ENGLISH

FRESHMAN ENGLISH

This course provides a basic foundation in language arts. The class concentrates on writing skills, grammar and usage, vocabulary development, spelling, sentence and paragraph structure, and library skills.

This course focuses on the writing process, from prewriting to revision with an emphasis on writing expository essays for various purposes. Students will read, discuss, and analyze selected poetry, short stories, novels, and plays.

This course will include an intensive survey of American Literature concentrating on the cultural and philosophical development of the United States. Critical reading, thinking and composition skills will be emphasized. Composition assignments will include both exposition and argumentation, with an emphasis on the writing process. Speaking skills will be addressed through oral interpretation of literary works.

This course will survey world literature with an emphasis on universal themes. Writing will include literary analysis and formal communications. Critical reading, thinking and composition skills will be emphasized.

An introductory course to the Spanish language including basic pronunciation and cultural aspects of the language, expressions and necessary grammar explanations.

A continuation of Spanish I, emphasizing more Spanish spoken in the classroom, more grammar explanations, and study of the culture of Spanish speaking countries. Classroom activities include oral presentations and projects. The four skills for listening, speaking, reading and writing are extended.

HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT

WORLD HISTORY
/GEOGRAPHY

This course covers the modern period from 1750 to the present. All major world civilizations will be studied. Geographical concepts will be integrated into the World History coursework. Sophomore requirement.

This course is designed to teach U.S. History from the industrialization to the present. Arizona history will be woven into this course. This is a Junior level social studies requirement.

This course will examine fundamental principles and structure of American national and state governments. The organization, powers, and operation of legislative, executive and judicial functions of the government will be covered. The political behavior of the American people, as well as their government officials, will be discussed in the context of political issues. Senior level requirement.

ECONOMICS

In this course, students develop economic reasoning skills to apply basic economic concepts, assess problems, make choices and evaluate the choices of others as consumers, workers and citizens participating in national economics. All students are encouraged to take economics their senior year in preparation for life after high school. Prerequisite: Completion of US/AZ History. NOTE: Economics is a graduation requirement in the State of Arizona beginning with the class of 2012.

MATHEMATICS

ALGEBRA I

This course teaches basic fundamentals of algebra: simplifying expressions, solving linear equations, factoring, solving systems of linear equations, and simplifying radicals.

ALGEBRA II

A course providing an in depth review and study of the concepts introduced in first year algebra. Topics covered include fractional and negative exponents, quadratic equations, operations with imaginary numbers, problem solving related to chemistry and physics and introduction to geometry and trigonometry. It is highly recommended that students taking this course enroll for both semesters.

GEOMETRY

An informal approach to Euclidean Geometry. Topics include parallel lines and planes, congruence and similarity of polygons, trigonometry, circles, area and volume, and coordinate geometry. It is highly recommended that students taking this course enroll for both semesters.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

HEALTH & DRIVERS EDUCATION

Drivers education is concerned with developing the skills necessary for safe driving habits. The health education portion will be a general survey of the dynamic areas of current health problems. This course does not fulfill any Physical Education requirements. Successful completion of this course will result in a 1/2 elective credit. ($18.00 workbook fee required for class)

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
(Grades 9 thru 12)

This course offers physical conditioning, fitness testing and team sports both indoors and outdoors. Please wear tennis shoes and light, comfortable clothing. Students are also encouraged to bring a water bottle to class daily.

SCIENCE

BIOLOGY
A $10.00 lab fee per semester will be charged.

Biology is the study of living organisms. Topics covered include diversity of life, ecology, cellular biology, heredity and genetics, evolution, classification, and microbiology. Students are assigned considerable reading and homework. Labs reinforce and expand on the topics covered in class as well as providing experience with inquiry learning. State proficiency standards are addressed. It is highly recommended that students taking this course enroll for both semesters.

CHEMISTRY

This is a college-prep course in general chemistry. Topics include description of matter, gases, thermo chemistry, atomic structure and periodicity, bonding, condensed phases, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. Students spend considerable time in the laboratory structuring, implementing, and reporting on analytical procedures. This class requires a firm foundation in Algebra II, writing, and study skills. Accuracy is expected, not just effort. It is highly recommended that students taking this course enroll for both semesters.

PHYSICS

This course covers the major concepts of physics, including kinematics, mechanics, energy, electricity and magnetism, and wave phenomena. Mathematics is a prominent component of this course. The lab experience emphasizes experimental design, and data interpretation. State proficiency standards are addressed. It is highly recommended that students taking this course enroll for both semesters.