2014 2015 borah senator registration guide by Borah Senator

2014-2015 Course Registration Guide

Whether you’re registering as a new sophomore, or next year’s new juniors and seniors, this guide will help you navigate schedule options. See your counselor for the official registration handbook with all of the course offerings at Borah, but use this guide as a way to understand some of the electives and Advanced Placement (AP) courses available. It’s also a user-friendly way to show your parents and guardians about your interests. It’s important to note that this guide was developed by the Borah Senator (the newspaper class) based on voluntary responses from teachers. If a class is not listed, please check with your teachers or counselors – this is in no way a complete list of courses.

Index

AP Classes.......................................... 2-4 College/Career Readiness.............. 4-5 Languages......................................... 6 Choir.................................................. 7 Art...................................................... 8 Orchestra........................................... 9 Early Childhood / Culinary Arts.... 10 Media & Publications.................... 11-12

AP Classes

2 2014-2015

AP Human Geography

“It’s a very fun class-you learn about different cultures, languages, beliefs, and values which opens up your mind about the world.” Talei Reimers

AP Literature

“AP Literature is a lot of fun, and it helps you become a better writer.” Brittney Anderson

AP Human Geography is a college-level course which may lead to earning college credit and will introduce you to future AP course like: Government, Economics, Environmental Science, World History, European Studies, and US History. In this class you will conduct hands on field studies to observe patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface today. You will use mapping and landscape investigation to explore human social organization and its environmental consequences. Some of the topics of study include population, culture, language, religion, ethnicity, politics, environment, economic development, agriculture, and urban development. You will also examine current events from around the globe to compare with national and local Boise area events. If you have a strong interest in current events around the world, then this is a class you should sign up for. College Credit Available (Dual Enrollment), Advanced Placement (AP), Elective, Career and Technical Education, Social Studies, College and Career Readiness, Hands-On Learning, Gain a broad world view

Students who are comfortable in AP classes will enjoy AP Literature. The environment fosters small group discussion, peer presentations, and collaborative learning. The course revolves around college-level literature, so students should be ready to read sophisticated and challenging works. Analytical and research writing is ongoing. Students must work at a fast pace and be ready to organize, prioritize, and balance time and commitments. AP Literature provides opportunities to read and think critically as well as chances to explore art and literature on deeper levels. This course culminates with the AP Literature and Composition Exam offered in May. AP - College and Career Readiness

AP U.S. History

“APUSH challenges students to think about our history while at the same time learning important college skills.”

Advanced placement United States History offers students the opportunity to take a college level course in High School while also completing their U.S. History requirement for graduation. The course will help students learn about U.S. history from colonial times through the present but will also help engage students in a higher lever academic atmosphere. Organizing and time management, note-taking, writing historical arguments, debating issues and use of primary and secondary sources are just some of the things to expect. This is great class for student wishing to challenge themselves while working toward graduation. AP - Social Studies - College and Career Readiness

Esther Badiata & Joy Wilson

“In what other class do you get be a king?”

AP European History

Sofia Broadbent

Advanced Placement European History is a great opportunity for students to take a step into the a college level course while learning about the great cultures and history of Europe. The course covers Renaissance Italy, The Reformation, Absolutism, The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, Imperialism, The World Wars, The Cold War and its end. It is a thoughtful introductory class to European history and is open to juniors and seniors. AP - Social Studies - College and Career Readiness

AP Classes

The Borah Senator Course Registration Guide

“Two cats are on a roof. Which cat falls off first? The one with the smaller μ (mu).”

AP Physics 1 formerly AP Physics B

AP Physics C

Mackenzie Aime

“You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.”

Sarah Baer

“Do or do not. There is no try.”

AP Calculus BC

AP Physics C is the most advanced Physics class at Borah and is only open to students who already are in Calculus. Students have commented that the math used in AP Physics C is beyond that of even AP Calculus. It is a class taken by those at the top. Students who want to understand the upper topics of physics or those wanting to major in physics or engineering in college should plan to eventually take this course. Prerequisites are a previous AP Physics class and currently taking Calculus.

Sam Nichols

“Am glad I took it. It actually is easier than Pre-Calc.

