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Course Descriptions

Course Subjects:

 

 

BUSINESS EDUCATION

BE 47 ACCOUNTING I
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Students will become proficient in handling the daily reporting and financial routine of the average business office, including the double entry system of bookkeeping. Students may have hands-on experience with computer accounting. Course strongly recommended for students planning to major in business in college.

BE 33 SCHOOLS TO WORK: CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed to help students make smooth transitions from their classrooms to meaningful jobs. Emphasizes the useable skills students need to succeed in school, at work, and on their own. Students will learn career planning, job hunting, and job adjustment as well as how to manage the income they earn to help build secure and satisfying lives.

BE 39 CONSUMER LAW
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
How does the law affect you? Interested in a legal career? Will you be signing any contracts? Learn your rights and responsibilities in real world legal situations. Students will gain knowledge of credit, buying on credit proper use of credit and credit protection laws and laws regulating credit activity.

BE 51 THE BASICS OF INVESTING
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed to enhance the student’s knowledge and skills to become a savvy investor. Information covered will include designing a personal financial plan, learning how financial markets work, selecting among various savings and investment options, finding and using investment information on companies and stocks online (using NAIC principles of investing), and recognizing and victim-proofing yourself against investment fraud.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

CB 11 COMPUTER APPLICATION I
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
The course is designed to introduce and teach basic computer functions and use of common office applications. Students will learn the computer hardware components and their functions. The student will also learn basic typing skills, develop general use of Windows operating system, and be introduced to Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel programs. The course is designed to assist the student in using and understanding the features, architecture, and interrelationships of these programs. Upon completion of the course a student will be able to effectively and comfortably use an industry standard computer and popular applications used for both home and office.

CS 18 DESKTOP PUBLISHING
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course combines the use of graphics, design, layout, and professional publication concepts to develop projects used in desktop publishing. Students will create documents such as newsletters, brochures, and fliers.

CS 35 & 36 WEB DESIGN IA & IB
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed to prepare students in Dreamweaver web design. Students will develop the appreciation, knowledge, skills, and abilities used in today to create web pages. Students will attain skills to design and create their own web site using various tools. Students will use computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Dreamweaver, and Photo Editor. Students will have the ability and skills knowledge to create frames, rollovers, behaviors, tables, layers, navigation bars, and many other Dreamweaver tools. Web Design IB is designed for practical use of the skills learned in the Web Design IA course. This is a project based course that applies the skills and abilities learned previously in addition to a set of new Dreamweaver tools. Students will work independently on many web site projects. They will also learn to create and manipulate graphics.

ENGLISH

EN 30 ENGLISH 9
Grade 09 2 Blocks – 1 credit
This course includes the study of composition, literature, spelling, grammar, research, and study skills. The oral component of this course meets the state mandated speech requirement.

EN 31 FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGLISH I
Grade 09 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Must have passed 8th grade AIMS Reading & Writing
This course is designed to be remedial with instruction in speaking, thinking, listening, and writing. Study skills will also be emphasized.

EN 32 FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGLISH II
Grade 10 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Fundamentals I
This course is a continuation of Fundamentals of English I, and is designed for students who need practical language skills. There is also a debate component.

EN 80 HUMANITITES
Grade 10 1 Block – ½ credit
To help students gain a better understanding of world culture through a critical examination of art, literature, music, drama, and dance. Students develop an aesthetic sensitivity and appreciation for the creative process and thereby gain a better understanding of themselves.

EN 33 PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH I
Grade 10 1 Block – ½ credit
Students will strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the parts of speech, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage skills. Critical thinking, the writing process, composing, editing, and vocabulary are emphasized. The book used in this course is Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451.

EN 34 PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH II
Grade 11 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Principles of English I
This course is a continuation of Principles of English I. Students will learn language flexibility, improve sentence structure, and develop content in the writing process. Students will also organize, develop, edit, and revise compositions in exposition, narrative, argumentation, and persuasion. Students will also read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and be able to interpret character motive, setting, foreshadowing, irony, and conflict. Included are vocabulary, oral communication, and research skills.

