St.

Francis High School

Curriculum Guide 2007-08

REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES

A strong college-preparatory program includes four years of English and history, three or
more years of mathematics and sciences, and two or more years of foreign languages.
Students are required to take six credits of academic courses in the ninth grade and a
minimum of five credits of academic courses in subsequent years, plus physical
education.

A minimum of twenty-two credits are required, including

English four credits; must be English I, II, III, and IV

History three credits, one of which must be U.S. History. All students
are required to take a history course every semester

Mathematics three credits, with required completion of Algebra I, Geometry,

and Algebra II

Science three credits, with required credit in both physical and natural
sciences

World two credits earned at the high-school level

Languages

Art one credit

Fitness, Health one-half credit earned in the ninth grade

and Skills

Physical three athletic activities

Education

Senior Project one credit in the Senior year

Students should keep in mind that when colleges look at a transcript, they consider not
only grades, but the quality and difficulty of the courses a student has taken. The overall
quality of a student’s program is more important than just grades or number of courses.
Graduation requirements ensure variety on transcripts, and electives are offered for depth
in special areas of interest.
The school year at St. Francis is divided into semesters. Full-credit courses meet for the
equivalent of one period daily during the full year, and mastery of course objectives
earns one credit. Half-credit courses meet for either the equivalent of a period daily for
one semester or two to three periods weekly for a full year, and mastery of course
objectives earns one-half credit. A student who fails one semester of a year-long course
but passes the other semester in a demonstration of accumulated mastery may earn the
full credit.

GRADING PROCEDURES

The St. Francis grading scale is as follows: A+ (98-100), A (92-97), A- (90-91), B+ (88-
89), B (82-87), B- (80-81), C+ (78-79), C (72-77), C- (70-71), NC (0-69). Grade point
averages are calculated on an unweighted 4.0-scale as follows: 4.3 (A+), 4.0 (A), 3.7
(A-), 3.3 (B+), 3.0 (B), 2.7 (B-), 2.3 (C+), 2.0 (C), 1.7 (C-), 0.0 (NC).

COURSE PLACEMENT UPON ENTRY

Placement in math, science and world languages will be based initially on satisfactory
performance on an entrance exam and/or the student’s having satisfactorily completed the
previous level at another school. Reassignments may need to be made once school
begins.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

A number of courses at St. Francis High School are based on course outlines developed
by the Advanced Placement Program of the College Examination Board. These courses
have the workload and sophistication of courses found at the introductory college level.
Taking such a course at St. Francis High School offers the student more academic
challenge, an opportunity to see what college requirements are like, and the possibility of
gaining college credit. At the same time, the student has the advantage of the St. Francis
High School small-class atmosphere, more frequent class meetings and readily available
help from teachers. Student performance in these courses can be evaluated on a
nationwide scale if the appropriate AP exams are taken in May. Many colleges give
course credit for high grades on AP exams. The exams themselves are good practice for
the cumulative three-hour exams often given in college. At St. Francis High School, the
following courses help prepare students for AP exams: AP English Literature, AP English
Language, AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics, AP U. S.
History, AP European History, AP French Language, AP Spanish Literature and AP
Spanish Language. These courses have heavier workloads than do regular courses;
therefore, students interested in taking one of these courses need to consider carefully
their overall course loads in consultation with teachers and their advisor. Students with
appropriate prerequisites (as noted for each course) will be accepted into an Advanced
Placement course based on the recommendation of teachers.
INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECTS

Individual students or small groups may apply for independent study projects under
faculty guidance. Independent study projects permit extensive work with outside
sponsors or a faculty tutor in a wide range of academic and non-academic fields.
Depending upon the nature of these independent study projects, students may receive
credit. With the school’s approval, students may also enroll in other institutions for
courses not available at St. Francis High School.

OUTSIDE CREDIT POLICY

Students wishing to pursue additional learning projects outside of St. Francis can receive
St. Francis credit for class work that has been pre-approved by the Dean of Students or
the Registrar. While St. Francis grants credit for these courses, grades will not be
transferred; any grades received for outside course work will not be averaged into the
student’s GPA. Students may be required to pass a St. Francis examination in order to
receive credit for required courses taken during the summer.

