High School Courses

Foundation Foods and Nutrition AB (1st year): Grades 9-12; Meets “G” Requirement
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of nutrition, wellness, and food preparation. The focus of the course is centered on healthy food and lifestyle choices. The general goal is to enhance student awareness in regards to personal food choices and physical activity. The overall goal for all levels of the foods program is to enhance student knowledge of food choices and to motivate students to actually improve their choices. Topics: Identify the composition and properties of basic foods. Use standard measuring and cooking utensils. Prepare foods from a standard recipe. Employ necessary sanitary precautions for the selection, preparation, and serving of wholesome and safe foods. Plan and serve nutritionally balanced, attractive meals.

Culinary Nutrition (2nd year): Grades 9-12; Meets “G” Requirement
The course is designed to provide students experience in planning and preparing foods from various cultures and countries. Topic of instruction include safety and sanitation, nutrition, food customs, equipment, table setting, meal service, special preparation techniques and etiquette. Students will study the history, sociology, geography, art, music, and costumes of each culture or country. Students will: Describe the diversity of diets, food, and eating behavior in various cultures; Describe the diversity of diets, food, and eating behavior in various cultures; Explain cultural perspective, traditional food habits, and contemporary food habits for specific cultural groups, Identify specialized equipment, utensils, ingredients, and common food in specific cultural groups; Identify local sources for cultural food ingredients; Identify geographic factors impacting food availability; Identify nutritional deficiencies in the diets of specific cultural groups, and identify their therapeutic uses of foods.

Intro to Theatre: Grades 9-12; Auditions and interviews required; Meets “F” Requirement
This course requires no prior experience in theatre and is designed to explore the nature of theatre as a performing art. This class will train the actor in the areas of speech, voice, movement, music, and dance. Students will study selected plays from the perspectives of actors and directors, and the strategies of playwrights to develop the ability to imagine the play in performance and to appreciate the range of theatre's possibilities. The acting curriculum features improvisation, storytelling, poetry, text analysis, contemporary and classical scene studies, neutral mask, character mask, clowning, commedia dell’arte, television and film technique, and audition preparation. This Theatre program will include spots for students who are interested in set, costume, lighting and sound design for the theatre. Course may involve costs of attending professional theatre productions.

Theatre Production: Grades 9-12; Auditions and interviews required; Meets “F” Requirement
This is an advanced program and requires prior acting experience. This class is for the students interested in performance and production for the theatre. The class will be during 7th period and students will be required to rehearse after school at least two days a week until 5pm. More rehearsals will be required leading up to showcases and performances. The Theatre program will produce at least, but not limited to, three productions a year that will include a musical(s) and/or plays. Spots for a technical team will be available for this class. This Crew will oversee stage management, costumes, lighting, sound and set design for all production(s) throughout the school year. Admission requirements: Actors: Prepare two contrasting monologues that showcase your range; Dancer: Between one minute of choreography in any genre; Technical Crew: One on one interviews are required for all crew positions: sound, lighting, and stage management; Visual Artists are required to bring a portfolio of your artwork.

Film Production 1: Grades 9-12. No prerequisite; meets “F” requirement.
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”— A. Chekhov. Film Production 1 is a hands-on workshop where students collaborate in small crews to write, produce, direct, shoot, and edit short films and, in so doing, learn to communicate visually. Semester one focusses on silent and sound effect films; in semester two we introduce dialogue into the mix. NOTE: As a production course all work is project-based and involves a great deal of independent, collaborative work. Students must demonstrate the proper level of maturity to be considered for this class.

Film Production 2 : Grades 10-12 Prerequisite: Must have completed Film Production 1 and/or have teacher approval; meets "F" requirement.

This course is to prepare for the next level of film in higher education. They leave the program with a portfolio of work demonstrating creative vision, writing, directing, editing, and camera work proficiency, providing them building blocks and process to express and explore their creativity, prowess, and individuality with an emphasis on process.

Writers Seminar AB: Grades 11-12; Students in other grades must have teacher approval; Meets “G” Requirement
Writers Seminar is a creative writing workshop for students in 11th and 12th grade. Students will compose original poetry and short stories, then perform these works in class. Students will critique each other’s work, and receive criticism on their own writing. Due to the personal nature of creative writing, students must be able to maintain confidentiality and respect their fellow writers’ privacy. In order for this class to succeed, all students must have the discipline, focus, compassion and maturity needed to preserve a supportive and inspiring creative community.

