ADMINISTRATIVE COURSES

Inside Work Experience (IWE)
REG. CODE: 003
STATUS: Elective: Grade 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Conference with Vice Principal
Students work at various jobs in the school building: office receptionist, typist, library aide, and teachers’ aide. Students in the program will be employed daily and may be used for more than one of the above jobs. Students opting for this class must have signed up for a minimum of six other credited classes.

Community College Concurrent Enrollment (CCCE)
REG. CODE: 004
STATUS: Elective: Grade 12
CREDITS: Varied.
PREREQS: Conference with Vice Principal
This program offers vocational courses or college enrichment courses at the local community college campuses (Laney, Merritt, and College of Alameda). Accelerated seniors may elect to take calculus or English composition during their senior year.

COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES

Yearbook Design
REG. CODE: 919
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Semester)
PREREQS: None
During the course of the year, students will produce the school yearbook. Students will develop and improve upon many of the following skills: writing, editing, word processing, computer layout and design, and photography. Most importantly, students will learn to work collaboratively in order to create a large scale quality publication project on a planned schedule. This course may be scheduled as an after school activity.

Computer Art
REG. CODE: 640
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None
Computer Art is a year long course in which students have the opportunity to become highly skilled at using computers to create art. They use a variety of cutting edge programs (Adobe Photoshop, Flash Animation, Comic Life, etc.) for this class, as well as learn about different styles and cultural influences on the medium. Students learn how to integrate traditional art methods with the most technologically current tools. Examples of projects are: traditional “drawings,” video games, short movies, music videos, poster design, and web page design. This course will be submitted to be approved as a UC/CSU college preparatory Visual Fine Arts elective.

ENGLISH COURSES

Composition (P)
REG. CODE: 108
STATUS: Required: Grade 9
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None.
This course focuses on the elements involved in becoming a “better” writer. Units included in this process are the pre-writing skills and procedures, grammatical review, vocabulary enrichment, and the various traditional essay forms. The course is designed to improve students’ writing in all the curricular areas. Composition will also provide instruction in basic computer operation. Students will be provided instruction in basic keyboarding and word processing. Students will learn how to touch type, develop speed and accuracy levels, format documents, and employ tools of basic word processing. In addition, students will be introduced to file management, spread sheet design, internet research, and computer presentation. A study skills’ curriculum, including library research methodology, will be incorporated into this required freshmen year-long course.

English 9 (P) - Introduction to Literature
REG. CODE: 109
STATUS: Required: Grade 9
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None.
This course is designed to introduce students to the many genres of literature: the short story, the novel, the play, the essay, and poetry. Students also review and expand upon their knowledge of English usage, grammar, and mechanics. Sentence and paragraph structures, as well as composition writing, are emphasized. This course provides students with practice in each of the language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening

English 10 (P) - Experiencing Literature
REG. CODE: 110
STATUS: Required: Grade 10
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None
The course continues to expand students’ knowledge of the many genres of literature: the short story, the novel, the play, the essay, and poetry. Students also review and expand upon their knowledge of English usage, grammar, and mechanics. Sentence and paragraph structures as well as composition writing are emphasized. This course provides students with practice in each of the language arts: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will write a research paper in this course.

American Literature (P)
REG. CODE: 111
STATUS: Required
CREDITS: 10 Units
PREREQS: Successful Completion of English 10
The course builds on skills acquired in the ninth and tenth grade years and focuses on a study of American short stories, nonfiction, drama, poetry, and novels. A wide variety of writing experiences are provided, with special stress on the student becoming a fluent and effective writer. The expository essay and an approach toward writing a research paper are two of the main focuses of this course. Students will write a research paper in this course.

World Literature (P)
REG. CODE: 140
STATUS: Required: Grade 12 or Honors Literature
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful Completion of American Literature.
This course will introduce students to the major works of writers from Europe, South America, Central America, Asia, as well as different ethnic groups from the United States. Students will compare and contrast graphic novels with standard literary novels. Literary themes and genres will be discussed and students will examine the various socioeconomic, gender and national boundaries of the writer’s style, visual presentation, and their storytelling techniques. The course includes a review of basic grammar, usage, and mechanics. The course also includes a sequential writing program designed to equip the college-bound and non-college-bound student with skills that will enable him/her to write clearly and effectively.

