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ACADEMICS
Academic Excellence
St. John Neumann Catholic High School provides a liberal arts college prep curriculum enriched in strong Catholic traditions. Modeled in the footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice, St. John Neumann Catholic High School challenges students to direct their creative energies into achievable goals and to recognize that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifetime task.
With a student teacher ratio of 12:1, students are provided with specialized, individual attention that assures success in a demanding academic environment. Honors and Advanced Placement Courses are offered in most subject areas, and dual enrollment credit is offered through Edison College, Florida Gulf Coast University and Ave Maria University. Formal religious studies, liturgical and prayer filled experiences are designed to help students to come to know God. This is further complemented by over 10,000 hours of annual community service, helping our students to grow in their faith, shape their values and morals, and to see the role of Christ in their lives and the lives of others.
We challenge students to pursue academic excellence and to develop learning habits that will prepare them for the future. St. John Neumann Catholic High School incorporates every available resource to help students obtain, critically assess, and assimilate new knowledge, while developing new skills.
New Integrated Technology with laptop computers, classroom projectors and Computer Lab
A new integrated program featuring student laptop computers, classroom projectors and an internet enhanced curriculum program affords students the very latest in technology.
The curriculum of St. John Neumann Catholic High School has been designed to challenge each student’s academic abilities and meet their varying needs in order to create a well-rounded education where students can experience their full potential.
Teacher Tutoring
Teachers are available Monday through Thursday after school from 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in their individual classrooms for “Teacher Tutoring”. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from their instructors during these times for additional help, preparation before a test, or advice on how to improve their classroom performance.
To order your books online please visit Follett Books. For additional information regarding St. John Neumann’s curriculum, please contact one of the following people at the main school number followed by their extension: (239) 455-3044

2009-2010 Curriculum Guide
GRADES/HONOR ROLL
St. John Neumann uses a numerical scale for its grading system. In calculating the weighted average, 4 points are added to the grade for Honors courses and 8 points are added to the College Level and Advanced Placement Courses.
| Grade Scale | College Prep | Honors | Advanced Placement |
| A (100-90) | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| B (89-80) | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| C (79-70) | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| D (69-60) | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| F (59-0) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Principal’s List will be earned by students who have a 4.25 and above grade point average.
First Honors will be earned by students who have a 4.2499-4.0 grade point average.
Second Honors will be earned by students who have a 3.9999 – 3.7500 grade point average.
MINIMUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Total Credits by Graduation: 28.75 |
Theology
English
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Foreign Language
Physical Education
Practical Arts
Performing Arts
Pathway to Scholarships
Life Management Skills
Electives
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4
5
4
3
3
2
1
1/2
1/2
3/4
1/2
4-1/2
|
| Total Credits | 28.75 |
CATEGORIES OF COURSES
College Preparatory
Most of St. John Neumann Catholic High School’s courses are categorized as “college-prep” classes. These courses are designed for the average student enrolled in grade level classes in a college preparatory program.
Honors
The honors courses at St. John Neumann Catholic High School are designed to meet the needs of talented students who are highly motivated. To qualify for honors, students must demonstrate independent study skills, maturity, a proven ability to multi-task, and a strong commitment to academics. Students given the extra responsibility of these classes are also allotted .5 points toward their GPA
Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement Courses at St. John Neumann Catholic High School are designed to present college level material and prepare the student to take the College Board-sponsored Advanced Placement (AP) exam at the end of the year. Most universities will award college credit based on successful AP exam scores. To qualify for AP courses, students must demonstrate independent study skills, maturity, an ability to multi-task, a strong commitment to academics, and have a recommendation of the department chair/and or guidance. Students given the extra responsibility of these classes are also allotted 1.0 points toward their GPA.
Dual Enrollment
St. John Neumann Catholic High School has secured partnerships with neighboring colleges enabling students in their junior and senior year to participate in the dual enrollment program. Dual enrollment is an accelerated program that enables high school students to pursue advanced curriculum related to their postsecondary interests. Successful completion of dual enrollment courses allows eligible high school students to simultaneously earn high school credit and postsecondary credit.
