ARTS
Art I
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: NoneArt I is an introduction to the world of visual art including line, shape, color, the elements of visual design, basics of composition and drawing, concepts of balance and perspective, and art styles and periods in the history of art.
Art II
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: Art IArt II continues the development of skills begun in Art I, including further study in drawing, painting, and design, as well as introductory concepts of various types of printmaking. Students work towards developing a representative portfolio of individuality where produced pieces are also included.
Art III
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: Art IIArt III focuses on the creation and study of more advanced works of art and beginning of the development of a body of work for inclusion in a portfolio. Students will work at a more advanced level applying their knowledge of production, critical analysis, history and culture, aesthetics, and connections among the visual arts, other content areas, and everyday life. Work will encompass both two and three-dimensional media, techniques, and processes.
Art IV
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: Art IIIArt IV Visual Arts IV focuses on the creation of a portfolio for use in the pursuit of higher education or career opportunities. Students will work at a sophisticated level applying their knowledge of production, critical analysis, history and culture, aesthetics, and connections among the visual arts, other content areas, and everyday life. Work will encompass two and three-dimensional media, techniques, and processes.
Ceramics I
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: NoneCeramics I focuses on knowledge and skills in three-dimensional design with clay and/or other plastic media. Work will be limited primarily to three dimensional media, techniques, and processes.
Ceramics II
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: Ceramics I and Instructor RecommendationCeramics II focuses on developing in-depth knowledge and skills in three-dimensional design with clay and/or other plastic media. Building on introductory level concepts and skills acquired in the prerequisite course, Ceramics I, students continue to increase their knowledge of wheel thrown and hand built production, critical analysis, history and culture, aesthetics, and connections among ceramic arts, other content areas, and everyday life. Work will be limited primarily to three dimensional media, techniques, and processes.
Music Appreciation
Course # MUS 1113 / 3 Credit Hr. / Prerequisite: NoneMusic Appreciationis designed to give the student, through listening and written work, the ability to understand, appreciate, and evaluate music of Western Culture. This course is required to meet three lecture hours per week. Only students in 11th or 12th grades with a minimum of 14 Carnegie units are eligible for this course.
The course fee is $100 plus the cost of the required textbook, Music, An Appreciation written by Roger Kamien, Boston: McGraw Hill, Brief 9th Edition.
Music
Classes in the category of music provide students with a balanced comprehensive study of music through the symphonic, marching and concert bands, which develops skills in the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains. Instruction is designed so that students are enabled to connect, examine, imagine, define, try, extend, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas. Ensemble and solo activities are designed to develop elements of musicianship including, but not limited to: (1) tone production, (2) technical skills, (3) intonation, (4) music reading skills, (5) listening skills, (6) analyzing music, and (7) studying historically significant styles of literature.
Experiences include, but are not limited to, improvising, conducting, playing by ear, and sight- reading. Students develop the ability to understand and convey the composer’s intent in order to connect the performer with the audience. Students also have opportunities to experience live performances by professionals during and outside of the school day. A limited number of public performances may serve as a culmination of daily rehearsal and musical goals. Students are required to participate in performance opportunities, outside of the school day, that support and extend learning in the classroom.
Band repertoire must be of the highest caliber. Mastery of advance instrumental music technique must be evident. Areas of refinement consist of advanced techniques including, but not limited to: (1) intonation, (2) balance and blend, (3) breathing, (4) tone production, (5) tone quality, (6) technique, (7) rhythm, (8) sight-reading, and (9) critical listening skills. Evaluation of music and music performances is included.
Concert Band
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: Director approval by auditionConcert Band Students are placed in a concert band according to their playing ability, attitude, participation, classification, and instrumentation needs. Students may move from band to band as deemed necessary or appropriate. The concert bands provide for a wide range of playing abilities and time commitment. The Hancock High School concert bands are scheduled during 3rd and 4th blocks during the spring semester. Additional rehearsal expectations and membership requirements are noted in the following paragraphs. Additional rehearsal expectations and membership requirements are noted in our band handbook available.
