Departments

Examining the works of our Nation’s authors, students will identify the changing interpretation of the “American Dream.” The literary reflections of America’s unique and diverse culture demonstrate the desires and goals of our collective American experience. This survey course starts with Native American literature and chronologically follows America’s literary movements through the Post-Modern era. A foundation in literary analysis is established through study of America’s great poets, playwrights, novelists, and authors. As students move from plot summary to theme identification, students learn the vocabulary that describes America’s literature and rhetoric. Formal narrative, research, and argument writing projects are combined with professional communication skills such as blog posts, virtual discussions, presentations, and speech. This mixture helps students to demonstrate academic vocabulary and their understandings of our American culture.

In this survey course, students will read, analyze, and write about British and European literature from the early modern period to the present day. Students will gain a greater appreciation for the intellectual, political, and cultural eras of writers and the impact of their works. Authors whose work will be examined include, but are not limited to: William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, George BernardShaw, and Kazuo Ishiguro. We also explore poetry, short stories, and speeches. Students will build their writing skills by crafting complex sentences and thesis statements that express a clear, concise voice, creating paragraphs that convey meaning, incorporating well-researched evidence into their assignments, and implementing MLA style citations consistently and correctly. Further emphasis will be placed on how to read critically and to prepare students for the expectations of college-level reading and writing.

This course is constructed in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the College Board AP English Course Description. Advanced Placement English Language and Composition, a college-level writing course, is designed to develop students’ abilities as critical readers and writers while preparing them for the AP English Language and Composition exam in May. This class achieves these goals through the following: analysis of non-fiction texts, rhetorical techniques, and literary devices; development of research, annotated reading and writing process techniques, and applied grammar and vocabulary.

An AP course requires students’ best efforts consistently and emphasizes their developing independence of thought and mature habits of critical thinking. Students will be expected to demonstrate the same behavior and attitude that will be required of them as college students; this means that they will be expected to assume responsibility for deadlines, revising essays, and preparing for class discussions. Students must exercise self-discipline when preparing for all assignments. Authors whose work will be examined include (among many others): Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph Waldo Emerson, Frederick Douglass, Dr. Seuss, Tim O’Brien, Truman Capote, and Harper Lee.

This class is designed to acquaint students with authors, writings, and cultures around the world in accordance with historical time periods. Students will explore and analyze the diversity, significance, and relevance of world literature. Emphasis is placed on making personal and social connections with the historical background and cultural context of the authors and reading. In conjunction with the literature, a continuation of previously learned writing formats and styles will be perfected. Attention will be paid to understanding the author's purpose, tone, structure, and techniques. Students will learn to model their own writing after patterns found in published author’s works and to find their own topic ideas from reading quality writing. Students will refine their grammar and sentence fluency skills through careful editing of their own work and that of their peers. Students will produce polished pieces as the culminating task for each unit.

Designed for the ambitious student, English 12 Honors is reading and writing intensive. Using Victorian science fiction and fantasy as the focus, this course further develops careful and analytical reading, research, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. Through close reading of selected texts by H.G. Wells, Bram Stoker, Jules Verne, Oscar Wilde, and Robert Louis Stevenson, students develop understanding of the ways in which writers use language to explore intellectual, political, cultural, and social structure in the Victorian era. This course is recommended for students who are willing to devote the extra time and rigor for independent reading, writing, and projects in preparation for college.

Recommended seniors in this accelerated course study the various modes of drama (Greek tragedy, comedy, satirical, and modern),the various forms and techniques of poetry through readings, and analytical discussions of works of literary merit. In addition, to practice analytical and composition skills, students undertake a number of timed writings based on the literature under study and are introduced to longer literary analysis papers focusing on Critical Theories. Vocabulary enhancement is offered, as is individualized instruction in usage and mechanics. An AP course requires students’ best efforts consistently and emphasizes their developing independence of thought and mature habits of critical thinking. Students will be expected to demonstrate the same behavior and attitude that will be required of them as college students; this means that they will be expected to assume responsibility for deadlines, revising essays, and preparing for class discussions. Students must exercise self-discipline when preparing for all assignments.

This class surveys modern practices of creating and circulating messages designed to misinform and mislead public audiences. Students learn to assess the worth of information through practical understandings of information literacy, media ethics, and the common tactics of mass-mediated manipulation. This course is weighted as an honors course.

