ENGLISH

English I – Pre-AP: This course focuses on college-preparatory vocabulary, advanced mechanics, usage, grammar, and upper-level writing. Literary studies focus on a survey course of world literature with an in-depth understanding of literary elements. Speaking, listening, and viewing skills are central to English studies and are included throughout the year. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

English II – Pre-AP: This course includes a study of advanced grammar, world literature selections, multicultural selections, and college-preparatory composition and research. Speaking, listening, and viewing skills are central to English studies. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

English III – AP Language: This course includes a survey of primarily 20th century American literature with college-preparatory vocabulary, advanced grammar, upper-level composition and research involving a topic from 20th century American literature or history. The course is taught with an emphasis on literary analysis and synthesis. Speaking, listening, and viewing skills are further developed with an emphasis on analysis. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

English IV – AP Literature: This is a college-level course with quality standards that have been established by the CollegeBoard and Educational Testing Service (ETS).  A qualifying score of “3” or higher on the AP Literature examination satisfies (and replaces) a year’s worth of English coursework (although the specific class that it counts for may vary depending upon the university program). This course will be taught with an instructional focus on British and World literature pieces (including novels, plays & poems) that represent an array of highly-esteemed literary writers from various periods and genres. The literature and poetry that we examine in this course will be studied, discussed & analyzed. Writing assignments will be representative of the depth and precision that will be required of them on the AP exam (& beyond). And, the analytical skills that are developed in this course will be expressed through multiple mediums and offer an array of opportunities for the students to demonstrate their connection to the literature. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Literary Genres – Multi-Genre Literary Analysis and Composition: The course analyzes and creates texts in four genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Playwriting/Screenwriting. Credit: 1.0 Regular (weighted 4.0)

Broadcast Journalism: Broadcast Journalism is an elective course designed to facilitate a student-led news broadcast and to introduce students to the concepts and equipment related to video production. Students will learn to write in the style of composition used in television broadcast and deliver school news, student interviews, and both local and world events in a periodic televised news production. Students will assume the roles of anchor, reporter, camera/audio operator, and editor, as well as learn studio cues, countdowns and production vocabulary. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 regular (weighted 4.0)

Newspaper Journalism: This course is designed for students who are interested in rigorous writing, reporting, and investigation work. Students will report and write news, features, sports articles, as well as entertainment reviews, and op-eds to be published in our news site: cvhsnews.org. The stories that students will report on include school, regional, state, and national news, with a campus-angle. Because we publish on a bi-weekly basis, interested students should be able to meet deadlines and have strong writing and research skills.  Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Debate: This course focuses on developing students' public speaking, argumentation, and advocacy skills as well as their research and writing skills. Students will learn different debate formats such as the “Lincoln-Douglas”  and  Cross-Examination Debate formats.  Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

MATHEMATICS

Algebra 1 – Pre-AP: This course focuses on the requirements of introductory Algebra with graphing, equations, and inequalities. Application of the material is assessed through analysis of answers and word problems. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Geometry – Pre AP: This course applies visualizing and analyzing geometric relationships, develops inductive and deductive reasoning and connects geometry to algebra and probability. A variety of hands-on work will be completed to help develop concepts and to cement an understanding of geometric properties. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Algebra 2 – Pre AP: This course stresses the importance of algebraic thinking and symbolic reasoning. Students use a variety of tools and strategies to represent functions and solve equations. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Pre-Calculus – AP: This course includes much work with functions, their graphs and applications. It also includes a unit on trigonometry. There will be smaller units on analytical geometry, sequences and series, vectors, and limits. Throughout the course there will be applicable projects and research papers. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Calculus AB – AP: This course is designed to cover at least one semester of college calculus. It should allow the student to enter easily into any second semester course in college calculus. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Calculus BC – AP: This course will cover the material of two semesters of college calculus and prepare the student to transition smoothly into college Calculus II. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Statistics – AP: As an introductory course to inferential statistics, this course covers experimental design, displays of data, probability and hypotheses testing. Statistics is used to organize, summarize and draw conclusions from data. Since the ability to understand statistics is becoming more and more important, many college majors require a course in statistics. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Statistics 2: Covers simple and multiple regression, fundamentals of experimental design, and analysis of variance methods.  Other topics will be selected from the following: logistic regression, Poisson regression, resampling methods, introduction to Bayesian methods, and probability models.  Prerequisite: AP Statistics. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Advanced Math Topics: Math Applications in Engineering - This course covers math concepts frequently used in a variety of upper level engineering courses, including some matrix algebra, optimization, ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms, and modeling of dynamic systems. Students will apply these to real life situations through hands-on activities including labs and designing and building models. Students are expected to be familiar with derivatives and its applications before entering the course. Recommended prerequisite is Precal BC or Calc AB. Other miscellaneous topics may include cryptography, number theory, and non-euclidean geometry. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