TRANSFER CREDIT POLICY

Students transferring to St. Francis must request that an official transcript from their
previous school be sent to the Registrar’s office at St. Francis. The previous school’s
transcript will be attached to the St. Francis transcript. Credits earned at a previous
school(s) will be included in the total number of credits required for graduation from St.
Francis High School, although grades from previous schools will not be included in the
St. Francis GPA. St. Francis transcripts show semester grades.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community service is an important part of the St. Francis curriculum each year, with
students and faculty/staff participating in several projects each year.

THE SENIOR PROJECT

The Senior Project is intended to provide all St. Francis seniors with the opportunity to
devote significant effort and time to a project focused on that which interests them most,
to develop research skills which are increasingly being expected of college-bound
students, to make a public presentation of their work, and to demonstrate that their years
at St. Francis have culminated in mature and confident scholarship. During their junior
year, students determine and describe their projects and choose their advisors; they
complete research, written, and performance components of their projects in their senior
year. The Senior Project is a requirement for graduation; all those receiving a St. Francis
diploma will have successfully completed this demanding and long-term undertaking,
and will have thus demonstrated the skills and commitment that diploma certifies.

ENGLISH

English I (9; 1 credit)

Freshmen will approach the study of the major literary genres through creative and
analytical writing and a comprehensive reading list. By concentrating on the development
of their own writing, students are more invested in the study of literature; vocabulary and
grammar exercises also provide a more relevant context. Emphasis in the classroom will
be on close reading, discussion, writing and revision.

English II (10; 1 credit)

Sophomores will continue to study vocabulary in the context of the reading material.
Usage and sentence structure will be addressed throughout the year. Students will write
frequently in a variety of genres, including journal responses, poems, short fiction,
memoir, and formal analytical essays. Students will read in all genres, including lyric
poetry, drama (a Shakespeare play), short stories, novels, and literary criticism.

English III (11; 1 credit)

Juniors will study canonical and non-canonical works of American writers that reveal
persistent themes in the American experience. Juniors will also be expected to read
literary criticism to deepen their awareness of racial, gender and historical issues in the
texts. Daily, active involvement in class will be required. Students will maintain a more
personal engagement with texts through continuous sketchbook writing and will continue
to develop their writing through creative and critical assignments.

English IV (12; 1 credit)

First semester senior English students read more than 50 contemporary essays of several
types, and use them as rhetorical models for their own pieces of memoir, persuasive
essay, and literary journalism. In second semester, they read a major canonical work,
practice close-reading, and write a term paper of literary criticism. The year’s final
curriculum unit is a study of short fiction by contemporary Kentucky authors. The overall
aim of the course is to help seniors attain the critical reading proficiency of most college
freshmen, and to have the experience of a devoted and successful revision of their own
writing by means of coaching and peer-editing workshops.
AP English Literature and Composition (12, 1 credit)
(Prerequisites: B+ in second semester of English III, recommendation of the English III
teacher and permission of the teacher of this class)

This course will be most appropriate for students with brisk reading speed and keen
comprehension, some interest in poetry as a literary genre, and a willingness to work hard
to improve their writing about literature. Emphasis will be on reading mostly canonical
works (poetry, plays, novels and essays) with consideration of multiple themes. Historical
and cultural contexts will be introduced and discussed. Students enrolled in this class are
expected to sit for the AP English Literature examination in May.

Journalism (11, 12; 1 or 1/2 credit)

(full year or semester)

Students will use their time in this class mainly to produce the school’s monthly
magazine/newspaper/journal. The roles the students fulfill in the production, as well as
the theme of each edition of the paper, will change monthly. The class will focus on
improving writing techniques and understanding the ethics associated with journalism.

Theater Arts (11, 12; 1 or ½ credit)

(full year or semester)

In this class, we will examine all aspects of theater. Students will be expected to read
plays aloud in class, write plays, and engage in basic acting and scene work. Students are
also required to contribute meaningfully to SFHS drama productions. No prior theatrical
experience is required for first-semester students. Those who wish to add the course for
second semester only must have the permission of the instructor.

Creative Writing (11, 12; 1 or 1/2 credit)

(full year or semester)

This course will involve reading and writing poetry and short fiction. Students will be
asked to experiment, revise, collaborate and read the work of contemporary poets and
short-fiction writers in the “real world.” A willingness to try new things, to look hard at
one’s own first drafts, and to discuss others’ work productively and thoughtfully will be
required. We will publish a selection of the semester’s best work at the end of each of
them.

HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

Culture & Civilization of the Ancient World (9; 1 credit)

This is the first part of a two-year sequence required for all incoming freshmen. In this
course, students begin with an overview of cultural anthropology. Using this as a basis
for exploration, students survey world history from its beginnings in Africa and Asia to
the advent of the Middle Ages in Europe. Main themes include the borrowings and
blending of cultures, characteristics of empires, and the reasons for declines of
civilizations. Students will be introduced to several historical tools, including document
analysis, religious texts, archeology, and literature. A geography component, featuring
many types of maps, is woven into the course at all stages.

Culture & Civilization of the Medieval World (10; 1 credit)

This required course is the second in the two-year World History sequence. Course
materials focus on the medieval world, examining the problems of periodization through
the study of Islamic, Indian, Chinese, and European empires. Shifts in cultural
understandings and religious beliefs and practice are analyzed as indices to social,
political, and economic change; the effects of contact and competition are evaluated and
interrogated. From the demographic turning point of the Black Death to the dawn of the
European Enlightenment, the meaning and context of the transition from the medieval to
the modern, and from a polyvalent to a hegemonic world system, is pursued through
primary sources, works of art, and other scholarly resources.

United States History (11; 1 credit)

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth look at major themes of our
nation’s past and at their impact on the present day. Topics include indigenous
communities before and after contact with Europeans; the evolution of democracy;
social/political/economic movements; the lives of Blacks, immigrants, women, and
Latinos; and religious traditions including Puritanism. The development of written and
oral expression, interpretation skills, and reasoning ability will be stressed. The class
requirements include a significant amount of reading and both formal and informal
writing assignments.

AP United States History (11, 12; 1 credit)

(with permission of department)
(Offered in alternate years with AP European History)

This course will provide serious and capable students with an in-depth look at our
nation’s past, from the first European contact up to the present day. It will be conducted
on the level of an introductory college course, which means a significant amount of
homework each night. Emphasis is on writing and several research projects will be
required. Students in this class are expected to take the AP US History Exam in May,
2008. Enrollment in this class is contingent upon successful completion of a summer
reading assignment.

Modern World Senior Seminars (12; 1 credit)

These Senior Seminars will provide students with the opportunity to pursue focused study
of selected topics in 19th and 20th century history and will emphasize intensive reading,
discussion, and paper presentation. World geographic proficiency is a requirement of
these courses. Seniors not enrolled in AP US History must take one of these seminars
each semester. Each Senior Seminar is offered for 1/2 credit.

Fall Semester Modern World Senior Seminars

Gender Studies in the 20th Century

This course will examine the social, economic and political roles of men and women
throughout the world. Students will examine mainstream cultures as well as more radical
populations. Primary sources, history texts and fiction will be read, and the course will
conclude with a personal interview project.

Culture, Art and Faith

This course will examine the intersection of faith, art and culture in various regions of the
world during (and beyond) the 20th Century. We will examine how religious beliefs
concerning the meaning of life have been expressed in theory and practice. One of the
essential questions we will work to answer is this: how do the world’s religions contribute
to the development and maintenance of the various art forms and cultures that humans
create?

Causes, Practices and Effects of 20th Century Warfare I: 1914-1945

This course will use the titular rubric to examine the Great European War (1914-1945) as
a means to introduce the “age of catastrophe” which, in many ways, was the recently
concluded century. A research project which culminates with the student making a
presentation to the class will be required.

Spring Semester Modern World Senior Seminars

Introduction to Latin American History

Students will engage with the history and culture of the Americas from a new perspective
by reading novels, primary sources and sociological texts. The course will begin with the
study of indigenous peoples before the arrival of the Europeans and end with an in-depth
look at the social, political and economic issues facing Latin Americans today. Although
the course will be taught chronologically, recurring themes will be emphasized
throughout the class. There will be a significant amount of reading and writing, including
a research paper in the final weeks of the course.