This Introductory course will focus on the basics of Art through an examination of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Each project will focus on at least 2 of the elements and principles and how they work together to create a successful artwork.  The class will build a foundation throughout the semester in color, line, value, perspective, and composition, leading into Art II. The class will complete projects in various media, including Collage, Watercolor, pen and ink, pastel, and pencil. Students will also be introduced to Shape vs. Form, producing at least 1 three-dimensional piece.  This will provide a strong foundation for students who wish to enroll in advanced art classes. All projects will be infused with art history.

This course will continue building on the elements and principles through a variety of two-dimensional projects.  Projects will be designed to help develop drawing skills using pencil, colored pencil, marker, pen and ink and charcoal.  Projects may include still life studies, landscapes and beginning portraiture. Students will progress into a basic painting unit and color theory.  Students will be introduced to painting techniques in both acrylic and watercolor.  This course is designed to lead into Art III.

This course is a foundation course in ceramics designed to introduce students to basic techniques in functional and sculptural design. The course will familiarize students with basic forms (slab, coil and wheel thrown methods), surfaces, and firing of ceramics. There will be a $40 lab fee to cover the cost of clay and glazes.

This course will offer advanced lessons in drawing and painting, building off of the skills taught in Art II. The course objectives will concentrate on more advanced subjects and movements such as figure drawing and portraiture.  The projects will allow the opportunity to work in charcoal, pen and ink, pencil, colored pencil and marker. Course objectives will also include projects in acrylic and watercolor. Throughout this course, students will be given more creative freedom for medium choice as well as subject matters.  We will work on students developing their personal style and artistic voice.  This course will serve as a precursor for acceptance into AP Studio Art.

The AP Art and Design program consists of three different courses and AP Portfolio Exams—AP 2-D Art and Design, AP 3-D Art and Design, and AP Drawing—corresponding to college and university foundation courses. Students may choose to submit any or all of the AP Portfolio Exams. Students create a portfolio of work to demonstrate inquiry through art and design and development of materials, processes, and ideas over the course of a year. Portfolios include works of art and design, process documentation, and written information about the work presented. In May, students submit portfolios for evaluation based on specific criteria, which include skillful synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas and sustained investigation through practice, experimentation, and revision, guided by questions.

In this course, students will learn the process of filmmaking, encompassing elements of script writing, storyboards, directing, cinematography, and lighting. They will also learn the basics of photography, camera functions, video editing, and media analysis. Students will work individually writing, shooting, and editing their own projects. Students will be introduced to Apple’s Final Cut Pro software on one of our three Mac student workstations for all video production projects.

Introduces the field of audio production for film, live sound, and recording.  In this course students will learn and practice techniques for recording, editing, and mixing in, both a recording setting and live environment. Students will work with the following software on their laptop computers: Reaper (for digital audio recording and editing) on their school-assigned laptops. 

Introduces the field of audio production for film, live sound, and recording. In this course students will learn and practice techniques for recording, editing, and mixing in, both a recording setting and live environment. Students will work with the following software applications on their laptop computers: Reaper (audio recording and editing) and Audacity (Waveform editing). Students will be introduced to Apple’s Logic Pro X software on one of our three Mac student workstations.

This introductory course deals with controlling computer technology to produce an artistic image. Students will learn computer illustration techniques, image manipulation, and the principles and elements of art in composition. Students will explore careers in the Graphic Design field. Projects may include logo design, advertisements, digital illustration, typography, and photo editing.

This course is designed to help the students achieve proficiency in the art of producing a yearbook. Each student must request admission to the class and acceptance is established by the teacher. Each year, the yearbook is produced online.  Skills taught and reinforced include organization, time management, editing, photography, writing, design, attention to detail, delegating, and teamwork. Once yearbook deadlines are met, the class will focus on responsible reporting, investigative skills, and journalistic writing techniques as they read, respond to, and write their own news and feature articles.

Students will learn to read and play percussion music through guided practice and repetition. They will explore the realm of percussion instruments through the study of various techniques, such as African, Indian, and Middle Eastern hand drumming. Through exercises and musical examples provided by the instructor, the students will be able to perform rhythmic patterns as solo and group performances. The students will learn basic music theory through their percussion studies and be able to articulate findings using musical terms in their journal writings. Percussion I is a prerequisite to Percussion II.

Students will learn to read and play piano music through guided practice and repetition. They will explore the classical piano genre through exercises and musical examples provided by the instructor. The students will learn basic music theory through their studies and be able to articulate findings using musical terms in their journal writings. Piano II is a continuation of Piano I. Piano I is a prerequisite to Piano II.

