (1 credit)
The Wesleyan Humanities program is an Honors Level English
Elective offered during the junior year. The program
is a consortium of five high schools: Vinal, Middletown,
Xavier, Mercy, and Haddam-Killingworth who meet for six
seminar days at Wesleyan University to hear a notable
professor lecture at the Russell House during the morning
session and to watch a related film at the Center for
Film Studies building in the afternoon. The prerequisites
are that the students who enroll in the program are honor
level students and avid readers who make a commitment
to read the books and attend the seminar days at Wesleyan
University to hear the professors’ lectures. The
program is designed for serious students to experience
the preparation, discussion, and note-taking skills which
are the basic demands placed on college freshmen as they
embark on their own college odyssey.
MATHEMATICS
ALGEBRA II (1
credit) Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Geometry
In Algebra II, the student's knowledge of algebra is reinforced
and extended. Knowledge of functions is expanded to quadratics
and polynomials. Topics include algebraic vocabulary, variations,
solving systems of equations, understanding non-linear
function and graphs, with as many applications as possible.
The course sets the stage for a higher-level study of mathematics
(Advanced Algebra). Students are expected to communicate
their procedures, as well as defend their results. The
application of mathematical concepts to trade experiences
reinforces the curriculum. The use of a graphing calculator
is encouraged.
Tech Prep – Students successfully completing this course
can receive advanced college credit.
ALGEBRA II Honors (1
credit) Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Geometry, (self-selection
by student)
This is an accelerated course that focuses on an in-depth
understanding of algebra. The course continues an in-depth
study of functions, which is extended to quadratics. Topics
include algebraic vocabulary, variations and graphs, complex
numbers, sequences, probability, and trigonometry, with
as many applications as possible. The course sets the stage
for a higher-level study of mathematics. This course requires
a greater degree of independence and competence in critical
thinking and communicating mathematically. The application
of mathematical concepts to trade experiences reinforces
the curriculum. The use of a graphing calculator is encouraged.
Tech Prep – Students successfully completing this course
can receive advanced college credit.
HONORS PRE-CALCULUS (1 credit) Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Algebra II
This course will enable students to develop an in-depth
understanding of graphs of relations, algebraic and trigonometric
functions. Special focus is placed on the use of models
to solve real-life problems. The course is taught as a
preparation for the study of calculus. In addition, students
convert real-world data into numerical or algebraic models.
Students also use these models to analyze and predict behavior
of data and effectively communicate those results. This
demanding course requires a great deal of independence
and competence in critical thinking and communicating mathematically. The
use of a graphing calculator is incorporated.
MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Successful
completion of Algebra I and Geometry
The purpose of this course is to explore new areas of mathematics
and reinforce them through the application of algebraic
and geometry concepts. Areas of study include topics
such as discrete math (graph theory, simulations and optimizations),
simple statistics, and application of math in business
and linear programming. The course is offered to
students looking for a third or fourth year of math. The
application of mathematical concepts to trade experiences
reinforces this curriculum.
SOCIAL STUDIES
MODERN UNITED STATES HISTORY (1 credit)
Modern United States History builds upon the historical
foundations learned in Civics/American Government. This
course focuses on the major historical periods, issues
and trends in U. S. History from the 20th century to
the present. Students examine historical themes
such as ideals beliefs and institutions, conflict resolution,
science and technology in order to understand how the
United States came to be the way it is. The course
emphasizes the economic, political and social events
that shaped our nation. Throughout the year, connections
are made to the student's trade and technical program. Students
will develop historical thinking through active inquiry
and research using multiple sources especially primary
sources. Students will analyze multiple perspectives
and interpretations and write to inform and persuade
the reader. Students continue to build a portfolio,
which includes position papers, as well as a research
paper.
HONORS MODERN UNITED STATES HISTORY (1
credit)
Honors Modern United States History is an accelerated course
for the motivated student who is a proficient reader. The
course builds upon the historical foundations learned in
Civics/American Government. This course focuses on
the major historical periods, issues and trends in U. S.
History from the 20th century to the present. Students
are expected to express various historical viewpoints,
develop point of views and organize and present position
papers. The course emphasizes the economic, political
and social events that shaped our nation. Throughout
the year, connections are made to the student's trade and
technical program. Students will develop historical
thinking through active inquiry and research using multiple
sources particularly primary documents. Students
will analyze multiple perspectives and interpretations
and write to inform and persuade the reader. Students
continue to build a portfolio including position papers
and a research paper.