Nothingness and Nationalism: The Kyoto School, Heidegger & the Sacred Winds of War

This course will examine the philosophical schools that developed the notion of
“nothingness” in Japan and Germany. We will look at the thinking of Martin Heidegger
and Nishida Kitaro to more fully understand the relationship between philosophy and
society, and to look at their complicity in the rise of aggressive nationalism in Germany
and Japan respectively before World War II. Post-war responses to critics and shifts in
philosophical thought by the thinkers themselves, their disciples, or both, will be read and
discussed.

Introduction to African Studies

Through the use of primary and secondary sources, students will be exposed to the
culture, economy, and politics of sub-Saharan Africa. Although the course will begin in
pre-history and end with the modern age, special emphasis will be placed on the 19th
century colonial period. This course will involve extensive reading, class discussions,
and a research paper.

Women of Buddhism in America

This course will provide an introduction to American women in Buddhism and their
influence on the tradition. We will focus on Buddhist concepts of gender, sexuality,
women’s spiritual capacities, women’s images and roles, experiences and contributions to
the Buddhist tradition in America. Readings will include biographical accounts of pious
women (both lay and ordained), works about and by contemporary Buddhist women, and
Buddhist scriptures that discuss female sexuality and spirituality. We will witness how
American women are “creating the new Buddhism” and the effect it is having on the
concept of feminism and the Buddhist tradition as a whole.

HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE ELECTIVES

Ethics (11, 12; 1/2 credit)

This course will focus on the relationship between moral actions and decision making in
our daily lives. We will begin with an overview of ethical dilemmas and philosophies that
are universal in nature. Topics to be covered include legal and professional ethics,
specifically how ethical philosophies influence and direct decisions made in various
professions. The course will include selected readings that will serve as the basis for class
discussion, as week as the impetus for written assignments.

Philosophic Survey (11, 12; 1/2 credit)

This course focuses on various periods in philosophic thought as well as issues that have
generated substantial philosophic debate. Along with ancient and medieval philosophy,
we will discuss notions such as free will and knowledge and perception. The course will
also examine Native American myths in comparison and contrast to those from Greek
and Roman eras. Readings from a variety of sources will serve as the basis for class
discussion and independent writing assignments.

Historical Roots of Social Justice (11, 12; 1/2 credit)

East Meets West: A History of Contacts between China and Europe (1/2 credit)

This course incorporates a study of early trade contacts between the Greek and Roman
world and China, the Mongol empire, Marco Polo and other writer-travelers in the High
Middle Ages. In addition, Jesuit contacts in the Early Modern Period and subsequent
European Enlightenment writers on China, the age of European imperialism, and the
influence of western political philosophy on China in the 20th century will be discussed.
We will also examine China’s contributions to world civilization.

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (1/2 credit)

Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human. All of us have experienced

instances of curiosity, shock, puzzlement, confusion, or disapproval when confronted by
different customs and practices of people who do not share our own culture.
Anthropology is one means by which we explore that curiosity. This course introduces
students to the study of culture in its complexity and in its myriad forms. Topics include
anthropological theory and methodology, family and kinship, religion, art, economic
systems, and language. Some fieldwork will be required.

MATHEMATICS

Algebra I (9, 10; 1 credit)

This is an introductory course in algebra, covering standard topics through quadratic

functions and equations, operations and properties, set notation, polynomials, linear
sentences, inequalities, rational and irrational expressions, relations and functions. A TI-
83 calculator or better is required.

Geometry (9, 10, 11)

(Prerequisite Algebra I; 1 credit)

As well as being about the mathematics of points, lines, and geometric figures, Geometry
is concerned with the process of careful, organized, abstract thinking. Starting with a few
assumptions and defined terms, students will learn to make conjectures and justify
arguments through different types of formal and informal proofs. Additional topics
include congruence and similarity, solid geometry, coordinate geometry, transformations,
and graph theory.

Algebra II (9, 10, 11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry, or concurrent enrollment in Geometry ; 1 credit)

This is the sequel to Algebra I, and although it is usually taken after Geometry,
concurrent enrollment in Geometry will provide the necessary background. Topics
covered include linear equations and systems, quadratic equations and systems, quadratic,
polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and logistic functions, matrix algebra,
conic sections and an introduction to trigonometry. Students are required to purchase a
TI-83 calculator or better.