SOCIAL STUDIES

Human Geography – AP: The study of people from a spatial and ecological perspective. People are central to geography and their activities help shape Earth’s surface largely through their interaction with the physical environment. Human settlements and structures are part of that tapestry interaction. Students will study human characteristics including language, religion, political systems, economic systems, population distribution and quality of life. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

World History: Modern – AP: AP World History: Modern is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

United States History – AP: The AP program in United States History is designed to provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. History. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials—their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance—and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Macroeconomics – AP provides the student with an understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Emphasis is placed on the study of national income and price determination and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. Length: one semester. Credit: 0.5 (weighted 5.0)

United States Government and Politics – AP: This course will give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. It also requires familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute U.S. politics. Students should become acquainted with the variety of theoretical perspectives and explanations for various behaviors and outcomes. Length: one semester. Credit: 0.5 (weighted 5.0)

European History – AP: The study of European history since 1450. Students are introduced to the cultural, economic, political and social developments that played a fundamental role in shaping modern Europe. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

World Religions: This one semester course serves as an introduction to the world’s major religions. Students will be introduced to the history, beliefs, practices and contemporary relevance of many religions. Length: one semester. Credit: 0.5 (weighted 5.0)

World Wars: Students learn how people, events, and circumstances led to the outbreak of the two World Wars fought in the 20th Century. They will study the political, economic and social causes of World Wars and the events leading to the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor. Length: one semester. Credit: 0.5  (weighted 5.0)

Sociology: This elective course provides students with the opportunity to expand their analytical thinking skills by introducing the sociological perspective. A sociological perspective underscores the importance of examining the social world with a critical eye and questioning assumptions, stereotypes and generalizations that underlie conventional social interactions and beliefs about one’s world.  In this one semester course, we will explore the role of society in shaping our families, our health, our experiences of crime and safety, and a myriad of aspects of our daily lives.  Length: one semester. Credit: 0.5 Regular (weighted 4.0) This course is not offered every year.

Mythology: Comparative World Mythologies is a one-semester social studies elective that focuses on the common themes found within mythologies from around the world. Students will explore Greco-Roman, Norse, Japanese, and Mayan mythologies as a class and then have the opportunity to choose other mythologies that interest them (Egyptian, Native American, Sub-Saharan African, etc.) The class is primarily self-paced and geared toward students who enjoy independent study and creative product creation. Length: one semester. Credit: 0.5   (weighted 5.0)

Psychology – AP: This is a college-level course with quality standards that have been established by the CollegeBoard and Educational Testing Service (ETS).  A qualifying score of “3” or higher on the AP Psychology examination satisfies (and replaces) a year’s worth of “Intro to Psychology” coursework. This course will be taught with an instructional focus on the major topics, figures, and theories that are prominent within the field of psychology.  It is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavioral and cognitive processes of human beings, the diagnosis and treatment of disorders, as well as the importance of adhering to the ethics and research methods that are needed in pursuit of our future advancements in understanding. Students enrolled in this course are expected to complete a substantial amount of independent reading (and vocabulary acquisition) in order to support the labs, activities and discussions that will take place during the class period. Students may also expect a significant amount of both individual and group projects that are designed in order to support and enhance their interaction with the advanced curriculum. There is no prerequisite needed for this course. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