Honors American Literature (P)
REG. CODE: 121
STATUS: Grade 11 or 12
CREDITS: 10 Units
PREREQS: Required: Permission of current English Teacher
Honors American Literature is a two-year course focused on reading and analyzing a large range of literature from around the world. This course is designed to provide a college-level English experience, and seniors will have the opportunity to take the A.P. English Literature examination at the end of the second year. One year focuses primarily on American Literature, while the other year focuses on literary genres and themes that cover a greater scope of World Literature. In the 2011-2012 school year, the focus will be on American Literature. The reading, writing, and analysis of this course will require dedication and a concerted effort toward success in a challenging academic environment. Even though this is a two-year course, it is not sequential, and will be open to both juniors and seniors who have demonstrated high levels of achievement in previous English classes. This course is an approved UC/CSU Honors college preparatory elective which will receive an extra grade point.

Creative Writing (P)
REG. CODE: 122
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11,12
CREDITS: 10 UNITS
PREREQS: Permission of Instructor
Creative Writing will allow students to explore the creative process through the development of form and style. Students will develop a portfolio of writing including short stories, personal narrative, and poetry. Various works of literature will be studied to give students exposure to the different styles of writing. Grammar and vocabulary will be discussed but the primary objective of this course will be to create a comfortable workshop environment where students can read and critique each other’s work. Publication of student writing in literary magazines will be an objective of this course. This course is approved as a UC/CSU college preparatory elective.

FINE ARTS COURSES

Art and Culture (P)
REG. CODE: 611
STATUS: Elective: Fine Arts
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None.
The Art and Culture course will focus upon the influential role of the visual arts in civilization. It examines works of art as illustrations of changing aesthetic and cultural viewpoints as ideological developments in society from ancient to modern times. This class is intended for all students of all artistic abilities. This course is approved as a UC/CSU college preparatory Visual Fine Arts elective.

Advanced Painting (P)
REG.CODE: 625
STATUS: Elective: Grade 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Permission of Instructor
Advanced painting will expose students to the various techniques of painting as well as explore the creative aspects involved in the painting process. Diverse approaches will be investigated through specific studio art assignments in oil and water-based media on various painting supports. During the second semester, students will design and paint large scale murals. Students will develop the ability to think critically about their own work and the work of other artists through class discussion and critiques. This class is intended for serious art students who may be considering a college major in the fine arts. This course is approved as a UC/CSU college preparatory Visual Fine Arts elective.

MATHEMATICS COURSES

Pre-Algebra
REG. CODE: 200
STATUS: Required
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Placement on Entrance exam
Pre Algebra is a survey course that introduces students to a variety of math topics while improving their computational skills with whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, and percents. The class will also investigate elementary algebraic concepts, number theory, geometry, and statistics.

Algebra I (P)
REG.CODE: 208
STATUS: Required: Grade 9
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: C Grade in Pre-Algebra or qualifying score on Entrance exam
Topics include: expressions, equations and functions, rational numbers, solving linear equations and inequalities, graphing functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, quadratic and exponential functions, and rational expressions and equations.

Geometry (P)
REG. CODE: 206
STATUS: Required to attend a four year university
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful completion of Algebra I with a grade of C or better
The study of Geometry reinforces and uses the basics of Algebra to cover the topics of: polygons and parallel lines, congruent and similar polygons, perimeters and areas, three-dimensional figures, surface areas, circles, and volumes.

Algebra 2/Trigonometry (P)
REG. CODE: 211
STATUS: Required to attend a state college or university, otherwise: Elective
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful completion of Geometry with a C grade or better
This course expands upon the algebraic foundation begun in Algebra I and continued in Geometry. Topics include equations and inequalities, functions, polynomials, radical, quadratic, and matrices. This course will also include a unit on trigonometry.

