Course Handbook
Course Handbook
ART
ART I CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9,10,11,12
Art I is a full year introductory art course which will acquaint the student with basic materials and techniques in the areas of drawing , painting, graphics, lettering, sculpture, ceramics, and crafts. Art I will also introduce the student to art history and appreciation by relating these elements to projects done in class. The aim of the course is to foster the development of the individual and his/her creative ability, as well as an appreciation of the visual arts as a vital part of life.
STUDIO ART CREDIT: 1 GRADE 10,11,12
Studio Art is a year long course which is a continuation of Art I. In this course the student will continue the study of art history and the development of the creative abilities of the students. Students will advance in their drawing, painting, and lettering techniques. They will also do projects in sculpture, ceramics, and crafts. Students will be permitted to advance to more difficult projects if the desire and talent is present.
While every effort will be made to accommodate students in their choice of art classes, there may be times when limited enrollment in a particular course makes it unrealistic to offer the class in a given year. In this event the instructor reserves the right to combine class offerings in a more general art course where students work at their own level on their area of interest. All the art classes will meet the 1 credit required in Fine Arts.
COMPUTER
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY II CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9
This course is designed to give students a broad fundamental knowledge of computers and what they can do. Course content includes units in keyboards, computer history, computer jargon, computer careers, computer languages, computer ethics, the impact of computers and technology on society, robotics, telecommunications, graphics, word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, web page design, and computer purchasing and repair.
ADVANCED COMPUTERS CREDIT: 1 GRADE 10,11,12
Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Computer Technology II or successful testing out of Computer Technology II
This course will study additional topics of Computer and Technology II as robotics, computer care and repair, software as Graphical Analysis, and equipment with embedded computers as a CBL and personal organizers. We will also look at topics covered in Computer Technology as Spreadsheets, Web Page Designing, Videos and Internet topics in greater detail. This class will be primarily project based. It is hoped to utilize multiple topics on some projects as use of a CBL to test and gather data, a spreadsheet to record and display data and graphs and Graphical Analysis to also study graph and gather equations, then followed by some type of interpretation of the information, while another project may include building, testing and operating a small robot.
ENGLISH
ENGLISH 9 CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9
Freshmen are introduced to the styles of classical, traditional, and modern literature in order to develop the skill necessary for understanding and appreciating the written word. Special emphasis is placed on literary concepts and analysis through the study of the various literary genres. Students will learn to react to their reading experiences through class participation and through both creative and formal writing assignments. There is a major focus on the writing process and correct grammar usage integrated throughout the course and in concentrated units. Students will review the parts of speech, sentence structure, and punctuation. Developing test taking skills is also a part of the freshmen study. The students will also be introduced to proper documentation methods in their writings. Each student is required to read four books during the year from an approved Reading List.
ENGLISH 10 SPEECH CREDIT: 1 GRADE 10
Sophomores continue the study of classical, traditional and modern literature in order to expand their knowledge of the world, literary techniques, language, and composition. Communication skills are stressed in class participation and writing. The sophomore student will write a formal research paper stressing research skills and documentation methods. One semester of this course will be devoted to an overview of the oral communication process. This includes listening skills, interpersonal and group communication, and public speaking. This semester is performance oriented with emphasis on class participation in daily communication activities, choosing effective language, speech preparation, methods of delivery, and informal speaking. Each student will be required to read four books from an approved Reading List.
ENGLISH 11 AMERICAN LITERATURE/ COMPOSITION CREIDT 1 GRADE 11
Students should have successfully completed English 9 and 10 before taking this class. This course is a survey of American Literature beginning with the colonial period through modern American Literature beginning with the colonial period through modern American times. All literary genres will be covered. Two novels will be read as part of the curriculum. Throughout the year, there will be an emphasis on advanced composition skills using their reading as a basis for their writing. The entire research process will taught and the culmination will be a formal research paper. Each student will be required to read four books from an approved Reading List.
ENGLISH 12 ENGLISH LITERATURE CREDIT: 1/2 GRADE 12
The purpose of the one semester course is to expose the students to a sampling of early British literature concentrating on selections, which have become classics throughout the years. The universality of life’s philosophies and relevancy today will be the theme of the course. Advanced compositions will be based on the readings. A final review of all aspects of English will be taught as a preparation for college. One documented paper will be required. Each student will be required to read four books from an approved Reading List.