EN 37 ELEMENTS OF READING AND WRITING
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed to improve basic skills in reading through literature study, remedial instruction in speaking, thinking, listening, and writing. Vocabulary building and study skills are also emphasized.

EN 40 SHAKESPEARE
Grades 11-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Principles of English II
This course provides students with an in depth study of Shakespeare’s life and times and several of his plays and poetry. The course requires students to write analysis and research papers using the MLA format.

EN 46 PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH III
Grade 12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Principles of English II
Students will build upon and develop skills learned in Principles of English II. These include: sentence structure, developing content in the writing process, organizing, developing, editing, and revising compositions in narrative, argumentation, and persuasion. students will also explore literary style demonstrated in their choice of narrative fiction or non-fiction. Vocabulary, oral communication, formal communications, and research skills are also included.

EN 51 LITERARY EXPLORATIONS
Grade 10 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisite: English 9
This course studies the themes in literature while reinforcing and expanding the students’ knowledge of literary terminology through analysis. Gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of literature is emphasized.

EN 52 MYTHOLOGY
Grade 12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Literary Explorations
This class is designed as a basic and comprehensive introductory course in mythology. Students will study selections of Greek myths and their origins through the use of their texts and several outside supplementary resources such as illustrated texts and pertinent videos. Students will study, research, write, and illustrate myths in order to meet the objective.

EN 57 AMERICAN LITERATURE
Grades 11-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Principles of English II
This course is a survey of literature that reflects the culture of America from The Declaration of Independence to the present. Emphasis is placed on the works of major American authors and literary movements. Vocabulary, oral communication, formal communications, and research skills are also included.

EN 60 BRITISH LITERATURE
Grades 11-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Principles of English II
This course is a survey of the literature which reflects the culture of England from Beowulf to the present. Emphasis is placed on the works of major literary movements and British authors. Students will learn to analyze literary works and write a research paper using MLA format.

EN 62 WORLD LITERATURE
Grades 11-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Principles of English II
This course is designed to encourage students to explore universal themes in literature and to read analytically the works of some of the world’s greatest authors. Students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of other cultures. Students will write an analysis and a research paper using MLA format.

EN 70 POETRY
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
In this class students will study universal themes in poetry selections. Students will study poetic techniques and writing styles. In addition, students will write their own poems in the vein of certain poets.

EN 73 SPEECH/ DEBATE
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed to review the various formal and informal areas of oral communications. Includes; interpersonal communication skills, listening techniques, public speaking, group discussions, and oral interpretation. In addition, types and debate techniques will also be explored. Research techniques are reviewed and practiced.

EN 84 JOURNALISM/ YEARBOOK
Grades 11-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Teacher interview required/ Typing recommended
This course is designed to introduce students to the world of media and encourage them to be critical thinkers. Students will learn to write stories for a school newsletter and they will participate in the basic techniques and production of publication for the school yearbook.

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

FS 30 LIFE CONNECTIONS
Grades 10 -12 1 Block – ½ credit
Designed to help students understand human behavior and development enabling positive relationships. Emphasis is on responsibility for self, respect for others, communications and decision-making skills for success in family, work and community.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

WL 21 SPANISH I
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course introduces students to the basic vocabulary and grammar structure of the language. Prepares students to begin to read, write, speak, and understand the language.

WL 22 SPANISH II
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Spanish I
This course continues the development of the language skills. Level I skills are reviewed and maintained. Emphasis is placed on oral expression. Appropriate cultural components are studied.

WL 23 FRENCH IA
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course introduces students to the basic vocabulary and grammar structure of the language. Prepares students to begin to read, write, speak, and understand the language.

WL 24 FRENCH IB
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: French IA
This course continues the development of the language skills. Level I skills are reviewed and maintained. Emphasis is placed on oral expression. Appropriate cultural components are studied.

 

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

IT 10 PRECISION MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY IA & IB
Grades 10-12 2 Blocks – 1 credit
This course is for all students, providing experience in the art of manufacturing. Students will develop proficiencies geared toward industry standards in setup and operation of modern manual and computerized tools of the trade. There is and emphasis on management, leadership, quality control and business/ customer relations.