Marching Band I-II
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: Director approval by audition and physical exam must be on fileThe Pride of Hancock Marching Band is made up of 9-12 grade students who have had previous band experience. In this course, students in grades 9 and 10 are eligible. The marching band includes the drum major, horn line, percussion, and color guard. Also known as “The Pride!” Over the past several years The Pride has had a tradition of having the privilege of being called All-Superior in several states along the Southeastern region. The marching band performs at all HHS pep rallies, at all HHS varsity football games, and at marching contests and festivals. Membership in the Marching Band is required of all band students. Students must be in good physical health, have good grades, and be very responsible to be in this ensemble. All marching members are required to participate in Band Camp and all home and HCSD school football games, as well as compete in state marching band events and participate in all Hancock community parades. To find out dates of any of the fall events and practices, please visit look at our online calendar. In addition to the regular scheduled class the Marching Band rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 4:00-6:00 p.m. on the practice field. Additional weekend rehearsals will be required and members will be given advanced notice of these.
Marching Band III-IV
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: Director approval by audition and physical exam must be on fileThe Pride of Hancock Marching Band is made up of 9-12 grade students who have had previous band experience. In this course, students in grades 11 and 12 are eligible. The marching band includes the drum major, horn line, percussion, and color guard. Also known as “The Pride!” Over the past several years The Pride has had a tradition of having the privilege of being called All-Superior in several states along the Southeastern region. The marching band performs at all HHS pep rallies, at all HHS varsity football games, and at marching contests and festivals. Membership in the Marching Band is required of all band students. Students must be in good physical health, have good grades, and be very responsible to be in this ensemble. All marching members are required to participate in Band Camp and all home and HCSD school football games; as well as compete in state marching band events and participate in all Hancock community parades. To find out dates of any of the fall events and practices, please visit look at our online calendar. In addition to the regular scheduled class the Marching Band rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 4:00-6:00 p.m. on the practice field. Additional weekend rehearsals will be required and members will be given advanced notice of these.
Symphonic Band
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: Director approval by auditionStudents are placed in Symphonic band according to their playing ability, attitude, participation, classification, and instrumentation need. This class consists of the most proficient wind and percussion students. Audition is required of every musician for entry into this ensemble and members must be involved in the marching band program during the fall semesters. Students in this class are expected to audition for county and state honor groups and study privately outside of the class period. The Symphonic band provide for a wide range of playing abilities and time commitment. The Hancock High School concert bands are scheduled during 3rd and 4th blocks during the spring semester. Additional rehearsal expectations and membership requirements are noted in the following paragraphs. Additional rehearsal expectations and membership requirements are noted in our band handbook available
BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY PATHWAYS
Business Law
Course # / ½ Credit / Prerequisite: NoneBusiness Law provides the basic foundations of law as it relates to business. The origin of the law, ethics, the structure of the court systems, procedural and employment law, and legislation that applies real and personal property are all studied within this course. Business Law will equip the student with a working knowledge of the law as it is applied to various legal situations that are encountered in personal and business situations.
Entrepreneurship
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: NoneEntrepreneurship introduces students to the rewards and risks of owning or operating a business enterprise. Emphasis is placed on the mastery of skills needed to plan, organize, manage, and finance a small business. Skills in communication, technical writing, mathematics, research, and problem-solving are reinforced as each student prepares his/her own business plan.
Graphic Design I
Course # / ½ Credit / Prerequisite: STEMGraphic Design I is designed to introduce students to image editing using Adobe Photoshop and the elements and principles of design. Students will also utilize learned skills to promote a business.
Graphic Design II
Course # / ½ Credit / Prerequisite: Graphic Design IGraphic Design II is a continuation of Graphic Design I. In this course, the focus will shift from Adobe Photoshop to Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Windows Movie Maker. Students will create custom logos, business cards, postcards, flyers, t-shirt designs, some promotional videos, etc.
Personal Finance
Course # / ½ Credit / Prerequisite: NonePersonal Financeprepares students to manage their finances and navigate many of the confusing parts of the “real world” high school students face. Topics of detailed discussion include resumes, job interview skills, calculating wages and withholdings, banking, budgeting, risks and benefits of using various forms of credit and filing income taxes.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
French I
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: NoneFrench Iis an introductory course in which students will learn how to read, write, speak, and understand basic French in the present tense and past tense. Throughout the year, the students will learn about French customs, culture and traditions.
All French students are encouraged to join the French Club.
French students travel to the Mobile International Festival in Mobile, AL each year to study the many cultures of the world.
French II
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: 70 average in French IFrench IIis a course in which students will build upon skills from French I by learning the past, imperfect, future, and conditional tenses The students will learn more about Francophonic customs, culture, and traditions. Students will be required to use French in their daily interactions in class with the teacher and other student.
All French students are encouraged to join the French Club. After completion of French II, qualifying students are offered to join the French National Honor Society.
French students travel to the Mobile International Festival in Mobile, AL each year to study the many cultures of the world.
