HighSchoolCourseCatalog
2025-2026
A curriculum rooted in the Catholic tradition and designed to equip students with the analytical reasoning, technological knowledge, and global awareness necessary for success in a rapidly changing world
SaintJoseph’sCatholicSchool(SJCS)isfullyaccreditedbyServingandAccreditingIndependentSchools (formerlySouthernAssociationofIndependentSchools),andisamemberoftheSouthCarolinaIndependent SchoolAssociation(SCISA).
ToreceiveanSJCSdiploma,studentsmusttakeandcompletetwenty-fiveandone-half(25.5)creditswhich include:
Allhighschoolstudentsarescheduledfor7classesandonefreeperiodpersemester. Seniorsareallowedto registerforasecondfreeperiod. Allotherhighschoolstudentsmayrequestasecondfreeperiod,butthisis typicallyonlyconsideredforstudentstaking3ormoreAPclasses. SJCSrecommendsthatstudentstakeafull slateofacademicclasseseveryyeartotakefulladvantageofourcollegepreparatorycurriculum.Collegesand universitiesoftenconsiderthestrengthofscheduleasanimportantindicatorofstudentsuccessand motivation. Parentsandstudentsshouldbalancestrengthofscheduleconsiderationswith extracurricularactivities,outside-of-schoolobligations,andoverallstudentwell-being.
AllstudentsmusttakeeithertheSATortheACT(bythestartofthespringsemesteroftheirsenioryear) andapplytoatleastonecollegeoruniversityaspartoftheirgraduationrequirements.
1 MostcollegesanduniversitiesrequirestudentstotakeanEnglishandMathcourseeveryyear
2.Mathcreditsmustcomefromthelistofcoursesthatsatisfytherequirementsidentifiedinthiscatalog.Mostcollegesrequire studentstotakeaMathcourseeveryyearinhighschool.
3 Studentsarerequiredtotake4creditsinHistory,includingafullcreditinUS Historyandhalf-crediteachinGovernmentand Economics TheHistoryDepartment’scurriculumreflectsthiscourseofstudy
4 Studentsarerequiredtotake3yearsofthesameWorldLanguage
5 PEcreditmaybeearnedbytakinganSJCSclassorparticipatinginanSJCSteamsport EachseasonplayedateithertheJVor Varsitylevelwhileingrades9-12earns.5credits.Iftherequirementisnotfulfilledbytheendof1stsemestersenioryear,students willbeplacedinaPEclass.
6.CreditsearnedbeyondtheminimumrequirementslistedineachsubjectareawillfulfilltheAdditionalCreditrequirement.
7 Somecollegesrequire4yearsofLabScience SJCSrequires3LabSciencecreditsthatincludeBiology,Chemistry,and1otherfull yearLabScienceclass
CollegeCounseling
College Board School Code: 410902
SJCSoffersafull-serviceCollegeCounselingOfficethatisavailabletohelpstudentswithcoursescheduling, collegeselection,collegeapplications,standardizedtesting,andtranscripts.Studentsandparentsareintroduced totheservicesprovidedbytheCollegeCounselingOfficeasfreshmen,withformalandindividualizedservices beginninginthesecondsemesterofthejunioryear.Upperclassmenshouldseetheircounselorsregularlyas theybegintomaketheircollegeselections.
GradingandPromotionRequirements
SJCSusesanumericalgradingscalerangingfrom0-100thatisreflectiveofourcollegepreparatorycurriculum. Eachcourseisgradedonthe100-pointscale,withthegradesfromallcoursesaveragedtogetherattheendof eachacademicyeartocalculatetheCumulativeWeightedGradePointAverage(hereafterGPA).Advanced coursesareweightedwithanadditional3pointsforcoursesattheHonorsleveland7pointsforAdvanced Placementcourses.TheweightedscoresareONLYusedincalculatingtheGPAandarenotreflectedin individualcoursegrades.Note--SJCSemploystheUniformGradingPolicyrequiredbySouthCarolinaforall in-statescholarships,includingPalmettoFellows,LifeScholarships,andHopeScholarships.
SJCSisacollegepreparatoryschool.Assuch,oneofourprimaryacademicgoalsistoensurestudentsare preparedforcollege-levelwork.Ourstudentsdemonstratethatreadinessbyachievingamasteryscoreof70or betterinallclassesrequiredforgraduation.Anystudentwithascorebetween60and69inaclassrequired forgraduationisrequiredtocompleteaSJCSprogramofsubject-specificremediationasdeterminedby individualdepartments.Theoriginalaverageearnedintheclasswillstillberecordedonthetranscript.For freshmen,sophomoresandjuniors,remediationmustbecompletedbytheendofsummerinorderforstudents toprogresstothesubsequentgradelevel.Forseniors,remediationmustbecompletedinorderforstudentsto receiveadiplomafromSJCS.Studentswhoearn59orbelowinacourserequiredforgraduationmustretake thecourseeitherthroughanapprovedsummerschoolprogramoratSJCSthefollowingyear Coursesretaken throughanapprovedsummerprogramwillshowonthetranscriptbutarenotcalculatedintotheGPA. Regardlessofgradelevel,studentswhoneedtoremediatethreeormorecoursesmaynotbeallowedtocontinue onintheirstudiesatSJCS.Additionally,SJCSstudentsarerequiredtocompletetheirhighschoolcourseof studiesinnomorethanfouryears(notincludinghighschoolcreditsearnedinmiddleschool).
Pass/FailgradesarenotincludedintheGPA.
AttendanceandSeatTimeRecovery
SJCSbelievesthatattendanceiscriticaltoacademicsuccessandapersonalskillthatstudentsshouldcultivate. Werecognizethatabsenceswilloccur,buttheseshouldbekepttoaminimum.Studentsmissingmorethan17 daysoffull-yearclassor9daysofasemesterclassmaynotbeabletoreceivecreditforthatclassregardlessof thefinalgrade.PleaseseetheStudentHandbookforthefullattendancepolicy Studentswillbeexpectedto completeonesessionofseatrecoverytimeforeachabsencefromaclassperiod after exceeding 10misseddays orperiodsforanyreason(or5misseddaysfromasemesterclass).
Recoveryhourscanbecompletedduringthefollowingtimes:
● DesignatedSaturdays
● Anyafter-schooldetentionperiod
● Mandatorystudy-helpperiod
● MakeupExamperiods
StudentswhoarerequiredtocompleteseatrecoverytimewillbenotifieddirectlybytheDeanforAcademic Success.
SummerSchoolforFailedCourses
Studentswhohavereceiveda59orbelowinacourserequiredforgraduationwillberequiredtorepeattheclass atSJCSthefollowingschoolyear.Insomecases,studentsmayhavetheopportunitytotakethecourseduring thesummerthroughanoutsideinstitution.TheDeanforAcademicSuccessmustapproveasummerschool programinadvance.CreditforapprovedsummerschoolcourseswillbeacceptedbySJCSandthegradewill appearonthetranscript,butthegradewillnotbefactoredintothehighschoolstudent’sGPA.Theoriginal gradeearnedintheSJCScoursewillremainonthetranscriptandbefactoredintotheGPA.Ifthecourseis repeatedatSJCSthehighergradewillbefactoredintotheGPA.Anytheologycourseinwhichastudent receivesa59orbelowmustbemadeupatSJCS.InformationonsummerschoolisavailablefromtheDeanfor AcademicSuccess.Allsummercourseworkmustbecompletedpriortothestartofthefallsemesterorthe studentwillberequiredtoretakethecoursethatschoolyear.
DualDepartmentCourses
Forsomecourses,creditcanbeearnedindifferentdepartments,e.g.ModernDancecanbecountedforeither PEorFineArtscredit.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytoinformtheRegistrarwhichschoolrequirementoneof thesecoursesisintendedtosatisfy
Incompletes
StudentswhohavetotakeanIncompleteforareportcardgradeshouldmeetwiththeDeanforAcademic Successandwillbegivendeadlinestocompletetheircoursework.Itisthestudent’sresponsibilitytocontactthe teacherandtoworkwithhim/hertosetupaworkableschedulefortheremainingassignments.Incaseswhere anIncompleteremainsunresolved,thestudentwillreceiveazerofortheassignmentsinquestion.Inthecaseof ongoingillness,injury,orextenuatingcircumstances,contacttheDeanforAcademicSuccesstocreateawork planforresolvingincompleteworkinatimelymanner
CourseSchedulingProcess
● StudentswillmaketheircourserequestsforclassesthroughBlackbaudinFebruary
● Studentsshouldonlyregisterforthoseclassesforwhichtheymeettheprerequisites.
● All8ththrough11thgradestudentswillmeetwithacounselortodiscusstheirrequestedcourses. Studentswishingtoappealintoadvancedclassesforwhichtheyhavenotmetthecriteriawilldo soatthismeeting.Aparentmustsigntheappealforminallcasesorbeavailablebyphonewhile thestudentismeetingwiththecounselor.Ameetingwithdepartmentalrepresentativesmaybe requestedbeforeanappealisapproved.
ScheduleChangePolicies
Whenastudentchooseshis/hercourses,thestudentismakingacommitmenttothatproposedschedule.The masterscheduleofcoursestakesrequestsintoaccount,soeverystudentrequestimpactstheavailableoptions forotherstudents.Therefore,oncestudentshavecompletedtheircourserequests,schedulechangesarenot generallymade.Classschedulechangesforlegitimatereasonscanbemadeinaccordancewiththefollowing:
● EachsemesterthereisadesignatedAdd/Dropwindowforcoursesbeginningthatsemester.Students seekingtomakeachangeshouldconsultwiththeCollegeCounselingOfficeandtheinstructor. Full-yearcoursescannotbemodifiedatthesecondsemesterandswitchingbetweensectionsofthesame courseatthesemesterchangeisnotpermitted.StudentsseekingtotakeadvantageoftheAdd/Drop shouldcontacttheCollegeCounselingoffice.
CourseAppealRequest
Courseplacementwillbedeterminedbysuccessfulcompletionofaprerequisitecourseandachievinga minimumgradeaverageinapreviousclass.TheprerequisitesforeachcoursecanbefoundintheCourse Catalog.Studentsmaypetitiontoappealcourseplacement,inwhichcasetheywillfillouttheappealformin theirmeetingwiththeircounselor.StudentsseekingplacementintoHonorsorAPcoursesmustperform exceptionallywellinthesubject(orprerequisitesubjects);theymustdemonstrateastrongworkethicandshow apassionforthesubject.Beawarethattheclasswillmoveatabriskpaceandthatsignificantadditionalwork onyourpartmaybenecessarytoensureyoursuccess.CourseAppealRequestsarenotaguaranteefor admittanceintoacourse.Allcoursesaresubjecttoclasssizeandschedulingconflicts.Schoolpersonnelwill makethefinaldecisionastowhetherornotastudent’sappealisapproved.
TheAppealProcessfollows:
● Meetwithaschoolcounselorandindicateyourrequestforanappeal.
● Ifapproved,thecounselorwillprovideanagreementforsignaturebythestudentandtheirparentor guardian.
● Thecounselorwillprocesstheappeal.Thismayincludemeetingwithdepartmentalpersonnel.
● Studentsarelimitedto2CourseAppealRequestsperschoolyear.
● TakingtwocoreclassesinthesamesubjectareaattheHonorsorAPLevelautomaticallyrequires aCourseAppealRequest.
● Taking4ormoreAPclassesrequiresaCourseAppealRequest.Thisrequestdoesnotcount towardstheappeallimit.
● Studentswhomeettherequirementsforthecoursehaveschedulingpriorityoverthosewhohave requestedthecourseonappeal.
● StudentswhoappealintoacoursemaynotdropthecourseaftertheAdd/Dropperiod
AuditingaClass
SJCSdoesnotpermitstudentstoauditclasses.
HighSchoolCreditforEighthGradeCourses
CreditsforhighschoolcoursestakenduringmiddleschoolareonlyawardedinthesubjectareasofMathand WorldLanguage.Inregardstothesecourses,studentsmustmeettherequirementstobeplacedinthenextlevel andreceivecreditintherelateddiscipline.
Allstudentsseekingcreditforahighschoolcoursetakenbeforematriculationintoninthgrademusthave passedthecourseinmiddleschool and metothercriteriaidentifiedbytheschool.
8thgradeSJCSstudentsinAlgebraI,SpanishI,andFrenchIwhopassthecoursewillreceiveagradeandhigh schoolcreditontheirtranscript.
CoursePlacementfor9thGradeStudents
Allincomingstudentsseekingcreditforpreviouscourseworkwilltakeplacementtestsononeofthespecified testingdaysinthelatespringbeforethestartoftheirninth-gradeyear.Forallstudents,SJCSwillconsiderthe followingindeterminingplacement:
● Finalreportcardgradesaspartoftheirapplicationpacket.
● Subject-specificteacherrecommendationsaddressingthestudent’sreadinesstoadvancetothenextlevel courseinthedepartment.
● Placementtestresultsasrequestedbytheschool.
CoursePlacementforHighSchoolTransferStudents
Risingsophomores,juniors,andseniorsmusttakeplacementexamsinWorldLanguageclassestoensure accurateplacement.Resultsoftheplacementexamwillbediscussedwiththefamily,butSJCSstrongly recommendsthatfamiliesrespecttherecommendationmadebyourfaculty.
