Course Descriptions
Michigan Merit High School Graduation Requirements
- Sixteen mandatory credits, which are aligned with recommended college- and work-ready curriculum
- Four credits in English language arts
- Four credits in math, including Geometry and Algebra I and II. At least one math course must be taken during the student’s senior year
- Three credits in science, with use of labs, including biology and chemistry or physics
- Three credits in social sciences including U.S. History & Geography, World History & Geography, .5 Civics, .5 Economics
- One credit in Visual, Performing and Applied Arts
- One credit in Physical Education and Health
- All high school students must also participate in an online course or learning experience
- Effective for the class of 2016, the credit requirement will increase to 18 credits, to include two credits in world languages. Students may receive credit if they have had a similar learning experience in grades K-12
- All required courses/credits must be aligned with Course/Credit Content Expectations and Guidelines developed by Michigan Department of Education, may be acquired through Career and Technical Education programs, and integrated courses.
COURSES
English Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
English I Grade 9
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
Inter-Relationships and Self-Reliance-the Power of Story is the main theme of Freshman English. Students explore this theme by reading a variety of short stories and the anchor texts: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, and Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Emmet Till Case. The Essential questions are explored by a variety of writing assignments and class discussions.
English II Grade 10, 11
Prerequisite: English I .5 Semester Credit
This course is designed to improve all writing, but the emphasis is on clear, concise, and well organized expository prose. Grammar review, spelling, and vocabulary development are secondary areas of concentration. A six week period is devoted to writing a research paper, and students are also required to keep a daily journal and compose a 500—750 word essay per five class meetings.
Literature I Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: English II .5 Semester Credit
This class will consist of a close study of literary genres. Semester one will focus on the Novel and Drama genres. Semester two will focus on Poetry, Short Stories, and Literary Non-Fiction. Assessment will be based on extended writings and timed in-class writings. The main aims of this course will be to foster an appreciation for literature, and to develop an ability to think and write clearly. Honors component available. This class is highly recommended for any student intending to take AP English Literature.
Literature 2 Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: English I, II .5 Semester Credit
This class will continue the work of English Lit I, but Eng Lit I is not a prerequisite. The readings in Literature II will be longer and more advanced. This class will consist of a close study of literary genres and origins (American Lit, British Lit, World Lit). Semester one will focus on the Novel and Drama genres. Semester two will focus on Poetry, Short Stories, and Literary Non-Fiction. The main aims of this course will be to foster an appreciation for literature, and to develop an ability to think and write clearly. Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on timed writings, as well as a literary research paper. There is an Honors component available. This class is highly recommended for any student intending to take AP English Literature.
English Composition Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
The focus of English Composition is to teach students to become skilled readers and writers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts and for a variety of purposes. Through assigned reading and writing coursework, students will learn about writer’s purpose, audience expectations, and how general writing conventions create meaning.
This process based course will require students to write in both formal and informal contexts. Students will perfect their writing technique through modeling exercises, journal keeping, collaborative review, and timed responses. Students in the course will participate in basic research procedures. They will be expected to read primary and secondary source material, incorporate their findings into their work, and summarize, paraphrase, quote and cite according to Modern Language Association (MLA) conventions.
Advanced English Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: English I, II .5 Semester Credit
Advanced English Composition is open to Juniors and Seniors who have successfully completed both English I and English II. Advanced English is not a required course, but is recommended for students planning to attend a four-year college. Ideally students should have received at least a “B” in English II.
Advanced English (cont.) Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: English I, II .5 Semester Credit
The writing load is considerable, consisting of nine formal essays, averaging 1500 words each. The emphasis will be on the expository, analytical and argumentative writing that forms the basis of academic and professional communication, as well as the personal and reflective writing that fosters the development of writing facility in any context. Various organizational writing modes will be explored and employed, including narrative, descriptive, compare and contrast, example, analysis, cause and effect, and persuasive writing.
This course also engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines, and rhetorical contexts. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects. The stylistic choices and effects made by imaginative writers of literature often exemplify the best of rhetorical and linguistic choices for student writers, which means that fiction clearly has a place in Advanced English, alongside journalism, biology, science, history, and other cross-curricular readings.