Functions, Statistics, & Trigonometry (11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Algebra II; 1 credit)

This course concentrates on the application of algebra and trigonometry to statistics and
probability. Topics covered include working with data; functions; graph transformations;
circular functions and trigonometry; roots, powers, and logarithms; probability;
sequences, series, and combinations; polynomials; binomial and normal distributions; and
various related methods for modeling data. A TI-83 calculator or better is required as this
course relies heavily on a graphing calculator with statistical capabilities. The course may
be a terminal math course, may be a bridge between Algebra II and Pre-calculus, or may
be skipped altogether by students with strong math-science backgrounds who intend to
take Pre-calculus and Calculus. Interested students should discuss their mathematics
backgrounds and aspirations with the department.

Pre-Calculus (10, 11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Algebra II or Functions, Statistics, & Trigonometry, minimum grade B- or
permission of instructor; 1 credit)

This course is for students who plan to take Calculus, or have the necessary level of
interest. Topics covered include a detailed study of functions, including polynomial,
exponential, logarithmic, logistics, rational and trigonometric functions. Other topics
include conic sections, polar and parametrically-defined functions, vectors and complex
numbers, matrix algebra, sequences and series, basic combinatory and probability. The
correct use of and the limitations of scientific calculators will be emphasized. A TI-83
calculator or better is required.

AP Calculus BC (11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Pre-calculus or permission of instructor, minimum grade B-; 1 credit)

This one-year course covers all of the items in the AP Calculus AB syllabus, plus the
extra topics included in the BC syllabus. Upon successful completion of this course,
students will be qualified to take the BC Calculus examination. Topics include limits and
continuity, the derivative and its applications, the integral and its applications, and the
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. BC only topics include the calculus of polar and
parametrically-defined functions, vector functions, improper integral forms, L’Hospital’s
rule, first order separable differential equations, slope fields and a detailed study of series
including convergence tests and the MacLaurin and Taylor series. A TI-83 calculator or
better is required for both the course and the AP examination.

AP Statistics (11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Algebra II and permission of instructor, 1 credit)
To be offered pending student interest and teacher availability
The AP course in Statistics will introduce students to the major concepts and tools for
collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four
broad conceptual themes: 1. Exploring Data: describing patterns and departures from
patterns; 2. Sampling and Experimentation: planning and conducting a study; 3.
Anticipating Patterns: exploring random phenomena using probability and simulation; 4.
Statistical Inference: estimating population parameters and testing hypotheses. Students
who successfully complete the course and exam may receive credit, advanced placement,
or both, equivalent to a one semester introductory college statistics course.

SCIENCE

Biology (10, 11, 12; 1 credit)

This course explores multiple facets of Biology, including biochemistry, evolutionary

theory, ecology, a survey of organisms, and the micro- and macro-structure of human life.
In addition to the biological course content, ethical issues and scientific thought processes
will be studied.

AP Biology (11, 12)

(Prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry; with permission of department; 1 credit)

This course covers the material in the suggested outline of the Advanced Placement
Biology syllabus. It is a college-level course designed for students who have a keen
interest in Biology. It is taught through a combination of lectures, class discussions, and
laboratory work. Additional time outside of school hours will be required for laboratory
and field work.

Chemistry (10, 11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Algebra I or Geometry; 1 credit)

This course provides an introduction to the study of matter and energy. Major topics
include atomic structure and periodicity, chemical nomenclature and formulae, chemical
reactivity and equations, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, the structure and properties of
matter, the role of energy in chemical and physical change, the study of gases and
solutions, and other topics as time permits. Laboratory work is central to the course as it
illustrates and reinforces the material covered in lecture.

AP Chemistry (11, 12)

(Prerequisites: Chemistry, Algebra II, Biology; with permission of department; 1 credit;
AP Chemistry lab, 1/2 credit)

This college-level course introduces students to topics in advanced chemistry in

preparation for the AP Chemistry examination. A thorough and in-depth review of the
topics of introductory chemistry is supplemented by additional topics including
electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics and equilibrium,
applications of equilibrium in
aqueous systems, and an introduction to the quantum mechanical model of atomic and
molecular systems. Extensive laboratory work is required and additional lab time is
allotted for this course.