COURSE RECOMMENDATIONS
Freshman
- English I – European Literature
- Writing I & II
- Biology I
- Algebra I
- Theology I – Introduction to Catholicism I &II
- Spanish I
- Health/P.E. (strongly recommended)
Sophomore
- English II – American Literature
- Chemistry
- Geometry
- American History
- Theology – Introduction to Sacred Scripture: Old Testament/New Testament
- Spanish (I or II)
*Your final course will be an elective.
*If you are currently enrolled in honors level courses, an 85% or higher must be maintained throughout this school year. If you wish you move from regular to honors, or vice versa, you must receive approval from your current teacher(s) before this can be considered.
Junior
- English III – British Literature
- Marine Science
- Algebra II
- World History
- Theology – Introduction to Morality & Lives of the Saints
- Path to Scholarship (1/2 credit, earned second semester)
*Your final courses will be electives.
*All Juniors will be required to take the following courses unless credit has already been earned.
*If you are currently enrolled in honors level courses, an 85% or higher must be maintained throughout this school year. If you wish you move from regular to honors, or vice versa, you must receive approval from your current teacher(s) before this can be considered.
Senior
- English IV – World Literature
- Pre-Calculus or Liberal Arts Math
- Economics/Government
- Theology-Catholic Social Teaching & Theology of the Body
- Path to Scholarship (1/2 credit, earned 1st semester)
*Your final courses will be electives.
*All Seniors will be required to take the following courses unless credit has already been earned.
*If you are currently enrolled in honors level courses, an 85% or higher must be maintained throughout this school year. If you wish you move from regular to honors, or vice versa, you must receive approval from your current teacher(s) before this can be considered.
COURSE SELECTIONS
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
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English I | European Literature | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is designed to give incoming freshman a broad survey of some of the most popular European authors, poets and playwrights, from the world of mythology to modern day. This course offers a special emphasis on William Shakespeare and The Elizabethan period. In addition, instruction concentrates on the fundamentals of vocabulary, grammar and writing styles.
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English I | European Literature Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This honors course follows the same curriculum of the European Literature class, with a concentrated focus on higher level thinking and writing skills. In the honors program, students are not only expected to recognize the poetic and literary techniques an author employs, but also discuss the effects of those techniques on the work as a whole. Written expression is emphasized, and students are educated in the creation of analytical essays with a concentration on sophisticated meaning, language and development.
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English II | American Literature | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is developed for sophomores and focuses on the American tradition. The course is an introduction to the major American authors, poets, and playwrights presented in the textbook. A major emphasis is placed on the historical backgrounds of each literary period from Colonialism to Modernism, as this course is taken along with American History, thus reinforcing the history behind the literature. In addition to the literature, a strong emphasis is placed upon grammar, writing style and vocabulary, as well as preparation for the S.A.T. An introduction to the research process is also covered.
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English II | American Literature Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This honors course follows the same curriculum of the American Literature class, with a concentrated focus on higher level thinking and writing skills. In the honors program, students are not only expected to recognize the poetic and literary techniques an author employs, but also discuss the effects of those techniques on the work as a whole. Written expression is emphasized, and students are educated in the creation of analytical essays with a concentration on sophisticated meaning, language and development.
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English III | British Literature | Year-long | 1 credit |
This curriculum is designed for juniors and focuses on the major British authors and poets presented in the textbook. The course begins with an introduction to the Anglo-Saxon period, and continues through the medieval period and into the Renaissance, ending with a close examination of British modern day writers. In addition to a survey of British literature, this course prepares the student for the critical analysis and writing expected on the college level. The deepest appreciation for Shakespeare and the Elizabethan playwrights occurs here.
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English III | British Literature Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This honors course follows the same curriculum of the British Literature class, with a concentrated focus on higher level thinking and writing skills. In the honors program, students are not only expected to recognize the poetic and literary techniques an author employs, but also discuss the effects of those techniques on the work as a whole. Written expression is emphasized, and students are educated in the creation of analytical essays with a concentration on sophisticated meaning, language and development.