Journalism: High School: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Application and Interview; Meets “G” Requirement (Journalism 1 & 2)
Journalism class produces the school newspaper (LACES UNTIED), arts/sports magazine (LACES SOLE) and online newsletter (THE HORN). While our focus will be on writing, designing and producing these publications, we will also study the history of journalism in America and the legal responsibilities of journalists. Previous writing experience is not required, but participating students must have the discipline, focus, compassion and maturity needed to produce successful publications. Positions to be filled include writers, artists, photographers and editors.

*AP English Language and Composition: Grade 11; Prerequisite - Passing Grade in Honors English 10 or Teacher Recommendation from College Prep English 10; Meets “B” Requirement

This college-level course stresses the ability to write analytical and expository essays through construction of a thesis sentence, logical arrangement of ideas and adequate development of theme. Content includes analytical reading of materials that demand high-level thinking skills and serve as models of effective style and diction. This course helps to prepare students for the required Advanced Placement Language and Composition Examination given in May.

*AP English Literature and Composition: Grade 12; Prerequisite - Passing Grade in AP English Language and Composition or Teacher Recommendation from College Prep English 11; Meets “B” Requirement

This college-level course strengthens and refines English skills through intensive analysis of representative works of literature and through frequent writing and careful revision of themes on subjects that challenge both thought and language. This course helps to prepare students for the required Advanced Placement Examination English Literature and Composition given in May.

Honors English 10: Prerequisite - Honors English 9 and teacher recommendation Honors English 10
The goal of Honors English 10 is to ensure that students acquire the ability to read closely, understand the conventions of literary discourse, engage with the discourse through writing accurately and insightfully, and are prepared for AP Language and Composition. The core texts will comprise a survey of canonical literature. The major purpose of this course is to analyze literature and expository texts in greater depth and to produce more complex writing assignments. Students will continue to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier grades with more refinement, depth, and sophistication with grade-appropriate material. Students in the tenth grade are expected to read one and one-half million words annually on their own, including classic and contemporary literature, newspapers, and online articles. Students will apply and refine their command of the writing process and writing conventions to produce narrative, persuasive, expository, and descriptive texts of at least 1,500 words.

Honors English 9: Prerequisite - Honors English 8 or Teacher recommendation from English 8A/B

Goals for Honors English 9 are to ensure that students acquire the ability to read closely, understand the conventions of literary discourse, engage with the discourse through frequent writing which is accurate and insightful, and are prepared for Honors English 10, AP Language and Composition, and AP English Literature and Composition. The core texts and other works of fiction and nonfiction comprising a collection of classical and contemporary literature, will expand the knowledge base of the students, preparing them to continue taking advanced courses.

French 1AB: Grades 9-12; No prerequisite; Meets “E” Requirement
This course introduces students to French language and culture. It provides practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in French. Correct pronunciation and intonation are stressed. Basic language structures are introduced and the appreciation of the culture and customs of France and Francophone Cultures is encouraged.

French 2AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - French 1AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement
This course reviews and expands the principal themes of French1AB. The major verb tenses are introduced and their application in a communicative context is practiced in group and individual written and oral presentations. Students will learn to communicate effectively and inquire about others as well as ask appropriate questions to solve simple problems of daily life.

French 3AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - French 2AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement
This level will complete the presentation of the grammatical structure of the language, enhance the patterns of the spoken language, and broaden the student’s language use. Aspects of the social, political, scientific, and cultural life of the countries where French is spoken are explored.

French 4AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - French 3AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement
This course further develops both written and oral facility through more varied listening, speaking and reading activities. Students will grow in ability with respect to expressing themselves through writing essays, summaries, and independent projects. This course completes the study of basic language structures, while being enriched with cultural and historical information.

*Advanced Placement French Language AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite: French 4AB and teacher approval. Summer work required; Meets “E” Requirement

This course is designed to develop all communication skills; listening, reading, speaking and writing at a college level of proficiency. The curriculum includes exposure to a variety of literary genres, expanded vocabulary, reading comprehension and correct usage of all grammatical structures. It prepares students for the French Language and Culture Advanced Placement Exam given in May.

