Additional Non-AP Courses

Courses

Advanced Theatre Studies

Credits 1.0
In Advanced Theatre Study students will continue with the work of Advanced Theatre IV where students conceptualize and oversee the entire production process for several theatrical events. By directing, producing, and managing plays or shows, students will synthesize and apply all previously learned technical elements, acting, and directing techniques, and group dynamic skills. This course has more emphasis on independent projects. Out-of-class rehearsals may be necessary to complete these activities.

African American Literature

Credits 1.0
The African American Literature course will be an introduction to some of the great work of African American authors in a variety of genres including poetry, fiction, drama, and autobiography. This course will emphasize the importance of African American Literature in today’s society.

American Civilization: English

Credits 1.0
This course is designed to parallel the literature, language, and composition study of eleventh grade English. Greater attention is given to the development of practical and fine arts, as well as the social and intellectual history of the United States. Correlations are drawn between literary and historical periods of United States history.

American Civilization: Social Studies, Intensified

Credits 1.0
This course is designed to parallel the literature, language, and composition study of eleventh grade English. Greater attention is given to the development of practical and fine arts, as well as the social and intellectual history of the United States. Correlations are drawn between literary and historical periods of United States history.

Chemistry, Principles of Laboratory course

Credits 1.0
The primary goal is to acquaint students with those aspects of chemistry relevant to everyday life. Classroom activities and laboratory experiments are emphasized.

English 9

Credits 1.0
This course offers students the opportunity to engage in an interactive and intensified study of English 9 and World History and Geography: 1500 AD to Present. Students participate in discussions, seminars, simulations, and research tied to themes in both subject areas. The class enables students to engage their peers and teachers of the course in a collaborative learning environment.

English 9, Intensified

Credits 1.0

This course is designed for the needs of the gifted and advanced students, and requires extensive reading and writing, intensive grammar and vocabulary, rigorous study of fiction, nonfiction, drama and poetry, and high-level performance in all strands of English language arts beyond what is required in English 9. Using an interdisciplinary approach, English and World History courses are taught together. Through the study of various genres of literature and nonfiction, students explore World History’s thematic concepts of identity, culture, and conflict. This course is coordinated with gifted services.

Film Study II

Credits 0.5
Film Study II will continue to expand upon the concepts taught in Film Study I. Students will more completely sample the genre and sample film making as a part of understanding film viewing. In addition to practicing oral and written communication skills, Film Study II will explore director studies, actor studies, ethnic film, screenwriting, filmmaking practice, mysteries, and film noir.

Film Study II

Credits 0.5
Film Study II will continue to expand upon the concepts taught in Film Study I. Students will more completely sample the genre and sample film making as a part of understanding film viewing. In addition to practicing oral and written communication skills, Film Study II will explore director studies, actor studies, ethnic film, screenwriting, filmmaking practice, mysteries, and film noir.

Geospatial Tools and Techniques

Credits 1.0

This course is part of the James Madison University Geospatial Semester program and provides students with a research experience applying geospatial technologies, such as geographic information systems (GIS), global positions systems (GPS), and remote sensing to a problem of interest. This course will allow students to design and execute an extended research project. Students will work to identify a problem of interest, define the stakeholders for the problem, evaluate the data and geospatial tools needed to solve the problem, analyze the data, and propose and communicate possible solutions to stakeholders.

Intermediate Orchestra

Credits 1.0
Intermediate orchestra provides students preparation for Chamber Orchestra placement. Extensive training in intermediate instrumental technique, ensemble performance and sight-reading is included in rehearsals, along with contextual theoretical and historical information. Attendance at numerous schools, community and traveling performance engagements is required.

SOAR (Success, Opportunity & Results)

Credits 1.0
SOAR is a unique program designed for a selected group of minority Grade 9 students. The SOAR class is a supportive environment with a foundation of empowerment, achievement, independence, involvement and respect. SOAR curriculum reinforces study skills, organizational strategies, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

SOAR Seminar (Success, Opportunity & Results)

Credits 1.0
SOAR is an opportunity for students of color who want additional support in developing the skills needed for advanced scholarship, leadership, and post-secondary education. Students will continue development of time management and academic skills, engage with issue of social justice while honing their leadership skills, and prepare for the college application and financial aid process.

World History & Geography: 1500 AD to the Present

Credits 1.0
This course offers students the opportunity to engage in an interactive and intensified study of English 9 and World History and Geography: 1500 AD to Present. Students participate in discussions, seminars, simulations, and research tied to themes in both subject areas. The class enables students to engage their peers and teachers of the course in a collaborative learning environment.

World History, Intensified

Credits 1.0

This course is designed for the needs of the gifted and advanced students, and requires extensive reading and writing, intensive grammar and vocabulary, rigorous study of fiction, nonfiction, drama and poetry, and high-level performance in all strands of English language arts beyond what is required in English 9. Using an interdisciplinary approach, English and World History courses are taught together. Through the study of various genres of literature and nonfiction, students explore World History’s thematic concepts of identity, culture, and conflict. This course is coordinated with gifted services.

World Literature

Credits 1.0
World Literature is designed to parallel English 12 in language and composition. Studies include extensive reading in comparative literature from Europe, Africa, Asia, South and Central America, focusing on the development of modern thought. Students initiate independent study projects to present to the class, participate in panel discussions and seminars, and write many short papers. Recommended for the highly motivated, disciplined student.

World Literature

Credits 1.0

World Literature is designed to parallel English 12 in language and composition. Studies include extensive reading in comparative literature from Europe, Africa, Asia, South and Central America, focusing on the development of modern thought. Students initiate independent study projects to present to the class, participate in panel discussions and seminars, and write many short papers.