2010-2011 COURSE OFFERINGS & DESCRIPTIONS
LANGUAGE ARTS:
ENGLISH I—GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION - English I is a required freshman course incorporating a study of all English skills. Literature, grammar, and composition will be emphasized.
ENGLISH II---WORLD LITERATURE --The coursework in English II consists of readings from world literature. Students will read and respond toa variety of selections of short stories, plays, poetry, and novels. Work onreading skills and strategies, writing, vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling, and grammarwill be ongoing. Students will participate ina variety ofarts-integrated projects during the course. When possible, the course material will correspond with material given in World History.
ENGLISH III—AMERICAN LITERATURE Students will apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, appreciate and respond to a survey of literature featuring both classic and modern works by American writers. Students will express ideas effectively in written modes for a variety of purposes and audiences.
ENGLISH IV
AP LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION
CREATIVE WRITING - a comprehensive course of student expression through writing. Elements explored: short stories, poetry, script writing, advertising copy, essays and articles. Class is designed to increase confidence in writing, both professional and personal.
JOURNALISM - This course is designed to inspire confidence in communication, both written and oral. At the heart of this course is student-produced news reporting. The course will focus on non-fiction storytelling from inception to finished story, with an eye on the purpose, structure, and function of news. Students will be exposed to a wide range of mass media outlets including traditional print, radio, television, website, blog and podcast, as well as the dramatic changes brought about by technology.
YEARBOOK - This course combines journalistic reporting with publication layout and design. Students will focus on the reporting of school events both in written word and photographically to produce the 2010-2011 Firehawk yearbook. Because of the diverse needs in creating a publication, students will be assigned various task including (but not limited to): attending school functions, photography, story writing, interviewing, Indesign, and Photoshop.
All students are required to sell advertising and schedule times to run the school concession stand to help support the costs of producing the yearbook. This is a production based course requiring both in-class and after school time. Students who work after school or have time consuming activities are encouraged to talk to the teacher before selecting this course.
SPEECH & DEBATE
SOCIAL STUDIES:
OKLAHOMA HISTORY - This course explores the history behind the foundation of the state of Oklahoma. From ancient times to the 21st century, this course will examine the people and events that have formed the Oklahoma we live in today.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY - This course explores the world we live in from both a physical and cultural viewpoint. Students will become familiar with the various regions and nations of the world and their cultural as well as global contributions.
WORLD HISTORY - covers the beginning of history to present day. Students will begin to develop an understanding of the connections between historical events and the present world order and how these events have impacted their own lives.
UNITED STATES HISTORY --This course covers the people and events that have impacted the history of the United States. Students will make connections between historical events and the present day situations that are directly and indirectly impacted by those events.
GOVERNMENT/ECONOMICS
AP EUROPEAN HISTORY
MATHEMATICS:
ALGEBRA IA
ALGEBRA IB
ALGEBRA I - Algebra I is the introduction of variables, constants, expressions and equations. Topics covered are: solving equations, simplifying expressions, understanding order of operations, using properties, arithmetic operations with positive and negative numbers, polynomials, factoring, graphing (linear and quadratic equations), working with radicals and expanding arithmetic knowledge .
GEOMETRY - This course is designed to prepare the student in the understanding of two-dimensional Euclidean space. Also presented will be proofs using deductive reasoning and an introduction to three dimensional space and applications of both two and three dimensional spaces. Successful completion of Algebra I is required.
ALGEBRA II - Continued study of math concepts including linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, relations, functions, radicals, imaginary and complex numbers. Emphasis is placed upon development of math skills through study of exponential and logarithmic functions, probability, statistics and elements of trigonometry
PRECALCULUS/ TRIGONOMETRY - An upper level math class designed to prepare students for post high school mathematics. Emphasis is placed on technology and the role of mathematics in everyday life. Two of the main goals of this course are to equip students with essential critical thinking skills as well as prepare them for Calculus and/or college mathematics.Prerequisite: high school algebra and geometry.
CALCULUS
SCIENCE:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - The objective of the course is to educate the student about the environment and mankind’s effect on it. The course covers ecosystems, the scientific method, populations, species interactions, biomes, agriculture, and our environmental future.
BIOLOGY I - The objective of the course is to educate the student about world of biology. Biology, or the study of living things, covers biodiversity, cell structure and function, genetics, interdependence, organization and behavior of organisms and the scientific method. This course includes laboratory activities.
CHEMISTRY - In this laboratory science class, the student will learn about matter and its atomic structure and will produce and observe chemical changes and reactions through careful application of the scientific method.
ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY
PHYSICS
VISUAL ART:
VISUAL ART I - Beginning visual arts class. Students develop their powers of observation and gain an understanding of basic art concepts reinforced through study of art history. The class focuses on developing basic techniques, exploring various media, and initial identification of student’s personal style.
