CTHSS
ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2009-10

(The following are approved elective courses which may NOT be offered at all sites.  Please contact the respective school Guidance Department for their elective offerings.)

ART
(Prerequisite:  Students are required taking Introduction to Art before becoming eligible for Art Electives.
Advanced Placement Studio Art I and II (1 credit)
Advanced Placement Studio Art is a college-level course focusing on drawing that requires the development of a portfolio demonstrating quality, breadth and concentration. This course concentrates on developing the student’s creativity and technical drawing skills in the areas of realism and fantasy. Intense instruction is provided in shading, landscape, still life, portraiture, human body figure, value and perspective. Various techniques are taught, including tennebrism, stippling, chiaroscuro, cross-hatching and printing methods. Many different mediums are used, including pencil, charcoal, watercolor, crayon and pastels. To qualify for college credit, students must submit a portfolio of slides meeting specific criteria in May of their senior year.

2-D Design I(½ credit or 1 credit)
This course explores the elements of art and principles of design.  Students will be introduced to a variety of medium including drawing, painting, printmaking, lettering and mixed media. Lectures and student research on art history will be included.  An inexpensive notebook or sketchbook is required.

3-D Design I (½ 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.

3-D Design II (1 credit)
In this course, students will have an opportunity to create and respond to visual arts, focusing on 3-D design.  This course will be a continuation of 3-D Design I.  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.

Advanced Art (½ credit)
This course is an advanced study of art principles and design.  Students will advance skills in creating and interpreting art and will prepare portfolios of their work.

Drawing I and II (½ 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.

Floral Design (1 credit)
In this course, students will explore art and 3-D design through the medium of floral design. Students will use live flowers, silks, and mixed greens, among other materials to study the design styles, history, art, and personal expression of this art form.

Jewelry Making (½ credit)
This course introduces students to the principles and design of jewelry making.  Students will explore the techniques, history, materials and concepts used to create original jewelry.  A variety of mediums will be used including clay, metal, plastic, paper and recyclable materials.  Various processes used will include the kiln, soldering and AutoCAD.

Painting (½ credit, 1 credit)
Painting I is a techniques and tools class.  Students are introduced 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 introduced to paintings from different time periods and cultures.  Painting I 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.

Printmaking (½ credit)
This course focuses on printmaking as an art form.  Various techniques and processes will be explored.  Students will apply various problem solving and design principles to create printmaking products including pulled string, monoprinting, linoleum block, recycled relief, silk screening and brush stencil cutting.

Studio Art (1 credit)
Perquisite:  Successful completion of Introduction to Art and serious interest in drawing)
Studio Art focuses on drawing that requires the development of a portfolio demonstrating quality, breadth and concentration. This course concentrates on developing the student’s creativity and technical drawing skills in the areas of realism and fantasy. Intense instruction is provided in shading, landscape, still life, portraiture, human body figure, value and perspective. Various techniques are taught, including tennebrism, stippling, chiaroscuro, cross-hatching and printing methods. Many different mediums are used, including pencil, charcoal, watercolor, crayon and pastels.

COMPUTER APPLICATION
Computer Applications I and II (½ credit, 1 credit)
The Computer Applications program provides opportunities for students to develop competency and demonstrate technological proficiency in areas related to computer literacy standards. Students will demonstrate the ability to work with a variety of software applications, technologies and equipment, as well as keyboarding at the proficiency standard. The ninth and tenth grade program offers a course sequence in computer literacy including Basic Operations and Concepts, Social Ethical Issues, Technology Productivity and Software Applications, Technology Communications, Technology Tools, and Problem-solving. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of Word, Excel and Power point to design projects and products.

ENGLISH
Please Note:  The following courses do not meet graduation requirements for English grades 11 and 12.

African American Literature (1 credit)
Students will focus on reading, writing, and interpreting African-American literature from various periods.  Students will be able to identify themes of African-American culture and relate these themes to the literature and contemporary American culture.

Cinema Literacy (½ credit, 1 credit)
Students will explore the genre of film in order to develop visual literacy and the ability to read film critically.  Students will learn the technical vocabulary related to film and analyze the directors' goals in the portrayal of characters, conflicts, and themes.  Students will become active viewers and engage in multiple writing assignments that encourage analysis of course concepts.

Classic Literature on Film (1 credit)
Students will explore classic works of literature through the medium of film, compare and analyze the translation of the written text into the visual medium, and read film critically. Students will write reviews in which they critique and analyze author’s purpose, director’s goals, characterization, conflict, theme, and the application of literary devices.  In addition, students will research a particular film or director and prepare a paper, project, or presentation for class.

Creative Writing (½ credit, 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.