AP English Literature Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: English I, II .5 Semester Credit
Teacher approval
AP English Literature and Composition is a college level course, offered in high school, which allows students to engage in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. The successful completion of the course will allow the student the opportunity to earn college credit towards a degree program. The standard of reading, writing, and thinking which is encouraged in AP English Literature is beneficial to all students, regardless of anticipated degree major. The workload for the course is demanding, requiring much reading, including summer reading requirements. Upon completion of the course, students will be required to take the AP exam offered in English Literature.
Film Studies Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
Film Studies focuses on film as an art form and artifact of contemporary society. Students will learn to become critical observers of the conventions of visual communication by studying film techniques (the “grammar” of film), and by learning and writing about different film themes and genres.
Semester one begins with an extensive unit exploring cinematic techniques and film terminology, and continues on with such films as Duel, Lars and the Real Girl, The Truman Show, Moulin Rouge, The Bourne Identity, and Juno. Semester two moves on to movies which are paired thematically (such as Edward Scissorhands and The Stepford Wives – the original) to explore depictions of conformity and compliance in contemporary society. Lastly, students will develop an approach to film which allows them to adapt, script and shoot a literary or documentary movie.
Global Issues Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: English I .5 Semester Credit
This class will be a cross-curricular examination of thought-provoking topics which are current in the world today. The emphasis will be on close reading, summary, discussion, and analysis. Topics covered will include those such as globalization, child labor, the influence of American culture in the world, the effects of tourism, emerging cultures, genetically engineered foods, and many other ethical and world related issues.
Readings will be from diverse areas including history, politics, philosophy, science, and sociology, as well as relevant literature, music and film. The end project will require students to develop a position statement on a topic of their choosing and compose a well-researched paper which synthesizes their thoughts in engaging and accurate writing.
Managing Web Content Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: English I, II .5 Semester Credit
This course is designed as an independent study and is recommended for students who possess strong writing, revision, and
Managing Web Content (cont.) Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: English I, II .5 Semester Credit
editing skills who are interested in learning to create, manage, and publish content for the Leland Public Schools website. Students will learn to write for an online and public audience, to
generate topics of interest, to communicate with assigned constituency groups, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the school website using online tools. The nature of this class will require students to work individually and meet outside of class time on a regular basis.
Mathematics
Algebra I Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra .5 Semester Credit
It is expected that students entering Algebra I are able to recognize and solve mathematical and real-world problems involving linear relationships and to make sense of and move fluently among the graphic, numeric, symbolic, and verbal representations of these patterns. Algebra I builds on this increasingly generalized approach to the study of functions and representations by broadening the study of linear relationships to include; systems of equations with three unknowns, formalized function notation, and the development of bivariate data analysis topics such as linear regression and correlation. In addition, their knowledge of exponential and quadratic function families is extended and deepened with the inclusion of topics such as, rules of exponentiation (including rational exponents), and use of standard and vertex forms for quadratic equations. Students will also develop their knowledge of power (including roots, cubics, and quartics) and polynomial patterns of change and the applications they model.
Geometry Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I .5 Semester Credit
Geometry builds on a number of key geometric topics developed in the middle grades, namely relationships between angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and simple three- dimensional shapes. Geometry further develops analytic and spatial reasoning. Students apply what they know about two-dimensional figures to three-dimensional figures in real-world contexts, build spatial visualization skills and deepen their understanding of shape and shape relationships. A study of right triangle trigonometry is developed through similarity relationships. The study of formal logic and proof helps students to understand the axiomatic system that underlies mathematics through the presentation and development of postulates, definitions, and theorems. Students develop deductive reasoning skills. Throughout Geometry, students will experience geometric thinking and reasoning techniques as accessible and powerful tools that can be used to explore the concept of mathematical proofs, as well as to model and solve real-world problems.
Algebra II Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry .5 Semester Credit
The goal of Algebra II is to build upon the concepts taught in Algebra 1 and Geometry while adding new concepts to the students’ repertoire of mathematics. In Algebra 1, students studied the concept of functions in various forms such as linear, quadratic, polynomial, and exponential. In Algebra 2, students continue the study of exponential and logarithmic functions and further enlarge their catalog of function families. The topic of conic sections fuses algebra with geometry. Students will also extend their knowledge of sequences and iteration, as well as probability and statistics. It is also a goal of Algebra II to help students see the connections in the mathematics that they have already learned.