VISUAL ART II - Advanced study of basic art concepts. Students work on individual works of art using various techniques. Develop familiarity with several different artists’ materials including charcoals, colored pencils, pastels, acrylic paints, oil paints, multi-media, etc. Participants will gain a beginning understanding of the wide range of professional fields within the realm of visual arts, learn the art of critique, and importance of the artist’s statement.
VISUAL ART III - This course will be guided independent study. During the year, students will focus their knowledge of visual art to create a cohesive body of work. Students will participate in critiques to gain a more focused direction with their art. The course will give students the opportunity to deepen their individual creativity and knowledge of art. Also, students will further develop their personal artist's statement.
VISUAL ART IV
AP STUDIO ART
AP 2-D ART
PHOTOGRAPHY I –Students will develop their powers of observation and gain an understanding of basic photography concepts. Students will develop their photographic skills and individual style through hands-on projects with 35 mm cameras and Holga cameras (furnished by HFAA). Students will be introduced to darkroom technique. Students will also gain a beginning understanding of the wide range of opportunities available to them as professional photographers and will learn the art of critique and the importance of the artist’s statement
PHOTOGRAPHY II—This is a more in-depth continuation of work begun in Photography I with the addition of use of digital cameras and editing technique. Students will also learn more about studio set up and location shoots.
PHOTOGRAPHY III –This course is a guided independent study where students will work on building their portfolios and perfecting their photographic technique through practical application. They will do photo shoots and photo essays as well as work with Photo I & II students.
PERFORMING ARTS:
THEATER
STAGECRAFT - a comprehensive technical theatre arts course in which students will explore the various elements of theatrical production and performance. The class includes theatre history, paint techniques, set design & construction, costuming, sound design and prop building.
BEGINNING DRAMA is a comprehensive theatre arts course in which students explore their own creativity as it applies to theatre. The class includes an introduction to theatre history, vocabulary, basic acting techniques, voice and movement, basic technical aspects, development of scenes, and script analysis.
INTERMEDIATE DRAMA
Drama II is an advanced theatre arts course that includes theatre history; vocabulary; acting techniques; development of scenes; script analysis; writing scenes; basic directing; voice and movement; technical aspects including stage management, scene design, costume design, lighting design.
ADVANCED DRAMA Advanced drama is a theatre arts course in which advanced students collaborate (actors, directors, designers) to create productions for performance. This group will participate in one-act competition and give performances to the community outside school.
DANCE
BEGINNING MODERN DANCE I
This course will offer beginners a basic exploration in basic modern dance concepts and technique. Some such basic concepts include shape, tempo, space, level, movement direction, etc. Students can expect to be challenged with learning movement phrases of various kinds. Many phrases will be given to them, butstudents will also haveopportunities to create their own creative movement sequences. The course will also include performance opportunities at several times during the school year. Students will be required to dress appropriately in stretchy movement-friendly clothes.
INTERMEDIATE MODERN DANCE
This course will offer students a continued exploration of modern dance concepts and technique. As skills are learned, movement sequences will become more complex and challenging. As the dancer's technical foundation is strengthened, attention to movement details will be emphasized. There will be opportunities for the students to create their own movement sequences and movement improvisation will also be introduced. The course will include performance opportunities at several times during the school year. Students will be required to dress appropriately in stretchy movement-friendly clothes.
ADVANCED MODERN DANCE
This course will offer students a continued exploration of modern dance concepts and technique. Movement sequences with added complexity and technical demand will be practiced and mastered. As technique is built, the amplitude of the dance performance will be emphasized. There will be opportunities for students to express themselves through their own creativity and additional movement improvisation experiences. Students can expect performance skills to be polished and audition skills to be introduced. The course will include performance opportunities at several times during the school year. Students will be required to dress appropriately in stretchy movement-friendly clothes.
MUSIC
BEGINNING CHOIR--Any freshman student may participate in the 9th grade choir. Auditions are not required. The course will focus on developing students’ vocal abilities while teaching them the basics of music reading and part-singing. The choir participates in district contest, where individuals have the opportunity to be a part of a small ensembles or solos. Individuals also (9th Grade Choir, cont.) have various opportunities to audition for and participate in regional and state honor choirs. Grades are based on singing tests, daily participation, and performances. The choir will perform at the winter and spring concerts.
ADVANCED CONCERT CHOIR
Any boy or girl may audition for concert choir. Musical abilities and vocal qualities are greatly improved everyday during concert choir, and this course will build on the skills learned in beginning choir. Students have the opportunity to be a part of small ensembles or solos at district contest. Individuals also have various opportunities to audition for regional and state honor choirs. Grades are based on singing tests, daily participation, and performances. The choir will perform at the winter and spring concerts as well as other community and school performance opportunities.