IfastudenttakestheWorldLanguageplacementtestandplacesinalevelbeyondthefirstyearandtheyhave notactuallytakentheclass,theycaneitherbeginatthehigherlevelwithnocreditissuedforearlierlevelsor theycanopttostartatthelowerlevel.StudentswhoareadvancedarestillrequiredtoobtainthreeWorld Languagecreditsinthesamelanguage.
CoursesOfferedOutsideSJCS
ForstudentsenrolledatSJCS,nocreditwillbeissuedforcoursestakenatoutsideinstitutions,withthe exceptionofcoursesthatareretakenthroughanapprovedsummerprogramasaresultofafailedgrade(59or below).Assuch,theydonotappearonthetranscriptandshouldbeconsideredtheequivalentofan outside-the-schoolextracurricularactivity.AllcoursesnecessaryforgraduationfromSJCSmustbetakenatthe highschool.StudentsarenotpermittedtoaltertheircourserequirementswithinSJCSinordertotake courseworkoutsidetheschool.
AdvancedPlacement(AP)CoursesandExams
AnySJCSstudentenrolledinanAPcourseisrequiredtotaketheAPexamgiveninMay.Dependingupon spaceandavailability,studentswhodidnotenrollinanAPcoursemaybepermittedtotaketheAPexam dependingonteacherrecommendation.Non-APenrolledstudents,iftheyarepermittedtotaketheexam,will
dosounderthehomeschoolcode.Thecostofthisexamwillbebilledtothestudent’saccountandmustbepaid byMarch31st.
SummercourseworkinanAPclassisnecessarytoensurethatstudentsprogressthroughthecurriculum atapacethatensurestheyarethoroughlypreparedtosucceedontheAPexam.Studentswhofailto completesummerassignmentspriortothefallsemesterduedatewillautomaticallybemovedtoalower levelclassbasedonavailability.Alternativearrangementsmaybemadewithstudentswhohaveenrolled atSJCSafterJuly15.
● Thoughacoursemaybelistedinthecatalog,studentinterestandinstructoravailabilityarethe determiningfactorsinwhetherornotacoursewillbescheduledinagivenacademicyear.
THEOLOGYDEPARTMENT
● All students take Theology 101, 102, and 103/105 during their freshman, sophomore, and junior years respectively
● For their senior year, students may take Theology 104, 114, or 115 (all of which are 1-credit classes), OR the combination of 108, 109, and 110 (.5 credit classes) as offered by the school.
● Students who take the .5 credit classes MUST take two their senior year to complete the Theology graduation requirement of 4 full credits.
REQUIREDCOURSES
101-FundamentalsofChristianity: WhoisJesus?
Prerequisite: None
Grade9
1Credit
ThefreshmantheologycourseoffersstudentsafoundationalunderstandingofChristianity Setinthecontextof theOldTestamentrevelationofGod,thiscourseseekstobringoutthepurposeofthecomingofChristsothe studentswillrecognizethatHeistheauthenticanswertothefundamentalquestionsandneedswhichareinside everyhumanbeing.
102-TheologyoftheChurch
Prerequisite: None
Grade10
1Credit
Thesophomoretheologycoursebeginswherethe9th-gradecourseends,withanexaminationoftheChurchas anoutgrowthofChrist’smissionandwork.Theaimofthiscourseistoanswerthequestions: Whatisthe church?Whydoesitmattertome? ThisisacourseinecclesiologyratherthanahistoryoftheChurch, althoughstudentswillbecomefamiliarwiththesignificantpersons,issues,andeventsofChurchhistory
103-Morality
Prerequisite: None
Grade11
.5Credit
God’snormsforourmoralconductandreligiouspracticearepresentedwithinthecontextoftheTen Commandmentsandsacraments.The Catechism –emphasizingthepurposeofthemagisterium–augmentsthe studenttext.Real-lifestrugglestoliveChristianmoralityarediscussedandpracticalhelpisoffered.Theplace andstructureofmarriageandthefamilyarevigorouslydefendedascentraltoasociety’smorals.Currentnews itemsprovideadditionalfodderforclassdiscussion.
105-CatholicSocialTeaching
Prerequisite: None
Grade11 .5Credit
Thiscourseisprimarilyconcernedwiththesocialvocationofman. Studentswillbeintroducedtothebasic principlesofCatholicsocialteachingtoaddresscertainquestionssuchashowshouldsocietybestructuredto protectthedignityandrightsofthehumanperson,tofosterjusticeandtolimitoreliminateinjustice,andto encourageandpromotethecommongood?Theanswersinvolvenotonlymyindividualmoralchoices;italso
involveseveryoneelseinoursocietyatthecivil,economic,andpoliticallevel. Thepurposeofthiscourseisto introducethereasonablenessofCatholicsocialprinciplesasawaytobegintoaddresssocietalissues.
ADDITIONALCOURSESTHATMEETTHETHEOLOGYREQUIREMENT
104-Apologetics
Prerequisite: None
Grade12
1Credit
A“defenseofthefaith,”apologeticsleadsstudentsthroughacriticalreviewofChristiandoctrine.Becausefaith isbelief,apologeticsoftenseeksnotsomuchtoprovebeliefbuttorefuteobjectionstobelief.Thisisdone throughthecontextofcreed(whatwebelieve),code(howwelive),andcult(howweworship).Thecourse includesacomparisonwithotherreligions,adetailedexplorationoftheApostles’Creed,andanexaminationof the“saddivisionsinChristianity”andwhatcanbedonetogetherinChrist.
114-HonorsApologetics
Prerequisites: 90 average in previous Theology course
Grade12
1Credit
Thegoalofthiscourseistogivestudentsthenecessarytoolsto defend theirFaithinaworldthatisoftenhostile toit.Thefirstsemesterwillfocusonthe“larger”religiousquestionssuchas;“Whatproofisthereforthe existenceofGod?”and“Isn’titintoleranttobelievethatChrististheonlywaytoHeaven?” Inthesecond semester,wewillfocusonissuesmorespecifictoChristianity,like;“WhydoCatholicspraytosaints?”and “HowcantheChurchbelievethatthepopeisinfallible”? Periodically,wewillengageinin-classdebates, wherestudentswillbeaskedto“thinkontheirtoes”andtogivea“reasonforthehopethatisinthem”(1Peter 3:15).Throughouttheyear,wewillbelookingatcurrentevents,forapologeticsisnothingifitisnot“current.”
Thegoalofthiscourseisnotonlytoenablethestudentstoarguetheirfaithmoreeffectivelybutalsoforthem torealizethattheirfaithis worth theargument.Alongwithreadingtheassignedtexts,studentswillbeaskedto completewrittenaswellasoralassignmentstodemonstratetheycancogentlyexpresstheirfaithtofair-minded skeptics.
115-HonorsFaithandReason
Prerequisites: 90 average in previous Theology course
Grade12
1Credit
ThiscoursewillfocusheavilyonPapalwritings,particularlyfromPopesBenedictXVIandJohnPaulII.There willalsobeanextensiveinvestigationofthenaturallaw,withspecialemphasisonthethoughtofSt.Thomas Aquinas.Summerreadingisrequired,witha3-pagepaperdueduringthefirstweekofthecourse.
108-TheologyoftheBody
Prerequisite: None
Grades12
.5Credit
Isthereaconnectionbetweensexualityandthesearchformeaninginourlives? FollowingPopeJohnPaulII’s theologyofthebody,thestudyofGodasrevealedthroughourbodies,thiscourseisdesignedtohelpthe studentsunderstandthemeaningoftheirbodies,thesignificanceoftheirsexuality,thepurposeoftheirlives, andhowtheywereuniquelycreatedforgreatness. Thecoursewillendwithstudentsplanningand implementingaretreatdayforthesophomoresonthethemeof“DatingandRelating.”
109-PeerMinistry
Prerequisite: Application and approval from Campus Ministry
Grade12 .5Credit
Thiscourseisaone-semesterelective.Itwillconsistofin-classlectures,training,orientation,andin-service ministrytotheschoolcommunity.ThegoalofPeerMinistryistohavetheparticipantsgrowintheirownfaith byservingtheneedsoftheschool,especiallythespiritualandpersonalneedsofthestudentbody.Apeer ministerisresponsibleforthedirectionandfacilitationofschoolmomentsofprayerandservice,andhelpswith schoolliturgiesandactivities.Itisintendedforstudentswhoseekagreaterinvolvementinthespirituallifeof theschool andwhowishtosharetheirgifts,talents,andChristianfaithwiththeSJCScommunity.Itrequiresa personalcommitmenttotheprogramandtoChrist.StudentsfulfilltheirServicerequirementsaspartofthis course.Thiscourseshouldbetakenincombinationwith 108 Theology of the Body.
110-BiblicalStudies
Prerequisite: None
Grade12 .5Credit
Thisone-semestercourseexaminestheorigins,development,andinterpretationofBiblicaltexts.Studentswill examineseveralinterpretiveandhermeneuticalapproachestoScripture.Specialemphasiswillbegiventothe historicalsignificanceofthefirstfivebooksoftheBible,Wisdomliterature,theGospels,andthelifeandworks ofPaul.
MATHEMATICSDEPARTMENT
Since math is foundational and progressive, it is especially important that students enroll in the courses for which they qualify
REQUIREDCOURSES
201-AlgebraI
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra
Grades9
1Credit
AlgebraIisthefirstcourseinthesystematicstudyofcollege-preparatorymathematics.Studentsbeginthe studyofnumbersets,equationsandinequalities,andpatternsusingtheirpriorknowledgeofarithmetic.Setting upandsolvingwordproblemsisavitalpartofthisclass,andstudentswillexaminesampleproblemswitheach newtypeofalgebraicsentenceintroduced.StudentswillgraphsimplefunctionsontheCartesiancoordinate planeanddiscovertherelationshipbetweenanequationanditsgraph.Studentswillcorrectlyusemathematical termsandsymbolswhenspeakingand/orwriting.Accuracy,neatness,andorganizationarestressedinthis class.Thedevelopmentofhigher-orderthinkingskillsisaprimaryobjective,includingestimation.
202-Geometry
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Grade9/10
1Credit
Geometryisthesecondcourseinthesystematicstudyofcollege-preparatorymathematics.Studentswillbuilda mathematicalsystemfromthegroundupbasedonthreeundefinedtermsandasystemofpostulatesand theorems.StudentswillusereasoningtoconstructthetheoremsofGeometry,firstbyunderstandinginformal proofswrittenbyothersand,eventually,bywritingconcise,logicalproofsoftheirown.Studentswilldevelop theirpowersofspatialvisualizationintwoandthreedimensions.StudentsofGeometrywilldiscoverthe relationshipsamongandbetweenpropertiesofvariousgeometricfigures.Studentswillcorrectlyuse mathematicaltermsandsymbolswhenspeakingand/orwriting.Accuracy,neatness,andorganizationare stressedinthisclass.Thedevelopmentofhigher-orderthinkingskillsisaprimaryobjective,includingthe necessityofpreciselanguage.
212-HonorsGeometry
Grade9/10
1Credit
Prerequisites: Eligible score on Algebra I Placement Test for freshmen or Algebra I with 93 average Thiscourseisafaster-paced,morein-depthstudyofGeometrythancollege-prepGeometry Studentsenrolled inthisclasshavedemonstratedanaptitudeformathematicsandthewillingnesstocommitextratimeandeffort instudyingforthequalitypointstheyearn.ThoseexpectingtotakeCalculusinhighschoolshouldbeeligible toenrollinthiscourse.Geometryisthesecondcourseinthesystematicstudyofcollege-preparatory mathematics.Studentswillbuildamathematicalsystemfromthegroundupbasedonthreeundefinedtermsand asystemofpostulatesandtheorems.StudentswillusereasoningtoconstructthetheoremsofGeometry,firstby understandinginformalproofswrittenbyothersandeventually,bywritingconcise,logicalproofsoftheirown. Studentswilldeveloptheirpowersofspatialvisualizationintwoandthreedimensions.StudentsofGeometry willdiscovertherelationshipsamongandbetweenpropertiesofvariousgeometricfigures.Studentswill correctlyusemathematicaltermsandsymbolswhenspeakingand/orwriting.Accuracy,neatness,and organizationarestressedinthisclass.Thedevelopmentofhigher-orderthinkingskillsisaprimaryobjective, includingthenecessityofpreciselanguage.
203-AlgebraII
Prerequisite: Geometry
Grade10/11
1Credit
AlgebraIIisthethirdcourseinthesystematicstudyofcollege-preparatorymathematics.AlgebraIIisthestudy offunctions.Studentswillinvestigatepolynomial,rational,quadratics,andothersecond-degreefunctionsand performthebasicoperationsoneachtype.Studentswillcompareandcontrastsetsofnumbers,e.g.,irrational, imaginary,andcomplex.InAlgebraII,studentswillsolveavarietyofalgebraicequations,inequalities,and wordproblemsusingtheappropriatealgorithm(s)foreach,includingsolvingwiththeaidofagraphing calculatorwhereappropriate.Studentswillcorrectlyusemathematicaltermsandsymbolswhenspeakingand/or writing.Accuracy,neatness,andorganizationarestressedinthisclass.Thedevelopmentofhigher-order thinkingskillsisaprimaryobjective,includingmulti-stepproblem-solving.