Throughout Algebra I and II, students will experience mathematics generally, and algebra in particular, not only as the study of mathematical patterns and relationships, but also as a language and a way of thinking. Moreover, students will develop an understanding that algebraic thinking is an accessible and powerful tool that can be used to model and solve real-world problems. Note: Algebra II can also be taken over two years (Algebra IIa and Algebra IIb).
Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra II .5 Semester Credit
Functions, Statistics, and Trigonometry (FST) offers study in elementary statistics, exponential and logarithmic functions trigonomic functions, circular functions, matrices, probability, the conic sections, and additional mathematical topics.
Pre-Calculus Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra II .5 Semester Credit
Study of the topics, concepts, and procedures of Pre-Calculus is very strongly recommended for all college-bound students. These topics, concepts, and procedures are prerequisites for many college programs in science, engineering, medicine, and business.
Pre-Calculus is the preparation for calculus. The study of the topics, concepts, and procedures of Pre-Calculus deepens students’ understanding of algebra and extends their ability to apply
Pre-Calculus (cont.) Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra II .5 Semester Credit
algebraic concepts and procedures at higher conceptual levels, as a tool, and in the study of other subjects. The theory and applications of trigonometry and functions are developed in depth. New mathematical tools, such as vectors, matrices, and polar coordinates, are introduced, with an eye toward modeling and solving real-world problems.
AP Calculus Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus .5 Semester Credit
AP Calculus AB is the high school equivalent of the first semester college-level calculus course. Students extend their prior knowledge of functions and their graphs by studying the concepts of the limit, the derivative, and the integral. Together, these ideas form the core of calculus, which is the study of change. Calculus is a powerful, useful, and versatile branch of mathematics. While the core ideas of calculus are not hard to understand, calculus is a demanding subject because it requires a broad and thorough background of algebra and functions. Students who successfully complete this course are required to take the AP Calculus AB test offered in early May.
Math Lab Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
Math Lab is designed to provide additional support for students in their concurrently enrolled math class. Students work in small groups and individually with the teacher to reinforce and practice the mathematical content studied in their math classes.
Science
Biology Grade 9, 10, 11
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
Nowhere has the increasing impact of technology on our lives been more apparent than in the field of Biology. The study of life processes. New discoveries in agriculture, medicine, and Genetics are continually confronting us with challenging questions. Biology offers a good foundation in the biological principles and scientific processes that are necessary to deal effectively with these questions. Topics covered include: Basic Biochemistry, the study of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids: The cell theory- Its structure and functioning: Cellular Transport- osmosis and diffusion: Photosynthesis and Respiration: DNA, RNA and protein synthesis: Chromosome- mitosis and meiosis: Genetics: Evolution: Lab investigations provide a sound background in lab techniques and procedures.
Anatomy Grade 9, 10, 11
Prerequisite: Biology .5 Semester Credit
This course is designed for a student who wishes to learn more about the structure and function of the human body’s systems. Including: skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, excretory, and endocrine. Each unit is divided into three basic sections. Anatomy describes the various cells, tissues and organs of the system; physiology describes how the parts of the system function in relationship to each other and to other systems; pathology relates specific disorders to abnormal functioning of the system. Much of our lab time is devoted to the dissection of the cat. Other lab investigations include: observing the effects of enzymes and pH on the gastric, mineral, and water content. Eye and brain dissections are also performed.
Chemistry Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Geometry .5 Semester Credit
This course will give students an introduction to the fundamental concepts in Chemistry. Concepts will include: structure of an atom, the study of the periodic table, balancing equations, naming compounds, stoichiometry, classification of matter, unit conservations(factor label method), use of significant figures, and specific lab techniques and safety procedures. The completion of this course will give students a strong foundation in Chemistry and will help them to be successful in AP Chemistry if they choose to further their knowledge in Chemistry.
AP Chemistry Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry .5 Semester Credit
Algebra II
From the College Board web site: “The AP Chemistry course is
designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. For some students, this course enable them to undertake, in their first year, second-year work in the chemistry sequence at their institution or to register in courses in other fields where general chemistry is a prerequisite. For other students, the AP chemistry course fulfills the laboratory science requirements and frees time for other courses.”