AP Calculus AB

AP Physics 1 will be a lab based class with topics ranging from motion, forces, momentum, energy to electricity and sound waves. Have you ever wondered what would happen to you if you were to be sucked into a black hole or how many volts you, personally, can withstand? How much safer is a person in a heavy car compared to someone in a lighter car? Next year the current AP Physics B course will be split into a two year sequence called AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2. AP Physics 1 already will be open to sophomores who have completed Accelerated Geometry and who like science. Leave room in your schedules to take at least two AP Physics classes in your three years at Borah. Many (those who have done very well in Physical Science) will take AP Physics 1 as sophomores, AP Physics 2 as juniors, and AP Physics C as seniors. Many others (namely those seeking careers in medicine or science) will take AP Physics 1 as juniors followed by AP Physics 2 as seniors. Others (those planning to major in engineering in college) might take AP Physics 1 as juniors followed by AP Physics C as seniors. If you will be a senior next year and haven’t taken any AP Physics yet, sign up for AP Physics 1 - you still can get a semester of college credit (at most colleges) and get a solid introduction to college level physics.

Nigel Hebbeln

Taking AP Calculus AB is the goal of most serious math students. Many college majors require that students succeed in Calculus. Calculus has the reputation of being a difficult course to take in college, but it generally is easier to master in high school due to having more instruction time available in high school. An added advantage of having passed the Calculus AP Exam is that one can avoid the math placement test that most colleges use to place students in College Algebra or below. You will enjoy calculus. It is no harder than other AP classes and there is considerable prestige to be had for making it this far in math. Studying hard and doing well on the Calculus AP test will be an achievement that you can be proud of for the rest of your life.

Calculus BC is the second Calculus class. Students who pass the AP test for Calculus BC generally obtain college credit for the college class named Calculus 2. Calculus BC is a continuation of the topics introduced in Calculus AB and also is a semester of new topics, including “Taylor Series” and advanced “Integration” methods. This is the highest level math class at Borah. AP Calculus BC most likely will be offered as a full year class next year and probably will be available during the regular day and not as a zero-hour class anymore. It will still be possible for seniors to take this class while also currently in Calculus AB. Juniors (or sophomores) who are in Calculus AB will take Calculus BC the following year. With teacher permission, it might be possible to take only the second semester of Calculus BC and still succeed on the Calculus BC AP test.

AP & College/Career Readiness

4 2014-2015

AP Language and Composition

English 101

“It has given me a decent look into college life with its rigorous assignments, while keeping me humbled and on track.” Danielle Pittman

“It introduces students to a college-level class and helps them receive credits early.”

From AP Central: “An AP course in English Language and Composition engages students in becoming skilled readers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical contexts, and in becoming skilled writers who compose for a variety of purposes. Both their writing and their reading should make students aware of the interactions among a writer’s purposes, audience expectations, and subjects, as well as the way genre conventions and the resources of language contribute to effectiveness in writing.” This is a college-level course designed for students who want to challenge themselves academically. While the course work is demanding, the rewards are worth the effort! If you want to become a better reader, writer, and thinker, AP Language may be the class for you! College Credit Available (Dual Enrollment), Advanced Placement (AP), Elective, College and Career Readiness, Focused Writing and Reading

This class is designed for seniors considering attending a university or in experiencing the challenges and rigor of a university level class. It is NOT a college prep class- it is a college class. Students have the option of beginning a college transcript through Boise State and earning college credit for English 101. The class itself focuses on the skills and techniques necessary for writing at the next level. College Credit Available (Dual Enrollment)

Tea Nelson

Sociology

“Sociology has helped me understand why people behave the way they do when they are different from ‘normal.’”