Drama (1 credit)
Students will read and view plays in order to develop an understanding of the structure and conventions of drama.  A brief history of playwriting will be introduced, and students will learn the components of stagecraft.  In addition, students will write their own play.

Introduction to Journalism (½ credit, 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.

Journalism II (1 credit)
(Prerequisite:  Introduction to Journalism)
Expands students writing skills and competencies learned in Introduction to Journalism.  Students will refine journalistic skills by studying and applying rules of form for composing news stories, reviews, features, and editorials.

Language of Images (1 credit)
Students will develop critical thinking skills as they explore the functions of art and writing, improve oral and written communication; engage in on-going class dialogue through written reflections and in-class critiques.

Mythology (½ credit, 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.

Study of Science Fiction (1 credit)
Through readings in the genre of science fiction, students will study man in relationship to his future--a future dominated by science and technology.   The many questions studied are the nature of man and his future societies; the treatment of current social problems; the division of peoples; and prescriptions for the new society, the new people, and the new belief systems.

World Mythology/Shakespeare and His World (1 credit)
This course will introduce students to selected works of Shakespeare, the Elizabethan Age, and world mythology.  Students will gain an understanding of the role of mythology in a cross-cultural context and how modern literature has evolved from the beginnings of story-telling.

MUSIC (Grasso, Kaynor, Norwich, and Prince Technical High Schools only)
Band (½ credit, 1 credit)
Prerequisite-  minimum of 1 year of band in middle or high school or completion of Introduction to Instruments; or audition with the music instructor to assess ability.
This course is open to students who wish to play traditional band/orchestra instruments.  Prior experience with your instrument is required. Focus will be on ensemble skills, reading musical notation, and other musical concepts. Students must supply instruments and supplies (reeds, etc.). This class is offered to students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade.  This class may be repeated for credit as it is divided by grade level and will vary depending upon the ability of the students in the class.

Band Sectional Rehearsal (¼ credit)
Corequisite- must be concurrently scheduled in Band.
Students in this class will work in a “sectional” setting and will focus on musicality, chamber music (depending upon instrumentation), performance practices, musical literacy, sight-reading, audition skills, scales, and the study of repertoire covered in ensembles.  Students in the class may also work on solo repertoire including, but not limited to, the literature required for the CMEA regional festival.  All students in this class must be able to read music and must be proficient on a band instrument (percussion, woodwind, or brass). This class is offered to students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade.  This class may be repeated for credit and will vary depending upon the ability of the students in the class.

Chorus (½ credit, 1 credit)
Open to anyone with a desire to sing. Emphasis will be placed on singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of choral music, as well as the development of musical reading skills and ensemble skills. No experience necessary. This class is offered to students in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade and will vary depending upon the ability of the students in the class.

Chorus Sectional Rehearsal (¼ credit)
Corequisite- must be concurrently scheduled in Chorus.
This class offers vocal music instruction for students in a “sectional” setting.  Classes will focus on basic vocal production and posture, musical literacy, solfedge, and study of both the repertoire covered in the ensembles as well as a variety of specialized repertoire selected depending upon the needs of the individual class.  This class is offered to students in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. There is no prerequisite for this class and the class may be repeated for credit and will vary depending upon the ability of the students in the class.

Guitar I (½ credit, 1 credit)
Open to all students who own a guitar or bass. Music reading skills not required. Emphasis will be placed on performing a variety of music alone and with others, as well as the development of musical reading skills and ensemble skills. If a student wishes to enroll but does not own a guitar, a limited number of school instruments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This class may NOT be repeated for credit.

Guitar II (½ credit)
Prerequisite:  Guitar I
Open to students who successfully completed Guitar I and would like to continue more advanced study.  Students will learn higher level repertoire and techniques, with greater emphasis on public performance.

Instrumental Ensemble (½ credit)
Prerequisite-  minimum of 1 year of band or ensemble  in middle or high school or completion of Introduction to Instruments; or audition with the music instructor to assess ability.
This course is open to students who wish to play band/orchestra instruments. Focus will be on ensemble skills, reading musical notation, and other musical concepts. Students must have instruments and supplies (reeds, etc.). Please note that a limited number of instruments may be available for student use.

Introduction to Drumline (½ credit, 1 credit)
Students will gain a basic knowledge about percussion instruments. Students will perform a varied repertoire of music for a minimum of one concert per year. Students will demonstrate the ability to read an instrumental score by describing how the elements of music are used.  Student performance will be assessed individually and as a group for skill development using literature with a rating scale of 1-2. This class may NOT be repeated for credit. 