Basic concepts of nomenclature and stoichiometry are reviewed to help provide background for lab experiments performed. In-depth studies include analytical chemistry techniques, solutions, equilibria, thermochemistry, kinetics, electrochemistry, materials science, organic chemistry and biochemistry. The curriculum is based upon those topics and skills recommended by the College Board for the Advanced Placement Chemistry program. A key component of this course are more challenging labs and problems that are representative of those conducted in a typical college course. Upon completion of the course, students will be required to take the AP exam offered in Chemistry.
Physics Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Algebra I .5 Semester Credit
This course is aligned to the state of Michigan High School Content Expectations for physics. The course is designed to provide the student with the conceptual foundations of physics. Concepts are introduced and reinforced through investigations. Topics include: Forces and Motion, Energy and Systems, Electricity and Magnetism, Waves and Sound, and Light and Optics.
Honors Physics Grade 12
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus .5 Semester Credit
This full-year, two semester course is a trigonometry based course of physics, designed to introduce physics to students with a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. It covers the main topics of physics: Newtonian mechanics, properties of matter, waves applied to sound and light, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics including the latest discoveries in astronomy and particle physics. The course provides hands-on labs and demands extensive problem solving by the students. Because physics is the study of matter and energy, and how they relate to the physical world, the topics covered in this course are constantly applied to our existence in the real world in which we live. Pre-Calculus may be taken concurrently.
Environmental Science Grade 9, 10, 11
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
The “Environmental Movement” that began several decades ago served to remind us of just how dependent we are on a healthy environment. Our health, jobs, and recreation all depend on clean air, pure water, and abundant fish and wildlife. Over the years, we have had many successes. Bald Eagles are making a comeback, Lake Erie is cleaner than it once was, and integrated pest management and conservation tillage are gaining wider acceptance.
In Environmental Science, students will learn how we affect and manage our soils, forest, energy usage, wildlife and water resources. In addition, students will study biomes and how energy moves through them. They will study the atmosphere and climate and their effect on weather. Students will also learn about alternative energy sources. These goals will be achieved through laboratory activities, reading assignments, traditional lecture, and small group work.
Social Studies
Michigan History Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
Michigan’s history, geological origins, natural resources, and human resources are all part of the daily study in this course. Michigan’s contributions to our nation’s industrial and social growth are studied as well as our state’s contributions to the national defense. Michigan’s position as a “Great Lakes” state is studied, as well as its relationship with neighboring states.
US History Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
Students will study the founding and development of the United States. The Civil War, Reconstruction, Westward Expansion, The Rise of Industry and Labor, Empire Building, The Progressive Movement, and World War I are studied in the first semester.
The second semester focuses on the United States as a world power and our nation’s role in international affairs. This broad topic includes the 1920’s, The Depression and New Deal, World War II, The Cold War, and contemporary domestic and foreign issues.
World History Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
Students will study civilization and the rise of nations. The study will include the rise of Christianity, the Medieval Period, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the French Revolution and Napoleon. 20th Century topics covered are World War I and II. It is a lecture style class with emphasis on note taking and the ability to process information.
Contemporary Issues Grade 9, 10, 11
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This course can be taken as a one semester or as a full-year class. This course will study current local, national, and world issues through a variety of sources including news publications and media telecasts. The primary purpose of the course is to help students become more aware of events that affect their lives now and in the future. Students must be prepared to participate in active discussion and be able to make in-depth analysis through research, written assignments, and other projects. The emphasis will be toward the realization of how these issues are personally relevant to their own lives.
Civics/Government Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This class will concentrate on an analysis of the topics and issues that are relevant to a study of contemporary American government and the National, State, and Local levels through the use of: text, lecture, outside readings, original compositions, library and research assignments. The students in the class will be strongly encouraged to become involved in their community’s activities and affairs. Throughout the semester additional topics will be studied as necessary. Such topics include: elections, voting, and individual rights.
AP Human Geography Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
The Human Geography class is offered to all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. The course examines the effect of location on human activities. Students will survey the seven topics suggested by the College Board: Urban Land Use, Industrialization, Agriculture, Political Ordering of Space, Cultural Patterns and Processes, Population, and the Perspectives of Geography. Upon completion of the course, students will be required to take the AP exam offered in Human Geography.
Psychology Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This advanced course helps students understand human behavior. Extensive use of independent reading, writing, research, discussion and composition skills allow students to learn and apply aspects of psychological theories.