Sociology is a college prep elective class you’re sure to enjoy! It’s all about humans and their behavior in groups. We study Culture, Social Class, Deviance & Crime--even serial killers! You will learn the truth about our society--the good, the bad & the super crazy! Please join us and expand your horizons. My classroom is a caring, supportive, welcoming place. You will want to be here every day! Elective - Social Sciences - College and Career Readiness

August McKernan

TRiO Upward Bound

Welcome to the TRiO Upward Bound Family! Upward Bound is an elective course where students take for up to three years in high school during fifth or sixth period. This course is designed for the low income and/or first generation (first person in your family) high school student who hope to go to college. Together, we work on college preparedness such as study skills, scholarship essays, budgeting, time management and so much more. We have multiple opportunities for field trips to different colleges, places of work and, and over the summer, you get to experience taking classes and living on the Boise State University campus with all of your friends. Did I mention the stipend? All TRiO Upward Bound students are eligible for a semester stipend, and one for every week during the summer program. In order to be eligible for this class, however, it is very important that you fill out a permission form for the course found in the counselors and career offices. College and Career Readiness

The Borah Senator Course Registration Guide

Debate

“It broadens your thinking, enhances your speaking skills and helps develop leadership skills.” Justice Lorance

Western Civilization

“What we like about Western Civilization is the interesting things we learn, the teacher & the fun.”

College/Career Readiness This course is designed for the student who is interested in public speaking and argumentation. The course will stress two types of debate (LincolnDouglas Debate & Cross-Examination Debate). Debate I will include analysis of current controversial issues, methods & materials of research, evidence, applied logic and reasoning, construction of debate cases, audience analysis, and the use of strategy in debate. In addition to the above, students will receive instruction pertaining to organizations governing competitive debate and tournament protocol(s). This class will teach the fundamentals of debate and debate theory will be taught in the context of what is practiced in interscholastic debate. People from all walks of life have shaped their lives by stepping through the doors into a Debate classroom, just like you. Of course people like Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer and Samuel Alito (all Supreme Court Justices) were in a Debate class but also people like Brad Pitt, Ted Turner, Oprah Winfrey and even Stephen Colbert were in Debate. So maybe you’re here because you want to be a lawyer, maybe you want to be an actor, maybe you like to argue, or maybe you are just here to get that Speech credit.

Western Civilization is a college prep elective year long course. We study history from the beginning of man up through WWII. We cover a wide range of topics, definitely something for everything! If you plan to study out of state, this class meets the requirement for WA, CA & Utah colleges. Elective, Social Studies, College and Career Readiness, Uses Computer Technology, Class prepares online, video, and/or print publications

Jake Paulin & Rachael Schoonover

Physics

“Physics helps me in ways I never thought it would. “ Zachary Barnett

Physics is about the world, the laws of the universe, and the ideas behind the technology we all enjoy! It covers a full year of Physics including instruction in motion, force, fluids, heat, energy, momentum, electricity, magnetism, sound, light optics, astronomy, atomic and nuclear physics. Physics is the real world practical science, not just for engineers but for pre-meds and the college or anyone with an active brain who wants to know about the world around them….(common knowledge that needs to be learned like anything else.) J Requirements: passed geometry. For students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade.

Science elective to count towards graduation. College based course that is interactive, fast paced and challenging, but interesting. Students learn about the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics covered throughout the year are basic Organic Chemistry and in depth Biology as well as all the systems of the body. This class can be extremely beneficial to someone who is interested in medicine, healthcare, psychology or just has an interest in the human body.

Anatomy & Physiology

This is a college level class, it is a lot of work, very challenging, and takes a lot of time outside of class to do well. Elective, Science

Languages

6 2014-2015

Latin I

“Anyone who plans to study law or medicine, enjoys clever word play, or simply wants to go on an adventure should take Latin.” Ian Gilman

AP Spanish Literature AP Spanish Language and Culture

Japanese I

Japanese II

Japanese III

“Sugoi ‘awesome’. Miller sensei makes Japanese easy to learn. Japanese is so much fun.”

“I’m glad I continued with Japanese 2. I can hardly wait for Japanese 3.”