Physics First (9, 10, 11)

(Co-requisite: Algebra I or Geometry; 1 credit)

The science called physics is the foundation of chemistry, astronomy and engineering,
among other sciences. A solid understanding of the concepts of physics will enable
students to appreciate the wonders of the universe and how it works. In this class,
students will study the laws of motion, energy and work, the theory of relativity,
electricity, magnetism, light, and the atom, and see how the concepts of physics have
developed over the last four centuries and their application to real-life situations. Students
should expect frequent laboratory work, quizzes and homework assignments. The use of
math will be limited to simple algebra applied to real situations. Ninth graders who
complete Physics First will take Chemistry as sophomores.

Honors Physics (10, 11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Geometry; pre/co-requisite: Algebra II; 1 credit)

This course is a classic math-based high-school physics course. It covers essentially the
same topics as Physics First, but stresses the application of mathematics to physical
problems. Students should be comfortable enough with mathematics to learn new math
topics and to work word problems without undue pain and grief. Course activities will
include lecture, discussion, labs and other investigations, problem sets, and
demonstrations.

AP Physics (11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Honors Physics; co-requisite Calculus; with permission of department; 1

credit.)
To be offered pending student interest and teacher availability

AP Physics is primarily for students who intend to study engineering, the physical
sciences, or medicine in college. It is a one-year course on mechanics and
electromagnetism. Other topics will be covered if time permits. The pace is brisk, and
students should be prepared to shoulder much of the burden of learning the material.
Calculus is a prerequisite (or may be taken concurrently), as the basic concepts of
derivatives and integrals will be covered in the course. AP Physics prepares students to
take the Advanced Placement C-level exam in physics in May.

Environmental Studies (11,12)

This course will explore the interactions between living things and the environment.
Students will gain an understanding of natural processes through a survey of the four
spheres of the earth— atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. This course
will also investigate contemporary global and local environmental issues, such as
pollution, global warming, sustainable development, land use, waste disposal, and
renewable energy, and their impact on biodiversity.

Forensics (11,12)
This course provides an introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of
forensic science .Through case studies, laboratory activities, and mock investigations,
students will explore the major theories and tools of forensic analysis, including
fingerprinting, anthropology, hair, fiber, and chemical analysis, and DNA fingerprinting.

WORLD LANGUAGES

Spanish I (9, 10, 11; 1 credit)

Students are introduced to basic communication skills in Spanish, with special emphasis
on the Hispanic culture. This foundation will be of use to students in learning to
understand, speak, and read in Spanish, and to write in Spanish about a variety of relevant
and useful topics. Emphasis is placed on aural and oral skills. Students will be expected
not only to learn grammar and vocabulary, but to communicate in Spanish with each
other and with the instructor. Role-playing, conversation cards, and other small-group
activities are an integral part of the course work.

Spanish II (9, 10, 11, 12; 1 credit)

This course builds upon the foundation of communication skills begun in Spanish I. The
course involves a more in-depth study of vocabulary and grammar. The students will
continue to study Hispanic life and customs, with concentration on the history and
geography of Spanish-speaking countries. The emphasis will continue to be on using the
content to communicate in Spanish, with more concentration on reading than in Spanish
I.

Spanish III (9, 10, 11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Spanish II; 1 credit)

This course continues the study of grammar with an emphasis on conversation,

composition, and reading comprehension. Creative writing, extemporaneous speaking,
and acquisition of specialized vocabulary will supplement the reading program. Students
will be introduced to classical Spanish texts.

AP Spanish Language (11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Spanish III, minimum grade B; 1 credit)
The curriculum of this in-depth course is determined by the syllabus of the Advanced
Placement Spanish Language examination. Students will review and improve upon skills
and knowledge acquired in previous courses. Emphasis will be placed on
extemporaneous speaking and on-demand writing. Some reading of original fiction and
writing of literary analysis essays will be required.

AP Spanish Literature (11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Spanish IV, minimum grade B; 1 credit)

The curriculum of this in-depth course is determined by the syllabus of the Advanced
Placement Spanish Literature examination. This course requires extensive reading of
original texts from the Middle Ages to the present. Students will write a variety of timed
literary analysis essay in class.

French I (9, 10, 11; 1 credit)

This course is taught using the “Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling”
(TPRS) method. The goal is to develop students’ listening, speaking, reading and
composition skills with rapid acquisition of expressions in French, facilitated by stories
invented in class each day. Students read and discuss short novels in French. Culture-
based projects help students understand aspects of daily life in France.