ENGLISH 12 COLLEGE PREPARATORY ENGLISH CREDIT: 1/2 GRADE 12
This course is a one semester course designed to meet the needs of the college-bound student. The emphasis of the course is designed to meet the needs of the college bound student. The emphasis of the course is on college survival skills such as note-taking, advanced composition, reading comprehension, and grammar and usage review. The students will read two novels during the semester and these will serve as the basis for their writing. Several weeks will be devoted to the research process and writing a research paper. Each student ill be required to read four books from an approved reading list.
ST. NORBERT COLLEGE ENGLISH CREDIT: 1 GRADE 12
COLLEGE CREDITS: 8
Prerequisite: The student must have earned a 3.0 GPA and passed the qualifying exam given by St. Norbert College. The exam is given in February. The cost of the two semesters is $375 and should be paid in September. This fee goes to the college.
St. Norbert College determines the curriculum for these two semesters and the on-staff instructor follows he curriculum using appropriate college teaching methods. (First semester is English 101, a college freshman composition class.) Writing will be based on the reading. The second semester is English 150 and is an introduction to literature with concentration on the various literary genres such as poetry, novels, short fiction and drama. The individual colleges determine acceptance of the college credits.
WORLD LANGUAGE
SPANISH I CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9,10,11,12
The course is designed to help the student acquire language skills necessary for basic communication in Spanish. Beginning level vocabulary and structure are used as the students listens, speaks, reads, and writes in the language. Spanish I also serves as an introduction to the culture of the Spanish Speaking countries.
SPANISH II CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish 1. The course is a continuation of Spanish 1. it builds upon and advances the listening, speaking, and writing skills of the student. Cultural and political aspects of the Spanish speaking countries are examined in greater detail.
SPANISH III CREDIT: 1 GRADE 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish II. This course helps the intermediate level Spanish student expand upon previously learned skills to achieve greater fluency in speaking and writing, and greater comprehension in listening and reading. The history and culture of Spanish speaking countries are explored through selected readings in Hispanic literature.
SPANISH IV CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11,12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish III. The course continues refining the grammatical concepts of previous years, but within the context of great works of Spanish and Latin‑American literature. Also, the history, geography, culture and current events of Spain and the rest of the Hispanic world are studied in depth. Speaking in Spanish during the class time is encouraged, and students will have periodic assignments involving compositions and creative writing.
SPANISH V CREDIT: 1 GRADE 12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish IV. This course, the last offered at the secondary level, is intended to prepare the college-bound student for advanced placement within a university curriculum. The student will speak entirely in Spanish during class, and will continue to refine reading, writing and cultural knowledge skills in a loosely-structure context.
GERMAN I CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9,10,11,12
This course is designed to help students acquire language skills necessary for basic communication in German. Beginning level vocabulary and structure are used as students listen, speak, read and write in German. Although target language acquisition is emphasized, students will also be introduced to cultural aspects of Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein. In many cases, students will develop a richer appreciation of their own cultural heritage and traditions.
GERMAN II CREDIT: 1 GRADE 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Successful completion of German I. This course is a continuation of German I. IT builds upon and advances students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Cultural, historical and political aspects of German Speaking counties will be explored in greater detail.
MATHEMATICS
PRE‑ALGEBRA CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9
This course stresses fundamental operations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, per cents and the introduction to algebra and algebraic equations. The course will give students a foundation to move on to Algebra I. There will be daily homework, quizzes, and tests. If the student fails 1st semester, continuation in this course is at the discretion of the instructor.
ALGEBRA I CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9,10
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Pre‑Algebra or a passing score on the placement test. Algebra I will introduce basic operations involving real numbers, polynomials, factoring, laws of exponents, rational expressions, graphing on the Cartesian plane, and concepts of functions. Daily homework, quizzes, and chapter tests will be given. Note: The student must pass 1st semester to continue with second semester.
CONSUMER MATH CREDIT: 1 GRADE 10,11,12
This course can be taken for one semester for ½ credit if desired. The course consists of a series of 10 interactive computer tutorials, each followed by a teacher-administered test. The first semester includes Banking, Working, Food, Clothing, and Taxes. The second semester covers Credit, Housing, Insurance, Cars, and Budgeting.