Business
Integrated Information Processing Grade 9, 10
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
Integrated Information Processing (I.I.P.) is a course designed to increase computer application abilities using Microsoft Office software. Daily assignments include reports, letters, and tables. All assignments are taken from current periodical publications and vary in subject matter from current events to contemporary issues. Career and college planning are of major importance in I.I.P. to help students plan their futures. Self-awareness profiles, career and college searches, job outlooks, and applying and interviewing for jobs are projects, which will be stressed in the career section of I.I.P.
Introduction to Business Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
Introduction to Business & Business Applications is a class that is based on (1) Entrepreneurships, (2) Small Business Ownership, and (3) Corporations in hospitality, manufacturing, scientific, technology and services industries, which is then applied to real world applications. The areas studied in each of these sectors will include, but will not be limited to the economy, marketing, finance, the stock market, and franchises. Much of the information will be obtained from the Internet, research, and guest speakers.
Economics Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This course serves as an introduction to economic principles that will encompass basic microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts and theories. Topics of study will include: principles, history, and organization of the economic systems and the American economy, and also the role and influence of the consumer, government, and business sector in the economy. Specific microeconomic topics of study will include: supply & demand analysis, business market structures, competition & monopolies, financ-
Economics (cont.) Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
ing and production of goods, marketing & distribution, and the American labor force. Specific macroeconomic topics of study will include: money & banking, federal reserve system & monetary policy, federal budget, national debt, taxation, unemployment, and inflation. All fundamental economic principles will be applied to current economic problems, polices an issues to gain a personal economic perspective.
Futures Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: I.I.P. .5 Semester Credit
This semester class encourages future planning through in-depth searches of post- secondary education and possible career areas. In this class students will use various college websites to compare colleges to narrow down their selection, write reports, practice filling out college applications & financial aid forms, listen to guest speakers from various colleges, career search using Internet resources, create a career profile evaluate one career in depth review labor statistics to study future employment trends, and update their educational development plans.
Marketing Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: I.I.P. .5 Semester Credit
This course is designed to give the student an introduction to the business of sales and retailing through market concepts. Product and distribution decisions, advertising, pricing, public relations, and sales promotions are the basic marketing concepts that are included in this course. Applied learning through the Internet and student projects will be emphasized.
Yearbook Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: English I, II .5 Semester Credit
This course presents the roles of mass media in a democratic society. Research and writing skills are developed in news writing, interviewing, feature writing, sports writing and editorial writing. Each student receives instruction in the use of a digital camera. Possible careers in media writing, public relations and advertising are investigated. The students put all their skills into practice by producing a yearbook.
Business Applications Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: I.I.P. .5 Semester Credit
Students will learn the basic forms of business and technical writing to develop sound communication practices. Topics include writing effective business letters, creating news releases, data collection, document design, creating visual aids, power point presentations, and writing instructions and technical manuals.
Accounting Grade 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This course is an introduction to the basic theory and techniques of contemporary financial accounting. Topics include the accounting cycle and the preparation of financial statements, responsibility accounting, budgets, cost control, and standard costing procedures and variances.
Business Professionals of America Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
Art
2—Dimensional Art Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This semester long course will offer an introduction to various 2 dimensional media including drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media. Students will be challenged by a number of authentic assessments and explore art related careers. The final exam for this course is a presentation of the student-artist’s ongoing digital portfolio.
3—Dimensional Art Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This semester long course will offer an introduction to various 3 dimensional media including sculpture and ceramics. Students will be challenged by a number of authentic assessments and explore art related careers. The final exam for this course is a presentation of the student-artist’s ongoing digital portfolio.
Survey Art Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This semester long course will offer an introduction to various 2 and 3 dimensional media including painting, drawing, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics. Students will be challenged by a number of authentic assessments and explore art related careers. The final exam for this course is a presentation of the student-artist’s ongoing digital portfolio.
Advanced Art Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: 4 Semesters of Art .5 Semester Credit
Instructor approval
This year long intensive study course will prepare the serious art student for the study of art at the collegiate level. This course will require self-discipline and motivation as the student will be required to produce at least one finished piece per week which will require outside studio hours. The final exam for this course is a presentation of the student-artist’s ongoing digital portfolio.