African American Studies – AP: This is an elective course that explores the breadth of the black experience. The course will examine the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of this experience. People, places, events, and phenomena not addressed, or barely addressed, in a general history/social studies class, will be the focus of this course. African American Studies seeks to examine and understand the American experience from a black perspective. Length: Two Semesters. Credit: 1.0 Regular (weighted 5.0)

Mexican American Studies: In Mexican American Studies, students learn about the history and cultural contributions of Mexican Americans. Students will explore history and culture from an interdisciplinary perspective. They will have opportunities to interact with relevant film, literature, art, and other media. The course emphasizes developments in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, but students will also engage with developments prior to the twentieth century. Length: Two Semesters. Credit: 1.0 Regular (weighted 4.0)  

SCIENCES

Chemistry – Pre-AP: Chemistry, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students study a variety of topics that include characteristics of mailer; energy transformations during physical and chemical changes; atomic structure; periodic table of elements; behavior of gases; bonding; nuclear fission and fission; chemical equations; solutes; properties of solutions; acids and bases; and chemical reactions. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Chemistry – AP: This course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Included in this course are advanced investigations and presentations of the structure of matter and atomic spectra, the wave particle theory, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry and the basic concepts of thermodynamics. Students may be required to spend time outside of the allotted 90-minute period completing laboratory investigations. Students will use a college textbook and lab book and will have the opportunity to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam for college credit. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Organic Chemistry: Organic chemistry is an introductory course that is designed for the student who intends to continue future study in the sciences. The student will learn the concepts and applications of organic chemistry. Topics covered include aliphatic and aromatic compounds, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, ethers, amines, spectra, and stereochemistry. A brief introduction into biochemistry is also provided. The laboratory experiments will familiarize the student with the important laboratory techniques, specifically spectroscopy. Traditional high school chemistry courses focus on the inorganic aspects of chemistry whereas organic chemistry introduces the student to organic compounds and their properties, mechanisms of formations, and introduces the student to laboratory techniques beyond the traditional high school chemistry curriculum. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 Regular (weighted 4.0) This course is not offered every year.

Biology – Pre-AP: In Biology, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Topics include: structures and functions of cells and viruses; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; ecosystems; and plants and the environment. Integral to this course is a laboratory program that stresses accurate observations, data collection, and analysis, as well as manipulation of laboratory equipment. Length: two semesters-Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Biology – AP: This course offers students a college level curriculum equivalent to an introductory biology course in the freshman year of college and follows the syllabus set by the Development Committee of the College Boards. Two major goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modem biology and to help students gain an appreciation of science as a process. Included within this course are the twelve advanced laboratory investigations, which are experimental, analytical, and qualitative in nature. Students will be using a college text, and the student completing this course in May will have a well-rounded preparation to take the Advanced Placement Biology exam for college credit. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Anatomy & Physiology: This course serves as a fourth year science for students interested in the medical field. Students will be introduced to the human body with emphasis on terminology and body organization from the cellular level to organs systems. Topics include histology, skeletal, muscular, nervous, integumentary, immune, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, circulatory and endocrine system. This course also includes preserved specimen dissections, physiological activities, and online research. Please note: A&P requires a great deal of memorization! There is no pre-requisite for this course. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 regular (weighted 4.0)

Environmental Science – AP: This course is an Advanced Placement elective science. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. It is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems and examine alternative solutions. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Scientific Research and Design/Conservation Biology (formerly Wildlife Studies): This course serves as a fourth-year science for students interested in project-based learning and conservation science. Conservation Biology will focus on the improvement of biodiversity of our school greenspaces as well as exploring regional and global ecosystems. This course is broken into two primary units: outdoor projects and ecosystem exploration and will include field research, hands-on student-led projects, and career exploration. CVHS partners with local and state conservation and management organizations such as the Houston Zoo to stretch students’ understanding of the world around them. Pre-requisite is completion of an AP Biology course, co-enrollment in AP Environmental Science, or approval by counselor or instructor.  Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 Regular (weighted 4.0)

Physics 1 – AP: Students explore principles of Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); work, energy, and power; mechanical waves and sound; and introductory, simple circuits. The course is based on six Big Ideas, which encompass core scientific principles, theories, and processes that cut across traditional boundaries and provide a broad way of thinking about the physical world. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0  (weighted 5.0)

