Course Catalog
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
ELECTIVE COURSES:
We have a variety of elective options offered. These include: in class, take-home, online courses and extra-curricular courses. Please see counselor for updated elective options and necessary qualifications (if applicable).
ENGLISH COURSES:
ENGLISH 9:
1100 Grade 9
Meets UC/CSU “B” Requirement Prerequisite: None
Year long course
This college preparatory course is designed to introduce the freshman student to the cultural heritage of the western world through a study of core works, other selected novels, short stories, poetry, drama and mythology. Students will respond to literature through a variety of written assignments and by participating in discussions and presentations.
ENGLISH 10:
1200 Grade 10
Meets UC/CSU “B” Requirement Prerequisite: English 9
Year long course
Students will read and study core and extended works including fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry. A variety of written assignments, response to literature, and participation in discussions and oral presentations are also required.
ENGLISH 11:
1300 Grade 11
Meets UC/CSU “B” Requirement Prerequisite: English 10
Year long course
Students will read and study core and extended works including fiction, non-fiction, drama and poetry. A variety of written assignments, response to literature, and participation in discussions and oral presentations are also required.
ENGLISH 12:
1400 Grade 12
Meets UC/CSU “B” Requirement Prerequisite: English 11
Year long course
Students will read and study core and extended works covering both British and World Literature. A variety of writing is also expected, including a culminating senior project.
MATH COURSES:
CC ALGEBRA 1:
4100 Grades 9-12
Meets UC/CSU “C” Requirement Prerequisite: None
Year long course
Algebra 1 emphasizes problem solving through the use of variables, equations, graphing, and systems. Other topics include integers, formulas, linear and quadratic equations, factoring, square roots and radicals.
CC ALGEBRA 2:
4300 Grades 9-12
Meets UC/CSU “C” Requirement Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry
Year long course
Algebra 2 stresses problem solving and applications. The course includes Linear Equations and Functions, Linear Inequalities, Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities, Matrices, Quadratic Functions and Factoring, Quadratic Equations and Systems of Quadratics, Polynomial Functions, Rational Exponents and Radical Functions, Exponential Functions, Logarithmic Functions, Rational Expressions, Conics, Probability, Sequences and Series, and Standard Deviation. The TI 83/TI 84 graphing calculator will be used extensively throughout this course.
CC GEOMETRY:
4200 Grades 9-12
Meets UC/CSU “C” Requirement Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1
Year long course
This course includes the presentation of basic geometric concepts, postulates, theorems, formal proof, congruency, lines and angles, polygons and circles. Skills to be developed are the understanding and ability to use deductive proof, the logical approach to solving practical problems, and awareness and appreciation of geometry in the environment.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES:
P.E.-MULTI-ACTIVITY:
8340 Grades 9-10
Prerequisite: None
Year long course
This Physical Education Program is designed to teach students about all aspects of physical fitness. Through classroom instruction and activity assignments, they learn about the importance of fitness to the body, what makes someone fit and how to achieve fitness through training principles. Other topics include nutrition and weight control, fad diets, goal setting and stress reduction. Students will participate in eight different sport activities designed to teach them lifelong skills to maintain health/fitness levels. They will also practice for and take the state mandated Fitnessgram test.
SCIENCE COURSES:
BIOLOGY:
3200 Grades 9
Meets UC/CSU “D” Requirement Prerequisite: None
Year long course
Biology is the study of living things, both plant and animal. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking by using the scientific method and laboratory activities. As an integral part of the course, students will learn their responsibility to the environment.
CHEMISTRY:
3300 Grades 10-12
Meets UC/CSU “D” Requirement Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2
Year long course
Chemistry, a physical science, is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Emphasis is place on the development of critical thinking by using the scientific method and laboratory activities. This course is most challenging and recommended for those students planning to take advanced placement science classes.
GEO SCIENCE:
3900 Grades 10-12
Meets UC/CSU “C” Requirement Prerequisite: Successful completion of Biology/Algebra 1
Year long course
This course aims to develop our students’ understanding of the forces that affect life on Earth; the tectonic forces that cause earthquakes and are part of the lives of Southern Californians and how this is connected to forces at work in other parts of the world. This knowledge helps students understand the changes on Earth in the past and forecast potential changes in the future. It highlights wo/man’s role in changing the Earth. It shows how the Earth provides resources that make life as we know it possible. It showcases some of the technology that allows us to study the Earth and teaches students to critically analyze evidence, all while teaching the fundamental theories of geology, astronomy, meteorology and oceanography
SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSES:
ECONOMICS:
2405 Grades 12
Meets UC/CSU “G” Requirement Prerequisite: None
Semester long course
This semester course develops an awareness of economic principles and theories, presenting ideas and developing them logically. The course emphasizes Micro and Macroeconomics. Economics will enable students to have an understanding of inflation and recession, banking, investments, foreign policies, ad comparative economic systems.