Japanese 1AB: Grades 9-12: No Prerequisite; Meets “E” Requirement
This course introduces students to Japanese language and culture. It provides practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in Japanese. Correct pronunciation and intonation are stressed. Basic language structures are introduced and the appreciation of the culture and customs of Japan is encouraged.

Japanese 2AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Completion of Japanese 1AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement
This course reviews and expands the principal themes of Japanese 1AB. The major verb tenses are introduced and their application in a communicative context is practiced in group and individual written and oral presentations. Students will learn to communicate effectively and inquire about others as well as ask appropriate questions to solve simple problems of daily life.

Japanese 3AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Completion of Japanese 2AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement

This level will complete the presentation of the grammatical structure of the language, enhance the patterns of the spoken language, and broaden students’ language use. Aspects of the social, political, scientific, and cultural life of the countries where Japan are explored.

Japanese 4AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Completion of Japanese 3AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement

This course further develops both aural and oral facility through more varied listening, speaking and reading activities. Students will grow in ability with respect to expressing themselves through writing essays, summaries, and independent projects. This course completes the study of basic language structures, while being enriched with cultural and historical information.

*Advanced Placement Japanese Language and Culture: Grades 9-12
Prerequisite: Japanese 4AB and teacher approval. Summer work required; Meets “E” Requirement

This course is designed to develop all communication skills; listening, reading, speaking and writing at a college level of proficiency. The curriculum includes exposure to a variety of literary genres, expanded vocabulary, reading comprehension and correct usage of all grammatical structures. It prepares students for the College Board’s SAT II Japanese Exam, as well as the Japanese Language Advanced Placement Exam given in May.

Korean 1AB: Grades 9-12; No Prerequisite; Meets “E” Requirement
This course introduces students to Korean language and culture. It provides practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in Korean. Correct pronunciation and intonation are stressed. Basic language structures are introduced and the appreciation of the culture and customs of Korea is encouraged.

Korean 2AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Korean 1AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement
This course reviews and expands the principal themes of Korean 1AB. The major verb tenses are introduced and their application in a communicative context is practiced in group and individual written and oral presentations. Students will learn to communicate effectively and inquire about others as well as ask appropriate questions to solve simple problems of daily life.

Korean 3AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Korean 2AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement

This level will complete the presentation of the grammatical structure of the language, enhance the patterns of the spoken language, and broaden students’ language use. Aspects of the social, political, scientific, and cultural life of the countries where Korean is spoken are explored.

Korean 4AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Korean 3AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement
This course further develops both aural and oral facility through more varied listening, speaking and reading activities. Students will grow in ability with respect to expressing themselves through writing essays, summaries, and independent projects. This course completes the study of basic language structures, while being enriched with cultural and historical information.

Korean 5AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - A passing grade of “C” or better in Korean 4AB is required.; Meets “E” Requirement
This class is the fifth year of Korean language and culture, which is equivalent to the “AP Korean” (a third-year college course). The class lectures are delivered completely in Korean. The students will read, discuss, and analyze different genres of stories in Korean. They will also learn to understand social, historical, and cultural aspects of the literary work, as well as the current issues.

Spanish 1AB: Grades 9-12; No Prerequisite; Meets “E” Requirement
This course introduces students to Spanish language and culture. It provides practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. Correct pronunciation and intonation are stressed. Basic language structures are introduced and the appreciation of the culture and customs of Spanish speaking countries is encouraged. Topics like family, friends, likes and dislikes are used in a communicative context.

Spanish 2AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Spanish 1AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement
This course reviews and expands the principal themes of Spanish1AB. The major verb tenses are introduced and their application in a communicative context is practiced in group and individual written and oral presentations. Students will learn to communicate and inquire about others as well as ask appropriate questions to solve simple problems of daily life.

Spanish 3AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Spanish 2AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement
This level will complete the presentation of the grammatical structure of the language, enhance the patterns of the spoken language, and broaden the student’s language use. Aspects of the social, political, scientific, and cultural life of the countries where Spanish is spoken are explored.

