2015-2016 FULMORE MIDDLE SCHOOL
7TH GRADE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
SEMESTER ELECTIVES
INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL MEDIA: Students are introduced to the analysis of films as artifacts that reflect select social issues. Students are also study film criticism, the making of films based on lighting, sound, visual style and theme.
ADVANCED VISUAL MEDIA: Students continue the study of films as artifacts that reflect select social issues. Students also study film criticism based on lighting, sound, visual style and theme. Students conduct research about the films and their directors, presenting their finding orally, in writing, and using visual representations. Students also study the making of film or video.
FILM AS LITERATURE: Students study the films of particular genres or countries such as Chinese Cinema, film noire, Brazilian Cinema, and the like. Through the study, the students learn to observe and note salient features such as the use of color as images and to compare and contrast films.
INTERMEDIATEART: Art is designed for Grade 7 students who may or may not have prior experience. Art history, cultural art, and a variety of mediums are explored.
BLANK PAGE: Students create original writings, in short stories, plays poetry and myths.
ANTROPOLOGY:The study of humans-past and present. This course will cover three subsets of anthropology: cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, and archaeology. Students will evaluate what makes a culture, explore how we became human and discover ancient history.
BEGINNING DANCE: This semester course will give the students an opportunity to explore a broad overview of various dance styles. Students will perform at the end of the semester.
HEROES AND MONSTERS: Students study various heroes and “monsters” in literature and film and trace their origins to various literary techniques. The study includes the development of the hero and of his antithesis in literature.
INTERMEDIATE DANCE:This year long course is a continuation of beginning dance. Students will explore a variety of dance styles at a quicker pace.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Hands on experiments and outside exploration exposes the students to the wonders of nature.
FORENSIC SCIENCE: Introduces students to the science of solving crimes. Students will learn about various topics and methods such as fingerprinting, impression evidence, hair samples, chromatography, blood splatter, and many others used by today’s forensic professionals.
GRAPHIC NOVELS AS LITERATURE: Students study major literary genres through graphic novels such as the epic, the short story, the novel, and the play. Students trace major themes in literature across genres like heroes, villains, or love. Students are also taught to compose graphic novels.
CIVIL RIGHTS LAW: Students in this course examine the law and government issues associated with the civil rights movement in the United States, as well as aspects of the history of the movement. Students will gain an awareness and appreciation of the American legal system and will participate in culminating activities in the community dealing with civil rights issues.
INTERNATIONAL LAW: Students will be given a global perspective of both the law and of human rights. Areas of study will be international courts, the universal declaration of human rights, justice systems around the world, and how International Law applies to current events.
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW: Students will examine local, state, and national environmental issues as they are affected by the law. Students will enhance their awareness and appreciation of the American legal system.
HISPANIC CULTURES: Cultural and political study of the countries of Latin America. It includes a detailed study of geophysical features and ancient civilizations.
ASIAN CULTURES: The course is designed to introduce students to culture of East Asia such as China, Japan, and Korea. Students explore geography, history, economy, language, customs/traditions, religious tradition, recipes/food, legend, music, holidays, and value of each country.
MASS MEDIA LAW (ENTERTAINMENT LAW): Students study entertainment law as it pertains to current issues in film and music production, copyright violations (e.g., music and film pirating), and other areas.
MOCK TRIAL I or II: Students in this course examine various law issues, prepare briefs through original research, and participate in a mock trial as a defense or prosecuting attorney. Students will participate in a Mock Trial competition within the school and with local high schools.Teacher approval required for Mock Trial II.
ROBOTICS CAREERS: Learn programs and software to make roboticsperform tasks.
ADVANCED ROBOTICS CAREERS: Advanced Robotics is designed to provide students an in depth exploration at the process Engineers use to solve real world problems.Students willcontinue to develop skills to research, build and program robots tocompletereal-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface.Prerequisite: Robotics Careers.
SHAKESPEARE:Shakespeare- Explore Shakespeare's works using Drama-Based Instruction. This hands-on class teaches students about Shakespeare's life, his plays, and ElizabethanEngland. Role play, pantomime,and many other drama-based techniques are used to give students tools to read, analyze, and act out Shakespeare's plays. A trip to the Renaissance Faire is taken to help students explorethe world of Elizabethan England. This course requiresLevel III reading skills.