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English IV | World Literature | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is designed specifically for seniors, concentrating on world literature, and includes a survey of each European literary genre found in the course text. It provides an in-depth analysis of each author and his or her work. In addition, this course provides an in depth analysis of William Shakespeare and the Elizabethan period. This course offers a fine tuning of individual writing styles, grammar skills and appropriate vocabulary necessary for success on the collegiate level.
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English IV | World Literature Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This honors course follows the same curriculum of the World Literature class, with a concentrated focus on higher level thinking and writing skills. In the honors program, students are not only expected to recognize the poetic and literary techniques an author employs, but also discuss the effects of those techniques on the work as a whole. Written expression is emphasized, and students are educated in the creation of analytical essays with a concentration on sophisticated meaning, language and development.
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AP English | Literature & Composition | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is an intense preparation for the Advanced Placement Test. Students are instructed primarily in the areas of critical thinking, reading and writing. The course is an exhaustive study of the different literary genres, with critical writing and reading as an integral component. Students should be aware of the sophistication of the course and be prepared for the intense writing requirement. A score of 3 or higher usually exempts students from freshmen 101 in college*. The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of Honors English III, recommendation of the English Department, and the College Board.
*Dependent upon college requirements
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Writing I & II | Year-long | 1 credit |
This writing course is specifically designed to aid incoming freshman with the skills necessary to become proficient writers, and helps them to develop individual writing styles. The course covers six types of writing from personal to research. A special emphasis is placed on the steps of the writing process, and an introduction to the research process is offered. This course counts as one full credit of English.
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Journalism | Year-long | 1 credit* |
As an elective, this course provides students with an understanding of the newspaper, and the writing style of a journalist. The course also provides students with the knowledge of key elements such as facts, libel, sources and opinion. Students are required to produce a school newspaper monthly, which can be viewed on our school website.
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SAT Prep | One Semester | ½ credit* |
An elective, this course is designed to raise student scores on the SAT. Students will learn strategies for approaching the verbal section of the test, and become familiar with the most recent vocabulary found on the SAT. This class is co-taught with the math department.
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Yearbook | Year-long | 1 credit* |
Students in this course will participate in all aspects of the school yearbook from creation to production. An elective, this course provides students with an opportunity to learn all aspects of creating a high school yearbook. Aspects include photography, graphic design, writing, selling, promotion, and computer layout. The course culminates with the production of the school’s yearbook.
MATH DEPARTMENT
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Algebra I | Year-long | 1 credit |
The comprehensive content and varied real-life applications covered give students a strong mathematical foundation. This course covers algebraic expressions, equations, square roots, graphing, polynomials, and the application of basic mathematical principles. Accuracy and ability at this level provides a solid foundation upon which higher mathematic principles are based. Preparation for Standardized tests is also emphasized. Calculators will be used only on Fridays to encourage the retention of basic math facts. Students should do homework without calculators as NO Calculators are allowed on the test/quizzes at this level.
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Algebra I Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is designed for the highly motivated student. This course moves at a faster pace and student will be challenges with higher standards. The comprehensive content and varied real-life applications covered in this course include algebraic expressions, polynomials and linear equations. Accuracy and ability at this level provides a solid foundation upon which higher mathematic principles are based. Preparation for standardized tests is also emphasized. Calculators will be used only on Fridays to encourage the retention of basic math facts. Students should do homework without calculators as NO Calculators are allowed on the test at this level.
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Geometry | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course focuses on the key elements that provide a strong foundation for the comprehension of geometry through the use of algebraic applications and series of proofs. This includes the basic elements of line, point, plane, perpendicular lines, parallel lines and planes, congruent and similar polygons, right triangles, the Pyththagragorean Theorem etc…SAT material is covered throughout the course of study.
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Geometry Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
In addition to high school geometry, students will be required to improve their thinking skills, use them more efficiently, and acquire additional thinking skills. Some of the areas in which these skills are applied by students are reasoning, analysis, interpreting, recall and transfer, applying concepts, classification, spatial perception, and synthesis.
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Algebra II | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is a continuation of the program presented in the basic knowledge presented in Algebra I, and is designed to extend students’ algebraic knowledge. Preparation for standardized tests is also emphasized, along with the varied approaches to problem solving. Students will be integrating the use of the TI-84 Graphing Calculator, which is a tool they can use while taking their SATs.