“I love learning the culture and the language. Mrs. Miller lets me have fun while learning it.” Michelle Barilleaux

Through the study of Latin, students learn the structures of language as well as the roots of much of our legal and medical terminology. Because close to 80% of English words of three syllables or more come from Latin, learning Latin can significantly increase a student’s vocabulary. In translating ancient authors, students acquire a background knowledge of ancient history, language and literature, as well as philosophy, mythology and cultural studies. College Credit Available (Dual Enrollment), Advanced Placement (AP), Elective, Career and Technical Education, Social Studies, College and Career Readiness, Hands-On Learning, Gain a broad world view. Elective, World Language

AP Spanish Literature allows students to improve their Spanish fluency while studying the literature, culture, and film of the Spanish-speaking world. Advanced Placement (AP), Elective, World Language

AP Spanish Language and Culture gives students the opportunity to improve their Spanish fluency while studying the culture and history of the Spanish-speaking world. Most colleges and universities will give students Spanish credits. College Credit Available (Dual Enrollment), Elective, Career and Technical Education, Hands-On Learning Advanced Placement (AP), Elective, World Language

Learn the language and culture of the society that created Nintendo, anime, karate and manga. In Japanese class, students learn to speak and write in Japanese. They study the food, music, kanji, movies, legends, sports and history of Japan. Any world language study is a marketable skill and employers look on world language favorably . In addition, many colleges require world language study as a requirement for admittance. (Some of those colleges now require 3 to 4 years of the same world language.) Elective, World Language

In Japanese II, students continue to better their Japanese skills through a study of Japanese culture and history. Any world language study is a marketable skill and employers look on world language favorably . In addition, many colleges require world language study as a requirement for admittance. (Some of those colleges now require 3 to 4 years of the same world language.) Elective, World Language

Japanese III continues to improve the communication skills of Japanese I and Japanese II through the study of culture and history of Japan. Any world language study is a marketable skill and employers look on world language favorably . In addition, many colleges require world language study as a requirement for admittance. (Some of those colleges now require 3 to 4 years of the same world language.) Elective, World Language

The Borah Senator Course Registration Guide

Instrumental Ensemble

A Cappella Choir

“Squids is really relaxed and fun, but we also work really hard to prepare music for live performances.” Rhiannon Terry

“A Cappella is fun and accepting. We’re in a class with friends and create incredible music!” Emma Fife

“We get to make different kinds of music, from classical chants to modern pop.”

Tenor/Bass

Concert Choir

Treble Choir

Chamber Choir

Brendon French

“You build a lot of friendships through warm-ups and aerobic exercises.” Emma Hart

“Everyone is comfortable with each other; the musicianship is unparalleled!”

Choir This class, also known as Squids and Baby Squids, is a class comprised of two, 3-4 piece jazz quartets (Piano, Upright and electiric bass, drum set and sometimes jazz guitar). They assist the choirs in jazz and pop literature at festivals and concerts as well as studying their own literature. This class is auditioned only and members must be enrolled in private lessons on their instrument. They must also be self disciplined as this class is more independent study than teacher lead. Advanced Placement (AP), Elective, World Language, College and Career Readiness, Hands-On Learning, Music

A Cappella is the biggest choir at Borah, and is made up of men and women in the 11th and 12th grade. This is an auditioned varsity choir that meets 1st period. This class demands previous choir experience (exceptions considered). The music studied includes both modern and classical varieties as well as extensive study of musical styles, history, and theory. Advanced Placement (AP), Elective, World Language, College and Career Readiness, Hands-On Learning, Music

Tenor/Bass choir at Borah is called Tactus. Tactus meets P.2 and performs everything from Gregorian chant to Popular Music. These auditioned men, grades 10-12, are known to make audiences laugh, cry and swoon. In January 2014 this choir traveled to New York City to sing in Carnegie Hall! Double Music Enrollment Required (Sophomores need to also be enrolled in Band, Orchestra or Concert Choir. Junior/Seniors need to be enrolled in Band, Orchestra or A Cappella).

Concert Choir is open to 10-12 the graders and meets 3rd period, no audition necessary. You learn everything you need to know to continue with choir at Borah. This is the training choir which is a prerequisite to all other choirs. They study all musical styles, history, and music theory. Enrollment into A Cappella is sometimes accepted for juniors and seniors instead of Concert Choir through auditions.

Ars Nova is known for doing a very complex array of music, including complex foreign lyrics and dialect, multiple divisi harmony and the use of many different instruments.Audition Only- Double Music Enrollment Required. This choir performs and studies music of the classical era as well as ethnic music. Music is rigorous and requires advanced music knowledge. Ars Nova is highly visible in the community.