213-HonorsAlgebraII
Grade9/10/11
Prerequisites: Honors Geometry with 85 average or Geometry with 90 average
1Credit
Thiscourseisafaster-paced,morein-depthstudyofAlgebraIIthancollege-prepAlgebraII.Studentsenrolled inthisclasshavedemonstratedanaptitudeformathematicsandthewillingnesstocommitextratimeandeffort instudyingforthequalitypointtheyearn.ThoseexpectingtotakeCalculusinhighschoolshouldbeeligibleto enrollinthiscourse.AlgebraIIisthethirdcourseinthesystematicstudyofcollege-preparatorymathematics. AlgebraIIisthestudyoffunctions.Studentswillinvestigatepolynomial,rational,quadratics,andother second-degreefunctionsandperformthebasicoperationsoneachtype.Studentswillcompareandcontrastsets ofnumbers,e.g.,irrational,imaginary,andcomplex.InAlgebraII,studentswillsolveavarietyofalgebraic equations,inequalities,andwordproblemsusingtheappropriatealgorithm(s)foreach,includingsolvingwith theaidofagraphingcalculatorwhereappropriate.Studentswillcorrectlyusemathematicaltermsandsymbols whenspeakingand/orwriting.Accuracy,neatness,andorganizationarestressedinthisclass.Thedevelopment ofhigher-orderthinkingskillsisaprimaryobjective,includingmulti-stepproblem-solving.
ADDITIONALCOURSESTHATMEETREQUIREMENTS
206-AdvancedAlgebra
Prerequisite: Algebra II
Grade11/12 1Credit
AdvancedAlgebraforCollegeisthefourthcourseinthesystematicstudyofcollegepreparatorymathematics. Studentswillcontinuetoexaminethedifferenttypesofalgebraicequationsanddiscovermethodsforsolving each.Recognizingandgraphingmanytypesofequationsandinequalitiesisanessentialpartofthiscourse.The secondsemesterofAdvancedAlgebraforCollegeisastudyoftrigonometry Studentswillusethegraphingand conversioncapabilitiesoftheircalculatorswhenappropriate.Studentswillcorrectlyusemathematicalterms andsymbolswhenspeakingand/orwriting.Accuracy,neatness,andorganizationarestressedinthisclass.The developmentofhigher-orderthinkingskillsisaprimaryobjective,includingrecognizingpatterns.
204-Pre-Calculus
Prerequisites: Algebra II
Grade11/12
1Credit
Pre-Calculusisthefourthcourseinthesystematicstudyofcollege-preparatorymathematics.Studentsin Pre-Calculuswillcontinueinvestigatingthesimilaritiesanddifferencesofvariousfunctions.Studentswill examinetherelationshipbetweenafunctionanditsgraph.ThesecondsemesterofthePre-Calculuscourseisan in-depthstudyoftrigonometry Studentswillcorrectlyusemathematicaltermsandsymbolswhenspeaking and/orwriting.Accuracy,neatness,andorganizationarestressedinthisclass.Thedevelopmentofhigher-order thinkingskillsisaprimaryobjective,includingrecognizingmathematicalpatternsandmakinginferences.
214-HonorsPre-Calculus
Grade10/11/12 1Credit
Prerequisites: Honors Algebra II with 85 average or Algebra II with 90 average Thiscourseisafaster-paced,morein-depthstudyofPre-Calculus.Studentsenrolledinthisclasshave demonstratedanaptitudeformathematicsandthewillingnesstocommitextratimeandeffortinstudyingfor thequalitypointtheyearn.ThoseexpectingtotakeCalculusinhighschoolshouldbeeligibletoenrollinthis course.Pre-Calculusisthefourthcourseinthesystematicstudyofcollege-preparatorymathematics.Students inPre-Calculuswillcontinueinvestigatingthesimilaritiesanddifferencesofvariousfunctions.Studentswill examinetherelationshipbetweenafunctionanditsgraph.ThesecondsemesterofthePre-Calculuscourseisan in-depthstudyoftrigonometry.Studentswillcorrectlyusemathematicaltermsandsymbolswhenspeaking and/orwriting.Accuracy,neatness,andorganizationarestressedinthisclass.Thedevelopmentofhigher-order thinkingskillsisaprimaryobjective,includingrecognizingmathematicalpatternsandmakinginferences.
250-APCalculusAB
Grade11/12 1Credit
Prerequisites: Honors Pre-Calculus with 85 average or Pre-Calculus with 90 average
Recommended: PSAT math score of 600 or better.
Thisisacollege-levelcourseofferedforstudentswhohaveahighdegreeofinterestandskillinmathematics. APCalculusintroducestheideaofalimittoPre-Calculustopicstoinvestigatenewconceptsusingderivatives andintegrals.
252-APCalculusBC
Grade12
1Credit
Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB with 85 average. Thisisacollege-levelcourseofferedforstudentswhohaveahighdegreeofinterestandskillinmathematics. APCalculusBCfurtherdevelopsthestudyofCalculus,withmoreintegrationtechniques,infiniteseries, conics,parametricequations,andpolarcoordinates.Thiscourseisanindependentstudy.
251-APStatistics
Grade12 1Credit
Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra with 93 average or Pre-Calculus with 90 average or Honors Pre-Calculus with 85 average
Recommended: PSAT combined score of 1100 or better
Thiscollege-levelcoursewillexamineavarietyofproblemsdealingwithgathering,organizing,andanalyzing data.Studentswillinvestigateaveragesandvariances,regressionandcorrelation,elementaryprobability, normaldistributions,scientificsampling,andmakinginferences.Studentswillusethestatisticalandgraphing capabilitiesoftheircalculator.Studentswillcorrectlyusemathematicaltermsandsymbolswhenspeaking and/orwriting.Accuracy,neatness,andorganizationarestressedinthiscollege-levelclass.
208-FundamentalsofStatistics
Grade11/12 .5Credit
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus, Honors Pre-Calculus or Advanced Algebra
Thisintroductorycoursewillexamineavarietyoftopicsdealingwithgathering,organizing,andanalyzing data. Studentswillinvestigateaveragesandvariances,regressionandcorrelation,elementaryprobability, normaldistributions,scientificsampling,andmakinginferenceswithbothconfidenceintervalsand hypothesis-testing. Studentswillusethestatisticalandgraphingcapabilitiesoftheircalculator,aswellas computersoftware.Thegoalforthecourseistoprovidestudentswithanintroductiontoacoursethatisfast becomingtheprevalentrequiredmathformostcollegemajors.
209-Statistics
Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus, Honors Pre-Calculus or Advanced Algebra
Thisintroductory-levelcoursewillexamineavarietyoftopicsdealingwithgathering,organizing,and analyzingdata.Studentswillinvestigateaveragesandvariances,regressionandcorrelation,various probabilitymodels,normaldistributions,scientificsampling,andmakinginferenceswithboth confidenceintervalsandhypothesistesting.Studentswillusethestatisticalandgraphingcapabilitiesof theircalculator,aswellascomputersoftware.Thegoalforthecourseistoprovidestudentswithan introductiontoacoursethatisfastbecomingtheprevalentrequiredmathforalmostallcollegemajors.
210-HonorsFundamentalsofCalculus
Grade12 .5Credit
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus with 85 average or Honors Pre-Calculus with 80 average or Advanced Algebra with 90 average
Thisisanintro-levelcourseofferedforstudentswhohaveaninterestintakingCalculusatthecollegelevel,but maynotbeabletoenrollinAPCalculus.Limitsandderivativeswillbeintroducedtofamiliarizethestudents withtheconcepts,vocabulary,andproblem-solvingtechniquesofacollege-levelCalculuscourse.
ELECTIVES-ThesecoursesdonotfulfillMathgraduationrequirements
207-PersonalFinance
Prerequisite: None
Grade10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisone-semestercourseisdesignedtoeducatethestudentontheimportanceofpersonalfinancial responsibility.Itwillcovertopicssuchasfinance,credit,collegeplanning,avoidingdebt,andunderstanding insuranceandhomemortgages.Thiscoursedoesnotsatisfyamathrequirement.
211-IntroductiontoAccounting
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thiscourseembracesthebasictechniquesandunderlyingtheoreticalconceptsinaccountingandshowshow theyapplyinvariouscircumstances.Thestudentwilllearnaboutannualreports,financialstatements,balance sheetaccounts,andaccountingtransactions,withafocusonhowtheseaccountingprinciplesareusedin decision-making. Thiscoursedoesnotsatisfyamathrequirement.
SCIENCEDEPARTMENT
SJCS requires 3 Lab Science credits that include Biology, Chemistry, and 1 other full-year Lab Science class. Please note that Biology and Chemistry are a prerequisite for all other courses listed.
REQUIREDCOURSES
301-Biology
Prerequisite: None
Grade9
1Credit
Thisintroductorycourseisdesignedtoprovideasurveyofbiologicaltopicsforcollege-boundstudents.The coursewillincludeunitsofstudyonthenatureoflife,basictaxonomicorganization,plantstructureand function,biochemistry,cellstructureandfunction,ecologicalinterrelationships,evolutionarytheory,andan introductiontoenergytransformationsandgenetics.Thecoursewillfocusonecologicalinterrelationships throughouttheyear.
311-HonorsBiology
Prerequisites: 8th-grade Science with 93 average
Grade9
1Credit
FreshmanHonorsBiologyisarigorous,acceleratedcourseintendedtopreparestudentsforhigher-levelAP courses.Thiscourseinvolveslecture-discussion,presentationsandlaboratoryactivities.Thecoursewillcover fourmajorthemes:evolution,energetics,informationstorageandtransfer,andsysteminteractions.
302-Chemistry
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Grade10
1Credit
Chemistryisthestudyofmatter,itsproperties,andhowthosepropertiesresultfromtheatomicstructure.The courseisdesignedtobeusefultostudentshavingwidelydifferingbackgroundsandcareerplans.Laboratory workisanessentialpartofthiscourse.Topicscoveredincludescientificmeasurement;chemicalperiodicity; atomicstructure;chemicalnamesandformulas;bonding;behaviorofgasses;chemicalreactions;stoichiometry; propertiesofsolutions;acidsandbases;oxidation-reductionreactions;andthermochemistry.Thedevelopment ofcriticalthinkingandproblem-solvingskillsisstressedthroughoutthecourse.
312-HonorsChemistry
Grade10
1Credit
Prerequisites: Algebra I with 90 average or Honors Geometry with 85 average or CP Geometry with a 90 average
ThiscourseisanintroductiontothestudyofatomsandchemicalreactionsthatwillpreparestudentsforAP Chemistry.Topicscoveredincludescientificmeasurement;thestructureoftheatomandmolecularbonding; chemicalperiodicity;statesofmatter;nomenclature;stoichiometry;thermodynamics;equilibrium;propertiesof gasses;propertiesofsolutions;acidsandbases;andelectrochemistry.
ADDITIONALCOURSESTHATMEETREQUIREMENTS
303-Physics
Grade11/12
Prerequisites: Geometry and Algebra II or concurrent enrollment in Algebra II
1Credit
Thiscourseisanintroductiontoclassicalandmodernphysics.Topicscoveredincludemechanics;vectors; forcesandthelawsofmotion;workandenergy;momentumandcollisions;gravityandsatellitemotion; vibrationsandwaves;soundandlight;andelectricityandmagnetism.Thiscoursefocusesonaconceptual understandingofphysics.Laboratoryexperiencesareanintegralpartoftheclass.
313-HonorsPhysics
Grade11/12
1Credit
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus with Honors Algebra II with 85 average HonorsPhysicsisamoremathematicallyrigorousintroductiontoclassicalandmodernphysics.Thiscourseis aimedatthestudentinterestedinmath,sciences,andengineering.Topicscoveredincludemechanics;energy; propertiesofmatter;soundandlight;electricityandmagnetism;andabriefintroductiontoatomicandnuclear physics.Laboratoryexperiencesareanintegralpartoftheclass.
353-APPhysics1
Grade11/12
1Credit
Prerequisites: Honors Geometry, and Honors Algebra II with 90 average, Pre-Calculus or concurrent enrollment in Pre-Calculus
Recommended: PSAT math score 620 or higher
Thiscourseistheequivalentofafirst-semestercollegecourseinalgebra-basedphysics.Topicscoveredinclude kinematics;dynamics;circularmotionandgravitation;energy;momentum;simpleharmonicmotion;torque androtationalmotion;andfluids. Thiscourseincludesthebasicuseoftrigonometricfunctions. Priortothe firstdayofschool,studentsarerequiredtocompletesummerassignments.
354-APPhysics2
Prerequisites: AP Physics 1
Grade11/12
1Credit
Thiscourseistheequivalenttoasecond-semestercollegecourseinalgebra-basedphysics. Topicscovered includethermodynamics;electricforce,field,andpotential;electriccircuits;magnetismandelectromagnetic induction;geometricandphysicaloptics;andquantum,atomic,andnuclearphysics. Priortothefirstdayof school,studentsarerequiredtocompletesummerassignments.