TECHNOLOGY CAREERS: Learn how to use computer technology in everyday life.
INTERMEDIATETHEATER ARTS: Theatre Arts is a one-semester course designed for students who may or may not have theatre experience. The class will reinforce prior knowledge, while emphasizing performance as well as historical and cultural heritage. There is no prerequisite.
WEB DESIGN CAREERS: Learn to develop the skills to create your own web page.
DYSTOPIAN SOCIETY NOVEL STUDY: Students will explore the ideas, symbolism and literary devices. The themes of Power/Politics, Appearances, Identity, Society and Class, and Sacrifice will be analyzed.
ATHLETICS: Physical education that is more rigorous and sports-focused. Students do not need to take athletics to play on a Fulmore sports team. A physical from a physician is required for participation in athletics.
YEAR LONG ELECTIVES
VIDEO PRODUCTION: In a two-semester course, students have the opportunity to study video and film production through which they will make presentations of school-wide announcements, videos for promotion of school programs such as the magnet program, and other technology-based applications.
ADVANCED ART: Advanced Art is designed to provide an in depth exploration of different medium for students with a background in art. Students will develop a portfolio to take into the high school setting.
AVID:Offered for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders as a system to help prepare academically for a four year college. The curriculum is based on writing as a tool of learning, the inquiry method, collaborative grouping, and academic reading. The three main components of this program and class are: academic instruction, tutorial support, and motivational activities needed to tackle the most rigorous classes.Application process and approval required.
VIDEO PRODUCTION: In a two-semester course, students have the opportunity to study video and film production. They will make presentations of school wide announcements, videos for promotion of school programs and other technology-based applications.
BEGINNING OR ADVANCED BAND: Beginning Band is designed for students who have minimal or no experience playing a wind or percussion instrument. In advanced band students will have the opportunity to perform and rehearse with a full-band ensemble. Students will be expected to participate in several musical competitions and to perform in concerts throughout the year. Summer and after-school rehearsals may be required.
INTERMEDIATE CHOIR: Designed for students who have some or no experience in choral singing. Students with prior experience in choir continue to advance their vocal skills and to learn music theory, while those with no experience learn basics. Several performances a year are required. There are no prerequisites.
ADVANCED CHOIR (GIRLS OR BOYS): Designed for Grade 8 girls or boys who have prior experience in choral singing. This is the most advanced course offered in the choral program. Advanced score reading and theory are emphasized, as well as daily preparation for performances. Students are expected to compete in several district contests throughout the school year as well as to perform in regular concerts.
INTERMEDIATE DANCE: This year long course is a continuation of beginning dance. Students will explore a variety of dance styles and techniques at a quicker pace. Students will participate in up to 2 performances per year.
Prerequisite: beginning dance.
DANCE PERFORMANCE/ADVANCED DANCE: This audition group will hone their performance skills while given the opportunity to perform at various events. Auditions for current 6th & 7th graders will be held during the spring semester for the following school year.
Prerequisite: beginning or intermediate dance AND instructor permission.
JOURNALISM I: In this year-long course students are introduced to the exciting world of print media. During the year, students study newspaper and yearbook design. They also study photography and how to take great photographs. Students learn thehistory and ethics of journalism as well as the basics of reporting and writing. Students in Journalism I do not work directly on the newspaper and yearbook.
JOURNALISM II: This year-long course focuses on an understanding of print media development, reporting and writing for a variety of audiences and purposes, and an understanding of the principles of design and economics in publishing. Journalism II is a production class and out-of-class time and deadlines are stressed. Students in Journalism II create the newspapers and yearbook. Prerequisite: Journalism I and teacher approval required.
BEGINNINGORCHESTRA: Beginning Orchestra is designed for students of any grade level who have minimal or no experience playing a string instrument. Students will be prepared to perform a concert in the fall and up to five concerts throughout the year. Instrument selection and appropriate sizes of instrument will be determined during the first two weeks of instruction after all string instruments have been explored together.
