2008-2009 COURSE
LIST
GRADE 12
LANGUAGE ARTS
ENGLISH 12 (1 credit)
In English 12, students refine the skills in reading, writing
and communicating that were acquired in the junior year.
The course extends and intensifies the students’ ranges
of analytical, critical and creative means of expression.
The study of literature is approached through a variety
of genres. Students examine how literary themes
reflect world literature and historical and cultural
perspective of our world, and recognize the significant
connections between literature and culture. These emphasized
in this course include “world view” and “use
and abuse of power.” Seniors manage and direct
their own growth as writers, readers and communicators.
Students work toward completion of their writing portfolios.
HONORS ENGLISH 12 (1 credit)
Honors English 12 is an accelerated course that focuses
intensively on reading and writing at advanced levels.
This course requires a greater degree of independence
and competence in communicating and applying critical
thinking skills. Students examine how literary themes
reflect world literature and culture perspectives of
our world and recognize the significant connections between
literature and culture. Students develop sophisticated
literary interpretations and critical essays using primary
literary sources. As a course requirement, students work
toward completion of their portfolio.
MATHEMATICS
MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS II (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 the study of two-dimensional geometry, Tessellations,
three-dimensional geometry, indirect variation, proportionality,
three-dimensional coordinate and topographical maps, and
systems of equations/inequalities. The application
of mathematical concepts to trade experiences reinforces
this curriculum.
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 highly integrated into
instruction and learning.
*College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this
course and Algebra II can receive advanced college credit.
ADVANCED ALGEBRA (1 credit) Prerequisite: Successful
completion of Algebra II
In Advanced Algebra, the student’s knowledge of algebra
is reinforced and extended. Knowledge of functions
is extended to include exponential, rational, trigonometric
and logarithmic. The purpose of this course is to
prepare students for the transition to college level math
and solidify their knowledge and skills in preparation
to be successful in a pre-calculus course. 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.
*College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this
course can receive advanced college credit.
SOCIAL STUDIES
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES (1 credit)
In Contemporary Issues, students examine current issues
on the local, national and global level using a variety
of print and electronic news sources. The course
encourages students to make connections to their trade
and technical program. Classes focus on decision-making
and critical thinking activities such as mini-debates
and class discussions. Students will use the process
of inquiry to identify issues, form questions, investigate
resources and draw conclusions on important contemporary
issues. Discussions, role plays, demonstrations
and exercises will be used to develop student understanding
and awareness.
SOCIAL STUDIES TOPICS (1 credit)
(Law, Economics, Psychology)
Social Studies Topics is an elective course providing students
an introduction to social science courses in a focused
marking period study. Topics for one marking period studies
are in three of the following social sciences: economics,
law, psychology, sociology or contemporary issues. Selecting
a different course each marking period, students will be
introduced to a critical topic. Students will use a variety
of print and non-print sources problems and will analyze
a variety of issues through out the year. Students will
develop critical thinking skills and perspectives to better
understand the world around them.
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.
*College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this
course can receive advanced college credit.
HONORS PHYSICS (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. The prerequisite
for taking this course is successful completion of Algebra
II or, upon permission of instructor, concurrently taking
Algebra II.
*College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this
course can receive advanced college credit.
ASTRONOMY (1
credit)
This course is an introduction to the study of the solar
system, the stars, galaxies, nebulae and newly discovered
celestial bodies. This course is designed to raise
the level of student awareness of celestial objects, including
history, properties, interrelationships, and the impact
upon the understanding of the universe. Laboratory
activities are included.
SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAMS
MYTHOLOGY (1 credit)
Students will examine a cross-cultural and historical survey
of world mythology. Students will become familiar
with the ways different cultures have interpreted the
world in which they live and how cultures created their
own explanations for phenomena they could not understand. Myths,
fables, and legends from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the
Americas will be examined. This course will also
consider ideas such as the meanings of myth, the purposes
and functions of myth; theories of how myths originated;
and ways that myths have been analyzed and interpreted. This
course will trace the manner in which some myths have
been given expression in literature, visual art and film. Students
will learn to compare and contrast myths and discuss
common elements in myths and to interpret the meaning
of the myths in the cultural and historical context in
which they were written.
CREATIVE WRITING (1 credit)
Students will read and analyze examples of short fiction
and poetry in order to build a vocabulary for discussing
the craft of writing and to become acquainted with masters
of the form. Through writing exercises and work on their
own compositions, students will hone their skills. This
course introduces the basic conventions of fiction and
poetry and helps students develop techniques to polish
their writing in any genre. Class time will be spent
discussing and practicing writing and in workshop.
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (1 credit)
Environmental Science will train students in standard laboratory
operating procedures and sampling/analysis techniques
in the related areas of chemistry, biology and environmental
science. The application of scientific concepts to trade
experiences reinforces the curriculum. Training will
also take place in the use of scientific instrumentation,
collecting and handling samples in the field, and safety
with regard to state and federal Occupational, Health
and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations as they
apply to the workplace.
SPANISH I(1 credit)
Spanish I will offer students basic communicative skills
to develop speaking proficiency, correct pronunciation,
listening comprehension, and the ability to read and
write idiomatic expressions in the targeted language
to enhance the skills of their selected trade.
CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH (1 credit)
This course will offer language application as seen from
an oral and conversational perspective. This course
will apply the basic skills to the areas of communication,
background of cultures, linguistic connections to their
own language, and comparisons among cultures and communities. Students
will participate in a range of communicative activities
from role-playing to group dialogues using vocabulary
in context. Language skills and cultural knowledge
are enhanced by the use of technology, CD-ROMs, Internet,
audio and video tapes, and slides.
3D DESIGN I (1 credit)
This course explores the elements of art and principles
of design using a variety of techniques and materials. Emphasis
is placed on the various ways of creating 3-D designs
using shapes, planes, and forms. Instruction is given
using paper, wood, plaster, wire, papier-mâché and
clay. Lectures and student research on art history are
included.
DRAWING II (1 credit)
This course focuses on drawing techniques and tools. Students
will demonstrate and understand basic drawing using visual
measurement, shading, composition, perspective, drawing
techniques, sustained drawings and written reflection. Students
have an opportunity to use various drawing media and develop
drawing skills, observation skills, and confidence in the
use of media and drawing. Exposure to various media,
subject matter, and knowledge of history and culture through
art will also be emphasized. Drawing II includes
more advanced application of drawing, expanding students’ skills
and using a variety of materials. Knowledge of history
and culture through art will be explored in more depth.
PAINTING II (1 credit)
Painting II is a techniques and tools class. Students
are exposed to various painting techniques and media. They
will also engage in written reflection of their own art
and the artwork of others. They will also be exposed
to paintings from different time periods and cultures. Painting
II gives students an understanding and appreciation of
painting processes, aesthetics, criticism and history. Essential
visual arts concepts and skills in this course provide
a foundation for continuing study in art. Painting
II includes more advanced and in-depth application of the
aforementioned painting principles.
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.
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