GEOMETRY CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9,10,11,12
Prerequisite: Algebra I. Students will gain an understanding of the logic methods used in geometric proof. Students will learn properties of parallel lines, congruent triangles, circles, and other two and three dimensional figures. Students will have daily assignments, quizzes, and chapter tests. If the student fails 1 St semester, continuation in this course is at the discretion of the instructor.
ALGEBRA II CREDIT: 1 GRADE 10,11,12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry, or consent of the instructor. A student should have maintained a “C” average or better in Algebra I. Students will review concepts from Algebra I and follow them more in‑depth. They will study new ideas in irrational and complex numbers and be introduced to quadratic equations. Daily homework, quizzes, and chapter tests will be given. The students must pass 1st semester to continue with second semester. This class is a prerequisite for the College Credit Pre‑Calculus class.
ACCOUNTING CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11,12
In this course, students will learn how businesses use mathematics and record keeping for the manipulation and recording of financial information. Grades will be determined on the basis of homework assignments, quizzes, and tests.
PRE‑CALCULUS (MATH 4) CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11,12
Prerequisite: Algebra I, II, and Geometry with “C” or better.
Course contents include coordinate geometry, polynomials, inequalities, functions, exponents, logarithms, trigonometric functions, triangle trigonometry, advanced graphing, trigonometric addition formulas, complex numbers, sequences, series, statistics, and probability. A scientific calculator is required.
ST. NORBERT COLLEGE CREDIT
PRE‑CALCULUS (MATH 4) CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11,12
Prerequisite: The student who has completed Algebra I, II, and Geometry with at least a 3.0 GPA may apply to take a St. Norbert College Math entrance exam in February the prior year (a $25 fee must be paid). St. Norbert reviews your file and test results to make a determination of acceptance. If St. Norbert accepts you into the College Credit Program a $150 fee must be paid at the start of the class in the fall. This $150 course fee all goes to St. Norbert for the four college credits received. Course contents include coordinate geometry, polynomials, inequalities, functions, exponents, logarithms, trigonometric functions, triangle trigonometry, advanced graphing, trigonometric addition formulas, complex numbers, sequences, series, statistics, and probability. A scientific calculator is required. Acceptance of credit is determined by the individual college.
CALCULUS CREDIT: 1 GRADE 12
Prerequisite: Successfully passing Pre‑Calculus (Math 4).
Course contents include rate of change of a function, derivatives, application of derivatives, integration, application of definite integrals, transcendental functions, and methods of integration. A scientific calculator is required.
ST. NORBERT COLLEGE CREDIT CREDIT: 1 GRADE 12
CALCULUS
Prerequisite: The student who has completed Algebra 1, 2, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus with at least a 3.0 GPA may apply to take a St. Norbert College Math entrance exam in February the prior year. St. Norbert reviews your file and test results to make a determination of acceptance. If St. Norbert accepts you into the College Credit Program, a $175 course fee goes to St. Norbert for the four college credits received. Course contents include rate of change of a function, derivatives, application of derivatives, integration, application of definite integrals, transcendental functions, and methods of integration. A scientific calculator is required. Acceptance of credit is determined by individual colleges.
STATISTICS CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11,12
Prerequisite: Algebra I and Geometry
This course is recommended for all college-bound students as well as others. We will collect, represent and process data, as done in all parts of society today. Activities involving simulations, samplings, hypothesis testing, and making references/decisions about your results will be included in this course. A calculator is required. If a student fails the first semester, continuation in the course is at the discretion of the instructor.
MUSIC
BAND CREDIT: 1 GRADES 9,10,11,12
Band is a performing organization for students having a serious desire to improve and refine their skills on a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument, leading to a better understanding of musical principles. The band gives several concerts throughout the year , as well as participation at Solo and Ensemble and District Festival. Attendance at these performances are mandatory.