Students will explore guitar technique and musical performance.  The class is non-auditioned and all are welcome. Enjoyment of the instrument and excitement in playing is the goal of this course. Sight reading, learning notes, and timing will be stressed. Projects including performance in guitar will be required. Performance opportunities will be available year-round for the students.

Students must have rudimentary technique of the instrument and be able to sight read notes or tablature. This course develops the technical and interpretative skills of the students, which will enable them to proceed to more advanced works of music. These students will have juries and be expected to perform at a Saint John’s school performance.

Blues, rock, Celtic and classical music will be available for the students. Improving technique and learning a large repertoire of music will be stressed. Chordal theory will be studied and used to create music. Sight reading either the notes or tabulation is required. These students will be expected to perform. Juries will be held for a grade in this class.

Mount St. Mary’s University – Frederick Campus - offered through the part time program for select seniors. Prerequisite: Seniors with required GPA

 In this course, candidates are introduced to principles of design and the role of multimedia in learning. Candidates identify the uses of multimedia and survey available technology and software to develop media projects that address a variety of instructional needs. This is weighted as an honors course.

Algebra 1A is the first course in a two-year progression of a standard Algebra 1 course.  This year-long course covers the concepts that are typically seen in the first half of Algebra 1.  Students will review real number computation and working with algebraic expressions and then focus on reaching mastery of linear functions, including solving equations and inequalities, graphing functions, and working with systems. A four-function calculator is required.

Algebra 1B is the second course in a two-year progression of a standard Algebra 1 course.  This year-long course covers the concepts that are typically seen in the second half of Algebra 1.  Students will review and extend major linear function concepts from Algebra 1A and then focus on reaching mastery of quadratic functions, including computing with and factoring polynomial expressions, solving equations, and graphing functions. A graphing calculator is required.

Algebra 1 is a course that covers introductory algebraic concepts.  Students will focus on gaining mastery of linear and quadratic functions, including solving linear/quadratic equations and linear inequalities, working with linear systems, understanding relations and functions, working with exponents and radicals, computing with and factoring polynomial expressions, and graphing linear/quadratic functions and linear inequalities. A graphing calculator is required.

In Geometry, students will cover basic geometric concepts, including transformations, triangles, proofs, polygons, special quadrilaterals, right triangle trigonometry, area, volume, and circles, as well as develop logic and reasoning skills.  There will be an emphasis on making algebraic connections with geometric concepts. A graphing calculator is required.

Algebra 2 is a continuation of the study of algebraic concepts.  Students will focus on analyzing a variety of functions and solving a variety of equations, including absolute value, piecewise, polynomial, rational, and exponential, and gaining a basic understanding of logarithms. A graphing calculator is required.

Advanced Algebra is a continuation of algebraic concepts and an introduction to trigonometric concepts.  Students will review the analysis of linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, and exponential functions from Algebra 2 and explore logarithmic functions before learning about angles and basic trigonometry. A graphing calculator is required.

Probability & Statistics Honors prepares students to take a future college-level Statistics course.  This course is open to seniors as their core math course or to juniors as an elective math course.  Topics include data analysis, counting techniques and probability, sampling and experimental design, and statistical inference, and applications of these concepts. A graphing calculator is required.

Precalculus Honors prepares students to take a future Calculus course.  Students will focus on reviewing polynomial, rational and exponential functions, analyzing logarithmic functions, and gaining mastery of major trigonometric concepts, including the unit circle, trigonometric functions, and trigonometric expressions and equations. A graphing calculator is required.

AP Precalculus prepares students to take a future Calculus course and provides an opportunity for college-level mathematics credit.  This course follows the suggested units of study provided by College Board with topics including polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and polar functions.  Students enrolled in this course must sit for the AP exam in May. A graphing calculator is required.

AP Calculus AB is equivalent to a college-level Calculus I course.  This course follows the suggested units of study provided by College Board with topics including differential and integral calculus and their applications. Students enrolled in this course must sit for the AP exam in May. A graphing calculator is required.

AP Calculus BC is equivalent to both a college-level Calculus I & Calculus II course.  This course follows the suggested units of study provided by College Board with topics including differential and integral calculus and their applications, application of calculus ideas to parametric and polar functions, and the analysis of infinite series.   Students will be expected to recall all concepts from AP Calculus AB in order to be successful in this course.  Students enrolled in this course must sit for the AP exam in May. A graphing calculator is required.