355-APPhysicsC:Mechanics
Grade11/12
1Credit
Prerequisites: Honors Physics or AP Physics I or concurrent enrollment in AP Physics I, AP Calculus or concurrent enrollment in AP Calculus.
Mechanicsistheequivalentofasemester-long,introductorycalculus-basedcollegecourseinphysics.Topics coveredincludekinematics;Newton’slawsofmotion;work,energy,andpower;systemsofparticlesandlinear momentum;rotation;oscillations;andgravitation.Priortothefirstdayofschool,studentsarerequiredto completesummerassignments.
350-APBiology
Grade11/12
1Credit
Prerequisites: Biology with 90 average or Honors Biology with 85 average and Chemistry with 90 average or Honors Chemistry with 85 average
Thiscourseisacollege-levelsurveyofbiologicaltopics.Studentsshouldbeawareofthedemandingnatureof thiscourseintermsofthedifficultyofthematerialpresented,theamountofpreparationrequired,andthe difficultyofunitexaminations.Topicscoveredincludechemistryoflife;cellstructureandfunction;cellular energetics;cellcommunicationandcellcycle;heredity;geneexpressionandregulation;naturalselection;and ecology.Criticalthinkingandanalyticalskillsareemphasizedandinquiry-basedlaboratoryinvestigationsare required.Priortothefirstdayofschool,studentsarerequiredtocompleteasummerassignment.
351-APChemistry
Grade11/12
1Credit
Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry with 90 average. Honors Pre-Calculus with 90 average or Honors Algebra II with a 90 average and concurrent enrollment in Honors Pre-Calculus. ThiscourseisdesignedtobetheequivalentofthegeneralChemistrycoursetakenbyscienceandengineering majorsintheirfirstyearofcollege.TheframeworkofthiscourseisquantitativelydifferentfromHonors Chemistry,goingintogreaterdepthinsomeconceptsandintroducingnewones.Theemphasisofthecourse
reliesonchemicalcalculationsandmathematicalformulationsofchemicalprinciplesaswellaslaboratory techniques.Thedevelopmentofthesethemesintroducesstudentstothestudyofchemistryonalevelthat preparesthemforsubsequentcoursesinchemistrytakenatthecollegelevel.Priortothefirstdayofschool, studentsarerequiredtocompletesummerassignments.
320-EnvironmentalScience
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Grade11/12
1Credit
EnvironmentalScienceisayear-longelectivethatincorporateslaboratoryactivities,virtualactivities,projects, andclassroomexperiencestointroducestudentstotheapplicationsofenvironmentalscience.Studentswill explorereal-worldissuesandunderstandtheimpacthumanshaveontheenvironment.Thereareseveral unifying,interdisciplinarythemesthatcutacrossthetopicswithinEnvironmentalScience.Ninemajortopics arecovered:ecosystems;biodiversity;populations,earthsystems,andresources;landandwateruse;energy resourcesandconsumption;atmosphericpollution;aquaticandterrestrialpollution;andglobalchange.
356-APEnvironmentalScience
Grade11/12
1Credit
Prerequisites: Biology with 90 average or Honors Biology with 85 average and Chemistry with 90 average or Honors Chemistry with 85 average
APEnvironmentalScienceistheequivalentofaone-semester,introductorycollegecourseinenvironmental scienceandisdesignedtoengagestudentswiththescientificprinciples,concepts,andmethodologiesrequired tounderstandtheinterrelationshipswithinthenaturalworld. Thecourserequiresthatstudentsidentifyand analyzenaturalandhuman-madeenvironmentalproblems,evaluatetherelativerisksassociatedwiththese problems,andexaminealternativesolutionsforresolvingorpreventingthem. Topicsincludeecosystems; biodiversity;populations;Earthsystemsandresources;landandwateruse;energyresourcesandconsumption; atmosphericpollution;aquaticandterrestrialpollution;andglobalchange.
317-HonorsHumanAnatomy&Physiology
Grade11/12
1Credit
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry, most recent science average of 80 in an Honors class or 85 in a CP class Thisrigorous,year-longscienceelectiveprovidesstudentswithadetailedstudyofthehumanbodysystems. Homeostaticbalance,therelationshipbetweenstructureandfunction,andtheinterrelationshipsbetweenbody systemsareafocusthroughoutthecourse.Laboratoryworkrequirestheefficientuseofmicroscopesand participationindissections.Thiscourseisrecommendedforstudentsinterestedinpursuingeducationin health-carerelatedfieldsincollege.
ELECTIVES-Thesecoursesdonotmeetsciencerequirementfora3rdfullyearclass
305-ForensicScience
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Grade11/12
.5Credit
Thisisaone-semestercoursethatinvolvestheapplicationofbiological,chemical,andphysicalprinciplestothe investigationofphysicalevidenceincriminalcases.Thecoursefocusesonleading-edgetechnologiespolice andcrimelabsrelyontoapprehendcriminals.Thecourseincludescasestudiesandvideosofactualcriminal cases.Topicscoveredincludefingerprints;hairandfabricanalysis;glass;serology;andfirearms.Critical thinkingandanalyticalskillsareemphasized.Laboratoryisincluded.
309-HumanAnatomy&Physiology
Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Grade11/12 .5Credit
Thisintroductory-level,semestercourseprovidesasurveyofthehumanbodysystems.Throughlecturesand labs,studentswillgainin-depthknowledgeoftheintegumentary,skeletal,muscular,nervous,cardiovascular, respiratory,digestive,andreproductivesystems.Laboratoryworkrequiresstudentstobeefficientwith microscopesandtoparticipateindissections.Thiscourseisrecommendedforstudentsinterestedinpursuing educationinhealth-carerelatedfieldsincollege.
316-HonorsAstronomy
Grade11/12 .5Credit
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry, most recent science average of 80 in an Honors class or 85 in a CP class
Thiscoursewillprovidethestudentwithanintroductiontotheconceptsofmodernastronomy,theoriginand historyoftheUniverse,theformationoftheEarthandthesolarsystem,andahistoryofhumanity’sexploration ofspace.Thisclassdoesnotmeetthe3rdyearlabsciencerequirement.
HISTORYDEPARTMENT
SJCS requires 4 History credits for graduation. SJCS Freshman are required to take World History and Juniors are required to take American History Credits in Government and Economics are also required. A variety of semester and year long options are available that satisfy the 4th required credit.
REQUIREDCOURSES
405-WorldHistory Grade9
Prerequisite: None
Thisfreshman-levelcourseisasurveyofthemajorculturesthatdevelopedinAfrica,Asia,Europe,andthe Americasfromthebeginningsofhumancivilizationuptothepresentday Political,social,cultural,economic, andintellectualhistoryarecovered,particularlyastheyshapecontemporaryworldevents.
415-HonorsWorldHistory
Prerequisite: 8th-grade History with 93 average, current instructor recommendation, and an acceptable score on a written essay to be given at a set time prior to scheduling
Thiswriting-intensive,freshman-levelcourseisanin-depthstudyofthemajorcultureswhichdevelopedin Africa,Asia,Europe,andtheAmericasfromthebeginningsofhumancivilizationuptothepresentday Political,social,cultural,economic,andintellectualhistoryarecovered,particularlyastheyshape contemporaryworldevents.Thedepthofanalysisisgreaterinthecourse,asistheexaminationofprimary documents.Studentswillreceivedirecttraininginthewritingofresearchpapersandberesponsibleforthe productionoftworesearchpapersduringtheschoolyear
404-Economics
Prerequisite: None
Grade10/11/12
Thisone-semestercoursecoversthebasicprinciplesandtheoriesofeconomics.Italsoexaminesthepractical applicationofthesetheoriesincontemporarysocietyandgovernment.Taxforms,personalbudgeting,anda stockmarketsimulationareallpartofthecourse.
455-APMicroeconomics
Grades10/11/12 .5Credit
Prerequisites: 90 average in most recent Honors- or AP- level History class. It is strongly recommended that students have a PSAT reading/writing score of 600.
ThepurposeofAPMicroeconomicsisthe introductionof theconceptsofopportunitycostsandtrade-offs,and to illustratetheseconceptsbyusingtheproductionpossibilitiescurveorotheranalyticalexamples.Thecourse willincludeaconsiderationofhowdifferenttypesofeconomiesdeterminewhichgoodsandservicesto produce,howtoproducethem,andtowhomtodistributethem.Itisalsoimportantthatstudentsunderstand whyandhowspecializationandexchangeincreasethetotaloutputofgoodsandservices.Studentsneedtobe abletodifferentiatebetweenabsoluteandcomparativeadvantage,toidentifycomparativeadvantagefrom differencesinopportunitycosts,andtoapplytheconceptofcomparativeadvantage,inordertodeterminethe basisunderwhichmutuallyadvantageoustradecantakeplacebetweencountries.Specificexamplesfrom actualeconomicsituationscanbeusedtoillustrateandreinforcetheprinciplesinvolved.Theimportanceof propertyrights,theroleofincentivesinthefunctioningoffreemarkets,andtheprincipleofmarginalanalysis shouldbehighlightedaswell.
403-U.S.History
Prerequisites: None
Grade11
1Credit
Thisclassbuildsuponnote-takingandessaywritingskillsinpresentingasurveycourseinAmericanhistory. ThefirstsemesterwillbespentcoveringAmericanhistoryuptotheReconstructionerathatfollowedtheCivil War.Thesecondsemesterwillfocusonpost-ReconstructiondevelopmentsandcoverAmericanhistorical eventsintothemodernera.Studentswillbeexpectedtoreadhistoricalessays,biographies,andprimarysource materials.Researchpaperswillalsobeassigned.Inaddition,studentswillbetrainedtomastermapskillsfor theperiodsstudied.Summerassignmentsarerequired.
413-HonorsU.S.History
Grade11
1Credit
Prerequisites: 90 average in most recent CP-level History class or 85 average in most recent Honors-level History class or 80 average in AP European History.
Recommended: PSAT reading/writing score of 560
AttheHonorslevel,studentsshouldbeadeptatwritingessaysandtakingnotes.Thisclassbuildsuponthese skillsandpresentsasurveycourseinAmericanhistory.Itismoredetailedandacceleratedthanthecollege preparatoryU.S.History.ThefirstsemesterwillcoverAmericanhistoryuptotheReconstructionerathat followedtheCivilWar.Thespringsemesterwillfocusonpost-Reconstructiondevelopmentsandcovermajor historicaleventsintothemodernera.Studentswillbeexpectedtoreadhistoricalessays,biographies,and primarysourcematerials.Researchprojectsandpaperswillalsoberequired.Inaddition,studentswillbe expectedtomastermapskillsfortheperiodsstudied.Allstudentswillconstructamajorresearchpaperinthe secondsemester.Summerassignmentsarerequired.
450-APU.S.History
Grade11
1Credit
Prerequisites: 90 average in most recent Honors-level History and English class or 85 in AP European History. Students seeking admittance into this course against departmental recommendations will be required to sit for a timed essay based on an historical prompt.
Recommended: PSAT reading/writing score of 600
Thiscourseisforadvancedhistorystudentswhohaveachievedhighperformanceinprevioushistoryclasses. Studentswillstudyacollegecurriculumwithcollegiate-levelexpectationsandworkload.Theprimaryfocusis topreparethestudentsforthenationalAPexam;thus,theclassisconductedinamoreteacher-directedmanner thannon-APclasses.Americanhistoryfrompre-colonialtimesthroughthe1970siscoveredindepth.Students willbecomewell-versedinessaywritingandhigher-levelthinkingskillsofevaluation,analysis,andsynthesis. Theinterpretationofprimarysourcesanddifferingmethodsofdatapresentationareincorporatedateverylevel, asaremapskills.Summerworkisextensiveandrequired.
408-Government
Prerequisites: None
Grade11/12
.5Credit
UnitedStatesGovernmentisaone-semesterhistorycoursethatwillexaminethebasicprinciplesofour government:theworkingsofthelegislative;theexecutiveandjudicialbranches;andthesharingofpower betweenthestateandfederalgovernments.Aportionoftheclassisdedicatedtoadiscussionofcurrentevents anddebates,aswellasafurtherexaminationofconstitutionalprinciplesasappliedtotoday’sissues.Students mustremaincurrentonnationalevents.
451-APU.S.Government&Politics
Grade12 1Credit
Prerequisites: AP U.S. History with 85 average or Honors U.S. History with 90 average
Recommended: PSAT reading/writing score of 600
Thisisacollege-levelcourseforthosestudentswhohaveachievedhighperformanceinprevioushistoryclasses andareavidlearnersofhistory.Itisacollegecurriculumwithcollegiate-levelexpectationsandworkload.The primaryfocusistopreparethestudentforthenationalAPexam;thus,theclassisconductedinamore teacher-directedmannerthannon-APclasses.Thephilosophyandstructureofgovernmentalongwitheconomic issuesandprinciplesarethoroughlystudied.Primarysourcematerialsandcurrenteventresourcesareheavily utilized.Summerworkisextensiveandrequired.
