ENROLLMENT
GUIDE
COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS
FATIMA
HIGH SCHOOL
Westphalia, MO
Revised April March 20132014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Graduation Requirements 3
DEPARTMENTAL CURRICULUM LISTINGS:
Liberal Arts:
Communication Arts 4
Foreign Language 6
Mathematics 67
Science 910
Social Studies 11
Fine Arts:
Music 13
Art 14
Practical Arts:
Physical Education 15
FACS (Family and Consumer Science) 1617
Vocational Agriculture 18
Business 22
Driver Education 25
Other Offerings 25
AREA VOCATIONAL SCHOOL – NICHOLS CAREER CENTER:
Nichols Career Center Overview 26
Articulation, General Information 27
Nichols Curriculum Listings 27
Specialty Area Tally Sheet 31
5-year Plan 32
All courses described in this guide will be offered subject to the availability of certified staff and an adequate number of students enrolling in the course.
Enrollment Guide (Course Descriptions)
Revised . 73/20112014
Page 32 of 32
To the Parents and Incoming High School Students of Fatima:
Many of you have questions about High School courses that your child will be required/allowed to take. This guide is designed to clarify these issues for you. If you have additional questions, feel free to call the counselor, Donna Mueller, at (573) 455-2375 ext. 118.
BASIC GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
1 Unit English I
1 Unit English II
2 Unit English Elective
1 Unit 9th Grade American History
1 Unit Civics/Government
1 Unit American History Elective
4 Units Math
1 Unit Physical Science
1 Unit Biology I
1 Unit Science Electives
1 Unit Physical Education
1 Unit Fine Arts (Music or Art)
1 Unit Computer Applications I
½ Unit Health Education
1/2 Unit Personal Finance
9.5 Units Electives class
Chosen Concentration Area: All students must have four elective credits in one concentration area. Students can choose to concentrate in Agriculture, Business, FACS, Fine Arts, Math/Science, Language Art/History or a program at Nichols Career Center. Students can have more than one concentration, but one is required. The chosen concentration area will be reflected on the diploma.
Opt Out: Students with parental permission can choose to not take the Fatima graduation requirements that are beyond the state minimum. If a student chooses this option, he or she will receive a general high school diploma upon completion of the minimum total credit requirements. Students can opt out of the fourth math, computer Computer applications Applications I, and/or the concentration area.
5-YEAR EDUCATIONAL PLAN – a five year educational plan that is filled out by your child, with the counselor’s assistance, at the end of his/her 8th grade year and sent home for your signature. This outlines your child’s educational goals/selections for all of high school.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS – detailed descriptions of all Fatima High School’s course offerings listed on the Master Schedule. See descriptions starting on page 3.
Please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Donna Mueller (High School Counselor) at (573) 455-2375 ext.118 with any questions that you may have regarding high school enrollment and programs.
Special Services: General Special Education questions or concerns can be directed to Paula Logan Special Education Director, at (573) 455-2375 ext. 168. Parents should direct questions regarding Special Education students directly to student’s case worker.
COMMUNICATION ARTS DEPARTMENT
ENGLISH I --- 9th
Course Code # 1011
Prerequisite – None
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
THIS IS A REQUIRED COURSE FOR FRESHMEN
This course is for continuing practice in basic skills and introducing ideas to be developed further in higher level courses. It includes grammar, researching skills, report writing, and speaking before the class. In addition, many types of literature will be covered which include the following: short story, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and a class novel. Writing skills are enhanced throughout assignments in the grammar and literature texts. There will also be involvement in essay contests.
ENGLISH II --- 10th
Course Code # 1022
Prerequisite – English I
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
THIS IS A REQUIRED COURSE FOR SOPHOMORES
This course is primarily developed to teach students proper writing strategies and methods so students can express themselves creatively and accurately. Also, students will be exposed to many different kinds of literature including poetry, short stories, drama and two class novels. Writing and speaking skills are enriched through grammar and vocabulary activities.
ENGLISH III --- 11th
Course Code #1033
Prerequisite – English II
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
ENGLISH III is highly recommended for Junior’s. A student can take an English elective in place of this class with administrative approval. Notice that English IV and AP English have English III as a prerequisite.