Pre-Calculus (P)
REG. CODE: 212
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful completion of Algebra 2 or Algebra 2/Trigonometry with a C grade or better
This course covers advanced topics such as advanced algebra and functions, trigonometry, logarithms, analytic geometry, probability and statistics, and sequences and series. The University of California and the California State Universities require the successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry. Pre-Calculus is also highly recommended.

Calculus AB (P)
REG. CODE: 212
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful completion of Pre Calculus with a B grade or better
This is a college level course taught on the high school level. The course begins with a review of pre-calculus material and works through the first semester of college calculus covering integers, derivatives, and word problems. This course may be taught through an online high school independent study program in our computer lab. This course will prepare the student to take the Advanced Placement examination in Calculus AB in May 2012. A satisfactory score on the AP examination may earn the student a semester of college mathematics credit.

The University of California and the California State Universities require the successful completion of Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry. Pre-Calculus is also highly recommended.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSES

Physical Education 9/Health
REG. CODE: 809
STATUS: Required : Grade 9
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None
This course involves the introduction, instruction, and participation in a variety of team and individual sport/activities. Conditioning and physical fitness testing are included. Students will be taught health education, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and life skills for one academic semester.

Physical Education 10
REG. CODE: 810
STATUS: Required elective : Grade 10
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful completion of PE 9 and/or permission of instructor
This course will involve more in-depth instruction and participation in selected individual and team sports/activities. American Red Cross First aid instruction is also included.

Conditioning and Weight Management
REG. CODE: 815
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12
CREDITS: 10 units (Year) or 5 units (Semester)
PREREQS: Interscholastic sports
This physical education course for young men and women is designed to assist students in managing their weight through the proactive control of their diet. Students will learn that good nutritional eating habits along with a monitored exercise regimen will lead to physical and mental well being. Students will exercise three times a week and lift weights twice a week for body toning. Students will be graded on the effort and success of their individual work out plan. This class is designed for those students who are serious about controlling and maintaining their weight and being mentally and physically fit beyond their high school years. This course may also be elected for only a semester.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES COURSES

Religion 9: Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture
REG. CODE: 409 A
STATUS: Required: Grade 9
CREDITS: 5 Units (Semester)
PREREQS: None.
This one semester course, introduces students to Sacred Scripture. Through their study of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and Christian Scriptures (New Testament) the student will encounter Christ and come to know him more personally. The course provides a map for high school students to navigate the wonderful work of God – Father, Son, and Spirit – in forming a People, giving a Law, and preparing for the Messiah.

Religion 9: Who Is Jesus Christ? His Mission and Ministry
REG. CODE: 409 B
STATUS: Required: Grade 9
CREDITS: 5 Units (Semester)
PREREQS: None
In this course students deepen the study of Jesus high-lighting key events in his earthly ministry while unpacking his teachings about God the Father, the Trinity, Mary, and the Holy Spirit. Students learn that the goal of discipleship is a life of grace and holiness and a share of God’s everlasting Kingdom.

Religion 10: Jesus Christ: Source of Our Salvation
REG. CODE: 410A
STATUS: Required: Grade 10
CREDITS: 5 Units (Semester)
PREREQS: None
In this course students explore the meaning of God’s sacred and mysterious plan for creation, through his compassionate and loving care in sending his Son, and culminating in the Life, Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Religion 10: Jesus Christ Continues the Mission in the Church
REG CODE: 410B
STATUS: Required: Grade 10
CREDIT: 5 Unites (Semester)
PREREQS: None
This course provides a means for understanding some of the traditional definitions of the Catholic Church. While acknowledging the importance of the historical perspective, this course emphasizes the living Church and what it is in the present moment. The course is constructed around those definitions that represent Church practice and belief, such as the People of God, the Church as Servant, and the Church as Sacrament.

Religion 11: Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ
REG. CODE: 411A
STATUS: Required: Grade 11
CREDITS: 5 Units (Semester)
PREREQS: None.
This course reminds teens that the sacraments are a definitive way Jesus remains present to the Church and the world today. The course expresses concrete ways for understanding the sacraments, participating in their rites, and benefiting from their graces.