Introduction to Instruments (½ credit)
This class is offered to 9th, 10th and 11th graders.  There is no prerequisite though access to an instrument is necessary.  “Introduction to Instruments” is for students interested in learning how to play a band instrument (wind, brass or percussion). Students in this class will select a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument to focus on for the year.  The class is intended for students who have not previously learned to play a band instrument or students who are switching from one instrument to another. The course focuses on basic playing techniques, instrument care, note reading, musicianship, musical literacy, and eventually basic ensemble techniques. Students will be provided with class time for individual practice as well as group instruction.  It is the goal of the class that students will be proficient enough on their instruments by the end of the year to join band during the next school year.  While most instruction and practice takes place during the school day, students enrolled in this class are required to practice at home during both the academic and shop cycles. Students have an opportunity to rent an instrument for the year although a limited number of instruments are available for loan.  In addition, students are required to purchase basic musical supplies necessary for the playing and up keep of their instrument (ex: reeds, swabs, cork grease).  This class may NOT be repeated for credit. 

Music Appreciation (½ credit)
This is an introductory course for students with little or no previous studies in music.  A major percentage of this course will be devoted to listening to, analyzing and describing, from classical up to present day. This course is intended for anyone interested in music. This course is designed to introduce students to the basic foundations of music including music theory, basic piano, guitar, and computer applications in music. The course also includes a study of music of all types. This class may NOT be repeated for credit.

Music Theory (½ credit)
This course is specifically geared toward the acquisition of practical music theory knowledge, so as to further the education of the interested student musician. The depth and breadth of the materials covered will depend primarily on the developmental readiness of the students, and thus the specific pacing of the course will also be adjusted to fit the needs of the class. Skills focused on in the course will include but not be limited to: basic keyboard facility in conjunction with basic ear training exercises, aural recognition and reproduction of various melodies and melodic fragments, basic chord composition, chordal analysis, intervallic recognition and analysis, basic compositional techniques, and most importantly, how all of these relate and are found in actual music of varying genres. This class may NOT be repeated for credit.

Piano/Keyboard I (½ credit)
Piano/Keyboard I offers basic piano instruction to students who have not had or have had limited previous keyboard instruction. Classes will focus on basic keyboarding skills including note reading, hand position, posture, form, and musical literacy. Students will perform a variety of repertoire alone and with others as it is a performance based class. Having access to a piano or keyboard for practice outside of class is important for student success in this class. This class may NOT be repeated for credit. 

Piano/Keyboard II (½ credit)
(Prerequisite- Piano/Keyboard I or for students who have studied piano privately or have other piano experience may be admitted by audition with music instructor to assess ability)
This class is offered to students in 10th, 11th and 12th grade. Students enrolled in this class must have completed Piano/Keyboard I.  Students must be able to read basic musical notation. This class is a continuation of Keyboard I.  Classes will continue to expand student’s knowledge of basic keyboard skills and techniques, and will focus on scales, basic music theory, performance practices, and standard piano repertoire.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Prerequisite:  Students must have passed PE I and II in the 9th and 10th grade before becoming eligible for PE Electives in the 11th and 12th grade.  PE Electives do not meet graduation requirements for 9 & 10 PE.
Advanced Fitness and Wellness (½ credit, ¼ credit)
Students will engage in fitness related activities to improve one’s overall health and wellness.  Students will design and implement a personal fitness program designed to strengthen fitness deficits while improving and maintaining one’s physical health and well-being.

Body Sculpting (½ credit or ¼ credit)
A combination of anaerobic and aerobic workouts for students: including learning the proper technique for lifting weights, TAE BO, Yoga, Pilates and various cardio activities.

Strength and Conditioning (½ credit or ¼ credit)
Strength and conditioning is designed for those students who want to develop overall body strength and muscular endurance.  The program is designed to strengthen the major muscles of the human body, through lifts such as, bench press, squats, incline bench press. (Course offered only for Grades 11 and 12).

Fun, Food and Fitness (½ credit or ¼ credit)
This elective course will allow students to develop and refine skills to increase their overall physical fitness, eating habits and food choices through individualized activities.

Lifetime Activities (½ credit or ¼ credit)
Students will participate in individual and dual sport activities designed to improve one’s overall physical health and well-being.  Students will partake in a variety of activities designed to improve one’s physical fitness while providing positive opportunities to engage in recreation.

SCIENCE
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.

Chemistry in the Community (1 credit)
Each unit in this course includes a chemistry related theme related to real life of the student and to the community.  It is designed to provide the student opportunities to develop and use important chemistry concepts and skills needed to understand the chemistry behind some issues and problems that arise in your community.  Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

Introduction to Optics (½ credit, 1 credit)
Optical systems are used almost everywhere today.  From eye glasses to medical instrumentation, from telecommunications to space exploration, optical systems make a difference in our world.  This short course covers the fundamentals needed to understand optics.