Physics C – AP: This course concentrates on two areas: Mechanics in the fall and Electricity & Magnetism in the spring. It is a calculus-based course that is intended for students who plan to study science or engineering in college. Mechanics includes kinematics, Newton’s laws, work and energy, conservation of momentum and energy, rotation, angular momentum, gravitation and oscillations. Electricity & Magnetism includes electrostatic fields and potential, capacitance, current, magnetic fields, magnetic induction, alternating current circuits, and Maxwell’s equations. AP Physics 1 is a prerequisite; calculus (AB or BC) is pre- or co-requisite. Length: two semesters. Credit: 2.0 (1 credit per semester) (weighted 5.0)

LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH

French I: Students establish the basic grammar foundation needed to read, write, and speak modem French. Using hands-on activities, selected readings, the Internet, and the text, students are immersed in the French language and culture. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 Regular (weighted 4.0)

French II: Students continue to build upon their reading, writing and speaking skills by stretching grammar knowledge and deepening their understanding of the francophone world. Selected readings include excerpts from Le Conte de Monte Cristo and fables from Jean de Ia Fontaine. Pronunciation is a focus as is the ability to dialogue with others. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 4.0)

French III – HADV: This course delves into advanced French grammar. It is considered the preparation year for the AP Language course. Included between each grammar unit are cultural readings and activities. Some of the favorite activities include learning French gestures, the Mille Borne tournament, and regional food week. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

French IV – AP Language & Culture: This course prepares students for the language & Culture AP exam. The year is spent in grammar and oral review. Included in the preparations are a reading of the novel Candide by Voltaire and the viewing of French films. Students are expected to follow current events by reading French newspapers and watching French news. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

 
Spanish I: This is the first of the sequenced Spanish courses. This course is an integrated learning system designed to provide beginning level secondary students with immediately useful and realistic language skills in Spanish. Creative use of the language is encouraged from the outset by allowing maximum interaction among students and between students and teachers. These interactions are based on tasks to be accomplished in real-life situations. The contexts that are presented have been chosen according to the frequency with which they occur in real life experiences of the Spanish speaking countries. The four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing as well as culture reinforce each other. The class is student centered. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0  Regular (weighted 4.0)

Spanish II: This course is a continuation of the concepts and activities in Spanish I. The activities at the beginning are intended as a review of communicative abilities, not as a means to an error-free performance. Although the development of all four skills and culture continues, reading is more prominently featured. Vocabulary is presented through the reading of excerpts from authentic documents such as newspapers, magazines, brochures, ads, menus, etc. Conversational Spanish will be an important part of each lesson. The culture is tightly integrated into every aspect of the course. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 4.0)

Spanish III – HADV: This course is a continuation and review of vocabulary and grammatical points taught through the use of visuals and oral and written exercises. Conversations, readings, and literary selections provide variety and cultural insight. This course is open to any student who has completed Spanish H with a C or better. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Spanish IV – AP Language: This course consists of the study of literary and cultural selections that are chosen to acquaint the student with several con-temporary authors of the Spanish-speaking world. In addition, the course will provide the student with conversational and composition practice necessary to interact effectively in practical real-life situations. Most of the class is conducted in Spanish. The culture of the Spanish-speaking countries is a vital part of this course. Upon conclusion of this course, students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Language. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Spanish V – AP Literature: This course consists of the study of literary and cultural selections that are chosen to acquaint the student with several contemporary authors of the Spanish-speaking world. Upon conclusion of this course, students will be prepared for the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Literature. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Spanish VI:  “Key Historic Moments of Spain and Latin American History though Films and Music” Movies and music are the primary source material to learn about the most relevant moments of the history of the Spanish Speaking world from the Reconquista of  the Iberian Peninsula in Medieval Times to the most recent historical moments such as the immigration crisis. Both the films and music will “serve as historical evidence in the same way that other representational art forms do -- by making events vivid, portraying social attitudes, and even revealing the unconscious assumptions of past societies”*.  At the same time, films and music will provide the students the opportunity to make meaningful connections with authors and texts studied in the previous course (AP Spanish Literature and Culture) and to gain a more in-depth knowledge not just of the main figures of history but also of the “ordinary” people that were involved in those events: their daily lives, customs, traditions, etc. Since both Films and Music are artistic products made with some licenses and liberties that change some events, the course will use as support historical essays written by authors like Carlos Fuentes and Eduardo Galeano, among others.  The class is entirely in Spanish.  Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0) This course is not offered every year.
*http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/film/socialhist.html