English III uses an integrated language approach. American literature acts as a catalyst for reading, writing, grammar, speaking, and listening. Short story, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and the novel are among the various types of American literature studied. The relationship between language and culture, style, symbolism, setting, theme, characterization, and plot are emphasized. The Scarlet Letter, Billy Budd, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Red Badge of Courage, The Great Gatsby, A Farewell to Arms, Shane, and Of Mice and Men are among the works studied as examples of the American novel. Daily journal entries are required the first semester. An essay or research paper is a semester requirement.
ENGLISH IV --- 12th
Course Code # 1104
Prerequisite – English III
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
English IV is designed to develop advanced writing, research and analytical skills. Literature in the form of short story, non-fiction, poetry, and the novel will be integrated with writing, grammar, and speaking as well as read for appreciation and analyzed for literary convention.
DC COLLEGE ENGLISH --- 12th
Course Code # 1144
Prerequisite – English III (Must have a 3.0 GPA and an 18 on the English ACT to take College English)
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
THIS COURSE MAY BE TAKEN FOR 6 COLLEGE CREDIT HOURS.
This course is designed to develop advanced writing, research, and reporting skills. Emphasis will be placed on essay, persuasive, and research report writing. English literature from the oldest manuscripts to the Romantic Movement will be read for appreciation and analyzed for literary conventions. There will also be advanced vocabulary enhancement activities.
MYTHOLOGY 10th, 11th, 12th
Course Code # 054850
Prerequisite – None
½ unit credit per semester, 1 semester
This course will compare and contrast creation theories, major deities, and stories based on Greek, Egyptian, Norse and Celtic myths. Students will explore the relationships between myths and the culture of the countries of origin as well as explore the impact of mythology on modern cultures. Characteristics of Greek heroes will also be analyzed in relation to Jason, Theseus, Perseus, Achilles and Odysseus.
20th CENTURY LITERATURE – 10th, 11th, 12th
Course Code # 054822
Prerequisite – None
½ unit credit per semester, 1 semester
Twentieth century literature acts as a catalyst for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Short story, drama, and the novel are among the various types of literature studied. The relationship between language and culture, style, symbolism, setting, theme, characterization, and plot are emphasized. Tuesdays with Morrie, The Secret Life of Bees, and Trifles are among the works studied as examples of literature. Students will also conduct independent reading studies of contemporary authors’ works and styles.
SPEECH – 11th, 12th
Course Code #5560
Prerequisite –
½ unit credit per semester, 2 semesters
Speech is a course that develops student communication skills in the area of public speaking, writing, and debate. This course requires students speak and present in a diverse range of forms including: persuasive, informative, process, debate, and improvisation. Students will also utilize presentation tools such as props and Microsoft PowerPoint.
DRAMA – 11th, 12th
Course Code #5659
½ unit credit per semester, 1 semester
Dramatics is a course that allows students to enter the world of drama and theatre in a unique and interesting way. This course requires students to perform monologues and skits, critique theatre productions, analyze text, and creatively write their own monologues or plays. Students will also develop their own acting skills through improvisation, as well as, memorized speeches. Students will learn how to effectively analyze drama through their own interpretation and expression.
LITERATURE THRU MEDIA – 10th, 11th, 12th
Course Code #054820
½ unit credit per semester, 1 semester
This course focuses on extensive amounts of reading and analyzing various forms of fiction and non-fiction literature. Furthermore, this course explores literature as it takes shape in diverse forms of media, such as film, music, and many more. Though not writing intensive, the literary analysis in this course involves some writing, abundant small-group and whole-class discussion, assorted projects, and several presentations.
YEARBOOK – 11th and 12th
Course Code # 6723
Prerequisite – Selected through an interview process
½ unit credit per semester, 2 semesters
Learning to meet deadlines and work as part of a team is essential in preparing students to enter life after high school. Students in this production-based course will apply the concepts of design, layout, writing, reporting, photography, marketing, and sales. Students will learn how to effectively communicate with various publics and understand journalistic integrity and ethics as well as understand legal issues with publications.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
SPANISH I --- 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Course Code # 1711
Prerequisite – None
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
Spanish I is a multi-media program that consists of an introduction to the language followed by nine units. Each unit will relate to the lives of typical high school students, allowing the students to internalize and produce the language. To accomplish the goal of communication, the students will be speaking, writing, listening, and reading with teacher-directed learning and with cooperative learning groups. Students will be able to connect Spanish to other subject areas. They will compare and contrast cultures and open the door to see the diversity of world communities.