Propulsion (1 credit)
This course is designed to apply science and trade knowledge in solving real world problems.  Each semester will study a different aspect of propulsion, as follows:  Trimester 1 - Physics of a car crash; Trimester 2 - Alternative fuels/transportation; and Trimester 3 - Rocketry.

Science of Communication (1 credit)
The course provides a framework wherein students will examine the progress of man's communications as well as the ultimate goal of the interrelationships of the principles and practices that shape our modern "information age."

SOCIAL STUDIES
Three American Wars (½ credit)
This course is a study of the Revolutionary War, Mexican American War and the Civil War.  The course will focus on the historical, social, political, intellectual, cultural and economic causes and consequences of these wars in early American History.

Connecticut History (½ credit)
The course examines the growth and development of Connecticut from Pre-Colonial times to the present.  Students will be able to explain historical, cultural, economic, legal and political development in Connecticut.  Many people believe that Connecticut is different from the rest of traditional New England and that it does not share fully the Yankee traditions, values and institutions associated with New England.  Just how unique is Connecticut?

Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights (½ credit, 1 credit)
This course is an in-depth study of the Holocaust as well as genocide and terrorism in the 20th century to the present.  The course will focus on the historical, social, political, intellectual, cultural and economic causes and consequences of the Holocaust as well as current examples of genocide and terrorism.

Topics in Modern U.S. History (1 credit)
This course focuses on key people, events and technology during specific historical periods in American History such as slavery, freedom and the struggle for empire; revolution and the new nation; expansion and reform; development of the industrial United States, emergence of modern America, contemporary United States.  Students will compare and contrast time periods as well as evaluate foreign and domestic policy decisions.  Students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specific events by completing individual projects choosing from a variety of formats.

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
Academic Access (0 credit)
Academic access provides students with structured time to meet with teachers for additional one on one instruction, make-up tests and assignment completion, enrichment activities, peer tutoring and time to use the media center resources. 

CAPT PREP (0 credit)
This course will reinforce, enhance and expand on experimentation concepts, not easily mastered by our incoming freshman students.  After evaluating prior knowledge, students will work on basic experimentation skills, while practicing collection, evaluate while practicing collection and evaluation of data.

Portfolio Development (1 credit)
This course helps students fulfill the requirements outlined in the CTHSS Trade/Technology portfolio.   This course extends the concepts taught in the eleventh-grade Career Development course preparing students for job interviews and other career related experiences including senior portfolio review and presentations prior to graduation.

SAT Prep -Math (0 credit)
This course prepares students for the SAT exam and includes a review of basic math skills covered in the exam and test-taking strategies in order for students to familiarize the students with the exam format.  General elective credit will be offered.  Math credit will not be offered for this course offering.

SAT Preparation (0 credit)
This course focuses on preparing students for the math, reading and writing portions of the SAT.
Students will learn test-taking reading and critical thinking skills, verbal reasoning, sentence analysis, vocabulary building, identification of errors of grammar, word choice, usage, idiom, improving sentences, and improving paragraph structure. Math preparation focuses on skill building exercises in Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. Students will learn test-taking strategies, practice appropriate exercises and study logical thinking.

SAT Prep-Reading/Writing (0 credit)
This course prepares students for the SAT I exam. The content includes reading skills and critical thinking skills incorporating activities in verbal reasoning, sentence analysis, vocabulary building, identification of errors of grammar, word choice and usage, idiom, improving sentences, and improving paragraph structure.

Freshman Seminar (¼ credit, ½ credit)
Seminar is designed to provide students with strategies for successfully meeting the academic, technical and social expectations placed upon high school students at each grade level. We will focus on readiness factors involved at the college and work.

Teen Leadership (½ credit, 1 credit)
The course provides students with the opportunity to explore the diverse personal, interpersonal, cultural, social and financial elements which influence students' abilities to act responsibly, become good citizens in school and in their communities, and learn to lead with vision.  By first coming to understand themselves and the way peer pressure affects them, students will work to build a healthy self-concept and utilize effective conflict resolution strategies.  They will develop self-confidence, a sense of personal responsibility, respect for others and the ability to form and maintain strong personal relationships with peers and adults.  Understanding emotional and principle-based decision making, students will learn to regard sound values, self-motivation and creative thinking in life and work.  More specifically, students will improve their abilities to make a good impression, to communicate effectively on a personal and public level (public speaking), to mediate conflicts (peer mediation), to meet present day money management and family needs; thereby learning to set firm personal and professional goals.