FINE ARTS

Art 1: Students will analyze a variety of artistic styles in Art History and gain a fundamental knowledge about the elements and principles of design while creating their own artworks. During the year, students will be involved in constructive criticism, interpretive problem solving and the production of artworks that display a mature level of skill in handling media and tools. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 Regular (weighted 4.0)

Art 2 – HADV: This course serves as a prerequisite course for students serious about producing artworks to be included in an AP Portfolio in the 1 or l2 grade. A continued investigation of the elements and principles of design helps students master a greater intellectual, perceptual and technical range of visual literacy while completing the breadth portion of the portfolio. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Art 3 – HADV: This course serves as a prerequisite course for students serious about producing artworks to be included in an AP Portfolio in the I jth or 12 grade. A continued investigation of the elements and principles of design helps students master a greater intellectual, perceptual and technical range of visual literacy while completing the breadth portion of the AP Portfolio. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Art 4 – AP: Students transform their ideas into tangible artworks that complete the concentration section of the AP Portfolio. Students will be involved in independent study producing a large number of pieces based on their individual interests. The body of work produced by each student evolves one piece to another and culminates in a series of pieces that are decisive, confident and of college level. A mandatory lab section is also required. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Art History – AP: This course is designed to introduce students to the understanding and enjoyment of works of art. Students who have done well in studies such as history, literature and art are encouraged to enroll. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Theatre 1:The focus is on the development of the total student, which includes the development of the student’s personal resources, self-confidence, and ability to work well with others. Students learn how to bolster their self-concepts, build ensemble, observe people and places more closely, move expressively, and become more aware of their senses. Basic acting skills such as improvisation, characterization, preparing a role, and stage movement will be learned. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 Regular (weighted 4.0)

Technical Theatre 1: An introductory course, which explores the backstage world of theatre. Students will investigate several areas of production and design from both a practical and a theoretical base.  Students will be given the opportunity to learn about the following areas of technical theatre production:  • Theatre and Shop Safety • Scenic design fundamentals and set construction  • Use and operation projection mapping and projection design  • Technical aspects and basic operation of lighting technology • Technical aspects and basic operation of sound technology • Scenic painting  • Use of properties on stage and construction • Theatre History • Explore career opportunities in the realm of theatre • Stage management and other positions of leadership in the theatre. (weighted 4.0)

Theatre 3 & 4 (Honors):  Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Photography – HADV: In photography, you will learn about the artistic, technical, and critical components of photography. This course will encourage you to explore expressive composition as well as introducing you to the complexities of lighting and of editing digital images. You will learn the basic uses of a digital camera as well as the editing software GIMP. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Photography – AP: The AP Studio Art program is meant to give students a studio experience commensurate with that of a first-year college art class. This means that you will have the freedom to choose your path of work and study in many cases; it also means that you will be responsible for meeting deadlines and learning techniques and information that might be presented in a college-level art course.  The Studio Art 2D Design course is designed to lead towards the completion of a portfolio that showcases your mastery of the principles and elements of design. The principles (unity, variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale, and figure/ground relationship) are explored and revealed through the elements (line, shape, color, value, texture, and space). This course specifically covers those goals through the medium of photography. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Dance:  This course is designed to develop the student's basic knowledge and skills of the following dance types: ballet, contemporary, Modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop. The student will also leave with a better understanding of how to choreograph as well as how to teach others. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 Regular (weighted 4.0)

ELECTIVES / OTHER

Computer Science Principles – AP: The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester introductory college computing course. In this course, students will develop computational thinking vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The course is unique in its focus on fostering student creativity. Students are encouraged to apply creative processes when developing computational artifacts and to think creatively while using computer software and other technology to explore questions that interest them. They will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills, working individually and collaboratively to solve problems, and discussing and writing about the importance of these problems and the impacts to their community, society, and the world. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)
 