CHOIR CREDIT: 1 GRADES 9,10,11,12
Chorus is a performing group for those who like to sing and have a serious desire to improve their vocal techniques. Proper use of the voice is stressed through the singing of varied styles. Performances are given several times a year and all students are required to attend.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
(Limited to 6 semesters)
HEALTH CREDIT:1/2 GRADE 10
Health is taught to all sophomores and is a state requirement. Students will be introduced to the following topics: Emotions, Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Body Control, and the Nervous System, the Active Body, Bones and Muscles, Supply Systems, Food, Respiration, heart, Vessels, and Blood, and Protection Against Disease. Comprehensive outside reading and research is used to supplement and enhance the learning process.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CREDIT:1/2 GRADE 10,11,12
Physical Education will be taught to all students and is a state requirement. Students will be taught a variety of team sports and individual activities. Emphasis will be placed upon the development of life-time sport skills which encourage total health and physical fitness. Activities to be covered are: bowling, badminton, basketball, Frisbee football, fitness testing, line dancing, softball, volleyball, and swimming.
WEIGHT TRAINING CREDIT:1/2 GRADE 12
This course is limited to eight students. The student must be a senior who is out for sports and has completed one semester of Physical Education. Each student must have the consent of the instructor. This class will help the student develop strength and toning for sports and for a lifetime. The class will have set weight lifting programs based on needs of the students. Record keeping will be required.
RELIGION
CATHOLICISM CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9
The comprehensive introduction to the Catholic faith explains in a thorough and straightforward manner what it means to a Catholic.. This course takes an enthusiastic look at issues concerning: The Church, Prayer, Holiness, The Trinity, The Blessed Virgin Mary, Sacred Scripture, The Ten Commandments, The Sacraments and much more… This course boldly addresses issues relevant to young people and offers a realistic synopsis of how the Faith can and should be practiced in the modern world.
SCRIPTURES CREDIT: 1 GRADE 10
This course presents teachings on salvation history in the context of a Catholic approach to Scripture, highlighting the theme of covenant. In a logical straightforward manner, this course gives a clear explanation of the various parts of the bible and the importance of each part.
CHURCH HISTORY CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11
This course gives an count of Christian History based solidly on historical fact and viewed through the eyes of Faith, it presents the History of the Catholic Church from Pentecost through the present. This course delves deeply into the heroic lives of the Saints and the tremendous achievements of the Church, allowing the student to witness the Holy Spirit’s guidance of the Church through history. This course inspires a deep pride in Christian heritage while offering the means of avoiding the mistakes of the past.
MORALITY CREDIT: 1 GRADE 12
This course offers a unique and masterful analysis of Moral Theology, and presents, in a comprehensive manner relevant to modern times, the more complex theological concepts of Catholicism. The course will provide all students with the essential tools necessary for the living of a moral life and will prove a useful foundation for those students planning to further their studies in theology and philosophy.
SCIENCE
PHYSICAL SCIENCE CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9
An introductory science course for freshmen. The course gives students a solid foundation for further study in physics and chemistry. Major emphasis is placed on the study of matter and energy. Evaluation is based on tests, homework, and laboratory technique.
BIOLOGY CREDIT: 1 GRADE 10,11,12
This science course involves an in-depth study of life including the physiology of cells, protests, plants, and select animals. Mechanisms of heredity and applied genetics are emphasized. A frog dissection is performed to complete a unit on organ systems. Evaluation is based on tests, homework, and laboratory activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Biology or permission of instructor.
This science course involves the connection between science technology and society. It relates science to environmental issues of today and is set up for the students to apply their basic knowledge of science to environmental issues. Evaluation is based on tests, participation, application research, and laboratory activities.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11,12
Prerequisite: Completion of biology with a “B” or better or permission of the instructor.
This course is designed to provide students with the fundamental concepts in human anatomy and physiology. A structural background of the parts of each organ system is presented along with discussion of physiology to provide an understanding of the biological processes. The curriculum also includes a fetal pig dissection. Evaluation is based on tests, homework, and laboratory work.
CHEMISTRY CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11,12
Prerequisite: Algebra I
This course is designed to help students generate the ability to analyze, question and reason effectively. Chemistry begins with concrete fundamentals and builds to abstract concepts like atomic structure and bonding. Students will study chemical reactions, molar relationships, stoichiometry, gases, and solutions. Evaluation is based on tests, homework, and laboratory work. A scientific calculator is required.
PHYSICS CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11,12
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II with a “C” or better.