Tricia Graybill

“CDVE is a family unit that knows how to have fun and how to work hard.” Rex Spjute

CDVE- Contemporary Directions Vocal Ensemble is Audition Only- This class demands both a high degree of commitment and a desire for excellence. This class meets three days a week after school. Previous choral experience is required. Students will be asked to dually enroll in both A Cappella and CDVE (very few exceptions for band/orchestra - but dual music enrollment is mandatory). Rex Spjute Advanced Placement (AP), Elective, World Language, College and Career Readiness, Hands-On Learning, Music

Art

8 2014-2015

Ceramics

“I joined ceramics because it offered me something that lets me express myself. It taught me diligence and perseverance.”

Ceramics is a hands on studio experience that provides students with the opportunity to explore their imagination while learning the basics of using clay as an art medium and discovering the creative process. Ceramics 1 focuses on the fundamentals of hand building and throwing pottery on the wheel. In addition students learn how the studio operates and the many vocabulary words that professional ceramicists use. Ceramics 2-6 explores the creative process as it applies to visual literacy in a fun and engaging setting. And, AP Ceramics is a portfolio based course where projects are created, cataloged and sent in for review by professionals. In the words of Mason Eimers, “I like ceramics because it’s not just art, its freedom of imagination.”

Logan Bardoff

Drawing

“In art class you get to let your ideas flow out onto paper, poster, painting, whatever it may be. “

The Drawing courses start with technique based strategies, that focus on how to draw complex forms using a variety of skill sets. How to draw in a variety of styles, and how to communicate through a drawing media is explored. A wide variety of drawing media are available and there is ample room for personal expression and experimentation.

Alanna-Ray Bassett

Painting

“You can choose to do things any way you want, whether it be pencil, painting, oil, pastel, it’s all your own creation. Frankly it is just really fun.”

The Painting courses start with technique based strategies, that focus on how to paint complex forms using a variety of skill sets. Painting history, movements and styles are also discussed and explored. Communicating ideas through paint is a major theme in the advanced classes, and there is ample room for personal expression and experimentation.

Alanna-Ray Bassett

Digital Photography

“Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Kiele Newton (quote by Yousuf Karsh)

Digital photography and traditional photography are both taught in beginning photo courses (Photo 1 -Photo 6). Photography is part of a huge media industry, and we start learning how to take photos, use a camera and work with photo imaging in our digital darkroom on your own assigned computer! Everyone learned how to take photos with 3 kinds of cameras! I encourage you to sign up for photography and start learning about the world of informational media! From traditional black and white camera operation, film developing, to digital SLR techniques and computer color photo imaging skills -- the Borah photography 1-6 program offers beginning, intermediate, advanced, and concurrent 5-6 photography courses. Start your sophomore year learning “How to Paint (photograph) With Light”! If you’ve taken photo 1-2 in junior high, check into waiving into the next level. Take a shot! Sign up today!

Music

The Borah Senator Course Registration Guide

Orchestra 3

“I love how we are all friends and we are able to create music in this class.” Hannah Jenson

Orchestra 4

Chamber Orchestra

“I love how we are like a big family, we can be silly and funny and no one cares.” Jacque McKay

“Even though it is an advanced class, it is more chill.” Kelsey Sagrero

This orchestra course is designed for sophomores. During this orchestra course, we develop musical skills, technical skills, and an understanding of music theory. We play a variety of music from classical to contemporary, world, pop, and jazz. This class is designed to prepare sophomores to perform in the Symphonic orchestra during their junior and senior years. Fun activities throughout the year include: Fall/winter/spring concerts, solo and ensemble festival, large group festival, elementary school tour, combined performances with choir, concert with the Junior High orchestras, graduation performances, and a trip every 3 years to Seattle.

This orchestra course is designed for juniors and seniors. During this orchestra course, students will advance their musical skills, technical skills, and develop a deeper understanding of music theory. We play a variety of music from classical to contemporary, world, pop, and jazz. This is our main orchestra at Borah. Fun activities throughout the year include: Fall/winter/spring concerts, solo and ensemble festival, large group festival, elementary school tour, combined performances with choir, concert with the Junior High orchestras, graduation performances, social activities, and a trip every 3 years to Seattle.