ADDITIONALCOURSESTHATMEETREQUIREMENTS
430-EuropeanHistory
Prerequisites: None
Thissophomore-levelsemestercourseisasurveyexaminationthatbeginswiththeadventoftheModernAge inEuropeandtracespolitical,economic,andculturalinfluencesthataffectedtheglobalpopulationsovera250 yearperiod. Particularattentionisgiventotheinfluenceofintellectualmovementssuchasthe RenaissanceandtheEnlightenment,aswellasmajorsocialchangesthatflowedfromboththeFrenchand IndustrialRevolutions.Thecourseexaminesmajoreventsthatoccurreduptothe20thcenturyandwillinclude aresearchpaperwrittenonanappropriatetopic.
431-20thCenturyEuropeanHistory
Prerequisites: None
Grade10 .5credit
Thissophomore-levelsemestercourseisasurveyexaminationthatbeginswiththeadventofthe20thcenturyin Europeandtracespolitical,economic,andculturalinfluencesthataffectedtheglobalpopulationsovera125 yearperiod. Particularattentionisgiventotheinfluenceofpoliticalandsocialmovementsandthecourse culminateswithmorecontemporarydevelopmentsinthe21stcentury.Studentswillreceivedirecttrainingin thewritingofresearchpapers.
412-HonorsModernEuropeanHistory
Grade10
Prerequisite: CP World History with 90 average or Honors World History with a 85 Recommended: PSAT 8/9 reading/writing score of 560
1Credit
Thiswriting-intensivesophomore-levelcourseisanin-depthexaminationoftheModernAge.Thedepthof analysisisgreaterinthiscourse,asistheexaminationofprimarydocuments.Studentswillreceivedirect traininginthewritingofresearchpapersandberesponsibleforproducingtworesearchpapersduringthe schoolyear.
452-APEuropeanHistory
Grade10
1Credit
Prerequisites: Honors World History with 90 average. Students seeking admittance into this course against departmental recommendations will be required to sit for a timed essay based on an historical prompt Recommended: PSAT 8/9 reading/writing score of 590
APModernEuropeanHistoryisacollege-levelsurveycoursethatexploresthemajorthemesofEuropean historyfrom1450tothepresentera.ThecurriculumfollowsthelatestrequirementsoftheCollegeBoardand willincludeextensivetrainingtoadvanceacademicskillsasacriticalreaderandanalyticalwriter.Theuseof primarydocumentsandextensiveassessmentsareanimportantfocusofthisclass,whichwillpreparestudents topasstheCollegeBoardAPtestattheendofthespringsemester.
406-HolocaustHistory
Prerequisite: None
Grade11/12
.5Credit
ThiscoursewillexplorethoseeventsthatledtothesystematicmurdersofsixmillionJewsduringWorldWarII andcreatedcountlessothervictimsduringthatperiod.Studentswillencounterthestoriesofsurvivors, witnesses,andrescuersthatcontinuetoraiseessentialquestionsaboutthenatureofhumanbehavior.Thecourse willexploretheconsequencesofhowdestructivepoliciesareconstructedandimplementedandhowindividuals andcommunitiesareaffectedbymalevolentdecisionsandactions.Thecurriculumrequiresextensivereadingof primaryandsecondarysourcesandwillemphasizeclassdiscussions.Bystudyingthehistoricaldevelopmentof theHolocaustandsimilarexamplesofgenocide,studentswillbeinvitedtomaketheessentialconnection betweenhistoryandthemoralchoicestheyconfrontintheirpersonallives.Byutilizingsourcesthatilluminate victimexperiences,perpetratorperspectives,andbystanderresponses,theclasswillinvestigatetheNaziracial statethatsystematizedmasskillingsanddemandedcollaborationandcomplicity.Finally,thecoursewill examinethememoryoftheHolocaustinwesternculture. ThestudentdesiringHonorscreditwill,inadditionto doingalloftheworkrequiredforCollegePrep,alsoresearchandwritea6-8pageresearchpaperonone importantaspect,eventorindividualfromtheHolocaust.Thestudentwillalsoberequiredtopresentthemajor findingsoftheirresearchtotheclassina5-10minutepresentation.
420-HonorsHolocaustHistory
Prerequisite: None
Grade11/12
.5Credit
ThiscoursewillexplorethoseeventsthatledtothesystematicmurdersofsixmillionJewsduringWorldWarII andcreatedcountlessothervictimsduringthatperiod.Studentswillencounterthestoriesofsurvivors, witnesses,andrescuersthatcontinuetoraiseessentialquestionsaboutthenatureofhumanbehavior Thecourse willexploretheconsequencesofhowdestructivepoliciesareconstructedandimplementedandhowindividuals andcommunitiesareaffectedbymalevolentdecisionsandactions.Thecurriculumrequiresextensivereadingof primaryandsecondarysourcesandwillemphasizeclassdiscussions.Bystudyingthehistoricaldevelopmentof theHolocaustandsimilarexamplesofgenocide,studentswillbeinvitedtomaketheessentialconnection betweenhistoryandthemoralchoicestheyconfrontintheirpersonallives.Byutilizingsourcesthatilluminate victimexperiences,perpetratorperspectives,andbystanderresponses,theclasswillinvestigatetheNaziracial statethatsystematizedmasskillingsanddemandedcollaborationandcomplicity Finally,thecoursewill examinethememoryoftheHolocaustinwesternculture. ThestudentdesiringHonorscreditwill,inadditionto doingalloftheworkrequiredforCollegePrep,alsoresearchandwritea6-8pageresearchpaperonone importantaspect,eventorindividualfromtheHolocaust.Thestudentwillalsoberequiredtopresentthemajor findingsoftheirresearchtotheclassina5-10minutepresentation.
432-SouthCarolinaHistory
Prerequisites: None
Grades9-12
.5credit
ThisclassisadedicatedSouthCarolinahistorycoursewhichwillprovidestudentswithafocusedexamination oftheirstate’scontributionsandchallenges,fosteringadeeperconnectiontotheirlocalheritageanditsimpact onthenation.UnderstandingthehistoryofSouthCarolinaiscrucialforstudentstograspthebroadernarrative ofAmericanhistory,giventhestate'ssignificantroleinkeyeventssuchastheAmericanRevolution,CivilWar, andtheCivilRightsMovement.Thiscourseaimstocultivatehistoricalthinkingskills,promotecivic awareness,andencourageanappreciationofregionaldiversityandculture.
433-AfricanAmericanHistory
Prerequisites: None
Grades10-12 .5Credit
ThiscoursetakesathematicapproachtothestudyofAfricanAmericanHistory.Studentswillstudyand analyzetheinfluenceBlackAmericanshavehadontheAmericanexperience.Studentswillalsolearnhowthe AmericanexperienceinfluencedauniquelyAfricanAmericanculture.TopicsincludetheoriginsoftheAfrican diaspora,theinstitutionofslaveryinAmerica,theCivilWarandReconstruction,theJimCrowera,theCivil RightsMovement,andcontemporaryissuesfacingAfricanAmericans,withafocusonkeyfigures,events,and social,political,andculturalimpactsthroughouthistory;emphasizingcriticalanalysisofsystemicracismand theongoingstruggleforequality.Classtimeinvolvesteacher-guidedlecture,discussion,collaborativelearning activities,problemsolving,writingactivities,andcreativeprojects.
434-NativeAmericanHistory
Prerequisites: None
Grades9-12
StudentswillstudyNativeAmericanhistorybeginningwiththepre-contactera,Europeancolonization,forced removal,assimilationpolicies,resistancemovements,andcontemporaryNativeAmericanissues,focusingon thediverseexperiencesofdifferenttribesacrossNorthAmericawhileemphasizingtheNativeperspectiveand criticalanalysisofhistoricalnarratives.ThepurposeofthiscourseistopresentasurveyofAmericanIndian historyfromthepre-Europeancontactperiodtothepresent,highlightingtheprocessesbywhichEuropeansand Euro-AmericansdispossessedthevariousIndiannationsoftheirlandandidentities,aswellastheIndians’ effortstoadapttorapidlychangingcircumstances.Thedynamicsofcontact,conquest,interrelationship, accommodation,assimilation,andresistanceisongoing,andwillbeexaminedfrombothIndianandnon-Indian perspectives(thoughfargreaterweightisgiventotheformer).
ELECTIVES-Thesecoursesdonotfulfillhistorygraduationrequirements
407-PrinciplesofPsychology
Prerequisite: None
Grade11/12
.5Credit
Thisone-semestercourseisanintroductory-levelexaminationofthesystematicstudyofindividualhuman behaviorandexperience.Thepurposeofthiscourseistointroducethestudenttothecontent,terminology, methodology,andapplicationofthediscipline.Thissurveycoursecontainsanintroductionfollowedbyfour unitsbasedonthephysiological,cognitive,behavioral,andaffectivedomainsofpsychology.
456-APPsychology
Grade11/12
1Credit
Prerequisite: 90 average in most recent Honors-level History class or 85 in most recent AP-level History class
Recommended: PSAT reading/writing score of 590 or higher
TheAPPsychologycourseintroducesstudentstothesystematicandscientificstudyofhumanbehaviorand mentalprocesses.Whileconsideringthestudiesthathaveshapedthefield,studentsexploreandapply psychologicaltheories,keyconcepts,andphenomenaassociatedwithmajorunitsofstudy,includingbiological basesofbehavior,cognition,development,learning,socialpsychology,personality,andmentalandphysical health.Throughoutthecourse,studentsapplypsychologicalconceptsandemploypsychologicalresearch methodsanddatainterpretationtoevaluateclaims,considerevidence,andeffectivelycommunicateideas. This isacollegelevelclassofferedinhighschool,andassuch,thematerialsandcontentwillreflectcollegiate expectations.
453-APArtHistory
Grade11/12 1Credit
Prerequisites: AP U.S. History with 85 average or Honors U.S. History with 90 average
Recommended: PSAT reading/writing score of 590 or better
Thisisacollege-levelclassthatexaminestheroleofartwithinhistoryandtheeffectofthathistoryuponart. ThestudyofArtHistoryinvolvescriticalthinkingandwilldevelopanunderstandingandknowledgeofdiverse historicalandculturalcontextsofarchitecture,sculpture,painting,andothermedia.Italsowillcreate opportunitiesforstudentstostrengthenanareaneglectedinmostcurricula.Inthiscourse,studentswillexamine majorformsofartisticexpressionfromthepastandpresentfromavarietyofcultures.Whilevisualanalysisisa fundamentaltoolofthearthistorian,arthistoryemphasizesunderstandinghowandwhyworksofartfunction incontext,consideringsuchissuesaspatronage,gender,andthefunctionsandeffectsofart.Summerworkis required.
This class can fulfill 1.0 credit in Fine Arts instead of 1.0 History elective credit.
ENGLISHDEPARTMENT
REQUIREDCOURSES
501-Composition&Literature
Prerequisite: None
Grade9 1Credit
Thefocusofthisclassistwo-fold:tostrengthenresearchandcompositionskillsandtodevelopanalytical thinkingskillsthroughtheexaminationofthedifferentgenresofliterature,withanemphasisonancientand medievalliterature,andclassicalthemes.Muchtimewillbedevoted,aswell,tovocabularybuilding.Students willmastertheexpository,persuasive,andcriticalanalysisformsofwriting,aswellastheresearchpaper The literaturestudywillencompassasurveyofepicandlyricpoetry,theshortstory,drama,allegory,andthenovel. Studentsarerequiredtocompletesummerassignmentsandaccompanyingassignment(s)priortothefirstdayof school.
511-HonorsComposition&Literature
Prerequisites: 8th-grade English with 93 average and an acceptable score on a written essay to be given at a set time prior to scheduling
Thehonorscoursebeginswiththeassumptionofagreaterfluiditywithwritingandagreateraptitudefor readingcomprehensionandtextualanalysis.Fromthere,theclassfocusesonconsistentlybuildingvocabulary toenhancethemorechallengingreadingandanalyticalwritingthatwillspringfromthestudyofmanydifferent literarygenres.Theliteraryemphasiswillbeonancientliterature,yetwillincludeworksfromtheRenaissance, theVictorianera,andthe20thcenturyaswell.Studentsarerequiredtocompletesummerassignmentsandan accompanyingassignmentpriortothestartofschool.
502-EuropeanLiterature
Prerequisite: None
Grade10
1Credit
ThiscoursesurveysseminalworksofEuropeanliterature,includinglyricpoetry,folktales(oldandnew), drama,andtheepic.Specialattentionwillbepaidtodevelopingvocabularyandwritingaboutliterature. Studentsarerequiredtocompletesummerassignmentsandanaccompanyingassignmentpriortothestartof school.
512-HonorsEuropeanLiterature
Grade10
1Credit
Prerequisite: Composition & Literature with 90 average or Honors Composition & Literature with 85 average ThiscoursesurveysseminalworksofEuropeanliterature,includinglyricpoetry,tragedy,theepic,theromance, andtheestatessatire.AuthorsstudiedincludeShakespeare,Dante,andChaucer.Studentswillwriteatleastone analyticalessayperquarter,aswellasstructuredcreativeworksinimitationoftheliteraturetheyarestudying. Studentsarerequiredtocompletesummerassignmentsandanaccompanyingassignmentpriortothestartof school.