*Denotes elective courses
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Algebra II Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is a continuation of the program presented in Algebra 1, and is designed to extend students’ algebraic knowledge. This course has increased content, and therefore will be moving at an increased pace. Preparation for Standardized tests is also emphasized, along with the varied approaches to problem solving. Students will be integrating the TI-84 Graphing Calculator. The “honors” course is more rigorous, more in-depth, moves at a faster pace, and the students will be challenged with more trigonometric topics, and higher standards.
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Integrated Math III | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is provided to students to strengthen basic mathematical principles required for college. It integrates analytical geometry, statistical analysis and concepts, trigonometry, and functions and assists with the application of these to a wide variety of mathematical problems.
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Pre-Calculus | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is designed to build a strong foundation in pre-calculus concepts; the text encourages students to develop a firm grasp of the underlying mathematical skills while using algebra as a tool for solving real-life problems. Students will graph by hand, and using the TI-84 graphing calculator.
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Pre-Calculus Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is designed to build a strong foundation in pre-calculus concepts; the text encourages students to develop a firm grasp of the underlying mathematical skills while using algebra as a tool for solving real-life problems. Students will graph by hand, and using the TI-84 graphing calculator. The course moves at a rapid pace and students will be challenged with higher standards.
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Advanced Placement Calculus | Year-long | 1 credit |
This is an introductory course to the basic concepts of calculus. Students will work with functions represented in a variety of ways: graphing, numerical, analytical or verbal. Topics include derivatives in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation and definite integrals. Technology will be used to help solve problems, experiment, interpret results and verify conclusions. The graphing calculator recommended for this course is the TI 82 or 83. Students enrolled in this class will take the standardized Advanced Placement exam at the end of the year and may receive college credit depending on the results.
THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Freshman Year
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Introduction to Catholicism I & I | Year-long | 1 credit |
In order for students to grow in their faith and pursue studies in religion, it is necessary to start with the basics of Catholicism. This course seeks to introduce students to the foundation of Catholicism. Faith will be presented as the response to God’s invitation to us, and the teachings of the Catholic Church, held in Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium, will be unfolded as the beliefs o the life of faith we are called to.
Sophomore Year
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Introduction to Catholicism I & I | Year-long | 1 credit |
Introduction to Sacred Scriptures OT & NT Year-long 1 credit
Sophomore year is an in-depth study of Scripture. Over the course of the year the Bible will be looked at from numerous angles and critical methods to reveal its powerful message and content.
Junior Year
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Introduction to Morality I & II Lives of the Saints | Year-long | 1 credit |
Morality is a year-long course that prepares and empowers the student to transition out of high school and into young adulthood. The course is broken into two semester units. The first semester studies the principals of Catholic Morality. It seeks to forma inform and challenge the student to develop a fully conscious and mature sense of Christian responsibility.
SENIOR YEAR
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Catholic Social Teaching &Theology of the Body | Year-long | 1 credit |
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Church’s Social Teaching. In this course students are to learn how Christ’s concern for others, especially the poor and needy, is present today in the Church’s social teaching and mission. Furthermore this course is to help students to understand the vocations of life: how Christ calls us to act and to live. Students should learn how all vocations are similar and how they differ. This will be demonstrated as students discover married life, single life, priestly life, and consecrated life. Students should learn what it means to live life for the benefit of others and the value in considering a vocation in service to the Christian community.
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
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Biology | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course will provide students with general exploratory experiences and activities in the fundamental concepts of life. The content includes scientific method, scientific measurement, lab safety, use of apparatus, cell biology, genetics, classification and taxonomy, microbiology, structure and function of plants and animals, viral and bacterial study, and systems of the human body.
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Honors Biology | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course will provide students with advanced exploratory experiences and activities on the fundamental concepts of life. The concepts include scientific method, scientific measurement, lab safety, use of apparatus, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, classification and taxonomy, microbiology, structure and function of plants and animals, human anatomy and physiology and ecological relationships.