SPANISH II --- 10th, 11th, 12th
Course Code # 1712
Prerequisite – Spanish I
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
Spanish II continues language learning by communicating with authentic exchanges of information. The multi-media program consists of reviews of Spanish I objectives, followed by nine units of study. Spanish II focuses on communications, culture, connections with other disciplines of learning, comparisons of language, community awareness and need. Basic concepts will be stressed.
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT
ALGEBRA I* --- 9th, 10th
Course Code # 2021
Prerequisite – None
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
RATIONALE
The study of Algebra I is designed to help students organize their thoughts to solve mathematical problems that they will meet in everyday life. Algebra I will also prepare students to continue their studies in mathematics and the sciences for possible careers as a programmer, carpenter, nutritionist, meteorologist, accountant, nurse, agricultural engineer, etc.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Algebra I is an entry level course toward the study of advanced mathematics and science. Algebra I involves the basic concepts of Algebra. These basic concepts include: evaluating algebraic expressions, solving first and second degree equations and inequalities, solving application or word problems, graphing linear equations and inequalities in two variables, solving systems of equations, factoring polynomials, simplifying expressions involving exponents, and simplifying rational and irrational expressions including radicals.
*ALGEBRA I may be taken in two years for students who need additional explanation and practice. When taken this way, students do receive a credit for each year of the class. Students wishing to take advantage of this option should enroll in Algebra I-A their freshman year and Algebra I-B their sophomore year.
ALGEBRA I-A – 9th
Course Code #2221
Prerequisite – None
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
RATIONALE
The study of Algebra I is designed to help students organize their thoughts to solve mathematical problems that they will meet in everyday life. Algebra I will also prepare students to continue their studies in mathematics and the sciences for possible careers as a programmer, carpenter, nutritionist, meteorologist, accountant, nurse, agricultural engineer, etc.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Algebra I-A is an entry level course toward the study of advanced mathematics and science. Algebra I-A involves the first half of the basic concepts of Algebra. These basic concepts include evaluating algebraic expressions, solving first and second degree equations and inequalities, solving application or word problems, graphing linear equations.
ALGEBRA I-B – 10th
Course Code #2222
Prerequisite – Algebra IA
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
RATIONALE
The study of Algebra IB is designed to help students organize their thoughts to solve mathematical problems that they will meet in everyday life. Algebra I will also prepare students to continue their studies in mathematics and the sciences for possible careers as a programmer, carpenter, nutritionist, meteorologist, accountant, nurse, agricultural engineer, etc.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Algebra I-B is an entry level course toward the study of advanced mathematics and science. Algebra I-B involves the second half of the basic concepts of Algebra. These basic concepts include word problems, solving systems of equations, factoring polynomials, simplifying expressions involving exponents, and simplifying rational and irrational expressions including radicals.
GEOMETRY --- 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Course Code # 2052
Prerequisite – Algebra I
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
RATIONALE
Geometry is a course which will help students organize their thoughts in a logical step by step manner. This will help them to develop logical and critical thinking skills which will be vital in everyday life.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Geometry emphasizes the learning and application of definitions, properties, postulates, and theorems to prove relationships between geometric figures. Problems concerning measuring in one, two, and three-dimensional figures will be included.
With departmental permission, Geometry can be taken concurrently with Algebra II.
INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA – 11th, 12th
Course Code # 2223
Prerequisite – Algebra I or Algebra IB
½ unit credit per semester; 2 semesters
Intermediate Algebra is an algebra-based class designed to prepare students for the math required in most technical schools. Some familiar topics are expanded upon and new topics are introduced and developed. The main emphasis is to prepare all students for the math needs of the technical future. (Students that have taken Algebra II may not enroll in Integrated Math unless they have permission from the Math Department.)