IT 31 COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN & DRAFTING
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course develops drafting skills and knowledge by extensive practice using drafting tools and by solving graphic problems. Specific drafting areas studied included single view drawing, multi-view drawing, auxiliary views, sections, surface development and three-dimensional drafting. All are necessary for engineering and architectural study.

IT 32 COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN- ARCHITECTURAL I
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Comp. Aided Design & Drafting
Residential building drawing and construction standards are emphasized. Includes; footings, and foundations, wall construction, floor plans, roofs and corners, room plans electrical and plumbing layouts and elevations. This course is planned for students interested in careers in the building trade, architecture, interior decoration or home planning an ownership.

IT 48 ENGINEERING & PROBLEM SOLVING IA & IB
Grades 10- 12 2 Blocks – 1 credit
Prerequisites: Comp. Aided Design- Architectural I
This is a course in science and technology. Students will participate in problem-solving activities representing industry, construction and engineering-related fields. A hands–on application of design and engineering techniques. Students will compete in teams for best design solutions.

BLUEPRINT READING and METALWORKING 1
Grades 9-12 Block - ½ Credit
Prerequisites: Math skills, Manufacturing Technology. Students will expand on already obtained skills and continue to develop a stronger understanding and interpretation of blueprints. Students will learn about cutting tools, the speed and feed of tools, safety and have an opportunity for hands on projects on metalworking equipment including a lathe and milling machines.

BLUEPRINT and GEOMETRIC TOLERANCE 1
Grades 9-12 Block - ½ Credit
Prerequisites: Blueprint Reading and Metalworking. Students will focus on Geometric Tolerance based on the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Y.14.5) and the application and understanding there of. There will be a strong emphasis on theory, math and the understanding of geometric applications including Maximum and Minimum Material Conditions. This is a required preparatory class for Computer Aided Design and Drafting.

MATHEMATICS

MA 90 AIMS MATH PREP
Grades 9 -12 1 Block – ½ credit
An intensified review of algebra and geometry concepts aligned with the Arizona Academic Standards. This course is appropriate for students who have not successfully passed the AIMS math test.

MA 20 MATH SKILLS BUILDER
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
A math support class paired with the assigned mathematics class. This course will strengthen prerequisite skills, support and maintain on grade level concepts, as well as, address study skills. Successful completion of the course will provide students with elective credit.

MA 25 & 26 AlTERNATIVE ALGEBRA IA & IB
Grades 09-12 2 Blocks – 1 credit
Curriculum addresses number sense and operations with an emphasis on rational numbers, data analysis, probability (two stages)/ discrete mathematics, patterns, algebraic thinking and functions, geometry, measurement, problem solving and logic.

MA 27 & 28 ALGEBRA IA & IB
Grades 10-12 2 Blocks – 1 credit
Prerequisites: Alternative Algebra
This course applies math skills in problem solving and prepares the student for more advanced study of math. Topics covered include linear and quadratic equations, data interpretation, data representation in multiple forms, and symbolic manipulation.

MA 29 & 30 ALGEBRA IIA & IIB
Grades 11-12 2 Blocks – 1 credit
Prerequisites: Algebra IB & Geometry B
Extends the concepts of Algebra IB and Geometry to include; factoring of higher degree equations, simultaneous equations, fractional equations, fractional and negative exponents, functions, logarithms, determinants, systems and graphs, the binomial theorem, and an introduction to probability and trigonometric functions.

MA 31 GEOMETRY A
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Algebra IB
This course will introduce students to the Pythagorean and Euclidean history, principles, and applied strategies. Students will develop a foundation in deductive reasoning and problem solving.

MA 32 GEOMETRY B
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Geometry A
This course will include a review of Geometry I and an expansion of the Pythagorean and Euclidean history, principles, and applied strategies. Students will develop a further foundation in deductive reasoning and problem solving.

PERFORMING ARTS

PA 30 FINE ARTS
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed as a basic and comprehensive introductory class in Fine Arts. Students will experience lessons through lecture and experiential class exercises. Students will use a variety of select materials in lieu of a standard text; periodicals, encyclopedias, general library books, and current newspaper articles. Student will complete written assignments as well as perform and create art. Written reports include an MLA research paper on an artist of their choice, as a written journal of analysis and musical works.