Spanish 4AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Spanish 3AB or demonstrated proficiency and teacher approval; Meets “E” Requirement
This course further develops both aural and oral facility through more varied listening, speaking and reading activities. Students will grow in ability with respect to expressing themselves through writing essays, summaries, and independent projects. This course completes the study of basic language structures, while being enriched with cultural and historical information.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1: Grades 9-12; Native Spanish speaking; Meets “E” Requirement
This course is designed for the native speaker of Spanish. Students will learn to read and write the Spanish language using proper grammar as required in the academic world. Social, cultural, and historical aspects of life in the countries where Spanish is spoken are explored.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers 2: Grades 9-12: Prerequisite - Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1; Meets “E” Requirement
This course is designed for the native speakers. Oral comprehension, speech, reading and writing will be stressed. This course is designed to improve grammatical skills and focuses on the appreciation of a variety of literary genres. Major emphasis is given to the development of an academic and standard usage of written Spanish.

*Advanced Placement Spanish Language AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Spanish 4AB and teacher approval. Summer work required; Meets “E” Requirement

This course is designed to develop all communication skills; listening, reading, speaking and writing at a college level of proficiency. The curriculum includes exposure to a variety of literary genres, expanded vocabulary, reading comprehension and correct usage of all grammatical structures. It prepares students for the Spanish Language Advanced Placement Exam given in May

*Advanced Placement Spanish Literature AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language. Summer work required; Meets “E” Requirement

This is a college level course designed to develop an appreciation of Spanish literature as well as further the analytical skills necessary to take the AP Spanish Literature exam in May. Students will read a wide variety of works by required authors, discuss, compare and contrast these works in class and write essays on various literary topics.

Precalculus: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Algebra 2; Meets “C” Requirement
This course covers trigonometry and a variety of subjects in pre-calculus. It is a required course for calculus and will combine many of the trigonometric, geometric and algebraic techniques needed to prepare students for the study of calculus.

*Advanced Placement Calculus AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - B or better in Precalculus. Summer work required; Meets “C” Requirement

This AP course is intended for students who have analytic reasoning skills and disciplined study habits with a thorough knowledge of Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Analytic Geometry. It is designed to give a solid grasp of knowledge in limits, differentiation, integration, applications of the definite integral, inverse functions, techniques of integration and to prepare students for the AP Calculus AB exam in May.

*Advanced Placement Calculus BC: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - C or better in Calculus AB or teacher recommendation. Summer work required; Meets “C” Requirement

This AP course is an extension of Calculus AB covering topics such as improper integrals, sequence and series, polar coordinates and parametric equations and vectors in the plane. This course will prepare students for the AP Calculus BC exam in May.

Statistics: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Algebra 2; Meets “C” Requirement
In this course, students will delve deeper into the statistics and probability standards they have learned previously, while extending and connecting to more advanced and rigorous concepts within the strand. We will focus on four critical areas: 1) interpreting categorical and quantitative data; 2) making inferences and justifying conclusions; 3) conditional probability and the rules of probability; and 4) using probability to make decisions.

*Advanced Placement Statistics: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Algebra 2. Summer work required; Meets “C” Requirement
This course is a rigorous and thorough college-level course in Statistics. It covers the four basic thematic areas of Analyzing Data (looking for patterns and departures from patterns), Producing Data (observational studies and experiments), Probability and Random Variables (the foundation for inference), and Inference (conclusions with confidence). Statistics is a subject which does not require an enormous amount of mathematical sophistication; however, it is a difficult subject because many of the concepts encountered appear at first glance to be puzzling and counterintuitive. Successful completion of this course demands stamina and persistence, as the entire syllabus for the AP Statistics exam

needs to be covered by mid-April. Those up to the challenge will be well prepared for the AP Statistics exam.

Choir HS: Grades 9-12; Beginners are welcome: Meets “F” Requirement
The course is geared toward performance and will emphasize music notation reading, sight-singing skills, and opportunities to perform.

Advanced Band: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite: Music teacher’s signature; Meets “F” Requirement
Primarily for high school students but open to any student with a high level of training on their instrument. Three or more years of effective study is generally required.

Jazz Ensemble: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite: Music teacher’s signature; Meets “F” Requirement
Primarily for high school students but open to any student with specialized training in big band and small ensemble jazz. Three to five years of effective training on their instrument is generally required.

Advanced Orchestra: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite: Music teacher’s signature; Meets “F” Requirement
Primarily for high school students but open to any student with a high level of training on their orchestral instrument. Three to five years of effective study is generally required.