French III
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: 75 average in French IIFrench IIIis a more intense version of French II/III, with more emphasis on writing and speaking, French history, and culture. Student will complete French III work with the additional assignments for French IV.
All French students are encouraged to join the French Club.
French students travel to the Mobile International Festival in Mobile, AL each year to study the many cultures of the world.
French IV
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: 75 average in French IIIFrench IVis a more intense version of French II/III, with more emphasis on writing and speaking, French history, and culture. Student will complete French III work with the additional assignments for French IV.
All French students are encouraged to join the French Club.
French students travel to the Mobile International Festival in Mobile, AL each year to study the many cultures of the world.
German I
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: NoneGerman Iis an introductory course in which students will learn how to read, write, speak, and understand basic German in the present tense and past tense. Throughout the year, the students will learn about German customs, culture and traditions.
All German students are encouraged to join the German Club.
German students travel to the Mobile International Festival in Mobile, AL each year to study the many cultures of the world.
German II
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: 70 average in German IGerman IIis a course in which students will build upon skills from German I by learning the past, imperfect, future, and conditional tenses The students will learn more about Francophonic customs, culture, and traditions. Students will be required to use German in their daily interactions in class with the teacher and other student.
All German students are encouraged to join the German Club. After completion of German II, qualifying students are offered to join the German National Honor Society.
German students travel to the Mobile International Festival in Mobile, AL each year to study the many cultures of the world.
Spanish I
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: NoneSpanish Iis an introduction to the study of the Spanish language and its culture. It allows students to perform the most basic functions of the language and to become familiar with some elements of its culture. Often students participate in formulaic dialogues and respond with memorized answers to memorized questions. The emphasis is placed on the development of the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing at a basic level and within a given context, extending outside of the classroom setting when possible.
Students travel to a restaurant of Spanish culture in order to become familiar with Spanish cuisine and communicate in the Spanish language.
Spanish II
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: 70 average in Spanish ISpanish IIprovides students with opportunities to continue the development of their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students should participate in simple, real-life conversational situations that incorporate learned elements of the language and culture. Students should compose sentences, which describe, compare, and summarize familiar topics from the target culture. Students should develop a better understanding of the similarities and differences between cultures and languages and examine the influence of the beliefs and values of the Spanish cultures. This course is characterized by language behavior that moves from imitative to reflective (i.e., a more thoughtful rather than automatic response to a situation or question). Students should begin to respond in more complete and purposeful ways to meet their practical needs.
Students travel to a restaurant of Spanish culture in order to become familiar with Spanish cuisine and communicate in the Spanish language.
After completion of Spanish II, qualifying students are offered to join the Spanish National Honor Society.
Spanish III
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: 75 average in Spanish IISpanish IIIcontinues to expand students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills as they access short literary texts, authentic materials, and media on familiar topics. Students should be able to initiate and maintain face-to-face communication in the Spanish language. Students should continue to refine their knowledge and understanding of the Spanish language and cultures. This course is characterized by movement from reflective to interactive language behavior. Students should strive to act more independently in the target language to express thoughts.
Students travel to New Orleans, LA to investigate the Spanish culture hidden within the city.
Spanish IV
Course # / 1 Credit / Prerequisite: 75 average in Spanish IIISpanish IVis designed to enable and inspire students to augment their language skills for use in real- life applications in a global community. Students in all levels engage in similar activities pertaining to the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages; however, in this course students should demonstrate increasing sophistication in their use of language skills and cultural knowledge. This course is characterized by movement from interactive to initiative language behavior. Students should initiate and maintain communication using a variety of culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies.
Students travel to New Orleans, LA to investigate the Spanish culture hidden within the city.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Child Development
Course # / ½ Credit / Prerequisite: NoneChild Developmentis a course which develops skills related to physical, social, intellectual, and emotional development of the child. It includes instruction on considerations for parenthood, prenatal care, child growth and development, behavior management, needs of exceptional children, and career opportunities.
Contemporary Health
Course # / ½ Credit / Prerequisite: NoneContemporary Healthis a one-semester course which includes classroom and hands-on experiences that help students acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for making health-promoting decisions, achieving heath literacy, adopting health-enhancing behaviors, and promoting the health of others. In this course of study, emphasis is placed on personal, social, and mental health in today’s society. It includes instruction on human growth and development, disease prevention and control, substance abuse and prevention, community and environmental health, nutrition and wellness, and safety and first aid. Students will be provided with instruction that is clearly relevant to today’s rapidly changing world.