Computer Science – HADV: This course is for students who would like to start hands-on programming and learn technical aspects along the way. It focuses mainly in Java programming language; however, we encourage students with direct interest to other languages to parallel the topics learned in this course. There are various topics of applied Java projects to be incorporated within the lesson to supplement the ones described in the online reference (posted in the HUB). The main topics taught: (1) Variables, (2) Logical selection, (3) Control Statements, (4) Methods, and (5) Classes. An intensive game project will be used to describe objects of classes. If time permits, microcontroller programming will also be taught as an example of hardware programming, so students can apply programming in general. After this course, the student can easily transition to the AP CS Java subset.  Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Computer Science A – AP: This course is for the students who would like to get a college-level credit in Computer Science. The fundamental topics include (1) the design of solution to problems, (2) the use of data structures to organize large data sets, (3) the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, and (4) the analysis of potential solutions. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using Java programming language. Students are required to take the AP Exam at the end of the school year. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

Physical Education: This course focuses on creating and maintaining a physically healthy lifestyle. The student will be expected to be active daily allowing them to better their physical health.  The student will leave the class with a general knowledge of a variety of team sports and their rules and will understand how feasible it is to remain active for life. Length: 2 semesters. Credit: 1 Regular (weighted 4.0)

Health: This course covers traditional health topics such as body systems and social health. Also included are some of today’s other health issues: violence, AIDS, drugs and responsible sexuality. This course is a required course for graduation. Length: one semester. Credit: 0.5 Regular (weighted 4.0)

Yearbook 1 & 2: Yearbook is a year-long production course. Students will be responsible for all aspects of yearbook publication. Students will work under the leadership of student editors in the areas of writing, photography, page design, and meeting deadlines. Students will have the opportunity to work with representatives of yearbook publishing companies. Students may participate in yearbook production for additional years and may apply for editor positions as they gain additional skills and experience. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 Regular (weighted 4.0)

Gifted and Talented Classes:

AP Capstone is an innovative program that equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges. The two-year program consists of AP Seminar and AP Research. The AP Capstone Diploma is awarded if the student earns scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Colleges and Universities that support the program can be found at this link: https://aphighered.collegeboard.org/exams/participating-schools Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0)

AP Seminar is the first of two courses in the College Board’s AP Capstone Diploma program. An AP Capstone Diploma signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. AP Seminar is a foundational course that engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; listening to and viewing speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and experiencing artistic works and performances. Students learn to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as a part of a team. 10th grade ONLY. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0) More Information: https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap-capstone/ap-capstone-educator-brochure.pdf

AP Research is the second of two courses in the College Board’s AP Capstone Diploma program. An AP Capstone Diploma signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a yearlong mentored, research-based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methods; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. The course culminates in an academic thesis paper of approximately 5,000 words and a presentation, performance, or exhibition with an oral defense.11th grade ONLY. Prerequisite: AP Seminar. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0 (weighted 5.0) More information: https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap-capstone/ap-capstone-educator-brochure.pdf

Texas Performance Standards Project: This course, based on the Exit Level Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) for gifted/talented (G/T) students, offers a non-traditional learning experience to those students who have the ability to create innovative products or performances. Students will develop a product proposal, compile a portfolio, conduct in-depth research, be matched with a mentor from the business or professional community, and prepare for a public presentation of their product or performance at the end of the school year to be evaluated by an audience that includes experts in the field. Students work with their mentor to create a product related to their topic; the product is required to have real-world application and tangible documentation. Students focus their study on a topic of their choice. They develop a research portfolio that has a collection of sources including interviews and observations with people who work in their chosen topic or field. Students improve time management, communication, goal-setting, and presentation skills. Students work with mentors on a regular basis to gain "real world" experience. Students give progressively longer speech presentations and will give a formal presentation of their product and yearlong experiences at the end of the year. 11th Grade Only. Length: two semesters. Credit: 1.0  (weighted 5.0)