Religion 11: Life in Jesus Christ: Foundations of Catholic Morality
REG. CODE: 411B
STATUS: Required: Grade 11
CREDITS: 5 Units (Semester)
PREREQ: None.
This course focuses on the essential message of Christ’s moral teaching and the importance of love of God and love of neighbor. Topics covered include: The Gift of Being Human; Making Moral Decisions; Law as a Guide to Freedom; Jesus as Moral Guide; Conscience Formation, Sin and Forgiveness; Love for God; Respect for Life; Respect for the Gift of Sexuality; Respect for Justice and Truth.

Religion 12: Religions of North America (P)
REG. CODE: 412 A
STATUS: Required: Grade 12
CREDITS: 5 Units (Semester)
PREREQS: None
The goal of this course is to help the student better understand people through the study of various religions as they are found in the world today. It will cover the origin of religion, the development of religion in the Western world, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the religions of China. The student will grow in knowledge and come to a better understanding of others. This course is approved as a UC/CSU college preparatory elective.

Religion 12: Spirituality and Moral Decision Making
REG. CODE: 412B
STATUS Required: Grade 12
CREDITS: 5 Units (Semester)
PREREQS: None
This course offers high school seniors everything they need to know about moving on beyond high school. The two texts that will be used are: Questions from Seventh Period and Ready for College.

SCIENCE COURSES

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (P)
REG. CODE: 309
STATUS: Required: Grade 9
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None
A science course which introduces the student to the basic concepts used in physics, chemistry, and biology. Students will use the scientific method to discover and explore energy, patterns of change, scale and structure of matter, interactions, and the chemistry of life. Students will participate in laboratory activities intended to help them understand the principles presented to them.

BIOLOGY (P)
REG. CODE: 310
STATUS: Required: Grade 10
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None
A science course which provides students with a basic knowledge as it relates to them and their own range of experiences. Students will investigate the areas of ecology, botany, zoology, and microbiology. In a series of guided lab work, the students will also gain firsthand experiences with such learning skills as observation, identification, hypothesizing, interpretation, and prediction.

CHEMISTRY (P)
REG. CODE: 311
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12 / Laboratory Science
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry with C grades or better
A laboratory science course in which the student will: become actively involved in the process of investigation; develop an appreciation of the scientific method; and “discover” important chemical concepts, including physical vs. chemical change, the kinetic theory of heat and temperature, gas laws and kinetic theory, phases of matter, chemical formulae and equations, atomic structure and bonding, including stoichiometry, and dimensional analysis problem solving.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (P)
REG. CODE: 312
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful completion of Biology with a C grade or better
An advanced science course which builds and expands on basic concepts covered in biology with an in-depth study of the structures and processes of the human body and its systems with main emphasis on the origin of common pathological conditions in relation to practical health implications.

PHYSICS (P)
REG. CODE: 315
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12 / Laboratory Science
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful completion of Algebra 2/Trigonometry and Chemistry with B grades or better
Introductory exposure to the physical world through which the student will conceptually grasp and mathematically manipulate topics that include kinematics, dynamics, energy work, thermodynamics, wave motion, light, and others. Lab experiments will aid in understanding the material.

SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSES

WORLD CULTURES (P)
REG. CODE: 709
STATUS: Required: Grade 10
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None
This course will explore the cultural, economic, political, religious, and historical backgrounds of various world areas. Critical thinking, writing, and research skills will be employed along with a special emphasis on visual information. A solid map skill component is included. This course fulfills the State of California requirement.

U.S. HISTORY (P)
REG. CODE: 711
STATUS: Required: Grade 11
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None
Students will study the history, growth, and development of the United States from colonial times to the present day position as a super power. The course teaches skills in economics and geography as it stresses the social, cultural, religious, political, and technological growth, and development of the people of the United States. Special emphasis is given to the cultural heritage of the various ethnic groups in our country. The course fulfills State of California requirements.

CIVICS/ECONOMICS (P)
REG. CODE: 712
STATUS: Required: Grade 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None
This course will integrate the economic, political, and legal aspects of American society to give senior students a broad overview of how these institutions affect our lives today. Economic, political, and legal systems of other world powers will be compared with the United States. Emphasis will be placed on the United States citizen’s role, rights, and responsibilities within these systems. This course fulfills the State of California requirements.