AP Statistics is equivalent to a college-level introductory Statistics course.  This course follows the suggested units of study provided by College Board with topics including exploring data, sampling and experimentation, probability and simulation, and statistical inference.  Students enrolled in this course must sit for the AP exam in May. A graphing calculator is required.

Intro to Personal Finance is a graduation requirement for all students that is typically taken during junior or senior year. It cannot be taken as a core math credit. This course is an introduction to bank accounts, credit, investments, loans, and budgets.  Students will focus on managing money and making sound financial decisions.

Physical education is an integral part of a student’s total educational program. The physical education curriculum provides a planned sequence of learning experiences in which human movement concentrates on the individual’s maximum physical potential and the related social, emotional, and intellectual growth. The Health Education program is an integrated part of the Physical Education course of study.

Health Education provides students with an awareness of health standards for living including bodily functions and develops a conscious awareness of contemporary problems which affect general health and well being.  The Physical Education program is an integrated part of the Health course of study.

This elective course provides students and athletes with the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of sport activities and to build foundations for a quality lifestyle.

This elective course provides students with the opportunity to improve muscle strength and weight control while gaining an understanding essential to developing a basic weight training program.

This course covers life from the molecular level of the cell through the human organism. In addition to cell biology, topics studied include cellular respiration, genetics and protein synthesis, evolution, and the Kingdoms Plantae and Animalia. Lab work is stressed.

Chemistry is the study of the properties and the behavior of matter. In this course, laboratory experiences are integrated into the material.  Topics covered include: atomic structure, interactions between atoms and molecules, chemical quantities, chemical reactions, solution chemistry, and acid-base chemistry.

Students study the principles and laws governing the behavior of the inanimate world around us. Knowledge is gained through experimentation, reasoning, and mathematical analysis. The course will cover the concepts and mathematics behind the natural laws which explain the behavior of forces, motion, work, energy, electricity, light, sound, and modern physics. Development of appropriate lab, computer, and calculating abilities will be an integral part of the course. Recommended for all students anticipating a career in science, engineering, or science related areas.

This course is a 2nd year physics course intended for students with an interest in engineering or science. Strong emphasis is placed on inquiry-based learning and solving a variety of challenging problems. The subject matter is principally classical mechanics; equivalent to a first-semester college physics course. This course can lead to the opportunity to pursue and receive credit for college level work by successfully taking the advanced placement exam in physics at the end of the course.

The AP Biology course is a national program that gives high school students the opportunity to experience a college level course and to take the AP exam for college credit. General course topics include chemistry of life, cell, cellular energetics, heredity and evolution, organisms, populations, and ecology. The course will examine chemical processes essential to life, structure and functions of organisms, causes of adaptations. This course will teach students how to identify relationships and apply concepts rather than simply to memorize facts. The format for AP Biology is lecture and laboratory. *Students enrolled in this course must sit for the AP exam in May.

AP Chemistry is designed to be the equivalent of the general Chemistry course usually taken during the first year of college. Successful completion of the AP examination at year's end may allow students either to undertake second year Chemistry courses in the freshman year or to fulfill lab science requirements and free time for other courses. General topics include Evidence for the existence of atoms, Chemical bonding, Nuclear Chemistry, Gases and gas laws, Solutions, Reaction types, Stoichiometry, Equilibrium, Reaction Kinetics and Thermodynamics. The course will include both lecture and a laboratory program which will expect the student to think analytically and reduce problems to identifiable, answerable questions.

AP Environmental Science is divided into two parts. The first part examines how nature operates through the creation and recycling of various substances and the interrelationships of various species of plants and animals. The second part of the course is the effect that humans have on their environment. The topics covered include carbon and nitrogen cycles, food chains, sources of pollution and the fate of pollutants in the environment, population and resource management and dynamics, waste management and recycling, water resources and pollution as well as climate change and ozone depletion. The course will have a lab component, and many important topics will be debated in team format.

This course is the study of the nutrients in foods and how the body handles each of these nutrients. Mendel defined nutrition science as "the chemistry of life", where the process by which food components are digested, converted and utilized is analyzed and understood chemically for better life management. Students who apply what they learn about food and its effects on their bodies may develop a healthier lifestyle and an improved future.

This course is to provide students with an overview of the fields of anatomy, physiology, and sports medicine. This course will breakdown various regions of the body on vascular, muscular, and skeletal levels. A variety of teaching methods will be utilized and the coursework will cover basic anatomy, physiology, nutrition, evaluation of injuries, and professional preparation.