This course explains the physical laws and theories governing the universe. Students will learn facts and properties of motion, force, energy, heat, sound and light waves, electricity, magnetism, relativity, and origins of the universe. Evaluation will consist of tests, quizzes, homework, and laboratory work. A scientific calculator is required.
SOCIAL STUDIES
WORLD GEOGRAPHY CREDIT: 1 GRADE 9
This course offers an introduction to the physical properties of Earth and focuses on the study of the physical and human aspect of : Latin America, Antarctica, Oceania, Africa, North America, Asia, Europe, Global Organizations, and the local environment. Students will be required to survey and analyze variety of geographic resources and information regarding global issues and the five themes of geography. Evaluation is determined by written assignments, class participation, projects, map work, quizzes, and exams.
AMERICAN HISTORY CREDIT: 1 GRADE 10
A general survey course with the goal of introducing the student to a comprehensive history of the American Nation from the discovery and conquest of the Americas to the end of World War II, and continuing to the present Presidential Administration (time permitting). The course is presented in two semesters and incorporates geographical, cultural, and social history as well as political, economic, and military history. This survey will enable students to become better citizens with a knowledge and understanding of the American heritage. Evaluation is determined by written assignments, class participation, projects, reports, quizzes, and exams.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CREDIT: 1/2 GRADE 12
A general survey course with the goal of introducing the student to the core concepts of the American political system from the principles and provisions of the Constitution through the critical analysis of the actions taken by and operation of our political bodies. As government is democratic, complex, expensive, and an expansive social force this survey includes the explorations of the principles of state, the political spectrum, and a comparative analysis of alternative governmental (political and economic) structures. Evaluation is determined by written assignments class participation, projects, reports, quizzes, and exams.
PSYCHOLOGY CREDIT: 1/2 GRADE 11, 12
Introduces the student to: The what and how of psychology, the biology (bio-physical aspects) of behavior and awareness, and the study of learning and cognition. As a field, psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. These courses are designed to provide a solid grounding in the basis of this field. Evaluation is determined by written assignments, class participation, projects, reports, quizzes, and exams.
SOCIOLOGY CREDIT: 1/2 GRADE 11, 12
This course introduces you to the basic concepts, theories, and methods in sociology. It studies society by surveying topics such as: culture and how it differs across the world, socialization, Family, social inequality as it relates to poverty and ageism, race and ethnicity - how they differ in their meanings and how prejudice and discrimination are closely tied to them in history, gender, deviance, and social change. Course grade is determined by homework, tests, quizzes, projects, discussion, and participation.
WORLD HISTORY CREDIT: 1 GRADE 11, 12
A general survey course with the goal of introducing the student to a comprehensive history of the world from prehistory to 1945 and the present. The course is presented in two semesters and incorporates geographical, cultural, and social history as well as political, economic, and military history. This survey will enable students to become better citizens in a global society with a knowledge and understanding of historical periodization, a general familiarity with the major events of and differences between Western and non-Western history, and the ability to place major figures in the correct geographic and time context. This course will nurture an appreciation for and understanding of the world’s government systems, economic systems, and great religions that have or currently exist. Evaluation is determined by written assignments, class participation, projects, reports, quizzes, and exams.
SOCIAL PROBLEMS CREDIT: 1/2 GRADE 11, 12
This course requires parent and instructor permission because of the topics covered and the potential expense of periodicals. The focus of the course is the pattern of human behavior because of the effect of the groups with which the individual associates and which he/she participates. Major emphasis is put on significant problems occurring in today’s modern American culture and society. Topics will range from personal issues and choices to questions of crime, justice, civil justice, the environment and economics, and foreign policy. Current events will be incorporated into this course. Students will be required to utilize the methodologies of sociology and logic in their and debate of these issues. Quizzes and tests will cover the course content.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY CREDIT: 1/2 GRADE 11,12
This is a general survey course that introduces you to the foundation of a healthy marriage and family. You will explore where families fit in our society today, roles within the family, communication, changes in the family structure, how to pick a partner, and how to deal with current challenges that marriage face.
Copyright 03/2009
St. Thomas Aquinas Academy
1200 Main St., Marinette, WI 54143
715/735-7481 Fax 715/735-3375
MCCHS@hotmail.com
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