PA 31 THEATRE ARTS IA
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed to introduce students to the board and diverse range of theatre forms such as Japanese Kabuki theatre, improvisation, Indonesian shadow puppetry, television, pantomime, Native American storytellers, Noh, drama, film, vaudeville, and dramatic readings. Students learn about theatre from the perspective of the playwright, actor, designer, and director and will have opportunities to create, perform, analyze, and critique dramatic works and in so doing will develop a deeper understanding of their own world and global issues.

PA 32 THEATRE ARTS IB
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Theatre I
This course is designed to reinforce what students learned in Theatre I and build on their existing knowledge of the broad and diverse range of theatre forms such as Japanese Kabuki theatre, improvisation, Indonesian shadow puppetry, television, pantomime, Native American storytellers, Noh, drama, film, vaudeville, and dramatic readings. Students learn about theatre from the perspective of the playwright, actor, designer, and director and will have opportunities to create, perform, analyze, and critique dramatic works and in so doing will develop a deeper understanding of their own world and global issues. Students will act, direct, design set, do make-up, design costumes, and may present public performances.

READING

RD 19 READING FOR SUCCESS
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed to meet the needs of students who are not reading on grade level. Instruction provided to raise reading level, improve skills and increase fluency and speed in reading.

RD 24 MYSTERIES AND MORE
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed for readers who enjoy reading mysteries and various other genres, including adventure and a variety of print materials. Students will further develop reading and thinking skills through related activities, film and computer technology.

RD 30 APPLIED READING I
Grade 09 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is intended for students who need to improve basic reading skills and have not met the state reading requirement of the AIMS. Students are also provided instruction in specific skill areas to raise reading levels in vocabulary, comprehension and study skills.

RD 31 APPLIED READING II
Grades 09-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Applied Reading I
A literature-oriented course designed for students who have not met the state reading requirement for graduation. Students are provided instruction in skill areas to raise reading levels in vocabulary, comprehension and study skills.

RD 32 APPLIED READING III
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Applied Reading II
A reading and literature class for students needing help developing basic reading skills in order to pass the state required tests for graduation. Emphasis is on reading and understanding short literary selections from several genres, reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and reading efficiency techniques. Writing activities will reinforce and support the reading instruction.

SCIENCE

SC 30 & 31 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF SCIENCE A & B
Grade 09 2 Blocks –1 credit
Students receive instruction and practice in developing and refining skills of scientific methodology. These skills are prerequisites for success in subsequent science classes. Using physics, chemistry, astronomy, and biology concepts as a framework, students discover and collect evidence that supports the tenets of atomic/molecular theory. These principles lay the groundwork for understanding biochemical relationships.

SC 32 & 33 BIOLOGY IA & IB
Grades 10-12 2 Blocks – 1 credit
This course is designed to assist the student in their understanding of the basic concepts of biology and evolutionary relationships among organisms and their environment. Including the nature of science, biology as a science, an introduction to chemistry, the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, cell energy (photosynthesis and respiration), nucleic acids and protein synthesis, and cell growth and division, genetics, heredity, evolution, classification systems, the origin of life, viruses, protests, and fungi.

SC 36 MARINE BIOLOGY
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Marine Biology is an introduction to the ocean’s environment for life. It includes the study of the major phyla of the flora and fauna of the world’s oceans.

SC 50 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course offers a comprehensive overview of environmental issues. The emphasis will be on: population studies, natural resources, pollution, and current environmental issues.

SC 51 PLANT SCIENCE I: Greenhouse Management
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of growing plants using biotechnology in propagating, using grafting, cuttings, seedlings and tissue culturing. Greenhouse management is crucial in growing the new generation of biotech plants. Skills taught include recognizing fertilizer deficiencies. Plant diseases, insect damage, environmental deficiencies, applying growth stimulants and retardants, and plant identification. Students will grow bedding and container plants for school projects.