CONCERT BAND--- Concert band is composed of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students who have at least two years of prior experience on their instrument. Grades weigh heavily upon participation in daily rehearsals and attendance at all public performances. Students will be given opportunities to participate in district contests and various honor groups. The band will perform at the winter and spring concerts as well as other community and school performance opportunities.
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
Percussion Ensemble is a class offered outside of the school day that meets several times per week. Instruction focuses on rhythmic learning, ensemble skills, and musicality. Technique is taught almost entirely in the context of ensemble pieces to be performed.
MUSIC THEORY
STRINGS
PIANO
GUITAR I: Beginning Guitar
Guitar I is a step by step user friendly interactive approach that is fun yet challenging. Students play music immediately. Ear training, note reading, (Guitar I, cont.) and visualization are used as tools to help develop confidence and learn simple solos and group pieces. The student learns to use the right hand fingers to pluck the strings. The style of music ranges from Blues to Beethoven. Grades are based on playing tests, daily participation, and performances. No musical experience or guitar is needed.
GUITAR II: Expanding the Fundamentals
Guitar II builds on the fundamentals of Guitar I using the same step by step interactive approach. Harmony is developed by learning solo and ensemble music. The styles range from a traditional hymn to Folk and Blues pieces. Technique goals include: strengthening the fourth finger of the left hand, independence of the fingers, arpeggio and chord building. Grades are based on playing tests, daily participation, and performances.
GUITAR III: Advanced Guitar
Guitar III puts a greater emphasis on musicality while maintaining proper technique in both the right and left hands. Music choice is influenced by the students, and retains a wide variety of styles. Technique goals include expanding on music theory, reading music higher on the guitar neck, and refining ensemble skills. Grades are based on playing tests, daily participation, and performances.
APPLIED GUITAR (Dependent on demand)
Applied Guitar is a teacher recommended course that reinforces practice habits as well as technique and musicality. Students are given the (Applied Guitar, cont.) majority of class time to work on technique builders and musical selections. Music choices are made by students with a required variety of styles. Instruction is tailored to each student in the class though guided practice.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS:
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I- ESSENTIAL APPLICATIONS
This class is a comprehensive study ofbasic computer literacy, keyboarding,and basic MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I--MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II: GRAPHIC DESIGN
This is a semester length class that begins with an accelerated education in both computer based graphic design applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Indesign and Illustrator, as well as an overview of the formal principles of design and layout. This class seeks to give students the opportunity to practically apply their skills in real-world client based situations. As available and merited, students may be assigned a client with the opportunity to have their design used in publications. Occasionally, this could require working in conjunction with student(s) in Web Design or meeting with client(s) outside of class time.
With approval, individual students may continue computer-based Graphic Design beyond this one semester class to continue the creation of their portfolio and/ or seek certification in the above Adobe software.
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II: WEB DESIGN
This is a semester length class that begins with an accelerated education in HTML and Adobe Dreamweaver. Students will then study concepts of good webpage layout and design and use this knowledge to produce a multi-page website. As available and merited, students may be assigned a client with the opportunity to develop layout and design of a website. Occasionally, this could require working in conjunction with student(s) in Graphic Design or meeting with client(s) outside of class time.
With approval, individual students may continue Web Design beyond this one semester class to continue the creation of their portfolio and/ or seek certification in the above Adobe software.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE:
FRENCH II—Students will continue in their study of the language, adding to their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. The course will focus on building conversational ability.
GERMAN I—German I is an exploratory foreign language course in which students work toward a basic proficiency level in the five aspects of spoken German: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture.
GERMAN II—This course will extend the student’s beginning grasp of the German language with the introduction of additional vocabulary, grammar structures. Students will become more conversant in the language and better able to express themselves.
SPANISH I Students will be introduced to basic communication skills, compare culture and language, and identify connections to everyday life and our community.
SPANISH II---Students will practice communication skills learned at novice level and make use of new vocabulary and grammatical understanding to express self in various contexts. They identify cultural similarities and differences and their application in our community.
SPANISH III – Students will read authentic literature, expressing opinions through conversation & writing skills as we gain understanding of other cultures by developing insight into the nature of language and how it reflects culture and applies to our community. Pre-requisite Spanish I and II or native speaker.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
RECREATIONAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Class designed to teach students to live an active, healthy lifestyle in a fun and interesting way. Students participate in a variety of team and individual sports and learn sportsmanship skills.
COMPETITIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION
RESOURCE CLASSES:
READING EXCELLENCE –Reading Excellence is designed to improve reading skills by focusing on practice reading, vocabulary, spelling, use of the dictionary, and identifying strategies to enhance reading comprehension.
RESOURCE/LAB CLASS
Class designed to help students have success in their general curriculum classes. Provides an opportunity for students to get individual assistance and develop the needed skills to improve goal development, organization, and self-advocacy.