*Advanced Placement Biology: Grades 10-12; Prerequisite - Biology AB; Meets “D” Requirement
This course is a year-long course that is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Exam in Biology. The course is designed around the new AP Biology curriculum framework that focuses on four Big Ideas in biology in addition to seven key Science Practices. The curriculum provides a basis for students to develop strong conceptual understanding in biology and the opportunity to integrate that knowledge through inquiry-based activities and laboratory investigations. The AP Biology curriculum is structured around four Big Ideas: Evolution, Energy Processes, Information Transfer and Interactions. These ideas encompass the core principles and theories of all living systems. All course content will equip students so that they can successfully acquire the essential knowledge (EK) and learning outcomes (LO) associated with each of the four Big Ideas and seven Science Practices.

Environmental Studies AB: Grades 11-12; Prerequisite - Must have completed Biology and Chemistry; Meets “G” Requirement
The major purpose of this course is to develop student understanding of the relationship among the biotic and abiotic environmental factors, contemporary social needs, evolving technology, and economic considerations. Field and laboratory investigations allow students to

collect and analyze data, extrapolate and project regional factors, study trends or problems that focus on environmental issues.

*Advanced Placement Environmental Science: Grades 11-12; Prerequisite - Must have completed Biology and Chemistry. Summer work required; Meets “D” Requirement

This course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the inter- relationships 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 to examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students will prepare for the AP Environmental Science exam in May.

Physics: Grades 11-12; Prerequisite - Algebra 2 and Biology or equivalent, Chemistry or equivalent; Meets “D” Requirement
This course offers the student an opportunity to study Modern Physics with an emphasis on mechanics, sound, and electricity. Through classroom and laboratory work, the student studies the scientific principles which are at the basis of our technical and scientific age.

This course fulfills UC requirements for a laboratory science.

*Advanced Placement Physics: Grades 11-12; Prerequisite: Completion of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics recommended. Summer work required; Meets “D” Requirement

This course will follow the guidelines and curriculum established by the College Board for AP Physics. This rigorous course will concentrate on electromagnetism, fluid mechanics, and modern physics. Laboratory exercises will be included and the course is designed to prepare students for the AP Physics exam in May.

*Advanced Placement Chemistry: Grades: 10-12; Prerequisite - A strong performance in Interactions, Chemistry, or equivalent AND Algebra 2 (or concurrent enrollment)

This course will prepare students for freshman level chemistry and the AP Chemistry exam. Coursework will be rigorous requiring memorization, analytical thinking, and writing skills. Excellent work habits and discussion skills are required. Students should expect to spend 7 or more hours per week of study time on this course.

*Honors Physiology AB: Grades 11 and 12; Pre-Requisites - Completion of Biology and Chemistry with a C or better, Meets “D” Requirement

This introductory course is designed for students that have an interest in the medical field. In this academic course, students will develop an understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Laboratory investigations are designed to illustrate how the body systems maintain a homeostatic internal environment. Active student participation in laboratory investigations and the development of critical thinking skills are essential. In addition, research into professional opportunities in the health-related sciences stresses the importance of the study of physiology.

Philosophy AB: Grades 9-12; Meets “G” Requirement
This course will provide an introduction to the traditional discipline of philosophy concerned with moral thinking. It is anticipated that the student will be fully engaged in active discussions of traditional and contemporary moral issues. Types of ethical theory will be closely examined and evaluated, including those of : Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Stoics, Spinoza, Hume, Kant, Utilitarian, and modern ethical theorists.

*Advanced Placement Human Geography: Grades 11-12; Meets “A” Requirement
This course introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. Students will learn about population and migration, urban growth, agricultural and rural land use, culture, and political geography. Students are introduced to a wide array of topics that will expose them to a variety of social sciences.

*Advanced Placement American Government: Grade 12; Completion of AP U.S. History recommended; Summer work required; Meets “A” Requirement

This course examines the Constitutional foundations of government, individual rights, political parties, campaigns and elections, the role of the media, and the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. Students will prepare to take the AP U.S. Government exam given in May.

*Advanced Placement Macroeconomics: Grades 11-12; Summer work required; Meets “G” Requirement

AP Macroeconomics emphasizes economic principles as applied to the economy as a whole and includes an analysis of basic economic concepts revolving around scarcity, measurement of economic performance, national income and price determination, the financial sector, inflation, unemployment, and stabilization policies, economic growth and productivity, and international trade and finance.