SC 52 PLANT SCIENCE II: Landscape Management
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: Plant Science I
This course is designed to help students advance their skills from Plant Science I and/or to develop skills in the landscape industry. Students will develop skills associated with turf management, advanced landscape design, integrated pest control management, and agribusiness principles.

SC 70 CONSUMER CHEMISTRY IA &IB
Grades 11-12 2 Blocks – 1 credit
This course is a descriptive chemistry course that enables students to develop practical lab skills. Attendance is a critical due to daily lab work. Students who have passed algebra should take SC 71.

SC 71 CHEMISTRY IA & IB
Grades 11-12 2 Blocks – 1 credit
Prerequisites: Algebra IB
This course includes the study of the atom, atomic energy, the foundation of molecules, the mathematics of chemistry, and related experimental work. The vocabulary of the chemist is emphasized as are correct laboratory procedures and techniques.

SOCIAL STUDIES

SS 21 WORLD HISTORY/ GEOGRAPHY I
Grade 09 1 Block – ½ credit
The first half of this course focuses primarily on the geographic concepts and academic standards for geography.

SS 22 WORLD HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY II
Grade 09 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: World History/Geography I
The second half of this course students study the physical characteristics and cultures of the United States and Canada, Latin America, Russia and Europe.

SS 23 WORLD STUDIES I
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course traces the development of civilization from its early society to the early Renaissance, focusing primarily on the early civilization, its problems and conflicts. Geography and research skills are included.

SS 24 WORLD STUDIES II
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course traces the development of civilization from the Renaissance to the present. Changes, influences, problems and conflicts of modern civilization are the primary focus of study. Geographic tools and researching skills are also included.

SS 34 AMERICAN HISTORY I (EARLY TO 1824)
Grades 10-11 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: World History/ Geo I
This class covers the discovery, development, and growth of the United States. Major topics include: American Indian cultures, European colonization of the Americas, and causes and effects of the American Revolution. Geographical, economic, and political factors are seen as key factors in the growth of our nation.

SS 35 AMERICAN HISTORY II (1825-1900)
Grade 11 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisite: American History I
This class covers the events and causes leading to the civil war and its effects on the economic, social, and political life of the nation. Includes America’s industrialization and its effects of the urbanization, labor, immigration, business and foreign policy.

SS 37 ECONOMICS & REAL ESTATE
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This micro economic course focuses on how the free enterprise system uses scarce resources in order to meet unlimited human wants for housing. Topics include: Various types of housing; to buy or to rent; Rights of renters; Rights of Owners; The Real Estate Professional; Getting qualified; Appraisal; P.I.T.I. and escrow. Students are required to attend an actual Open House to gain basic experience in choosing a home.

SS 39 AMERICAN HISTORY III (1900 TO PRESENT)
Grade 11 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisite: American History II
This class will cover the many challenges faced in the twentieth century including: Conservation, W.W. I, the “Roaring Twenties”, the Great Depression, W.W. II, the Cold War, Korean War, Vietnam War, and The Gulf War. Consequences of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 are included.

SS 51 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Grade 12 1 Block – ½ credit
Prerequisites: American History II/ Required for Graduation
The fundamentals of government on the national, state, and local levels will be covered. The course also includes the three branches of government, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, and paying attention to related current events. The ultimate goal is to help students realize the significance of our American heritage and democracy.

SS 57 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF ECONOMICS
Grades 10-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course familiarizes the student with basic principles of economics, with an emphasis on capitalism and resource allocation. Included are the principles of financial management and career planning. Close attention is given to micro and macro economic applications.

SS 76 PSYCHOLOGY IA & IB
Grades 11-12 1 Block – ½ credit
This course is designed to assist in the understanding of the various concepts of psychology and its discipline. Students develop a curiosity and appreciation of the extent to which scientific methods can be applied to problems of human behavior. Emphasis includes a basic understanding of psychology and its relationship to learning, personality development, and behavioral disorders, personal and social adjustments.

433 North Hall
Mesa, AZ 85203
(480) 833-0068 - phone
(480) 833-8966 - fax
© 2005, 2006

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