This course surveys a wide range of history beginning with the empires of Africa, feudal Europe and Eurasia during the High Middle Ages through to the Cold War and the global economy. Special emphasis focuses on major cultural traditions, historical forces, and dynamic turning points that have affected the human condition from the emergence of the modern state through the scientific revolution, age of enlightenment and exploration, industrialization and globalization.  Modern World History introduces students to the study of original source documents. Students use a textbook as well as source writings and non-written material to begin to develop a direct understanding of the way historians interpret and analyze evidence. Analytical writing assignments begin to develop the skills necessary to complete a well-documented essay by the end of the year.

Honors Modern World History is an enriched and accelerated instructional environment designed to prepare students to take honors level history classes.  In addition to the period surveyed in other Modern World History sections, the Modern World History honors sections accelerate coverage of material to permit the introduction of historiography. Students participate in more far-ranging discussions that involve a wider selection of readings.  Honors-level writing assignments develop the ability to write well-documented essays more frequently.

A survey of United States political, social, and economic history from 1300 to the present. Major topics of study include Native Americans, the American Revolution, Jeffersonian America, Progressive Era, World War I, the Great Depression/New Deal, World War II, the Cold War, and the Civil Rights Movement. Special attention is given to the skills of critical analysis of primary source material, contextualizing complex historical events, and synthesizing findings into a variety of projects and outcomes.

A course that will conduct an in-depth analysis on the overall structure of American government from its inception in 1781 to present day. The course will focus on the three main bodies of government as well as critique the rolls and checks and balances that each possess. The Question as to whether America remains a true Popular Will democracy will be answered, and students will engage in numerous exercises to examine the validity of this democracy. Has America truly benefited from the roles that democracy has set forth, or, as the quote explains, has it only created a government of achievements that has been less than appealing?

AP U.S. Government and Politics provides a college-level, nonpartisan introduction to key political concepts, ideas, institutions, policies, interactions, roles, and behaviors that characterize the constitutional system and political culture of the United States. Students will study U.S. foundational documents, Supreme Court decisions, and other texts and visuals to gain an understanding of the relationships and interactions among political institutions, processes, and behavior. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence-based arguments. In addition, they will complete a political science research or applied civics project.

Intensive in both reading and logical thinking skills, this AP course in macroeconomics gives students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics.

Prerequisite: (Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) and Department Approval

This course is an introductory college-level modern world history course. Students cultivate their understanding of world history from c. 1200 CE to the present through analyzing historical sources and learning to make connections and craft historical arguments as they explore concepts like humans and the environment, cultural developments and interactions, governance, economic systems, social interactions and organization, and technology and innovation.  Students enrolled in this course must sit for the AP exam in May.

This course presents an overview of research basics needed in higher education institutions. In full year course, students will learn how to conduct research, organize their findings, and formulate a research paper pertaining to their selected topic and chosen field. The students will have guest speakers who are experts in various fields to come and discuss research and why it is an important skill to have, as well as writing and writing strategies. This course is weighted as an honors course and is available to juniors and seniors only.

An exploration into the world of contemporary business from entrepreneurship and small business development, to legal structure, finance, going global, data science, management, marketing, operations, and more. Students discover how problem solving and critical thinking are applied to decision making. This is weighted as an honors course.

This course is designed to offer an introduction to computer science. Students will learn the basics of computer programming along with the basics of computer science. The material emphasizes computational thinking and helps develop the ability to solve complex problems. The course also covers the basic building blocks of programming along with other central elements of computer science. It gives a foundation in the tools used in computer science and prepares students for further study in computer science, including AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A courses. This is an online course with faculty supervision.

AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) is a full-year, rigorous course that introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and explores the impact computing and technology have on our society. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics including: programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing.  This course will prepare students for the end-of-course AP Exam. This is an online course with faculty supervision.

AP Computer Science A (Java) is a full-year, rigorous course in which students will learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society, including art, media, and engineering. AP Computer Science A teaches object-oriented programming using the Java language and is meant to be the equivalent of a first semester, college-level course in computer science. It will emphasize problem solving and algorithm development, and use hands-on experiences and examples so that students can apply programming tools and solve complex problems. This course will prepare students for the end-of-course AP Exam. This is an online course with faculty supervision.

In this course, students will learn the process of filmmaking, encompassing elements of script writing, storyboards, directing, cinematography, and lighting. They will also learn the basics of photography, camera functions, video editing, and media analysis. Students will work individually writing, shooting, and editing their own projects. Students will be introduced to Apple’s Final Cut Pro software on one of our three Mac student workstations for all video production projects.