INTERMEDIATE ORCHESTRA: Intermediate Orchestra is designed for students of any grade level who have one or more years of experience playing a string instrument. These students will have the opportunity to rehearse, perform, and compete in various orchestra, solo, and ensemble competitions, as well as in smaller chamber ensembles that meet during orchestra time and after school. Students must have director’s approval to sign up for Intermediate Orchestra.
ADVANCED ORCHESTRA:Advanced orchestra is designed for students of any grade level who have two or more years of experience playing a string instrument. These students will have the opportunity to rehearse, perform, and compete in various orchestra, solo, and ensemble concerts and competitions, as well as in smaller chamber ensembles that meet during orchestra time and after school. Students must have director’s approval to sign up for Intermediate Orchestra.
BEGINNING OR ADVANCED GUITAR: Beginning Classical Guitar is a full year course designed for students of any grade level who have minimal or no experience playing classical guitar. Students will be prepared to perform a concert in the fall and up to five concerts throughout the year. Instrument selection and appropriate sizes of instrument will be determined during the first two weeks of instruction after all string instruments have been explored together. Advanced Classical Guitar is a full year course designed for students of any grade level who have one or more years of experience playing classical guitar. Advanced Classical Guitar is a continuation of skills learned in Beginning Classical Guitar. These students will have the opportunity to rehearse, perform, and compete in various solo, and ensemble competitions and festivals. Students must have director’s approval to sign up for Advanced Classical Guitar.
PALS (Peer assistance and leadership): This year long elective will help students develop leadership skills through No Place For Hate activities, community service projects and mentoring opportunities. Students will be required to attend the annual PALS conference in the fall semester.
Prerequisite: Students must complete the application and interview process to be considered for this program.
QUIZ BOWL: An opportunity for students to participate in an international contest while challenging their critical thinking skills on a variety of subjects.
READ TO SUCCEED: Students will benefit from these research-based instructional practices: teacher-directed instruction in whole and small groups, technology-based instruction and modeled and independent reading with the audio book and paperback libraries.
ADVANCED THEATRE ARTS: Students in Advanced Theatre Arts present the one-act play at a district-wide festival in the fall. The class also produces a community performance in the spring. Students will have the opportunity to rehearse and to perform two full productions. After school rehearsals are required. Concepts explored will include rehearsal techniques, character analysis, playwriting and design. Afterschool rehearsals are required. Prerequisite: Beginning or Intermediate Theatre Arts.
CHINESE I: Chinese Iprovides instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Chinese as well as in the study of Chinese culture, history, and geography. At the end of the year-long course of study, students earn a high school elective credit toward the two-year requirement for two levels of the same language for the Recommended High School Program and three levels for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP). The students’ grades transfer to their senior high grade point average (GPA) and are recorded on their high school transcripts.
FRENCH I: French Iprovides instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing French as well as in the study of French culture, history, and geography. At the end of the year-long course of study, students earn a high school elective credit toward the two-year requirement for two levels of the same language for the Recommended High School Program and three levels for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP).
JAPANESE I: Japanese Iprovides instruction in speaking and listening skills, as well as in the Japanese history and culture. While reading and writing Japanese are introduced, these skills are not emphasized. At the end of the year-long course of study, students earn a high school elective credit that may be used toward the two-year requirement for two levels of the same language for the Recommended High School Program and three levels for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP).
SPANISH I/II: This class is intended for students with no knowledge of the language (beginning). Spanish I or II provides instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Spanish as well as in the study of Spanish culture, history, and geography. At the end of the year-long course of study, students earn a high school elective credit toward the two-year requirement for two levels of the same language for the Recommended High School Program and three levels for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP).
SPANISH I/II FOR SPANISH SPEAKERS: This class is intended for students with some knowledge of the language (intermediate). Spanish I or II for Spanish Speakers focuses on reading and writing in Spanish. Another important aspect of the study is on cultural studies (culture, history, and geography), which will help the students to understand their culture and the importance of bilingualism in the modern world. Students whose first language is Spanish and who have attended school in a Spanish-speaking country are encouraged to take this course. Through the course, students earn a high school credit toward the two levels of the same language for the Recommended High School Program and three levels for the Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP).