Table of Contents

 

 

English…………………………………………………………………………………………………….....2-5

 

Math…………………………………………………………………………………………………………5-8

 

Science………………………………………………………………………………………………………8-10

 

Social Studies…………………………………………………………………………………………...…10-13

 

Foreign Language……………………………………………………………………………………………..14

 

Business and Consumer Education…..…………………………………………………………………….15-17

 

Consumer and Family Science…….…………………………………………………………………….....17-18

 

Building Trades. ..…….…………………………………………………………………………………...18-19

 

Art.……………………………………………………….………………………………………………...19-20

 

Health and Physical Education…………………………..…………………………………………………20-21

 

Community Involvement and Career Exploration……………………………………………………………..22

 

Driver Education…………………………………………………………………………………………...22-23

 

Music……………………………………………………………………………………………………...23-24

 

Whiteside Area Career Center…………………………………………………………………………….24-28

 

Requirements and Suggested Courses of Study…………………………………………………………...29-34

 

Sauk Valley Community College Articulation Agreement…………………………………………………...35

 

Whiteside Area Career Center Dual Credits………………………………………………………………35-36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                FULTON HIGH SCHOOLPRIVATE

 

                                           COURSE OFFERINGS FOR 2008-2009

 

ENGLISH COURSES. . . . . . . . . . .

 

ENGLISH I – 1041/1042                                                                 FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 9

 

Credit: 1/2 Credit per semester

Prerequisite:  None

 

English I is a combination of grammar and literature, with an intensive review of grammar.  The literature section includes short story, biography, poetry, drama and a novel.  There will be a unit introducing students to the library, and study skills will be reviewed.  Students will be required to practice narrative, persuasive and expository writing. 

 

 

ENGLISH II – 1132                                                                          ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                                LEVEL:   10

 

Credit: ½ Credit per semester

Prerequisite:  None

 

The focus of English II is writing.  Students will practice a variety of academic writing assignments to strengthen focus, support, organization, and conventions.  To provide material for writing assignments students will read Of  Mice and Men and Twelve Angry Men.  All English II students are required to complete adequately an original analytical research paper assignment to pass the semester.

 

 

SPEECH – 1142                                                                                 ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                LEVEL:  10

 

Credit: 1/2 Credit per semester

Prerequisite: None

 

Speech is designed to build a student’s confidence, educate him/her to the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication and provide knowledge and practice of basic, practical speaking situations.

 

 

VOCATIONAL ENGLISH III – 1175/1177                                FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL:  11

 

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: English Department Recommendation

 

Vocational English III is a class which focuses on skills-based English with an emphasis on reading for meaning, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and other writing skills.  Students may write a vocational/consumer-based paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

REGULAR ENGLISH III – 1211/1212                                        FULL YEAR  

                                                                                                LEVEL: 11

 

Credit: 1/2 Credit per semester

Prerequisite:  English Department Recommendation

 

English III is a full-year course emphasizing formal writing skills.  Students will also read selected works of American literature, including at least one American novel.

 

 

HONORS ENGLISH III – 1232/1233                                           FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL:  11

 

Credit:  ½ Credit per semester

Prerequisite:  English Department Recommendation

 

Honors English 3 is a year long course featuring the study of the major movement in American literature.  Novels, short stories, poems, and personal accounts will be read throughout this course.  In addition, students will write several essays and a research paper.  Test taking strategies are also addressed. 

 

 

VOCATIONAL ENGLISH IV – 1421/1422                                FULL YEAR                      

                                                                                                LEVEL:  12

 

Credit: 1/2 Credit per semester

Prerequisite:  English Department Recommendation

 

The purpose of this course is to help students hone their English skills as they relate to the workforce, daily living, and trade or technical schools.  Units will emphasize instruction in reading comprehension and writing clarity, particularly related to workplace situations.  Skills focused on will include but not be limited to newspapers, teamwork, job exploration and acquisition, and comprehension of workplace resources.  All students will write a professional resume and complete a career portfolio as a component of the course.

 

 

ENGLISH IV – 1442/1443                                                              FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL:  12

 

Credit: 1/2 Credit per semester

Prerequisite:  Seniors only

 

English 4 is for students who may or may not plan to attend a four-year institution immediately following high school.  This class focuses on events that shaped the world of British literature.  Novel, short stories, poems, and personal accounts will be read throughout this course.  In addition, students will write essays and a literary analysis.  

 

 

COLLEGE ENGLISH – 1432/1433                                             FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL:  12

 

CREDIT:  ½ Credit per semester

Prerequisite:  English Department Recommendation

 

This class focuses on events that shaped the world of British literature.  Novels, short stories, poems, and personal accounts will be read throughout this course.  In addition, students will write essays, a literary analysis, and a research paper.  The course also addresses the following college skills:  note taking, researching methods, reference materials and organization.

DRAMA - 1352                                                                  ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                LEVEL:  11-12

 

Credit: 1/2 Credit per semester

Prerequisite:  None

 

The course is an introductory overview of the field of drama emphasizing its general areas and creating an appreciation and understanding of drama.  The course covers assignments that deal with acting, directing, make-up, costumes, stage movement, oral interpretation, sets and lighting, production, and dramatic criticism.  In addition to various assignments done individually or in groups, the class presents a half-hour program for the grade school children.

 

 

JOURNALISM/YEARBOOK – 1311/1312                 FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                ELECTIVE (MAXIMUM NUMBER OF

                                                                                                                STUDENTS – 15)

                                                                                                LEVEL:  10, 11, 12

 

Credit: 1 Credit per year

Prerequisite: Advanced computer and writing skills; Application (available in the guidance office); recommendation from 2 teachers; approval of instructor 

 

This class sells, plans and produces the yearbook.  It also writes weekly articles to appear in the local newspaper.  Students learn how to write copy; design lay-outs on the computer and edit pages according to class standards.  Students will be required to put in time outside of class.  They will attend events to take pictures, sell ads and yearbooks, work concession stands, and work on yearbook pages.  Students will be graded on quality of yearbook pages produced, fundraising, articles written for local paper, and use of class time.  This class is designed for a student that is creative, highly motivated, and can work independently as well as work with others.  Due to the nature of this class, students will not be allowed to add the class at the semester. 

 

 

ADVANCED SPEECH - 1452                                                         ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                LEVEL: 11-12

 

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester             

Prerequisite: "B" average in sophomore speech or by permission of the instructor

 

Advanced Speech is a speech course based on information learned in the sophomore speech class.  Students will practice using the six patterns of organization in the various speeches presented.  Units will include informative, visual aid, after-dinner and persuasive speeches.  Other units will include discussion, debate and oral interpretation.

 

 

INDIVIDUALIZED READING - 1460                                          ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                                LEVELS: 9-12

 

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: None

 

Individualized reading allows students to read materials that interest them and stimulate them to expand their reading horizons.  The quality and reading level of the book will be used partially to determine the grade.  Grades will also be based on a written or oral evaluation of the books read.  The intention of the class is to improve each student's reading ability.  Although there is no prerequisite, students will need to demonstrate self-discipline, organizational skills and motivation to be successful in Individualized Reading.

 

 

WRITING POWER - 1470                                                              ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                                LEVELS: 10-12

 

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: None

 

Writing power is a one semester course in which the student will continue to develop and polish the skills of the student writer.  An analysis of the student’s present level of writing will be determined to establish the starting point, whether it be sentences, paragraphs, short essays or longer ones.  The following types of writing will be practiced during the semester: expository, process, descriptive, creative, narrative and persuasive.  Portfolio assessment and writer’s workshop methods will be used.

 

 

 

MATH COURSES. . . . . . . . . . .

 

ALGEBRA   A – 2046/2047                                                            FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL:  9

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: Math Department Recommendation

 

Algebra A will review the basic number operations on real numbers (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and extend these operations to include variable and rational expressions.  Solving algebraic equations and inequalities is emphasized.  Other topics include functions, order of operations, positive and negative exponents, factoring, graphing, percentage problems, applications, introductory probability, and using a graphing calculator appropriately.  Approximately 40% of class time will be spent in the computer lab with students working through  the units of Algebra I at their own pace.  This course takes the first semester of Algebra I and covers the material in depth throughout the entire year.

 

 

ALGEBRA  B WILL NOT BE OFFERED UNTIL THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR.

ALGEBRA  B                                                                                      FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL:  10

Credit:  ½ unit per semester

Prerequisite:   Completion of Algebra A and Teacher Recommendation

 

Algebra B will review the basic number operations on real numbers (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and extend these operations to include variable and rational expressions.  Solving algebraic equations and inequalities is emphasized.  Other topics include functions, order of operations, positive and negative exponents, factoring, graphing, percentage problems, applications, introductory probability, and using a graphing calculator appropriately.  Approximately 40% of class time will be spent in the computer lab with students working through the units of Algebra I at their own pace.  This course takes the second semester of Algebra I and covers the material in depth throughout the entire year.

 

 

ALGEBRA I – 2051/2052                                                                FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL: 9-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: Math Department Recommendation

 

Algebra 1 will be taught using the Cognitive Tutor Program from Carnegie Learning.  Forty percent of the class time you will be working at your own pace in the computer lab.  Topics covered include proportions, linear equations and functions, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic functions, properties of exponents and rational expressions.

ALGEBRA II – 2111/2112                                                              FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL: 10-12

Credit: 1 unit per year

Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry

 

Students will build on their knowledge of Algebra I.  This course studies functions, matrices, logarithms, trigonometry, probability, and statistics.

 

 

GEOMETRY – 2061/2062                                                              FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL: 9-12

Credit: 1 unit per year

Prerequisite: Algebra I

 

Geometry will be taught using the Cognitive Tutor Program from Carnegie learning.  Forty percent of the class time will be spent working at an individual pace in the computer lab.  Topics covered will include:  perimeter, area, volume, and surface area of basic figures, the properties of triangles, angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruence, similarity and congruence of figures, circles, right triangle trigonometry, and formal proof. 

 

 

PRE-CALCULUS – 2141/2142                                                     FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL: 11-12

Credit: 1 unit per year

Prerequisite: Geometry and Algebra II

 

Pre-Calculus consists of introduction to many topics including complex numbers, vector algebra, and analytic geometry.  Work is continued in polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions as well as probability and statistics.  Completion of this course is required before taking either regular calculus or advanced placement calculus. 

 

 

CALCULUS – 2161/2162                                                                FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL: 12

Credit: 1 unit per year

Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry

 

Calculus will continue the studies of Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry with a review of selected topics before studying the new areas of calculus.   This course is less rigorous and less technical than advanced placement calculus; yet is an excellent choice for seniors who are planning to attend college.

 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS – 2151/2152           FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL: 12

Credit: 1 unit per year

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, and signature of the instructor

 

THIS COURSE IS INTENDED FOR ADVANCED INSTRUCTION; THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT COLLEGE COURSE CREDIT WILL BE DERIVED.

 

This course will follow the nationally-recommended syllabus for Advanced Placement Calculus AB.  The students will be taught from a college text and will learn all material covered in college-level Calculus I.  Upon successful completion of the advanced placement exam administered through the College Board, students may earn 3-5 credits at the college of their choice, depending on their college's policy concerning Advanced Placement.   The fee for the exam was about $82.00 in May, 2004.  Students in AP Calc need a T183 or TI 89 calculator (absolutely no T185s or TI 86s).  This course will meet for an entire block every school day.

 

INFORMAL GEOMETRY – 2053/2054                                     FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 11-12

Credit: 1 unit per year

Prerequisites:  Completion of  Informal Algebra

 

Informal geometry will be taught using a traditional textbook with the Cognitive Tutor software from Carnegie Learning as a supplement.  We will spend about twenty-five to thirty percent of the class time in the computer lab.  Topics covered will be similar to those covered in the formal geometry course with the exception of formal proof.

 

 

INFORMAL ALGEBRA – 2035/2036                                          FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 10-12

Credit: 1 unit per year

Prerequisite:  Pre-Algebra

 

This one-year course is for students who took Pre-Algebra and have not completely mastered the skills for Algebra I. Traditional algebra concepts will be covered.   It is recommended that students who were successful in Pre-Algebra (earning a grade of C or better) take the traditional Algebra I course.

 

 

INFORMAL PROBABILITY - 2043                                            ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 10-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: Senior standing and completion of Informal Geometry

 

This course will develop the basics of probability and statistics through experimentation.  Counting methods and the collection of and organization of data will be discussed.  The format is self-paced with frequent quizzes and tests throughout the unit to further understanding. 

 

 

MATH FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING - 2045                           ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 10-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: Senior standing and completion of Informal Geometry

 

This course will simulate the conditions under which a student might start out living on his own.  The emphasis is on basic mathematical skills needed.  These skills will include paycheck math, simple banking skills, credit considerations, and simple budget-building.  Also included are map skills, job applications, and tax forms.  The class consists of several units with a test following the completion of a block of related units.

 

 

STATISTICS - 2055                                                                          ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 10-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite:  Completion of Algebra II

 

This course will present statistics and probability in a context that relates to their personal experiences.  Topics include surveys, graphs, measures of central tendency, and basic probability.  Computers will be used to organize and present the data. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRIGONOMETRY - 2131                                                               ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 11-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite:  Geometry and Algebra II, taken along with or following Pre-Calculus

 

This course studies the basic circular functions (sine, cosine, and tangent), their inverses, and their applications.  This class may be taken concurrently with either semester of Pre-Calculus. 

 

 

 

SCIENCE COURSES. . . . . . . . . . .

 

 

BIOLOGY – 3145/3146                                                                   FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 9-11

Credit: 1 unit per year

Prerequisite: None

 

This course satisfies the life science requirement in preparation of the PSAE.  It will cover topics related to cell biology, genetics and reproduction, classification and ecological concepts related to adaptation and change over time.  A cell project and dissection will be included in this course. 

 

 

PHYSICAL SCIENCE – 3131/3132                                              FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL: 9-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: Should have had or be enrolled in Algebra I or Informal Algebra.

 

This course is a survey of the fundamentals of chemistry and physics.  It is designed for the student that does not have plans to enroll in a full year of chemistry or physics.  Students will demonstrate an ability to safely use scientific lab equipment and apply the scientific method to solve problems.  The first semester focuses on the study of energy.  Students will be required to demonstrate an ability to accurately predict the outcomes of experimental procedures involving the laws of motion, heat, light, sound, and electromagnetic energy.  Second semester involves the classification of matter, description of atomic structure, use of periodic table, and comparison of chemical bonds.

 

 

EARTH SCIENCE – 3161/3162                                                    FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 9-10

Credit: 1 unit per year

Prerequisite: None

 

Earth Science is a one year course that includes the study of rocks and minerals, the earth's crust, its interior and continental drift.  Besides geology, the class will take nine weeks to study meteorology and approximately nine weeks to study astronomy as well.

 

 

CHEMISTRY – 3211/3212                                                             FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL: 10-12

Credit: 1 unit per year

Prerequisite:  Should have completed Algebra 1

 

Chemistry is the study of the structure, composition and changes of matter.  The course emphasizes metric measurement, classifications of matter, atomic structure and bonding, writing of chemical equations, properties of various states of matter and solutions, acid-base properties, and factors which influence reaction rates.  The course has a strong emphasis on the mathematics of chemistry and laboratory experiences.  Chemistry is a very basic course that is necessary for most vocations that involve science in any way. 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE – 3083/3084                             FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL:  11-12

Credit:  ½ unit per semester

Prerequisite:  None

 

This course is an elective course that will study the relationships between organisms and their environment.  This course will incorporate current events for awareness of today’s environment.  Students will be responsible for the planning and preparation of Earth Day in the spring.

 

 

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY – 3232                                                  ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                LEVEL: 11-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: Chemistry

 

This course deals with the chemistry of carbon containing compounds.  These compounds are classified into various groups such as alkanes, alcohols, aromatics, ethers, acids and ketones.  The naming, preparation, reactivity, and properties of these groups provide the content of the course.  There is a good deal of laboratory experience.  An individualized project with formal laboratory report is required.  Organic Chemistry is very helpful for those planning to enter health, chemistry or biology occupations.  It provides a good background for college level organic courses.

 

 

QUANTATATIVE/QUALITATIVE CHEMISTRY - 3242  ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                LEVEL: 11-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: Chemistry

 

This course is designed to provide experiences in working with chemistry laboratory equipment and problem-solving.  Most of the solutions used are prepared by the students themselves. The course has a very strong emphasis on math applications in chemistry.  Course content includes a review of chemistry, math, acid-base titrations, pH measurements, oxidation-reduction reactions, spectrophotometry, electrochemistry, and some qualitative analysis applications.  A field trip to a local analytical laboratory provides an opportunity to observe lab techniques at work in the business world.

 

 

PHYSICS – 3171/3172                                                                     FULL YEAR

                                                                                                LEVEL: 11-12

Credit:  ½ unit per semester

Prerequisite: Algebra II or instructor approval

 

Physics is a course which studies the production, use, and conservation of energy.  Course content includes mechanics (velocity, acceleration, machines, work, power) in the first semester.  Second semester primarily focuses on energy (heat, sound, light, nuclear); involving the study of mirrors, lenses, lasers.  The course places strong emphasis on the mathematics of physics.  Laboratory experiments in each of the content areas involve data collection and analysis.  One research paper is required during second semester.  This course is valuable to students planning to further their studies in any science, health, engineering, electronics, or computer related occupation.  It is possible to take either semester without enrolling in the other.

 

 

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY – 3167/3168        FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL:  11-12

Credit:  ½ unit per semester

Prerequisite:  Biology

 

This course will focus on the make-up of the human body and how systems interact with each other.  It will include instruction on medical terminology.  This course is suggested for students considering a career in the medical or health related fields.

 

 

 

SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES. . . . . . . . . . .

 

SWiM – 4475/4476                                                                            FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL:  9

 Credit:  ½ unit per semester

Prerequisite:  None

 

SWiM (Students With Motivation) is a one year required course for freshmen.  This class is a major part of phase four of the Freshmen Transition Project. There are eight areas that will be covered throughout the year:  transitioning to high school, academic responsibility, social responsibility, emotional development, character development, health, service, and career development.

 

 

WORLD HISTORY – 4422/4426                                                  FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 10

                                                                                                 

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: None

                                                                                                       

World History presents a chronological narrative from the earliest civilizations to the present.  Within this framework, we will trace the development of civilizations in different parts of the world, taking a look at different themes such as the growth of science and technology, political and economic development, the influence of geography on cultures, the effect of contact between cultures and creativity in the arts.

 

                Semester 1 – (Prehistory to 1650)

                                Early Civilizations

                                Empires of the Ancient World

                                Regional Civilizations

                                Early Modern Times

 

                Semester 2 – (1300 to the present)

                                Enlightenment and Revolution

                                Industrialism and a New Global Age

                                World Wars and Revolutions

                                The World Today

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNITED STATES HISTORY I AND II  - 4132/4133                                FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                                LEVEL: 11

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: None

 

U. S. History, 1765 - 1865: Semester 1

 

U. S. History, 1865 - 1940: Semester 2

 

The approach to this course is both topical and chronological. Supplemented by audio-visual materials, the textbook is used as the focal point in examining the foundation and development of a new democratic nation and the profound social, economic, and political changes it has witnessed due to its transition from a rural, agricultural country to an urban, industrialized country and its pursuit of isolationism.  Knowledge of the American past will enable students to learn the value of historical perspective and to appreciate that the American way of life has its roots far back in history.  The students should come to understand that some knowledge of the past is necessary in order to understand, and perhaps solve, some of the problems of today and to achieve further progress.

 

EITHER UNITED STATES HISTORY I AND II OR HONORS U. S. HISTORY I AND II ARE REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION.

 

 

HONORS UNITED STATES HISTORY I AND II – 4173/4174            FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 11

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: Recommendation of instructor

 

U. S. History, 1765 -1865: Semester 1

 

U. S. History, 1865 - 1940: Semester 2

 

Designed to provide a greater challenge for the above-average student, this course follows the same general patterns and emphases as the regular U. S. History offering.  Although the same textbook is utilized, outside readings may be used to augment the material provided by the instructor, the text, and the various audio-visual materials utilized.

 

 

UNITED STATES HISTORY III - 4400                                                      ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                                                LEVEL: 12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: None

 REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

 

U. S. History, 1931 to the present:  Semester 3

 

The approach to this course is both topical and chronological.  Supplemented by audio-visual materials, the textbook is used as the focal point in examining the rise of the United States to a position of world leadership as traditional isolationism is replaced by internationalism in foreign affairs and the challenges offered by a series of "hot and cold wars," the struggle for equality and justice in America, the stubbornness of economic problems, and a rapidly changing society.  Knowledge of the American past will enable students to learn the value of historical perspective and to appreciate that the American way of life has its roots in the past.  The students should come to understand that some knowledge of the past is necessary in order to understand, and perhaps solve, some of the problems of today and to achieve further progress. 