Introduces the field of audio production for film, live sound, and recording.  In this course students will learn and practice techniques for recording, editing, and mixing in, both a recording setting and live environment. Students will work with the following software on their laptop computers: Reaper (for digital audio recording and editing) on their school-assigned laptops. 

Introduces the field of audio production for film, live sound, and recording. In this course students will learn and practice techniques for recording, editing, and mixing in, both a recording setting and live environment. Students will work with the following software applications on their laptop computers: Reaper (audio recording and editing) and Audacity (Waveform editing). Students will be introduced to Apple’s Logic Pro X software on one of our three Mac student workstations.

This introductory course deals with controlling computer technology to produce an artistic image. Students will learn computer illustration techniques, image manipulation and the principles and elements of art in composition. Students will explore careers in the Graphic Design field. Projects may include logo design, advertisements, digital illustration, typography and photo editing.

This course is designed to help the students achieve proficiency in the art of producing a yearbook. Each student must request admission to the class and acceptance is established by the teacher. Each year, the yearbook is produced online.  Skills taught and reinforced include organization, time management, editing, photography, writing, design, attention to detail, delegating, and teamwork. Once yearbook deadlines are met, the class will focus on responsible reporting, investigative skills, and journalistic writing techniques as they read, respond to, and write their own news and feature articles.

Mount St. Mary’s University – Frederick Campus - offered through the part time program for select seniors. Prerequisite: Seniors with required GPA

 In this course, candidates are introduced to principles of design and the role of multimedia in learning. Candidates identify the uses of multimedia and survey available technology and software to develop media projects that address a variety of instructional needs. This is weighted as an honors course.

The course provides the foundation for advanced exploration in the areas of flying, aerospace engineering, and unmanned aircraft systems. Students will learn about engineering practices, problem-solving, and the innovations and technological developments that have made today’s aviation and aerospace industries possible.

Students will look at the problem-solving practices and innovative leaps that transformed space exploration from the unimaginable to the common in a single generation. Students will also gain historical perspective, starting from the earliest flying machines and leading to the wide variety of modern aircraft and the integral role they play in making today’s world work.

Students will begin with an exploration of the types of aircraft in use today before going on to learn how aircraft are made and how they fly. Students will understand how aircraft are categorized, be able to identify their parts, and learn about aircraft construction techniques and materials. They will gain an in-depth understanding of the forces of flight—lift, weight, thrust, and drag—including how to make key calculations. They will then touch on aircraft design, looking at stability, aircraft controls, and maneuvering flight. The course will conclude with a focus on career skills related to these topics.

Students will take an in-depth look at the systems that make manned and unmanned aircraft work as well as the instrumentation powered by those systems. Beginning with aircraft powerplants and fuel systems, students will learn about the different options available and how they affect aircraft design and performance. They will go on to explore other key aircraft systems, including electrical, pitot-static, and vacuum systems. Throughout, they will learn about the flight instruments associated with each system and how to identify and troubleshoot common problems. This unit also covers airplane flight manuals, the pilot's operating handbook, and required aircraft documents. Finally, students will learn about the factors that affect aircraft performance and how to determine critical operating data for aircraft.

This course is foundational for both manned and unmanned aviation, and will prepare students to take either of two Federal Aviation Administration tests: the Private Pilot Knowledge Test or the Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test. Topics include: pre-flight procedures, airspace, radio communications, aviation phraseology, regulations, airport operations, aviation safety, weather, cockpit management, and emergency procedures.

The UAS Operations course will cover small, unmanned aircraft performance, ethics, human factors, aeronautical decision-making and judgment, safety protocols, weight and balance, maintenance, aviation weather sources and effects of weather (micro-meteorology) on small unmanned aircraft performance, small unmanned aircraft loading and performance, emergency procedures, crew resource management, and preflight inspection procedures. Students will be provided the opportunity to participate in multiple practice examinations. Students will be prepared to complete the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge Test upon completion of this course.

After preparing for the Part 107 Remote Pilot Test in the previous year, students were able to earn a valuable certification that allows them to work as commercial drone pilots. This year, they will be using that certification—and the knowledge they acquired pursuing it—in real-world scenarios that illustrate how drones are used across a wide variety of industries today. Students will also learn how drone operations can be used to build or enhance a business, and the entrepreneurial skills necessary to get a start-up off the ground. They will also review drone rules within their communities, which will enable them to make recommendations to elected officials on how to optimize UAS technology and plan for the future where they live. Finally, students will learn about and conduct different types of research in preparation for their capstone project in the second semester.