This course is like an AP course for orchestra and is our most prestigious orchestra at Borah. This course is designed for those students who go above and beyond in their musical studies. We will work on music in a smaller setting, self-conducting, a wider variety of musical styles, and music requiring advanced technical skills. This orchestra requires a greater time commitment for additional performances and practice time. Students must audition to be a part of this orchestra, and a dual music enrollment is required. Fun activities throughout the year include: Fall/winter/spring concerts, solo and ensemble festival, large group festival, elementary school tour, combined performances with choir, concert with the Junior High orchestras, and graduation performances. In addition to these activities, the chamber orchestra will perform for weddings, holiday parties, the Festival of Trees, the Paul Tillotson jazz concert, and many other performances. This orchestra travels yearly.

Join Journalism Be a part of the print publication

maybe manage social media

or be on our online staff

become a star!

Early Childhood / Culinary

10 2014-2015

Child Development/ Early Childhood

“This class is great and you should take it! You will learn a lot and it is so entertaining. The teacher is great and you’ll have a blast working with children.” Amonica Martinez

Nutrition and Foods

Intro to Culinary Arts

Library Aide (Media Aide)

“I liked that we cooked quite a bit and tried different recipes. It was a lot of fun!

In this class we study how students came to be who they are, reproduction, pregnancy, birth, birth defects, infant and child care, principles of teaching preschoolers and toddlers, positive discipline, readiness and reasons for becoming a parent, as well as parenting skills. Students will also participate in a preschool lab experience with 3-5 year old children toward the end of the semester. Parenting and Child Development course is aligned with Early Childhood Professions . Academic Credit (B.A.) as well as Professional Technical Credit (A.A.) is available but the student must be enrolled for the full year. The cost is at a significant discount. ($195 for 3 academic/$60 for 5 tech prep) During the second semester, students will have an opportunity to work in various preschools. They will also receive their CPR certification and specialized training to work at a licensed daycare. Through completion of this program, students will be closer to earning their Child Development Associates (CDA) or earn college credits that can be applied in majors related to children. College Credit Available (Dual Enrollment), Elective, Career and Technical Education, Hands-On Learning

If you like to cook or you want to learn how to cook take Nutrition and Foods! It is a one-semester course designed to prepare students with knowledge of nutrition, food science principles and basic food preparation. Looking for a job? You will have the opportunity to acquire your food handler’s license-this makes you more employable. Elective, Career and Technical Education

Amonica Martinez

“Intro to Culinary helped me to decide if working as a chef was for me. I liked the foods we made and the catered events.” Tony De Statio

Want to be a Chef? This will help you decide if a career in Culinary Arts is for you. The program is designed give you the skills to work in the food service or restaurant industry and to prepare you for any post secondary training towards a college degree. This class will be an introduction to the craft of cooking and hospitality/food service industry. If you successfully complete this course you can choose to take the advanced culinary program at the Renaissance Center in Meridian. Elective, Career and Technical Education, Hands-On Learning

If you are a people person, willing to work hard and like to read, consider being a Library Aide! Learn real-world job skills and book & tech skills that will transfer to any library or book store. Think of this as an internship where you practice customer service, problem solving and routine tasks. Must be a Junior or Senior, have at least a 3.0 GPA and be recommended by at least 1 teacher. Grade is based on attendance, daily library tasks and customer service : ) Elective, Uses Computer Technology, Hands-On Learning, Class prepares online, video, and/or print publications

Media & Publications

The Borah Senator Course Registration Guide

Students will learn and use Final Cut Pro X to create a variety of short videos. Students will have the opportunity to compete in State and National Competitions.

Video Broadcasting 1

Students will be introduced to the concepts of cameras/tripods, microphones, safety, lights, sound, storyboard, process, editing which encompasses the concepts of preproduction, production and post production. Television production occupations are also covered. Emphasis is placed on individual, pair, and small group activities. Elective, Career and Technical Education, Hands-On Learning, Class prepares online, video, and/or print publications

Students will continue to learn and use Final Cut Pro X to create daily announcements for the school, have the opportunity to compete in State and National Competitions, and be introduced television production occupations. Students will also learn how to use Black Magic Studio ( Live Editing Software). Emphasis is placed on individual, pair, and small group activities.