Music
Instrumental Exploration Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Desire to Create Music .5 Semester Credit
This semester long class studies the basics of piano, guitar, study music theory, and compose their own music. The life long skill of music is the emphasis as students learn to read music.
Music Theater Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Desire to Sing .5 Semester Credit
This semester long class studies acting, singing, and dancing through scene work and technique building. Students’ work is presented in a showcase at the end of each semester. Additionally students have written work including a critical analysis of a major musical.
Comet Chorale Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Audition .5 Semester Credit
This semester long audition chorus studies sight singing, and a wide variety of music in the choral literature repertoire. In addition their home concerts, they travel as ambassadors of Leland, to perform concerts and participate in festivals (typically 7 or 8 a year).
Performing Arts Production Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Desire to Learn .5 Semester Credit
In this semester long class, students study and learn to be responsible for running lights, and sound for various school and community events held in the PAC. Through hands-on work they learn the basics of costume, set, and prop construction as well make-up and hair design.
Physical Education/Health
Physical Education Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This required class is a focuses on learning the skills, personal social attributes, and concepts necessary to be active across the lifespan. Class activities consist of a combination of team and lifetime activities, including health related fitness, net/wall games, target games, invasion games, striking/fielding games, outdoor pursuits, and rhythmic activities.
Health Education Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This required class focuses on understanding the concepts and building the skills necessary to be a healthy, productive citizen across the lifespan. Standards include applying core concepts, accessing valid information, practicing health enhancing behaviors, analyzing influences on health, goal setting, decision making, demonstrating effective social skills which will enhance health, and advocating for enhanced personal, family, and community health. Critical health content areas covered include nutrition and physical activity; alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; safety; social and emotional health; personal health and wellness; HIV prevention; sexuality education.
World Languages
German I Grade 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None .5 Semester Credit
This class offers beginning instruction for students of German and aims primarily to help students speak simple, everyday language and understand and respond to more complex conversations.Although formal grammar study is used, great emphasis is placed on learning to use the language naturally, without hesitation or translation.A secondary aim of the course is to broaden student horizons and foster appreciation of a rich foreign culture.
Students must be prepared to work at home on a regular basis, at least 20 minutes per night, learning vocabulary, reviewing grammar points, and practicing dialogues.Assessment will be both written and oral, with an emphasis on active class participation.
German II Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: German I .5 Semester Credit
A continuation of German I, building on the skills learned in year one and developing a greater proficiency of communication in the student. More complex constructions and grammatical usages are explored, allowing those students intending to study the language at college level to develop the necessary skills to continue in future years. As with German I, regular and continuing effort in class and at home are a necessary prerequisite for the success.
Spanish I Grade 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: none .5 Semester Credit
Using storytelling methods and authentic materials in foreign language instruction, this course emphasizes verbal proficiency by presenting culture, grammar, and vocabulary as interrelated components to the learning process. Students will read two novellas in Spanish. Evaluation will be based on oral and written work with an emphasis on class participation. Twenty minutes per day of home study is recommended.
Spanish II Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Spanish I .5 Semester Credit
Using storytelling methods and authentic materials in foreign language instruction, this course builds on the proficiency gained in Spanish I, expands vocabulary, and adds to the knowledge of verb form and tense. Students will read two novellas in Spanish and begin to work on developing their written composition skills. Evaluation will be based on oral and written work with an emphasis on class participation. Twenty minutes per day of home study is recommended.
Spanish III Grade 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Spanish II .5 Semester Credit
Spanish III builds upon the skills learned in Spanish I and II. Students will sharpen their reading, writing, and comprehension skills by keeping a journal featuring selected news articles from around the Spanish-speaking world. Additionally, students will focus on a semester long humanitarian project that will require them to communicate in Spanish within various communities and in a professional setting in order to truly make a difference.
Students will continue to build and expand their use of vocabulary and focus on grammar relationships, especially in the use of idioms, synonyms, and complex verb structures. Evaluation will be based on oral and written work with an emphasis on class participation. Thirty minutes per day of home study is recommended.
Michigan Virtual High School Grade 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Administrative Approval .5 Semester Credit
Students are allowed to take an array of online foreign language courses provided by Michigan Virtual High School. These courses include French, Latin, and Chinese. For more information on courses offered by Michigan Virtual High School visit their website or contact the Guidance Office.