SCIENCE
CHEMISTRY (1 credit)
Building on knowledge developed in the previous integrated
science courses, students will be introduced to chemistry
topics such as: atomic structure, chemical bonding, energy
changes, stoichiometry, periodicity, properties of gasses,
solutions, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, and organic
and biochemistry. Students will investigate the properties,
composition and structure of matter and the laws that
govern the combination of elements and reaction of substances.
The application of scientific concepts to trade experiences
reinforces the curriculum. Students will apply their
knowledge of chemistry to various problem-solving activities
with the use of science-specific technologies and standard
laboratory tools.
HONORS CHEMISTRY (1
credit)
Honors Chemistry is a laboratory and mathematically-oriented
science course. Basic classical concepts are emphasized
in this college preparatory course. Topics studied will
include measurement, atomic and molecular structure and
theory, periodic law, chemical bonding, formulas, equations
and stoichiometry, gases, liquids, solids and solutions,
chemical reactions (acid-base and red-ox), nuclear, and
organic chemistry.
PHYSICS (1 credit)
Using an applied approach, students will investigate Newton
's laws, classical mechanics, universal gravitation,
astronomy, electricity and electrical forces and the
electromagnetic wave spectrum ( EMS ). The application
of scientific concepts to trade experiences reinforces
the curriculum. Through participation in laboratory experiences,
students will develop an understanding of connections
between physics and the workings of simple and complex
technological devices.
Tech Prep – Students successfully completing this course
can receive advanced college credit.
HONORS PHYSICS I (1
credit) Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Algebra II
Through this honors physics course, students will gain
an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the physical
world, using both the qualitative and quantitative study
of the principles of physics. The application of scientific
concepts to trade experiences reinforces the curriculum.
Honors physics stresses the use of mathematics to illuminate
the physical situation and problem solving.
SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAMS
SPANISH (1 credit)
This course is an introduction to the Spanish language.
Students will experience basic written and oral communication
skills in the target language. These will include beginning
grammar as well as structured stories. It is expected
that the target language will be used approximately 80%
of the time once students have mastered the introductory
chapters. The study of Spanish culture throughout the
world will also be part of the curriculum.
INTRODUCTION TO ART (1 credit)
In this course, students will have an opportunity to create
and respond to visual arts, focusing on drawing, design,
color, painting and sculpture. This course will introduce
students to a variety of techniques and mediums that
they will apply while creating original artwork. A variety
of design elements, such as line, space, form, color,
value and texture, as well as a variety of design principles,
including balance, unity, contrast, emphasis, movement,
rhythm and pattern, will be studied. Students will have
an opportunity to appreciate and interpret works of art
in terms of history, aesthetics and culture. Students
also will begin developing a portfolio of original artwork.
INTRODUCTION TO JOURNALISM (1 credit)
This course will introduce students to the role of the
journalist in American society. Students will develop
writing skills by studying and applying rules of form
for composing news stories, reviews, features, and editorials. In
addition, students will become critical and active readers
of newspapers and periodicals. Students will learn
to adhere to standards of journalistic ethics through
their work in the course.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH
HEALTH (1/4 credit)
This is a required course of study for graduation. This
course is intended to build and expand on student knowledge
of physical, emotional and mental health issues. Topics
such as family life; nutrition; substance abuse; consumer
education, and diseases and disorders are studied. The
curriculum addresses knowledge, attitude and skill development
and provides opportunities for students to practice skills
that promote lifelong health and well-being.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (1/4 credit)
This is a required course of study for graduation. The
physical education program focuses upon activities and
instruction that promote beneficial physical fitness
habits, group interaction and team-building skills through
a sequential program of sport, leisure and recreational
activities. A special emphasis on fitness in Grade 10
prepares students for Connecticut's statewide fitness
assessment. Students are instructed in the necessary
skills in order to participate in a variety of physically
related experiences, which are socially sound, physically
wholesome and provide lifetime benefits.
RELATED SUBJECTS
CAREER DEVEOLPMENT LAB (½ Credit)
Mandatory lab for all grade 11 students which focuses on
the area of career skills.. |