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AP Biology | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is the equivalent of an introductory college Biology course taken by Biology majors during their first year. This course differs significantly from the basic high school course with respect to the kind of textbook used, the range and depth of topics covered, the kind of laboratory work done by students, and the time and effort required by students. The two main goals of the course are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. Three general areas will be covered: molecules and cells, heredity and evolution, and organisms and populations. Students who take this course will take the AP exam at the end of the year.
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Chemistry | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course will help students realize the role that chemistry plays in their lives; provide the chemistry knowledge to think and make uniform decisions about issues involving science and technology, and to develop an awareness of both the potential and limitations of science and technology. The content includes technical and chemical properties of matter, solutions, formula and equation writing, atomic structure, bonding periodicity, mole concept, gases, clinical analysis, acids, bases, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
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Honors Chemistry | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course will provide students with the study of composition, properties and changes associated with matter. The content includes classification and structure of matter, atomic theory, periodic table, bonding, nucleus and equations, mole concept, gas laws, energy and order, reaction rates and equilibrium solutions, acids, bases, salts, nuclear chemistry, and organic chemistry.
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Marine Science I | Year-long | 1 credit |
This introduction of the biology of marine life is offered to seniors and juniors who have an interest in exploring the biological principles and processes that are basic to all forms of life in the sea. Information dealing with several aspects of taxonomy, evolution and adaption, ecology, behavior, and physiology of selected groups of marine organisms is presented. Laboratory work includes an offering of anatomical, physiological, and ecological studies. The study of Florida marine ecology, including local organisms and habitats, will be the focus of a variety of investigations.
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Honors Marine Science | Year-long | 1 credit |
This introduction of the biology of marine life is offered to seniors and juniors who have an interest in exploring the biological principles and processes that are basic to all forms of life in the sea. Information dealing with several aspects of taxonomy, evolution and adaption, ecology, behavior, and physiology of selected groups of marine organisms is presented. Laboratory work includes an offering of anatomical, physiological, and ecological studies. The study of Florida marine ecology, including local organisms and habitats, will be the focus of a variety of investigations.
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H. Anatomy & Physiology | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is designed to introduce the student to the human body composition, structure and function. The content will include basics in osteology, medical terminology, and human growth and development. A strong emphasis will be taught on the structure and the function of human body systems. Laboratory investigations will include current applications and anatomical physiological principles and their relationship to their environment with a moderate amount of animal dissection.
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H. Physics | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course will provide senior students with an introductory study of the concepts of the theories and laws governing the action of matter, energy, and forces of nature. The content should include, kinematics, dynamics, energy, and power, heat, thermodynamics, wave characteristics, light, sound electricity, magnetism, and modern physics.
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AP Environmental Science | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course will provide junior and senior students with knowledge of human interactions with the environment. Content includes principles of ecology, problems of pollution, conservation, environmental planning and policy, public land usage, population dynamics, and major forms of energy. The content will be reinforced by laboratory investigations, outside readings and writing assignments. The AP exam in May is mandatory.
HISTORY/ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT
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American History | Year-long | 1 credit |
Emphasis in the course will be placed on a topical approach in order to provide the student with an opportunity to develop specific functional skills and an understanding of key issues and questions. The course begins with a brief overview of the pre-colonial and colonial period in U.S. history. The Constitution will be examined before moving on to cover the rise of big business in the late 1800’s, the rise of U.S. imperialism, and the major events of the twentieth century.
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American History Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
The first half of this course will focus on the exploration, settlement, and development of the United States. Emphasis will be placed on a topical approach in order to provide the student with an opportunity to develop specific functional skills and an understanding of key issues and questions. Emphasis will also be placed on familiarizing students with the forces that prompted fundamental changes in America’s political, social and economic history. The central objective of the course will be to develop the students’ understanding of the factors that conditioned the world in which students live. A strong emphasis is placed on critical thinking and writing. Students are expected to exhibit these skills in written and verbal format throughout the year.
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World History | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course examines the development of civilizations by exploring the past to prepare for their future as participating members of a global community. Students will use knowledge of history, geography, economics, academic, civic, social, and employment settings.