*Advanced Placement Microeconomics: Grades 11-12; Summer work required; Meets “G” Requirement
AP Microeconomics introduces students to the cost-benefit analysis that underlies how economic decisions are made by individuals, firms, and organizational structures. Supply and Demand analysis is developed to demonstrate how market prices are determined, how those prices determine an economy’s allocation of goods and services, how factors of production are allocated, and how goods and services are distributed throughout the economy. The focus of this section of the course is the actions of consumers and producers as they interact in the resource and product markets. We will evaluate decision-making by all actors, including the role of government intervention in this model.

*Advanced Placement Psychology: Grades 10-12; Selected by instructor based on academic record and maturity. Summer work required; Meets “G” Requirement

This course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major sub fields within psychology. Students learn about the methods implemented in psychology and the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Students must be able to deal with controversial and adult topics, and a great deal of Biology. Students will prepare to take the AP Psychology exam in May.

*Advanced Placement U.S. History: Grade 11; Summer work required; Meets “A” Requirement
This course 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 course fulfills the U.S. History graduation requirement and covers the major events and themes of American History from 1491 until the present day. The course is designed to provide college-preparatory students with the factual knowledge and writing skills necessary to pass the U.S, History AP exam given in May.

*Advanced Placement World History: Grade 10; Summer work required; Meets “A” Requirement

AP World History is designed to be the equivalent of a two-semester introductory college or university world history course. In AP World History students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in six historical periods from approximately 8000 B.C.E. to the present. Students develop and use the same skills, practices, and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; making historical comparisons; utilizing reasoning about contextualization, causation, and continuity and change over time; and developing historical arguments. The course provides five themes that students explore throughout the course in order to make connections among historical developments in different times and places: interaction between humans and the environment; development and interaction of cultures; state building, expansion, and conflict; creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems; and development and transformation of social structures.

*AP Capstone Program (AP Seminar & AP Research): Grades 11 (2 year commitment required)
This course is an innovative diploma program that provides students with an opportunity to engage in rigorous scholarly practice of the core academic skills necessary for successful college completion. AP Capstone is built on the foundation of two courses — AP Seminar and AP Research — and is designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study provided through AP courses. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical, evidence-based decisions. If you earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of your choosing, you will receive the AP Capstone DiplomaTM. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Alternatively, if you earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research only, you will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate^TM

Ceramics 1AB: Grades 9-12. Prerequisite: Introduction to Art HS; Meets “F” Requirement
This course is intended to provide the student with beginning knowledge, both historical and procedural, regarding the purpose of hand-built ceramic objects. They will be introduced to the fundamental hand-building techniques necessary to create successful ceramic pieces both functional and decorative. Though the focus of this class is working with clay, students will have an opportunity to test their critical thinking and problem solving skills, show an increase in time management, observational skills and hand-eye coordination, as well as develop respect for their creativity and that of their classmates.

Ceramics 2AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite: Completion of Ceramics 1AB or Instructor consent; Meets “F” Requirement
This course is intended to expand upon the student’s knowledge and skills gained in Ceramics 1 AB. The focus will be on wheel- throwing techniques and processes during the fall semester. The spring semester will combine wheel skills and hand building with an emphasis on personal style and expression. Students should exhibit a certain level of independence and be able to manage time and projects wisely.

Design AB: Grades 9-12 Prerequisite: Introduction to Art HS; Meets “F” Requirement
This class provides a foundation in the fundamentals of pictorial design through a sequence of hands-on exercises and projects. Using the formal elements of art and principles of design, students will experience creative investigations of the art making process through a variety of media and technique using, primarily, traditional materials. Computer and portable device projects using Abode are also used. This course will promote critical thinking as well as the development of art technique, composition, and content/idea within each piece of work. Units of study include but are not limited to: drawing/painting, printing-making, photography, collage and Adobe Voice and Sketch.

Painting 1AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite: Introduction to Art HS; Meets “F” Requirement
This course provides students with the opportunity to explore color theories, painting styles, past and present and a variety of media and technique such as watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paint. They will paint portraiture, landscapes, and still-life compositions from objects and patterns observed in the natural environment as well as abstract expressionism, culminating in a student choice work of any style or technique. Students will have an opportunity to exhibit their work at the annual Art and Music Fest.