 

 

 

 

CIVICS - 4092                                                                                       ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                             LEVEL: 12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: None

REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

 

This course serves as an introduction to the American political system and the role played by the common citizen in making the system work.  Units that will be examined include comparative political and economic systems, the nature and function of political parties, the right of suffrage and the electoral process, the United States Congress, and an overview of United States Presidential history.  Separate units on the United States Constitution, Illinois State Constitution, and the United States Flag Code are also taught as they are required to receive a high school diploma.

 

SOCIOLOGY - 4312                                                                         ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 11-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: None

 

Sociology is defined as the study of the ways man has developed for living in his environment with other men.  One of the social sciences, sociology has "devoted itself to man and his activities in the social group.  It is concerned with the way the groups shape children to fit group life, with the unique behavior of different groups and with the problems which arise when people live together in groups."  The course of study concentrates on two main units: (1) “Sociological Perspectives” – the sociological perspective, origins of sociology theoretical perspectives, research methods, causation in science, and procedures and ethics in research, and (2) “Culture and Social Structures” – culture, socialization; social structure and society, groups and formal organizations, and deviance and social control. The textbook, Sociology and You, is used as a focal point in the study of society and human relationships.  Supplemented by audio-visual materials, this course is designed to help students better understand their present social environment.

 

 

SOCIAL PROBLEMS - 4322                                                       ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                             LEVEL: 11-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: None (Sociology recommended)

 

A specialized sociology course, "Social Problems" attempts to help students understand and analyze the social problems of their world.  The students choose the specific social problems to be studied from the following topics: problems of physical health; mental illness; sex-related social problems; alcohol and other drugs; crime and criminals; violence; poverty amid affluence; prejudice and discrimination; sex roles and inequality; an aging society; the changing family; problems of public education; technology and its social impact; corporations, workers and consumers; urban problems; population pressure, environmental stress; war and arms race.  Supplemented by audio-visual materials, the textbook entitled Social Problems will be used as a focal point in this survey of some of the major social problems in the United States today.

 

 

HUMAN  BEHAVIOR - 4450                                                          ONE SEMESTER

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 11-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: None

 

Psychology is the science that deals with the behavior and thinking of persons or animals.  Psychologists study many different aspects of behavior ranging from everyday behaviors such as eating and sleeping to abnormal behavior such as why people kill others.  Experiments, projects, and demonstrations will be utilized in this class, as well as classroom discussions and writing assignments.

 

 

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT – 4271/4272                               FULL YEAR

                                                                                                                LEVEL: 11-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite:  Civics or the consent of the instructor

 

American Government – Semester 1

                The Foundation of the American Government

                                (Basic principles, origins of the U.S. Constitution and Federalism)

                Political Behavior:  Government by the People

                                (Political parties, voters and voter behavior, electoral process,

                                 mass media, public opinion and interest groups)

 

American Government – Semester 2

                The Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches of Government

                Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

                Comparative Political and Economic Systems

                State and Local Government

 

Utilizing the book entitled Magruder's American Government and supplementary audio-visual materials, this course is designed to emphasize the fundamental characteristic of the American system of government--the fact that government at every level in the United States is "government of the people, by the people, and for the people."  This course covers the origin and development, principles and organization, powers and functions, and actual workings and process of American government so closely related to one another that they must be studied as a whole--not separately.

 

 

THE WORLD TODAY - Semester 1 - 4444                                FULL YEAR

                                            - Semester 2 - 4446                 LEVEL: 10-12

Credit: 1/2 unit per semester

Prerequisite: None

 

This course is a combination of the classes formerly known as World Geography and World Cultures.  The course is an introduction to the study of the political, economic, and social geography of the modern world.  While current regional issues are the primary focus of the class, some understanding of recent historical events is a necessity to explain the events that are occurring today.  Themes that will be addressed include: comparative political and economic systems, regional political and economic activities, regional issues and problems, the world's great religions, and mod