GOVERNMENT:
2400 Grades 12
Meets UC/CSU “A” Requirement Prerequisite: None
Semester long course
This semester course compares the various philosophies of government, such as Socialism, Fascism, and Communism with a democracy whose organization is then examined at the state and local levels, including the three branches: executive, legislative and judicial.
MODERN WORLD HISTORY:
2200 Grades 10
Meets UC/CSU “A” Requirement Prerequisite: None
Year long course
This required course begins with the influences of religion, the Judeo-Christian ethic as well as GrecoRoman philosophies and achievements. The course covers revolutions in England, America and France as well as the Industrial Revolution in several nations. Students also study WWI, II, The Cold War, governmental systems and nation building in the contemporary world. The entire curriculum is enriched with culture, art and geography through any and all technology, primary resources and additional sources.
U.S. HISTORY:
2300 Grades 11
Meets UC/CSU “A” Requirement Prerequisite: None
Year long course
The course in United States History is a requirement of all students who graduate from California high schools and must be taken in the 11th grade. This course covers the history of our country from its beginning to the present day with special emphasis on the events of the 20th century. Students are familiarized with events that show how we have come to be what we are today in terms of territorial growth, political and economic development. Focus is placed upon developing a framework of values and ideals that give s students an appreciation of the responsibilities for the heritage of every citizen.
SPECIAL EDUCATION COURSES:
Special education courses are offered to students that currently have an IEP. Accommodations and modifications are in place in each general education classroom to assist with the student’s individualized success. Current course offerings for qualifying students are: School to Career, Algebra AB, Algebra CD , and Learning Strategies Management (LSM).
ALGEBRA AB:
4080 Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Year long course
Algebra AB is the first year of a two year Algebra course. Its key content involves students understanding connections to algebra and properties of real numbers. Students shall solve and graph linear equations, functions and inequalities. Students’ skills should include justifying steps in an algebraic procedure and checking algebraic arguments for validity. Students should demonstrate comprehension of the concepts presented through consistent and successful performance on tests and in applications of these skills and concepts in the classroom.
ALGEBRA CD:
4090 Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Year long course
Algebra CD is the second year of a two year algebra course. The topics include solving and graphing linear inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponents, quadratic equations and functions, polynomials and factoring, rational expressions and equations, radicals and connections to Geometry
LEARNING STRATEGIES MANAGEMENT (LSM):
520-540 Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Year long course
The Learning Strategies & Management (LSM) course counts for elective credit and provides students with support in their academic classes. Support is given with organization and time management (use of planners, tracking grades and assignments, scheduling time, upkeep of materials), personal responsibility (self-advocacy, knowledge of IEP, academic goal setting, communication, problem solving, following directions, post-secondary and job skills), and study skills (test taking, note-taking, and memory strategies; test prep, use of textbooks and supplementary resources). Students are required to bring materials and assignments from core academic classes to be worked on in class and assistance is offered with such tasks. The successful student comes to LSM with a willingness to implement and apply new skills taught in class in order to improve academic performance.
INTRO TO SCHOOL TO CAREER:
580 Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Year long course
Introduction to School to Career is a course designed for students on a Certification of Completion track only. This course allows students to develop work place vocational skills on campus in a structured and supportive setting. Basic foundational work skills are emphasis for this program (punctuality, work place behaviors, and proper work attire, etc.)
SCHOOL TO CAREER 1:
581 Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Year long course
School to Career 1 is a course designed for our students on a Certificate of Completion track only. Students in this course develop their job related skills in subsidized community based employment. Students learn a level of mobility. They also learn to apply work related skills (punctuality, work place behaviors, and proper work attire, etc.) into real life job sites.
SCHOOL TO CAREER 2-4:
582-584 Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation
Year long course
School to Career is designed to assist identified students with their Individual Transition Plan (IEP) goals related to vocational awareness and job experience. It includes post-secondary educational awareness and exploration, employment and career awareness. Students learn to complete job applications, prepare resumes, and practice interviewing skills. There are some subsidized employment opportunities. Students also focus on attaining independent living goals related to obtaining a driver’s license, budgeting, self-advocacy and self-determination.
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS:
Art 1:
6610 Grades 9-12
Meets UC/CSU “F” Requirement Prerequisite: None
Year long course
This course is an introductory one-year course for beginning art students. It is a sequential program that instills basic fundamentals so that the student may produce and appreciate fine art. Students will have the opportunity to create works in various mediums.
Art 2:
6620 Grades 10-12
Meets UC/CSU “F” Requirement Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1
Year long course
This course is a, year long, continuation of Art 1.The students will be introduced to a more in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of art, working with various media.
Art 3:
6630 Grades 11-12
Meets UC/CSU “F” Requirement Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 2
Year long course
This is a continuation of Art 2. Students will further develop their individual style of drawing and 4-6 paintings. The students are expected to assume more responsibility for choice of subject and technique.