503-AmericanLiterature
Prerequisite: None
Grade11
1Credit
ThiscoursewillsurveythedevelopmentofliteratureintheUnitedStates.Studentswillreadseveralclassic Americannovelsandplays,inadditiontoavarietyofproseandpoetryselectionsfromtheanthology.In additiontocompletingaresearchproject,studentswillproducenarrativeandliteraryanalysispapers.Priorto thefirstdayofschool,studentsarerequiredtocompleteasummerassignment.
513-HonorsAmericanLiterature
Grade11 1Credit
Prerequisite: European Literature with 90 average or Honors European Literature with 85 average TheHonorscoursebeginswiththeassumptionofagreaterfluiditywithwritingandagreateraptitudefor readingcomprehensionandtextualanalysis.ThiscoursewillsurveythedevelopmentofliteratureintheUnited States.StudentswillreadseveralclassicAmericannovelsandplays,inadditiontoavarietyofproseandpoetry selectionsfromtheanthology.Poetrywillreceivespecialemphasis.Inadditiontocompletingalonger,in-depth researchproject,studentswillproducenarrative,literaryanalysis,andliteraryargumentpapers.Priortothefirst dayofschool,studentsarerequiredtocompleteasummerassignment.
550-APEnglishLiteratureandComposition
Prerequisites: Honors European Literature with 85 average
Recommended: PSAT reading/writing score of 590 or better
Grade11 1Credit
APEnglishLiteratureandCompositionisacollege-levelcoursedesignedtoengagestudentsinthecritical analysisofliterature.Itrequiresstudentstointeractanalyticallythroughintensivestudyofrepresentativetexts fromvariousgenresandperiods,concentratingonworksofrecognizedliterarymerit.Throughtheclosereading ofselectedtexts,studentsshoulddeepentheirunderstandingofthewayswritersuselanguagetoprovideboth meaningandpleasurefortheirreadersthroughawork’sstructure,style,andthemes,aswellastheuseof figurativelanguage,imagery,symbolism,tone,etc.Inthespring,studentswillcompletetheAPEnglish LiteratureandCompositionexam.Summerassignmentsandwrittenwork(duethefirstweekofclass)are requiredtomaintainenrollment.
504-ModernLiterature
Prerequisite: None
Thiscoursewillexamineanarrayofliterarygenres,includingthenovel,shortstory,personalessay,sermon, songlyrics,Biblicaltext,memoir,andpoetry,fromadiversearrayofculturesandauthors.Studentswillbe requiredtowriteavarietyofessaysandothermodalities,includinganacademicsynthesisessayinafilmunit,a finalreflectiveessay,literaryanalysisparagraphs,andpoetry Priortothefirstdayofschool,studentsare requiredtocompletesummerassignments.
514-HonorsModernLiterature
Grade12
1Credit
Prerequisite: American Literature with 90 average or Honors American Literature with 85 average
Thisfast-paced,rigorouscoursewillexamineanarrayofliterarygenres,includingthenovel,shortstory, personalessay,sermon,songlyrics,Biblicaltext,memoir,andpoetry,fromadiversearrayofculturesand authors.Studentswillberequiredtowriteavarietyofessaysandothermodalities,includinganacademic synthesisessayinafilmunit,afinalreflectiveessay,literaryanalysisparagraphs,andpoetry Priortothefirst dayofschool,studentsarerequiredtocompletesummerassignments.
551-APLanguageandComposition
Grade12
1Credit
Prerequisites: Honors American Literature with 85 average or AP English Literature and Composition
Recommended: PSAT reading/writing score of 590 or better
Thiscoursefocusesonwritingandanalysisofnon-fictionprose.Studentswillexplorehowotherswrite effectivelythroughastudyofrhetoricalanalysisandvariousmodesofwriting,suchasjournalistic,evaluative, persuasive,satirical,narrative,descriptive,argumentative,analytical,compareandcontrast,andsynthesis.In addition,studentswillfocusoncriticalreadingskillssothattheywillbeabletonotonlyunderstandwhatthe textiscommunicatingbutalsohowwritersusetheEnglishlanguageandartistsuseimagestomanipulatethose effectsconvincingly Inthespring,studentswillcompletetheAPEnglishLanguageandCompositionexam. Summerassignmentsandwrittenwork(duethefirstweekofclass)arerequiredtomaintainenrollment.
ELECTIVES-ThesecoursesdonotfulfillEnglishgraduationrequirements
507/770-CreativeWriting
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Studentswillexploretheartofcreativewritingbyinvestigatingvariousgenresofliteratureandwriting;reading closelywithaneyeontechnique,style,andvoice;writingcreativelyinavarietyofgenresandwithvarious foci;andpresentingtheirownworkthroughpeerediting,author’schairreadings,andpublishing.Studentswill keepawritingjournalandwillsubmitaportfoliooforiginalcompositionsatthecourse'send.
510-FilmandMedia
Prerequisite: None
Grade11/12 .5Credit
Thisone-semester,seminar-style,inquiry-basedcoursewillanalyzeselectedfilms,emphasizingtherelevance ofthesefilmstoAmericanculture.Issuesofpersonalandculturalidentity,assimilation,segregation,and politicalstruggleareparticularlyexplored.Studentswilldevelopculturalcompetencyandfilmanalysisskills.
521-Children’sLiterature
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisone-semesterelectivecoursewillexploretheartofstorytellingandthepleasureofchildren’sliterature, surveyingvariousauthorsandillustrators.Genressurveyedwillincludefolkandfairytales,picturebooks,early readers,fantasy,fiction,poetry,andhistoricalfiction.Studentswillkeepawritingjournal,leadaclass discussiononthethematicpatternsfoundinclassicalandcontemporaryliterature,andpresentauthorsand illustratorsasbookreviews.
522-Tolkien
Prerequisite: None
Grades9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Inthisone-semestercourse,studentsconsiderthemajorworksofJ.R.R.TolkieninlightoftheCatholicfaith, withaviewtounderstandingtheworldofMiddle-Earthanditsmoralfoundations.Tothatend,studentsexplore theroleof“fairystories”inthedevelopmentofthemoralimaginationandofanationalmoralandliterary identity
WORLDLANGUAGEDEPARTMENT
● Please refer to the policy section at the beginning of the catalog for an explanation of 8th grade and transfer World Language credits and placement.
● Current SJCS students who do not have an 80 average or better will be required to take the CP level course in the subsequent year and may be asked to meet with the Department Chairperson to determine the best option for their course of study
601-SpanishI
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 1Credit
ThisisabeginningSpanishcourseemphasizingthedevelopmentofthefourlanguageskills:listening, speaking,reading,andwriting,withstressonaural/oralcomprehensionandculturalawareness.Vocabulary acquisitionisemphasized,andbasicgrammarwillbestudied,includingverbtenses.
602-SpanishII
Grade9/10/11/12 1Credit
Prerequisite: Spanish I or acceptable score on Spanish placement test for incoming students
ThiscourseinvolvesareviewandextensionofSpanishI,withcontinuedemphasisonthedevelopmentofthe fourlanguageskills:listening,speaking,reading,andwriting,withstressonaural/oralcomprehension.It includesdetailedverbstudyandgrammarapplications,aswellasnewvocabulary ConversationalSpanishand writingarefurtherdeveloped.Continuedemphasisisplacedoncommunicativecompetenceandcultural awareness.
603-SpanishIII
Grade10/11/12 1Credit
Prerequisite: Spanish II or acceptable score on Spanish placement test
ThiscourseisareviewofandamoreadvancedstudyoftheSpanishlanguage,withanemphasisonspeaking andwritingskills.Anin-depthstudyofSpanish/Spanish-Americancivilization,culture,andliteratureare included.SelectionsfromSpanishandLatinAmericanauthorswillberead.Thereislessemphasisongrammar andmoreemphasisonconversationandcomposition.TheclassisconductedmostlyinSpanish.
613-HonorsSpanishIII
Grade10/11/12
Prerequisites: Spanish II with a 90, or acceptable score on a Spanish placement test
1Credit
Thiscoursecoversanacceleratedandmorein-depthstudythanSpanishIII.InadditiontotheSpanishIIIcourse work,HonorsSpanishIIIwillgivespecialemphasisonmoreadvancedliteraryselectionsandcompositions. AdditionalemphasisisplacedontheuseofSpanishforactivecommunication.Theclassisconductedmostlyin Spanish.
614-HonorsSpanishIV
Grade11/12
1Credit
Prerequisites: Honors Spanish III with an 85 average Emphasiswillbeplacedonconversationandcomprehensionaswellascomposition.Studentswillread excerptsofliteraryworksandmaterialdrawnfromtheSpanishmediaandotherauthenticselectionstodevelop theirreadingskillsandprovideexperiencesintheareasofeverydayneeds,languagecareers,andcontemporary culture.Areviewofgrammarwillbeincluded.TheclassisconductedmostlyinSpanish.
650-APSpanishLanguage
Grade11/12
Prerequisites: Honors Spanish IV with a 90 average, a student writing sample
1Credit
ThisclassisconductedentirelyinSpanish.Itisassumedthatstudentshavealreadylearnedthegrammarand syntaxofthelanguageandhaveacquiredstrongskillsinspeaking,writing,reading,andunderstandingSpanish. Therefore,thecurriculumforthiscourseisdesignedtoreinforceandsharpentheseskills,withthegoalof achievingmasteryasdefinedbytheAPSpanishLanguagecoursedescription.
605-FrenchI
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12
1Credit
ThiscoursewillintroducestudentstotheFrenchlanguageandfrancophoneculture.Theemphasisisonthefour languageskills:listening,speaking,reading,andwriting.Basicgrammarandvocabularywillbestudied, includingverbtenses.
606-FrenchII
Grade9/10/11/12
Prerequisite: French I or acceptable score on French placement test for incoming students
1Credit
ThiscourseexpandstheknowledgeoftheFrenchlanguageandcultureandincludesathoroughreviewof conceptslearned.Itbroadenstheexposuretothefourskillsoflistening,speaking,reading,andwriting.It includesdetailedverbstudyandgrammarapplications,aswellasnewvocabulary.ConversationalFrenchand writingarefurtherdeveloped.
607-FrenchIII
Grade10/11/12
Prerequisite: French II or acceptable score on French placement test
1Credit
ThiscourseisareviewofandamoreadvancedstudyoftheFrenchlanguage,withanemphasisonspeaking andwritingskills.Anin-depthstudyofFrancophonecivilization,culture,andliteratureareincluded.Selections fromFrancophoneauthorswillberead.Thereislessemphasisongrammarandmoreemphasisonconversation andcomposition.TheclassisconductedmostlyinFrench.
617-HonorsFrenchIII
Grade10/11/12
1Credit
Prerequisite: French II with 90 average or an acceptable score on French placement test for incoming students
Thiscoursecoversanacceleratedandmorein-depthstudythanFrenchIII.InadditiontotheFrenchIIIcourse work,HonorsFrenchIIIwillincludemoreadvancedliteraryselectionsandcompositions.Additionalemphasis isplacedontheuseofFrenchforactivecommunication.TheclassisconductedmostlyinFrench.
618-HonorsFrenchIV
Grade10/11/12
1Credit
Prerequisite: Honors French III with 85 average, French III with a 90 average, an acceptable score on French placement test for incoming students
HonorsFrenchIVisanopportunityforstudentstofamiliarizethemselveswiththehistory,literature,and cultureof FranceandtheFrancophoneworldwhileexpandingandfine-tuningtheirlanguageandgrammar skills.Workfromthetextbookisconstantlysupplementedwithauthentichistorical,cultural,andliterary materials.TheclassisconductedinFrenchandstudentsareexpectedtospeakFrenchinclass.
640-APFrenchLanguage
Grade11/12
Prerequisites: Honors French IV with 90 average, a student writing sample
1Credit
Thiscourseisholisticallydesignedtoofferstudentsaproficiency-based,rigorous,college-levelexperienceto maximizetheirpotentialininterpretive,interpersonal,andpresentationalskillsinFrench.Itisassumedthat studentshavealreadylearnedthegrammarandsyntaxofthelanguageandhaveacquiredstrongskillsin listening,speaking,reading,andwriting.Therefore,thecurriculumforthiscourseisdesignedtoreinforceand sharpentheseskills,withthegoalofachievingmasteryasdefinedbytheAPFrenchLanguageandCulture coursedescription.
750StudioArtI
Prerequisite: None
FINEARTSDEPARTMENT
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisisaone-semestercourseforstudentswhodesiretolearnaboutthefoundationsofvisualart,explored throughtheuseofvariousmedia.Studentswillstudy:ElementsofArtandPrinciplesofDesign;graphite drawing,includingstilllifeandfigures.Usingthe8HabitsofStudioArt,studentswilldrawandpaint,focusing onform,value,andcolortheory.
751StudioArtII
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Prerequisite: Studio Art I (Exploring Art I also applies) or departmental approval
Thisisaone-semestercourseforstudentswhoshowadesiretofurthertheirexplorationinVisualArt.The elementsofartareexploredinamorein-depthmannerthroughtheuseofvariousmedia.Projectsmayinclude watercolor,acrylic,andnon-traditionalpainting,aswellasoilpastels,printmaking,3Ddesign,ceramics,and portfoliopreparation.Studentswillexplorevarioustechniquesofartproductionusingthe8HabitsofStudio Art.