French II (9, 10, 11, 12; 1 credit)

Second-year French is the continued study of the language using the TPRS method.
Students work with increasingly advanced language expressions to further develop their
ability to speak, read, listen and write in French. Students continue to read short novels in
French and culture-based projects expand to include the Francophone world.

French III (10, 11, 12)

(Prerequisite: French II; 1 credit)

The focus of this class is to help students advance in their speaking, reading, listening and
composition skills. Using TPRS and a more detailed study of grammar topics, students
participate in daily class discussions and write compositions on a variety of topics. Short
stories from French-speaking Africa introduce students to the traditions of those nations.
In addition, students study the history of France.

AP French Language (11, 12)

(Prerequisite: French III, minimum grade B; 1 credit.)

This course continues to build on the skills learned in previous years of study with
particular emphasis on advanced conversation, reading, and formal writing based on the
recommended syllabus for the AP French Language examination. Students participate in
daily conversation activities to help them focus on particular vocabulary and grammar
topics and write lengthy (250+ words) compositions every 2 weeks. Students also prepare
and present short projects about contemporary France.

Chinese I (9, 10, 11, 12; 1 credit)

This course will be an introduction to the Mandarin language of mainland China. Chinese
culture and traditions will also be examined.

Chinese II (9, 10, 11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Chinese I; 1 credit)

This course continues and advances the skills learned in Chinese I.

FINE ARTS

Art I - Foundation Studio Art (9, 10, 11, 12; 1 credit)

This is the required foundation course, which most students take in 10th grade. Students
work through a series of drawing projects of increasing difficulty in a variety of media in
order to develop specific drawing skills. The course takes into account the varied skill
levels and developmental needs of individual students by providing projects at which
success can be achieved and measured at every level. There is an emphasis on
comprehension of the nature and qualities of materials. Some art history is incorporated
in this course with a practical emphasis on how and why rather than the traditional who
and when. Hands-on coaching by example is key to the success of this program; in our
experience almost every student can learn to draw accurately.

Advanced Portfolio (10, 11, 12; 1 credit)

(Prerequisite: Art I or equivalent and permission of instructor)

As the student progresses, learning to use color in several mediums is increasingly

emphasized. Oil painting is introduced as the most demanding, flexible, and expressive
traditional medium. Students work with the artists-in-residence closely and individually
to prepare portfolios suitable for presentation for colleges.

Photography (10, 11, 12)

(Prerequisite: Art; fall and/or spring: ½ or 1 credit)

This course seeks to develop a basic understanding of photography as a fine-arts medium.

The course includes instruction in basic camera techniques, lighting, and digital image
processing in our new state-of-the-art facility. A series of problems leads the student to
explore various aesthetic considerations. Slide lectures, visiting artists, reading
assignments and field trips refer to photography outside of school.
Video (11, 12)
(Prerequisite: Art; fall and/or spring ½ or 1 credit)

This course is designed as an introduction to video production and post-production.

Understanding that media pieces are constructions allows students to understand what a
particular piece is trying to say, who the audience is, and why the piece is made the way it
is. Understanding that movies and television are built one step at a time enables students
to imagine their own pieces. Students will learn basic techniques using state-of-the-art
DV cameras and a non-linear digital editing system, and will gain experience in related
software including Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Aftereffects. The class will view and
discuss work by artists in various genres.

INTER-DEPARTMENTAL OFFERINGS

Health & Skills for Success (9; ½ credit)

In this required course, ninth graders will learn and practice a number of skills that
teachers have identified as fundamental to success, beginning with a complete orientation
to downtown and to the high school. Students will also study health issues, including
stress and time management, nutrition, sexuality (reproduction, contraception, prevention
of STDs and AIDS), and alcohol and drug abuse.

Fitness (9; ½ credit)

A required course for ninth graders, Fitness is the companion of the Health & Skills
course. This class will be taught in three sections. The first section will cover general
fitness, nutrition and health. It will culminate with each student creating their own
nutrition plan. The second section will cover flexibility, agility and strength &
cardiovascular training. Each student will go through a preset workout plan. The final
assignment includes each group creating their own games.