PSYCHOLOGY (P)
REG. CODE: 719
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None
This course will offer a basic introduction to the study of psychology. It will study child, adolescent, and adult development. Through reflection on human behavior, it will help the student learn about himself/herself, friends, and family. This course is an approved UC/CSU college preparatory elective.

SAT TEST PREP
REG. CODE: 980
STATUS: Elective
CREDITS: 5 Units (Semester)
PREREQS: None
This course is a preparation semester course to prepare students for the SAT test. Seniors will be able to prepare for the December administration of the SAT test during the first semester while sophomores will be able to prepare for their junior year PSAT test administration during the second semester. Students will go over strategies in preparing for the Reading and Mathematics portions of the test. Basic Math and English skills will be reviewed, and students will have an opportunity to practice each part of the test. Sections from released tests will be used to give a sense of the rigor of the test.

WORLD LANGUAGES COURSES

Spanish 1 NS (P) - Native Speakers
REG. CODE: 508
STATUS: Required: Grade 9
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Proficiency in Spanish.
Students fluent in Spanish may take Spanish 1 (NS). The primary objective of this class is to learn to criticize and analyze literature and short stories. Students learn cultural countenance through the literature they read and grammar they encounter.

Spanish 1 (P)
REG. CODE: 509
STATUS: Required: Grade 9
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None.
Students who have no fluency in Spanish may take Spanish I. The primary objective of the class is to learn to communicate in Spanish through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The secondary objective is to introduce students to the culture of Spain, Mexico, Central and South America.

Spanish 2 NS (P) - Native Speakers
REG. CODE: 507
STATUS: Recommended/Elective: Grade 10, 11, 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful Completion of Spanish 1 - (NS) with C grade or better.
Students who have successfully completed Spanish 1 (NS) may take Spanish 2 (NS). The primary objective is to analyze and critique literature in greater depth. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement Spanish Language course.

Spanish 2 (P)
REG. CODE: 510
STATUS : Elective 11, 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful Completion of Spanish 1 with C grade or better.
This course is a continuation of the Spanish 1 program with the presentation of more complex grammatical structures. The presentation of the Hispanic culture is an integral part of the program.

Spanish 3 (P)
REG. CODE: 511
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11, 12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful completion of Spanish 2 or Spanish 2 (NS) with C grade or better.
Spanish 3 is a review of Spanish grammar. More emphasis is placed on speaking and writing. The primary objective is to analyze and critique literature in greater depth. There is an introduction to Hispanic literature through the readings of well-known authors.

AP Spanish Language (P)
REG. CODE: 514
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11,12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: B grade or better in Spanish 2(NS) or Spanish 3 and permission of instructor.
AP Spanish Language involves intense grammar review and literature exploration. The major learning methods for this course will be intensive reading and discussion. Students will be extensively prepared for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language examination. Students will receive an extra grade point for taking this advanced language course.

Spanish 4 (P)
REG. CODE: 515
STATUS: Elective: Grade 11,12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: C grade or better in Spanish 2(NS) or Spanish 3 and permission of instructor.
Students will complete their introductory study of Spanish vocabulary and grammar, as well as Hispanic culture and geography. Students will continue to improve their skills in reading, writing and speaking Spanish. This course is important for those students who wish to become more fluent in Spanish and/or major in World Languages in college. This course would be required for those non-native Spanish speakers who wish to take the AP Spanish Language examination.

French 1 (P)
REG. CODE: 569
STATUS: Elective: Grade 9, 10,11,12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: None.
In French I, students will begin to communicate in French by listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They will also be introduced to the culture of the French speaking world in the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

French 2 (P)
REG. CODE: 579
STATUS: Elective: Grade 10,11,12
CREDITS: 10 Units (Year)
PREREQS: Successful Completion of French 1 with C grade or better.
This course is a continuation of the French 1 program with the presentation of more complex grammatical structures. The presentation of the French culture is an integral part of the program.