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World History Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course is a chronological study of world history from the earliest civilization to the present. Students will use knowledge of history, geography, economics, academic, civic, social, and employment settings to analyze and discuss in class. Great emphasis is placed on critical thinking as well and verbal and written reports.
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Advanced Placement World History | Year-long | 1 credit |
Factual knowledge and analytical skills are developed through a greater understanding of the evolution of global processes in different types of human societies throughout history. The course emphasizes the nature of changes globally, their causes and consequences, as well as notes their comparisons amongst major societies. Students enrolled in this class will take the standardized Advanced Placement exam at the end of the year and may receive college credit depending on the results.
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Economics | Year-long | 1 credit |
Economics is the study of the allocation of resources and their alternative uses for satisfying human needs and wants. This course will examine decision-making at both the micro and macroeconomic levels in multiple areas including but not limited to: decisions made as a consumer, saver, producer, investor, voter; business decisions dealing with various markets, output, prices, and labor in the national and global economies. We will also explore national monetary policy.
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Honors Economics | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course will provide students with the fundamental of basic economics of the American system. The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and decision-making tools necessary for understanding how individuals and nations organize their limited resources to satisfy unlimited needs and wants. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the choices they must make as producers, consumers, investors, voters, taxpayers, and global citizens.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
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Spanish 1 | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course will introduce students to the diverse cultures of the Spanish speaking world while developing communication skills. An in-depth coverage of vocabulary and grammatical structures
will enhance reading and writing skills, as well as develop speaking and listening skills.
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Spanish 1 Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course will introduce students to the diverse cultures of the Spanish speaking world while developing communication skills. An in-depth coverage of vocabulary and grammatical structures
will enhance reading and writing skills, as well as develop speaking and listening skills. Since this is an honors level course, students will be expected to read and prepare outside of the class as well as in the class.
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Spanish II | Year-long | 1 credit |
Spanish II is designed to review material presented previously and increase the students’ proficiency in the four basic skills--listening, speaking, reading and writing. It presents more complex structure and expands awareness of Spanish culture.
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Spanish II Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course serves as a continuation of Honors Spanish I. Students will build on their current knowledge of the language. Dialogues, stories, conversations, oral presentations, and a variety of other activities will be used to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. New grammar and vocabulary will be introduced and practiced. In addition, students will develop a better understanding of life in Spanish-speaking countries.
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Spanish III | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course serves as a continuation of Spanish II. Students will build on their current knowledge of the language. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills will be developed through the study of Hispanic culture, literature and history. Dialogues, conversations, oral presentations, and a variety of other activities will be used in this course. New grammar and vocabulary will be introduced and practiced. In addition, students will develop a better understanding of life in Spanish-speaking countries as they read and listen to authentic stories and articles from them.
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Spanish III Honors | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course serves as a continuation of Honors Spanish II. Students will build on their current knowledge of the language. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills will be developed through the study of Hispanic literature and history. Dialogues, conversations, oral presentations, and a variety of other activities will be used in this course. Advanced grammar and vocabulary will be introduced and practiced. In addition, students will develop a better understanding of life in Spanish-speaking countries.
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Advanced Placement Spanish | Year-long | 1 credit |
This high-level Spanish course is an intensive study of the language. The four skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing will be developed interdependently throughout the year using a variety of media. A thorough review of grammar will be presented and the class will focus on building the student’s vocabulary through the use of literature. Students will be required to combine their oral comprehension and speaking skills with their reading comprehension and writing skills in tasks using authentic material from different Hispanic sources. Students enrolled in this class will take the standardized AP exam at the end of the year which may result in college credit.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
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Health/Life Management Skills | Year-long | ½ credit |
The health curriculum provides students with information and skills needed to become health literate, maintain and improve personal health, prevent disease, and reduce health-related risk factors. The primary objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the anatomy of the body and the function of major body systems. CPR and the basic first aid steps are also covered in this class.
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Team Sports | Year-long | ½ credit* |
The purpose of this course is to enable students to acquire basic knowledge of team sports play, develop skills in specified team sports, learn safety practices, sport terminology, game rules, and to improve health-related fitness. Students will participate in activities that contribute to the attainment of life-long goals and maintenance of wellness. Team sports may include: basketball, flag football, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse, volleyball, softball, track and field, floor hockey, and individual fitness.