752 StudioArtIII
Grade10/11/12 .5Credit
Prerequisite: Studio Art I & Studio Art II (Exploring Art I & Exploring Art II OR Drawing also apply) or departmental approval
Thisisaone-semestercoursedesignedforstudentswhomaybeinterestedinpursuingVisualArtinhigher educationorhaveadesiretofurtherpursueartisticopportunities.Mostprojectsaretwo-dimensionalandallow studentstoexploretheuseofavarietyofmedia,includingcharcoal,pen,penandink,chalkpastel, professional-grademarkers,andcoloredpencils,aswellaswatercolor,acrylic,andanintroductiontooil painting.Thestudentisresponsibleforchoosingmostsubjectmatterandapplyingthe8HabitsofStudioArt independentlywithintheirwork.Extrastudiotimemaybeneededforprojectcompletion.
760Art&DesignAppreciationI
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisisaone-semestercourseforstudentswhoaremoreinterestedindesignthantraditionalart.Allprojects willbebasedontheElementsofArtandPrinciplesofDesignandtheprocessofcreativeproblemsolving. Studentswillberesponsibleforchoosingsubjectmatterandcomposition.Subjectmattermayincludecanvas collage;abstractlandscape;woodburning;fabricpaintinganddesign;andpapercutting.Studentswillalso completeanindependentartprojectinspiredbytheirartistofchoice.Studentswilllearnthevalueoffollowing theprocesstoarewardingoutcome.
761Art&DesignAppreciationII
Grade9/10/11/12
.5Credit
Prerequisite: Art & Design Appreciation I OR Studio Art I (Mixed Media I or Exploring Art I also apply) or departmental approval
Thisisaone-semestercourseforstudentswhoshowadesiretofurtherpursuemixingmediatypesandworking withtheirhands.StudentswillcontinuetofocusontheElementsofArtandPrinciplesofDesignwhile producing3Dformsandwillberesponsibleforchoosingsubjectmatterandcomposition.Projectsmayinclude 3Dletterdesign,watercolorresist,block-printing,figuresculptures,ceramics,andfurtherstudyinfabricdesign andprinting.
705-PortfolioDevelopment(IS)
Prerequisites: Departmental approval
Grade11/12 .5Credit
For transfer students: application, interview, and departmental approval
Thisisanindependentstudycourse,focusingontheproductionofeachstudent’sArtportfolio.Artwork createdwillalsobeincludedinaschool-wideartexhibit.Thiscourseisdesignedtopreparestudentsfortheir pursuitoftheVisualArtsatthecollegiatelevel.
707-YearbookStaffI
Prerequisite: Departmental approval
Grade11/12 1Credit
Students are selected for this course based on a submitted application and a personal interview. This class allows students to pursue their creative talents beyond the regular classroom. The course is organized as a class, with students working on individual and group assignments for the yearbook. The student will learn to use software to pull together all of the elements of a yearbook, including photography, layout design, and copywriting. This class is limited to 12 students.
710–IntrotoTheatreArts
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisisaone-semestercourse,arrangedprimarilyasatheatrehistoryandplaysurveyclass.Studentswill explorevariousscripts,discoveringtheevolutionoftheatrefromAncientGreecetothecontemporarystage. Studentswillalsostudytheatrehistory,buildingtheircomprehensionoftheproduction’sconnectiontothetime period.Emphasiswillbeontheatrehistory,scriptreading,discussion,andperformancecritique.Basicacting andopportunitiesforplaywritingwillalsobeincludedintheclassprojects;however,thisisexploredingreater detailinAdvancedTheatreArts.
711-AdvancedTheatreArts
Grade10/11/12
.5Credit
Prerequisite: Intro to Theatre Arts or departmental approval and performance in at least two high school productions
Thisone-semestercoursepresentsdetailedinstructioninactingtechniques,aswellasanoverviewofother technicalelementsinvolvedinatheatricalproduction: setdesign,costumedesign,anddirecting.Studentswill gainastrongerunderstandingofusingtheactor’stools-mind,body,andvoice-inbringingcharacterstolife throughgenuineandtruthfulstorytelling.Studentsinthisclassarealsoencouragedtobedirectlyinvolvedinthe statetheatrecompetitions.Emphasiswillbeonstudentparticipation,performance,evaluation,andcritique.
712-PropConstruction
Prerequisite: Departmental approval
Recommended: Intro to Theatre Arts or Stage Crew
Grade9/10/11/12
.5Credit
Thisisafall-semestercourseinwhichstudentswilllearnthebasicskillsformakingtheatricalproperties.In usingcolortheoryandbasicshoptools,studentswilllearnavarietyoftexturepaintingskills,buildprop candles,rockformations,andfakefood.Studentswillalsolearntheskillsofmold-makingbybuildingand designingahingedboxandwalkingbaubledcane.Throughtheseprojects,studentswillacquirefoundational knowledgeintheatricalconstructionusedinprop,scenic,andcostumingwork.Emphasiswillbeonclass projectsandstudentevaluationofwork.(Classlimit10)
713-StageCrewPracticum
Prerequisite: Safety contract on file
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisisaone-semestercoursedesignedforstudentswhowanttolearnaboutorbeinvolvedwiththetheatrical productionprocess.Thiscoursewillusethecurrentmainstageproductionasalab,withpracticalapplication coveringtheelementsoftechnicaltheatre,includingscenicconstruction,costuming,scenicpainting,sound,and lightingoperation.Tobeeligibleforthis½credit,studentsmustacquireatleast60crewhoursandfulfillarole asapartoftheproductioncrew,asassignedbytheDirector.(Pass/Fail) This course is held after school.
714–Directing
Prerequisite: Application, interview, and departmental approval
Grade12 .5Credit
Thisisaone-semesterindependentstudycourse.Interestedstudentswillselectaone-actplayandcomplete theproposalandinterviewprocess.Thestudentassignedtodirectwillprepare,cast,anddirectthisone-actplay tocompeteinoneofthetwostatetheatrefestivals(oneinthefallandoneinthespring.) Underthedirectionof theinstructor,thestudentwillprepareascriptandcharacteranalysis,planandexecuteauditionsandcasting, rehearsethecast,andholddesignmeetings.Thesestudentdirectorsareresponsibleforthepreparationofthe productionandwillattendthefestivalstoleadthetechrehearsalsandoverseetheperformances.Emphasiswill beonprojectdeadlines,communication,leadership,andcollaboration. This course is held after school.
715-ProductionDesign
Prerequisites: Application, interview, and departmental approval
Grade11/12 1Credit
Thisisafull-yearindependentstudycourse.Studentsareselectedforthiscoursebasedonasubmitted applicationandapersonalinterview.Thebasisforthisindependentstudycourseistheproductionand independentdesignwork.StudentsworkdirectlywiththeteacheronallFineArtsproductionsandevents throughoutthecurrentseason,intherolesofstagemanagers,scenicdesigners,costumedesigners,property designers,orsoundandlightingtechnicians.Thestudentswillalsobeginbuildingapersonalresumeforcollege admissionsandworktowardevolvingandimprovingtheefficiencyofthedesignteam. This course is held after school.
716-PublicSpeakingandImprovisation
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisone-semestercoursewilltrainstudentsintheartofimprovisationandpublicspeaking.While improvisationaltheatrewillbeaddressed,thefocusoftheclasswillbeonintuitiveresponsesthatbuildthe skillsofthinkingquicklyandcreatively;dealingwiththeunexpected;communicatingclearly;focusing attention;andteamworkthroughexercises,scene-building,andclasspresentation.Basicvocalworkandtheuse ofspeechandthevoicewillalsobeaddressedtoaidindividualstudentsinunderstandinghowtousetheir voicesmoreeffectively.(Classlimit10)
721-HighSchoolChorus
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Studentswillfocusonthedevelopmentofvocalskillsandlearnbasicmusicianshipthrougheartraining,music history,andmusictheory.Studentswillhavetheopportunitytofurtherimproveandrefinetheirvocaltechnique whileexploringavarietyofmusicalstyles,bothsacredandsecular.StudentswillperformintheChristmasand SpringconcertsandsingforweeklyschoolMass. Students may enroll for one or two semesters each year.
722-MassChoirPracticum
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
ThisclassmeetsafterschoolonceaweektoprepareforweeklyMassChoirperformances.Creditisdependent onstudentpresenceatallrehearsalsandWednesdayMassservices(unlessalternativearrangementsaremade withtheChorusDirector).Thisisapass/failcourse. Students may enroll for one or two semesters each year. *This course is held after school.
725-MusicLiterature
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thiscourseisdesignedtoacquaintstudentswithvariouselementsofmusic,tracingthehistoricaldevelopment ofmusicwithanemphasisonformsandstyles,particularlyWesternArtmusic.Studentswillgainanoverview offamouscomposersthroughclasslectures,studyingmusicscores,listeningtomusicalexamplesinclass, readingandfillinginthetextbook,activelyparticipatinginclassdiscussions,attendingliveperformances,and formingawritinganalysisofpiecesstudied.
731/804-IntrotoModernDance
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisone-semesterclassisanintroductiontoallformsofmoderndance.Itexploresthemovementofthebody inrelationshiptospace,form,andrhythm.Theclasswillconsistofawarm-up,stretching,exercisestodevelop coordinationofmovements,andchoreographytoavarietyofroutines.Studentswillbeexpectedtodressin comfortable,yoga-typeclothingfortheclass.Noperformancewillberequired.Theclasswillbelimitedto18. This course can count as a PE credit instead of Fine Arts.
732/805-IntrotoSocialDance
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisone-semester,beginningdanceclassteachesmanyofthesocialdancesofourcultureandothers.Itcovers basicballroomdancing,likeswing,thewaltz,andthetango.Thestudentswillalsoparticipateincontra dancing,squaredancing,andotherfolkdances.Manynewerlinedanceswillalsobetaught,likecountry,disco, andpop.Theclasswillbelimitedto18.(Pass/Fail) This course can count as a PE credit instead of Fine Arts.
734-AdvancedDanceStudy
Prerequisites: Prior Dance Lessons and departmental approval
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thiscourseisforcurrentorpastdancestudentswhowouldliketofocusonsomeaspectofdance,eitherofa differentinterestthantheyarecurrentlypursuingorinaparticularfieldofcurrentstudy.Thisprovidesthe opportunityforstudentswithdanceexperiencetobroadentheirknowledge.Examplesinclude:Ballet,Tap, Modern,Lyrical,MusicalTheatre,Irish,African,Clogging,etc.Studentworkwillfocusontechniqueand choreographyintheselectedstyle.Throughoutthecourse,studentswillleadwarm-upsandotherexercises whilealsopreparingperformanceprojects-thereplicationofanapprovedchoreographer'sdanceandan independentlychoreographeddance.
742-StringsEnsemble
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Prerequisites: Ability to perform Grade 2.0 literature and departmental approval. ThisclassisforstudentswhohavecompletedtwoyearsofstringsclassatSJCSoranotherschool.Students enrolledinthisclasshaveauditionedforthedirectorandhaveshownthattheyareadvancedenoughtojointhe highschoolensemble.Studentswillbelearningawiderangeofrepertoireconsistingoforiginal,classical,pop, andsacredmusic,writtenforchambersizeensembles.Studentswillbeexpectedtoparticipateintheirsemester concert(s). Students may enroll for one or two semesters each year.
743-HonorsHighSchoolStrings
Prerequisite: Three years of instruction and departmental approval
Grade9/10/11/12 1Credit
Thisisafull-yearcourseandwillberunconcurrentlywiththeHighSchoolStringsclass(742)providing additionalopportunitytothestudentsforachallengingandmorerigorouscurriculumwithinafullschoolyear. Thisisacoursefocusedon“projectbasedlearning”.Inadditiontoaddressingperformanceskillsthiscourseis designedtopromoteafullunderstandingofmusictheory.Thestudyofeachmusicalconceptcontinues throughouttheyearasthestudentsapplytheseskillstoexercisesandperformanceselections. Inadditionto classorchestraselections,thecoursewillincludesmallensembleselectionstoallowfordifferentiated instruction.InadditiontotherequirementsofHighSchoolStrings(742),thestudentswillalsopreparemusic forRegionandAll-StateOrchestra,Solo/Ensemble,alongwithMassandJubilateKnight.Thecourseis predominantlyperformancebasedandencouragesskilledplayerstoexplorenewgoalsonhisorherinstrument. Students may enroll for multiple years.
746-HighSchoolBand
Prerequisites: Two years of instruction and departmental approval
Grade9/10/11/12
.5Credit
ThisclassisforstudentswhohavecompletedtwoyearsofbandclassatSJCSoranotherschool.Students enrolledinthisclassshouldhavecompletedStandardofExcellenceBookIorhaveauditionedforthedirector andhaveshownthattheyareadvancedenoughtojointheHighSchoolbandclass.Thesestudentswillbe workingonamusicrepertoireappropriatefortheHighSchoolConcertBand.Studentswillbeexpectedto participateintheirsemesterconcert(s). Students may enroll for one or two semesters each year.