Video Broadcasting 2

Elective, Career and Technical Education, Hands-On Learning, Class prepares online, video, and/or print publications

Students will continue to learn and use Final Cut Pro X to create a variety of short films/Public Service Announcements and will have the opportunity to compete in State and National Competitions. Students will continue to learn Black Magic Studio and Live Editing Motion 5 (Animation Program).

Video Broadcasting 3

Creative Writing

Emphasis is placed on individual, pair, and small group activities. Elective, Career and Technical Education, Hands-On Learning, Class prepares online, video, and/or print publications

“Writing creatively allows new and unexplored parts of your psyche to come alive. Creative Writing helps you appreciate all kinds of stories. By the end of the semester, it’s one family!” Sarah Baer

Through Creative Writing, students improve their reading and writing skills while finding an outlet for creativity and self-expression, and gaining insight into how literature works. Creative Writing gives students a chance to explore ideas, experiment with language, and improve their ability to communicate. While Creative Writing is beneficial to students interested in writing careers (such as journalism or publishing), students in all career fields will benefit by improving their communication skills. Elective “From the academic point of view, Creative Writing strengthens your writing, grammar, and reading skills. But it’s so much more. Often there’s a hidden layer to your peers that comes out through class writing: the quiet girl in the corner likes writing gory murder stories, the football player writes good romances.” Mitzi Luna

The Borah Senator Course Registration Guide

Beginning Journalism

“Beginning Journalism was a great way to get ready for Newspaper. It gave me the tools I need to be a successful journalist.” Amanda Wester

Newspaper Production

“I used to have problems finding my own voice. Speaking out against something was almost impossible for me. Newspaper’s taught me that even if I can’t find the strength to talk about it out loud, I can still make a difference through what I put down on paper.

Media & Publications In this introductory course, students learn the new and the old art of journalism. Using state-of-the-art desktop publishing – InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Word Press, and social media platforms – budding reporters discover the basics of preparing stories for publication both in print and online. Students gain knowledge of their First Amendment rights, research the journalist’s traditional role as a watchdog of the government (the Fourth Estate), and develop writing, photography, and videography storytelling skills through blogging and reporting. This course is a pre-requisite for the newspaper production class. Sophomores who take this course often work in newspaper production their junior and senior years, but the course is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. This is a good course to have on a college preparatory resume, especially if you go on to publish in The Borah Senator (the print newspaper since 1958) or borahsenator.com (the class’s on-line news site). Elective, Hands-On, Career and Technical Education, College and Career Readiness, Class prepares online, video and/or print publications.

Newspaper class operates like a daily business. Students gain professional experience running a newspaper, from brainstorming story ideas with appropriate news values, to reporting and writing stories, designing pages for publication, and working with the publisher for delivery and distribution of the print newspaper product. Students also learn the journalistic side of publishing media online. The Borah Senator staff also publishes borahsenator.com, and posts community news to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Students manage the business and marketing aspects of the newspaper as well. Students practice leadership skills as page editors, and those that excel gain valuable experience as editor-in-chief, senior associate editor, advertising manager, and page editors. This is an eye-catcher on college scholarship and employment applications Elective, Hands-On, Career and Technical Education, College and Career Readiness, Class prepares online, video and/or print publications.

Harmony Soto

Media Tech Internship

“It’s a great way to understand the inner workings of business, and it opens up many opportunities to further your education and potential career.” Jaynee Nielsen

Students who have already taken beginning journalism and newspaper production are sometimes placed in paid internships for two academic credits. Some students, who don’t receive paid internships, use this oppportunity to focus on developing a professional resume, participating in job shadows with industry experts and local businesses, less formal internships, and professional projects for clients (this registration guide, for example). Students in this class are considering a career in journalism, and gaining as much professional experience in high school as they possibly can. Two credits. Semester Class (can be taken more than once). Elective, Hands-On, Career and Technical Education, College and Career Readiness, Class prepares online, video and/or print publications.