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Individual and Dual Sports | Year-long | ½ credit* |
The focus of this course is to enable students to acquire basic knowledge and skills in specified individual and dual sports and to improve health-related fitness. Students will participate in activities that contribute to the attainment of life-long personal goals and maintenance of wellness. Individual and dual sports may include: 2 on 2 volleyball, badminton, golf, Frisbee, paddleball, rollerblading, pickle ball, lacrosse, tennis, table tennis, bowling, swimming, track and field, individual fitness.
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Weight Training | Year-long | ½ credit* |
The focus of the weight training class is to teach students the scientific concepts, multi-joint lifts, and lifting techniques that can help to bring about improvements in athletic performance, and overall muscular strength and endurance. The class is open to all students and grading is based on individual participation rather than the amount of weight that a student can lift in a particular exercise. The use of correct technique is always stressed rather than poundage that is being lifted.
OTHER ELECTIVES
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Advanced Placement Psychology | Year-long | 1 credit* |
Psychology attempts to describe and explain human nature. In studying psychology we hope that it will assist us in understanding why people think, feel, and act as they do. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with the major subfields within psychology. Students will also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science practice. The ultimate purpose of this course is to prepare students to successfully complete the standardized AP Psychology Exam at the end of the year.
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Band/Music Theory | Year-long | 1 credit* |
This class provides the study of basic music theory including scales, chords, notes, harmony, and rhythm. Students will learn to read music and build sight reading skills. The course includes listening and performing with other musicians in various musical settings including: drum line, jazz band, pep band, and concert band. Prerequisite: Students must be proficient on their instrument.
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Computer Applications | Year-long | ½ credit* |
This course is designed to introduce the student to the Microsoft 2007 software suite. The course will focus on the use of the Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students will be prepared to use the skills in order to enhance their academic careers through the use of the Microsoft suite software.
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Computer Web Design | Year-long | ½ credit* |
The goal of this course is to equip students with the skills necessary to plan, design and build their own web site with the appropriate use of color, graphics, sound and text.
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Drawing | Year-long | 1 credit* |
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop basic perceptual and compositional skills. This course aims to increase student understanding and appreciation of drawings created by others, and to help students gain knowledge, skill, and confidence needed to improve their own drawing efforts through experience with a range of subject matter, drawing media, and techniques.
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Exploring World Cultures | Year-long | ½ credit* |
A culture is simply a group of people, often called a society, with a similar set of beliefs, patterns of behavior, institutions, historical background and traditions. A culture may be defined socially, ethnically, racially, religiously or geographically. Since all people have certain basic physical and psychological needs, there are certain characteristics that are common to all cultures. But because cultures are shaped by their laws, customs, traditions and institutions, there are differences as well. The focus of this course is to look at both the similarities as well as the differences while we learn about the diverse world in which we live.
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Learning Strategies | Year-long | 1 credit |
This course provides instruction and support to students with learning disabilities. Students will acquire skills and strategies necessary to enhance their independence as learners in educational settings. The course content will include but not be limited to: organization, time management, test-taking, note-taking, comprehension, memory strategies, critical thinking and advocacy skills. Student and teacher will monitor the academic progress that is made throughout the course. Prerequisite: Students must provide documentation of learning disabilities to the school in order to qualify for this class.
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TV Production | Year-long | 1 credit* |
Preference will be given to seniors for placement in this class due to limited seating. TV Production will introduce students to the art of live broadcasting. Students will be in charge of creating the school news program. They will be exposed to all aspects of production from behind the scenes technical work to being the on-camera talent. Students will also learn how to operate equipment utilized in production and develop teamwork skills. In addition, topics including television through the ages, media awareness, interviewing skills, graphic design, and script writing will be covered. Special projects will be assigned through the year to demonstrate mastery of skills and to increase the student’s creativity through video projects. Prerequisite: An application must be completed and written approval to take this course must be obtained in advance from the TV production instructor.
Printer Friendly version of the: 2009-2010 Curriculum Guide
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