749-HonorsHighSchoolBand
Prerequisite: Three years of instruction and departmental approval
Grade9/10/11/12 1Credit
Thisisafull-yearcourseandwillberunconcurrentlywiththeHighSchoolBandclass(746)providing additionalopportunitytothestudentsforachallengingandmorerigorouscurriculumwithinafullschoolyear. HonorsBandstudentswilljoininpreparingamusicrepertoireappropriateforHighSchoolConcertBand.In additiontotherequirementsofHighSchoolBand(746),thiscourseisdesignedtoprovidestudentswitha modelforbecomingasuccessfulmusicianandtoexperienceotheraspectsofwhatgreatmusiciansdo.
Performance Component (choose 3): AllStateAudition,DiosecanClinicParticipation,SoloandEnsemble Participation,WrittenConcertCritique(2)
Student Choice Component (2 per semester): 10variouschoicestobeprovidedinclass Students may enroll for multiple years.
770/570-CreativeWriting
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Studentswillexploretheartofcreativewritingbyinvestigatingvariousgenresofliteratureandwriting;reading closelywithaneyeontechnique,style,andvoice;writingcreativelyinavarietyofgenresandwithvarious foci;andpresentingtheirownworkthroughpeerediting,author’schairreadings,andpublishing.Studentswill keepawritingjournalandwillsubmitaportfoliooforiginalcompositionsatthecourse'send.
PHYSICALEDUCATIONDEPARTMENT
Students can earn PE credit by participating in SJCS sports. One-half credit can be earned for each season played at the JV or Varsity level during the high school years.
803-AthleticTraining
Grade10/11/12 .5Credit
Prerequisite: CPR/AED certification and attendance of the Athletic Training Workshop Thiscoursewillintroducestudentstotapingandbracing;bandagingcutsandabrasions;usinguniversal precautions;assistingwithtreatmentsandrehab;equipmentsafety;andassistingwiththehydrationlevelof athletes.Thestudentwillberequiredtoattendallhomeeventsforthedesignatedsportandputinaminimumof 6hoursaweekforthedurationofthesportsseason.Thisclasstimewilloccurafterschoolhoursduringsports practices.Studentsmustparticipateforonefullseasonofanathleticsport.
804/731-IntrotoModernDance
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisone-semesterclassisanintroductiontoallformsofmoderndance.Itexploresthemovementofthebody inrelationshiptospace,form,andrhythm.Theclasswillconsistofawarm-up,stretching,exercisestodevelop coordinationofmovements,andchoreographytoavarietyofroutines.Studentswillbeexpectedtodressin comfortable,yoga-typeclothingfortheclass.Noperformancewillberequired.Theclasswillbelimitedto18. Students may only take this course once. This course can count as a Fine Arts credit instead of PE.
805/732-IntrotoSocialDance
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisone-semester,beginningdanceclassteachesmanyofthesocialdancesofourcultureandothers.Itcovers basicballroomdancing,likeswing,thewaltz,andthetango.Thestudentswillalsoparticipateincontra dancing,squaredancing,andotherfolkdances.Manynewerlinedanceswillalsobetaught,likecountry,disco, andpop.Theclasswillbelimitedto18.(Pass/Fail) Students may only take this course once. This course can count as a Fine Arts credit instead of PE.
808-StrengthTraining
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisone-semestercourseisavailabletoallhighschoolstudents.Thecoursewillprovidefamiliarizationwith theweightroom,includingsafety,exerciseterminology,andtechnique.Thestudentswillbestrengthtestedto determineabaselineastheybegintheirstrengthprogram.Theprogramculminatesinastrengthtestassessing growth.
809-HealthandExerciseScience
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12
.5Credit
Thisone-semesterclassfocusesonunderstandingthephysiologicalresponsesandadaptationstoexerciseby examiningbasicprinciplesofphysicalfitnessandexploringthehumanbodysystems,includingthe cardiovascular,muscular,respiratory,digestive,andnervoussystems.Studentsareintroducedtohealthissues suchascancer,diabetes,cardiovasculardisease,andnutrition.
All students must earn .5 credits in Technology and Engineering to graduate.
903-GoogleCertification
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
StudentspracticeprofessionalismandlearningwithintheGoogleSuite.Thisclassteachesstudentstheskills necessarytoobtainaTOSAcertificationineachsectionoftheGoogleSuite(Docs,Sheets,Slides). https://www.tosa.org/EN/certificationbundle#googleworkspace
910-IntroductiontoWebDesign
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Thisisaproject-basedcoursethatteachesstudentshowtobuildtheirownwebpages.Studentswilllearnthe languagesHTMLandCSS,andwillcreatetheirownlivehomepagestoserveasportfoliosoftheircreations.
907-PythonProgrammingI
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Prerequisite: Completion of or current enrollment in Geometry PythonProgrammingIintroducesstudentstothefundamentalsofcomputerprogramming,withanemphasison helpingstudentsdeveloplogicalthinkingandproblem-solvingskills.Studentsbeginbylearningtodesign, code,andtesttheirprogramswhileapplyingmathematicalconcepts.
908-PythonProgrammingII
Prerequisite:Python Programming I
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
ThiscoursecontinuesPythonProgrammingIusingmoreadvancedprogrammingconcepts.Studentswilllearn tocreatemorepowerfulprogramsusingfunctions,strings,datastructures,filei/ooperations,andobjects.
915-DataSciencewithPython
Prerequisite: Python Programming I
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Industriesofalltypesarehiringdatascientiststoanalyzeandhighlightthehiddenpatternsindata.Thiscourse equipsstudentswiththeessentialskillsofadatascientistwhichincludedatacollection,cleanup, transformation,analysis,andvisualization.Studentswillwritealgorithms,telldatastories,andbuildstatistical modelsusingPythonlibraries.Theywillusethesametoolsthatdatascientistsusetodrawmeaningfulinsights andsolveorganizationalproblems.
916-IntroductiontoArtificialIntelligence
Prerequisite: Python Programming I
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
TheIntroductiontoArtificialIntelligence(AI)courseteachesstudentsimportantprogrammingconceptsthat enabletheuseofAIincomputerscienceandsocietyatlarge.StudentslearntheimplicationsofAIonsociety anddevelopaseriesofprojectsthatillustratethevarietyofwaysAIcanbeusedtooptimizeandpredict information.
917-FundamentalsofCybersecurity
Prerequisite: None
Grade9/10/11/12 .5Credit
Studentswillgainacomprehensiveunderstandingofthedigitalworldtheynavigateeveryday.They’llbe exposedtotheinnerworkingsofcomputerhardwareandsoftware,exploretheintricaciesofhownetworks connect,anddiveintotheworldofencryptionandcryptography.Theywillalsolearntheimportanceof safeguardingourincreasinglydigitalworldfromunauthorizedaccess,ensuringtheprivacyandintegrityofdata. Byunderstandingthesefundamentalbuildingblocks,studentswillbeabletoidentifyanddefendagainst potentialcybersecuritythreats.
931-APComputerSciencePrinciples
Grade10/11/12 1Credit
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I with a 90 average Thiscourseintroducesstudentstothefoundationalconceptsofcomputerscienceandexplorestheimpact computingandtechnologyhaveonoursociety.Thecoursegivesstudentstheopportunitytoexploreseveral importanttopicsofcomputingusingtheirownideasandcreativity,usethepowerofcomputingtocreate artifactsofpersonalvalue,anddevelopaninterestincomputersciencethatwillfosterfurtherendeavorsinthe field.
930-APComputerScienceA
Grade10/11/12 1Credit
Prerequisite: Average of 90 in Honors Geometry. APComputerScienceAintroducesstudentstocomputersciencethroughprogramming.Fundamentaltopicsin thiscourseincludethedesignofsolutionstoproblems,theuseofdatastructurestoorganizelargesetsofdata, thedevelopmentandimplementationofalgorithmstoprocessdataanddiscovernewinformation,theanalysis ofpotentialsolutions,andtheethicalandsocialimplicationsofcomputingsystems.Thecourseemphasizes object-orientedprogramminganddesignusingtheJavaprogramminglanguage.
925-HonorsIntroductiontoEngineeringDesignI
Grade11/12 .5Credit
Prerequisite: Most recent math average of 80 in an Honors class or 85 in a CP class Inthisintroductorycourse,studentsdigdeepintotheengineeringdesignprocess,applyingmath,science,and engineeringstandardstohands-onprojects.Inaddition,theywilllearntouse3Dsolidmodelingdesign softwaretodesignsolutionstoproblems.Studentswilldevelopproblem-solvingskillsandapplytheir knowledgeofresearchanddesigntocreatesolutions,documenttheprocess,andcommunicatetheresults.As thecourseprogressesandthecomplexityofthedesignproblemsincrease,studentswilllearnmoreadvanced computermodelingskillsastheybecomemoreindependentintheirlearning,moreprofessionalintheir collaborationandcommunication,andmoreexperiencedinproblemsolving. Thiscourseislimitedto15 students.
926-HonorsIntroductiontoEngineeringDesignII
Grade11/12
.5Credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Introduction to Engineering Design I and departmental approval HonorsIntroductiontoEngineeringDesignIIisacontinuationofHonorsIntroductiontoEngineeringDesignI andbuildsontheconceptslearnedintheprevioussemester Thiscourseislimitedto15students.
927-HonorsPrinciplesofEngineering
Grades11/12
1Credit
Prerequisite: Most recent math average of 80 in an Honors class or 85 in a CP class (Note: for 2026-2027, the prerequisite will be completion of Honors Introduction to Engineering Design I) Throughproblemsthatengageandchallenge,studentsexploreabroadrangeofengineeringtopics,including mechanisms,thestrengthofstructuresandmaterials,andautomation. Studentsdevelopskillsinproblem solving,research,anddesign,whilelearningstrategiesfordesignprocessdocumentation,collaboration,and presentation. Thiscourseislimitedto15students.
StudentSupportServices
AcademicSuccess(SemesterorFullYear)
Prerequisite: Approval of Dean for Academic Success
Grade9/10/11/12 .5/1.0Credit
AcademicSuccessisacomprehensiveprogramthatservesstudentswhodesireadditionalacademicsupport intheircoreclasses.Classtimeisdesignedtofacilitatecontinueddevelopmentofessentialskillsand strategiesnecessarytoexcelintheircoreacademicsubjectsandassiststudentsinbecomingmore independentandeffectivelearners.Classesmeetoneperioddailyandeachsessionisdesignedtoaddress individuallearningneeds,allowingforapersonalizedapproachtoskill-building.Thecourseisopentoall studentshoweverstudentswithdiagnosedlearningdifferencesaregivenpreferentialplacement.
APCAPSTONEPROGRAM
Students who earn a passing score in AP Seminar and AP Research in addition to four other AP exams at SJCS will be eligible for the AP Diploma.
TheAPCapstoneprogramisintendedtoprovideinterestedstudentswithastrongfoundationinresearchand analyticalskillsthatarecriticaltoengagingininnovativeindependentworkattheundergraduateandgraduate level.Itconsistsoftwoyear-longAPlevelcourses:APSeminarandAPResearch.Thesecoursesare interdisciplinaryandfocusondevelopingcriticalthinking,collaborativeabilities,timemanagement,andthe abilitytosystematicallyconductresearchandsynthesizeinformation.
StudentsmaytaketheAPSeminarcoursebeginningtheirsophomoreyear Successfulcompletionofthisclass isaprerequisitefortheAPResearchcourse.IndividualsinterestedinparticipatingintheCapstoneprogram shouldcontacttheDeanforAcademicSuccessformoreinformationabouttheAPCapstoneprogram.
APSeminar(FullYear)
Grade10/11 1.0Credit
Prerequisite: Most recent History and English averages of 80 in AP-level courses, 85 in honors-level courses, or 90 in CP-level courses
APSeminarisafoundationalcoursethatengagesstudentsincross-curricularconversationsthatexplorethe complexitiesofacademicandreal-worldtopicsandissuesbyanalyzingdivergentperspectives.Usingan inquiryframework,studentspracticereadingandanalyzingarticles,researchstudies,andfoundationalliterary andphilosophicaltexts;listeningtoandviewingspeeches,broadcasts,andpersonalaccounts;andexperiencing artisticworksandperformances.Studentslearntosynthesizeinformationfrommultiplesources,developtheir ownperspectivesinresearch-basedwrittenessays,anddesignanddeliveroralandvisualpresentations,both individuallyandaspartofateam.Ultimately,thecourseaimstoequipstudentswiththepowertoanalyzeand evaluateinformationwithaccuracyandprecisioninordertocraftandcommunicateevidence-basedarguments.
APResearch(FullYear)
Prerequisite: AP Seminar and departmental approval
Grade11/12
1.0Credit
APResearchisthesecondcourseintheAPCapstoneexperience.Itallowsstudentstodeeplyexplorean academictopic,problem,issue,orideaofindividualinterest.Studentsdesign,plan,andimplementayearlong investigationtoaddressaresearchquestion.Throughthisinquiry,theyfurthertheskillstheyacquiredintheAP Seminarcoursebylearningresearchmethodology,employingethicalresearchpractices,andaccessing, analyzing,andsynthesizinginformation.Studentsreflectontheirskilldevelopment,documenttheirprocesses, andcuratetheartifactsoftheirscholarlyworkthroughaprocessandreflectionportfolio.Thecourseculminates inanacademicpaperof4,000–5,000words(accompaniedbyaperformance,exhibit,orproductwhere applicable)andapresentationwithanoraldefense.