The capstone course is the culmination of the student learning experience. The students will work as individuals or in small groups to study and report on an approved UAS topic of their choosing. The goal of this capstone course is to allow students to demonstrate an understanding of a contemporary topic in the drone industry. The curriculum will include presentations and activities to help guide student research and project development as well as suggestions for topics or projects that can be adapted to match available resources.

This is a required course for freshman. The goal for freshmen in Theology I is to describe the setting and content of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and then to explain their meaning.  Students will comprehend two levels of meaning:  first, what the inspired authors intended to convey to the people of their time, and second, what the Scriptures mean for us today, with emphasis on moral behavior and the fruits of violence.  The second part of the course, prayer and liturgy, focuses on people’s relationships with God today.  The theme of the entire course is “The living God gathers a people to himself.”

This is a required course for all 10th graders. This course provides sophomores a scholarly introduction to the Christian Scriptures (New Testament).  The life, message, and significance of Jesus the Christ are explored through a critical reading of the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, and Revelation.  Specific areas of study include:  sin and redemption, Jesus as Son of God, Son of Mary; the teachings and miracles of Jesus; discipleship; the Last Supper and the Eucharist; the Passion, Death, and Resurrection; Pentecost and the mission of the Church, Christian leadership, and the moral and spiritual values of the early Church.  Extended reading from the Christian Scriptures is foundational to this course.

This one year course introduces the student to Catholic morality and social teachings. The student will learn in the first semester the core elements applicable to moral decision making. This includes the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church, the formation and use of conscience, the nature of sin, virtues and vices, and the process of decision making. The second semester will deal with morality in a social context. The student will learn the doctrines of Catholic social teachings and how they are applied in the world. The principles of morality will be applied to the social issues of our time. Students will examine and question institutions, programs, governments and Church teachings in regard to issues of injustice, oppression, marginalization and the pursuit of the common good for ourselves, communities, state, country and planet.

This introductory course in philosophy provides students with a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts, themes, and methods in the field of philosophy. Philosophy, often described as the "love of wisdom," is a discipline that explores fundamental questions about reality, knowledge, ethics, and the nature of existence. Through the examination of major philosophical traditions and influential thinkers, students will develop critical thinking skills, gain a deeper understanding of the human experience, and engage in thoughtful discussions about some of the most profound questions that have intrigued humanity for centuries.

This one semester course for seniors is a survey, analysis, and comparative study of the major World Religions. Objective is to enable students to distinguish one religion from another and to identify common beliefs between other faiths and Christianity.

In this course we will be looking at the changes that are quickly coming to you as a junior or senior in high school.  What will you do in the next few years?  Who will you become?  As you go through your life what is your calling?  What choices will you make when it comes to your future, when it comes to choosing a vocation?  These are some of the many questions that will be discussed. Your many options for living a full life will be studied. Your future is wide open – and God has great things planned for you!

The world today does not have options for those of faith to ignore or have a very shallow understanding of the relationship between having faith and scientific knowledge. About 70% of young adults view science and faith as conflicting with each other. The course will show that science and faith are compatible with each other. The course will try to answer the questions generated by both disciplines, just because we can should we? This course is for those seeking a greater understanding of the relationship between science and the Catholic faith.

This is an approved internship in which a senior can obtain Theology credit. In the internship the student will be able to put what they learned about their faith over the last three years into action to help spread the teachings of Jesus Christ and build up their faith and the faith of others in their parish communities. Examples would be assisting in teaching Confirmation classes, assisting in Youth Ministry courses, aiding in catechesis classes K-6 grades. Other activities could include but not limited to doing work for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Charities and Food Banks. All internships need to be preapproved and a final assessment will need to be completed in order to obtain credit.

This year-long course aims to develop the fundamental skills of listening, speaking, and an appreciation of the culture(s) of the people(s) who speak French, along with the skills of reading and writing. Students are immersed in authentic communicative activities. Extensive additional materials are used to enrich and enhance the learning process, including videos, CD’s, visuals, games, songs, and Internet activities. Students are exposed to various aspects of the French-speaking world and are active participants in the learning process through paired and group activities.