Painting 2AB: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite: Completion of Painting 1AB or Instructor approval; Meets “F” Requirement
This course is a continuation of Painting 1 and expands upon the student’s prior knowledge and abilities to improve their technical proficiency media and technique. There are wider ranges of choice for each assignment in terms of material and technique. The materials, themselves are of higher quality ranging in the Studio to Professional grades.

Photography: Grades 9-12; Meets “F” Requirement

To be successful in this class you will need a camera, access to a computer, a strong work ethic and a desire to make excellent images. This class is not just a Photography class, but it is also a GRAPHIC DESIGN class. We will incorporate a Flickr account into our weekly critiques. We will use photography as an image creation tool to make strong, well-designed images that incorporate and make great use of the Elements of Art and the Principals of Design. Goals include mastery of digital photography, digital manipulation of images, graphic design and the development of cultural awareness and observational skills.

*AP Studio Art, Drawing 2-D: Grades 11-12; Prerequisite: Intro to Art, as well as painting, photography or ceramics Meets “F” Requirement

This Advanced Placement Studio Art course is designed for highly motivated students who are committed to the creation and study of art. This course emphasizes art-making as an on-going process that involves complex and critical decision making. Students will be expected to work independently. Students will use guidelines established by the College Board to prepare a portfolio of their best work to be submitted to the College Board at the beginning of May. AP course requirements are significantly more rigorous and students should demonstrate commitment and accomplishment while enrolled. It is recommended for the AP student to have previous training in art and be able to demonstrate through a portfolio an ability to create fine art. This course includes group and individual student critiques. Instructional conversations with the teacher will enable students to analyze and discuss their work and the works of others.

*Please Note: These courses do not meet A-G requirements*

Advanced Team Sports: Grades 11-12; Prerequisite - Instructor approval
This course is designed to accommodate high school athletes involved in competitive team sports. It is available to those who play any one of the sports offered at the school and offered during 7th period to allow athletes to participate in their selected sport(s) without having to miss a required academic subject.

Yearbook: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Instructor approval required
This course is open to students with a background or interest in journalism, computer skills, art or photography. Students will work on problems and assignments designed to develop their appreciation for good design in page arrangements and literary content. The course provides practical experience in advertising, journalism, photography, graphic arts, research, computer-designed lay-outs and illustrations, typography and printing methods. Photographers will work closely with editors and writers to create ideas and develop them into meaningful and well designed pages for the school Yearbook. Occasional after school and evening work may be required to cover special events.

High School Wheel (Dance/Rec HS, World of Art ): Grades 9-12; No Prerequisite
This is an introductory course designed to expose students to a wide variety of cultural and academic interests. Each segment is taught by a different teacher, and students rotate through each course within the school year. Options may change.

*Please Note: These courses do not meet A-G requirements*

College Peer Counseling: Grade 12, Prerequisite - Meet college eligibility standards, complete an application and obtain College Counselor approval

College Peer Counselors work directly under the supervision of the College Counselor and must meet three important criteria: follow all school rules, maintain confidentiality of College Center information, and attend one College Center evening activity per semester. Duties also include meeting with and assisting college admissions representatives, summonsing students, working independently on college related assignments and assisting students, parents and staff in the College Center. College Peer Counselors will receive assistance completing college applications and meeting all college related deadlines under the individual supervision of the College Counselor.

Leadership: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Requires application and interview processes before registering for this class

This Student Government class will promote an improved school environment by planning culturally sensitive school-wide events. The class will provide training in various management, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. Course work includes attending events during and after school and learning how to create business proposals, schedules, and budgets.

Peer Helping: Grades 9-12; Prerequisite - Personal written statement and two interviews
This course involves a select group of students who are educated about various student issues including student rights, gender identity, sexual health and communication skills. The class is designed to include members from a variety of backgrounds and experiences who can help their peers work through a variety of different issues.

Restorative Justice: Grades 9-11; Prerequisite - Application and interviews
This course provides an introduction and exposure to the principles of restorative justice and its application to the treatment of human suffering whether as a result of crime or some other harm. It explores the needs and roles for key stakeholders (victims, offenders, communities, justice systems), examines the values and assumptions of the movement, and introduces students to some of the current programs at community, state and national levels. Besides discussing its policy implications, students will evaluate the potential of restorative justice to address social problems marked by human conflict, oppression, and power. Finally, students will implement restorative justice practices at LACES through holding circle in the classroom setting.