This course will continue to develop the four language skills; building on the foundation acquired in French 1. Emphasis is placed on communication skills, focusing on producing and interpreting oral and written communication. Students will be expected to communicate clearly in writing, in an appropriate and accurate manner. Culturally authentic readings and videos are used to increase students’ global awareness, enhance students’ language capabilities, and serve as a basis for discussion. Role-playing and other communicative activities will enable students to practice the target language in a variety of situations.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 2
This course refines the competence acquired in previous courses and emphasizes communication in French. Grammatical structures previously learned are reinforced, and more complex structures and expressions are introduced. Intermediate reading texts, simple poetry, short stories, Internet materials, films, and other authentic materials are used to refine the student's reading ability. Opportunities, such as blogs and podcasts, are provided for students to strengthen their spoken and written abilities.

The focus of the course is to provide students with the skills they need to create language for communication.  The students continue their study of French from the introduction of new material, through reinforcement, evaluation and review, presentations, exercises and activities, all of which are designed to improve student expertise across the three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational). The French 3 Honors course explores more deeply the nuances of the language, instills in the students an awareness of a powerful culture, discusses economic and political topics, makes a historical connection with the world, offers and analyzes selections from various literary periods and movements related to them, and encourages the students to use their critical thinking skills to make inferences and organize their learning into a coherent “big picture” of today’s world. This course is designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in the advanced study of French grammar, conversation, literature, history, and culture. Assessments in this class include Integrated Performance Assessment (IPA) methods, in addition to traditional ones.

French IV Honors is a college prep course for students in their fourth year of study of French. All the themes that will be covered throughout the year will incorporate the 3 modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational), which are defined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century. Students who enroll in this course should have a foundation of the workings of French language, including its grammar, with intermediate-mid competence in listening, reading, writing, and speaking which are defined in the ACTFL Standards for Ffrench. Students will use Thèmes textbook along with other authentic materials and resources to enhance language acquisition and cultural learning. Students will do extensive research assignments using current and relevant resources online.

Students who enroll in the Advanced Placement Program in French Language should already have a good command of French grammar and vocabulary and have competence in listening, reading, speaking and writing, although these qualifications may be attained in a variety of ways, it is assumed that most students will be in the final stages of their secondary school training, and will have substantial course work in the language. This is an advanced level course with major emphasis upon spoken language, the extension of literary and cultural experiences, and reading for comprehension. It also includes a thorough review of the essentials of French grammar. It requires considerable self-discipline.  Students enrolled in this course must sit for the AP exam in May.

This course is intended to introduce students to functional basic Spanish and the culture(s) of the people(s) who speak Spanish. It aims to develop the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The present and preterit tenses are covered.

This course begins with a review of the highlights of Spanish I. It continues the development of the four language skills with a variety of oral and printed material. The preterit, past tense, and the direct and indirect object are covered.

In this course, the world language skills are further developed and refined. Skills will involve active use of the language in conversation and written practice. All tenses covered in the first two years are reviewed and the future, subjunctive and verbal presentation are introduced.

In this course the world language skills are further developed and refined. Skills will involve active use of the language in conversation, listening comprehension, reading comprehension and written practice. All tenses covered in the first two years are reviewed and the imperatives are introduced. This course will include the study of the subjunctive and an introduction to literature in the target language and increased instruction in the target language.

This honors level course is designed to address the needs of students who seek an alternative fourth level of Spanish study.  The curriculum will include conversational components, lectures, readings, long written assignments and oral presentations in the target language.  The course will encompass Spanish history from the Middle Ages through the modern era, and will include historical and cultural elements.  It will include a primary text, as well as ancillary materials such as videos, music, periodicals and literature in the target language.  In addition, examples of Spanish and Latin American art will be integrated into the curriculum.  The course will be designed to cover multiple disciplines while fulfilling the need for world language instruction.  Students will be expected to read, comprehend and comment on readings in the textbook and ancillary readings from various newspapers, magazines, and literature.  Literature will include prose and poetry from the Middle Ages through the modern era, and will include both peninsular and Latin American sources and authors.  Students will be expected to take quizzes and tests in the target language, and all writing assignments will also be completed in the target language.  Students will give one oral report for each semester period, which will be weighted as a test grade, in addition to tests and quizzes.

Students who enroll in the Advanced Placement Program in Spanish language should already have a good command of Spanish grammar and vocabulary and have competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The course is intended to be the equivalent of a third year college course in advanced Spanish composition and conversation emphasizing the use of Spanish for active communication. The course objectives are to comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish, to acquire vocabulary and structure, to allow easy, accurate reading of newspapers, magazines, and literature in Spanish, to compose expository passages, and to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency.  Students enrolled in this course must sit for the AP exam in May.