Falmouth High School

FALMOUTH HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES

06-07 School Year

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION (Adobe Acrobat)

English	Math	Science	Social Studies	World Languages	Health & PE
Technology	Visual Arts	Music	PATHS	Other opportunities

INTRODUCTION

The Program of Studies is designed to assist students in planning their academic program at Falmouth High School.† Course selections should be made carefully and as part of a four-year plan designed to meet post-secondary goals.†† It is important that students discuss their program and courses with their parents, teachers, advisors, and counselors.† Special attention should be given to the course descriptions, course levels, prerequisites, and the amount of credit given per course.† Each student is required to carry at least six (6) academic credits each semester.† The goal of this process is to encourage students to take courses that provide the greatest opportunity for both challenge and success. This will provide students with maximum options in post-secondary placement.†

GUIDANCE SERVICES

The Guidance Department of Falmouth High School provides a variety of services for its students.† All students are encouraged to visit the Guidance Department whenever they are faced with educational, vocational, or personal issues, and decisions.† The following services are offered by the Guidance Staff: personal counseling, interest testing, test interpretation, and college and career counseling.† The guidance department conducts a variety of assessments during the year, including the PLAN, PSATs, SAT, AP tests, and interest inventories.† Our goal is to provide this information so that it will inform studentsí decision making.†

GENERAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

To earn a diploma from Falmouth High School, students must complete a minimum of twenty-one (21) credits of course work. (A year-long course earns one credit; a semester-long course earns one half credit.) The following courses are required:

Class of 2007:		Class of 2008 and 2009:		Class of 2010 & beyond:
4 English credits		4 English credits		4 English credits
2 mathematics credits		3 mathematics credits		3 mathematics credits
2 science credits		3 science credits		3 science credits
2.5 social studies credits, including		3 social studies credits		3 social studies credits
	1 world History (9)		1 world history (9)		1.5 world history (9,10)
	1.5 U.S. History (10,11)		1.5 U.S. history (10,11)		1.5 U.S. history & government (10,11)
1 fine art credit			.5 elective (11,12)	1 fine art credit
.5 health credit		1 fine art credit		.5 health credit
1 physical education credit		.5 health credit		1 physical education credit
		1 physical education credit

Community Service: ALL students must complete 30 hours.

Advanced Placement Courses

Falmouth High School offers a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These courses give students the opportunity to take college-level courses while still in high school. Advanced Placement courses are rigorous and designed for students who wish to be challenged intellectually. Subjects are studied in greater depth and detail, with students expected to develop and support their arguments and perspectives. Development of writing skills, problem-solving techniques, and study habits essential for college academics provides an advantage to students successfully completing AP courses. Senior year English
Honors is taught at the college freshman level. Additional advanced courses include: Anatomy and Physiology, Syracuse University Project Advanced English (senior year), French V, and Spanish V.

Advanced Placement courses currently planned for 2006-2007 at Falmouth High School include:

	AP Biology	AP Government & Politics: Comparative
	AP Calculus AB	AP Government & Politics: United States
	AP Chemistry	AP Psychology
	AP English Literature & Composition	AP Statistics
	AP European History	AP US History

Students taking AP courses at Falmouth High School are required to take the corresponding AP exam administered at school in May. The fee for each exam is currently $82, with fee reduction or waiver available for qualified students.

Other AP courses are available through Virtual High School.

Most colleges and universities in the United States (as well as in thirty other countries) award college credit and/or placement through qualifying AP exam scores. This allows students the possibility of moving into upper-level courses, pursuing a double major, or gaining time to study abroad while in college.

Post-secondary Planning & College Admission Requirements

Students can plan their course of study throughout their four years of high school to insure that they are well prepared and qualified to attend college, and to make their future college application as strong as possible.

Colleges and universities vary greatly in their entrance requirements, and these may differ from those specified in the Falmouth High School Graduation Requirements. Many technical programs, community colleges and even some four-year colleges offer open admission, requiring only a high school diploma for entrance with no specification as to courses taken; students take a series of qualifying exams for placement into college courses. Conversely, the most selective four-year schools look at both grades and rigor of program (the level of challenge in the course work), and evaluate students’ transcripts based on both these factors. The transcript is, of course, only one part of the student’s application, and many other factors are weighed, including extracurricular activities, personal statement (essay), teacher and counselor recommendation letters, personal qualities and the interview (if available). However, the transcript typically is the most important piece of the application.

Most colleges’ admissions requirements fall somewhere between open admission and the most selective schools. The following is a general guideline to college admission requirements:

English	Virtually all colleges and universities require four years of English. The more selective schools look for Honors or AP courses.

Mathematics	Three years of mathematics, including algebra I & II and geometry, is the minimum required by all four-year colleges, and many want a fourth year of math, preferably pre-calculus. Programs in areas such as engineering, business and computer science typically require a fourth year of math. College-bound students are strongly encouraged to take four years of mathematics. The more selective schools look for four years of math, and give more weight to calculus and other advanced classes, as well as honors and AP courses.

Science	Two years of laboratory science (beyond freshman science) are the minimum required by most four-year colleges, and many want three lab sciences (typically biology, chemistry and physics). The more selective schools want at least three years of lab science, and will look for Honors and AP courses.

Social Science	Most colleges look for two to three years of social sciences, with the more selective schools looking for four years of study and Honors and AP courses.

Languages	Two years of a foreign language – preferably the same language – are required by most four-year colleges. Three years of foreign language are preferred (with more weight given to three years of study of the same language). The more selective schools like to see four years of foreign language study (again, preferably the same language), and look for Honors and/or advanced courses (e.g. French V or Spanish V).

Standardized Testing: Requirements & Recommendations

All students take the PSAT in October of their sophomore and junior years. Effective in 2006, all students take the SAT (replacing the MEA) in the spring of their junior year. We encourage all students planning to attend college to take the SAT a second time, and we recommend the October test date for this. Some schools (although not the majority) also require SAT Subject Tests, and we encourage juniors planning to take them to do so on the May or June test dates. The ACT, accepted by virtually all colleges in place of the SAT, is another option for students to consider, particularly those who are not pleased with their SAT scores. The SAT is offered seven times a year; the ACT is offered six times. For more information, go to www.collegeboard.com or www.actstudent.org or contact the Guidance Office.

To Top of Document

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of each student to make certain that all requirements for graduation are met.† Rules, regulations, and policies regarding scholastic credit should be reviewed carefully.† The guidance counselors and the administrative staff will make every effort to ensure that students are scheduled properly, but each student must be responsible for progress toward his/her diploma.

GRADING SYSTEM

A:† 96 - 100	B+: 90 - 92†	C+: 82 - 84	D+: 75 - 76†	F:† 0 - 69
A-: 93 - 95	B:†† 87 - 89†	C:†† 79 - 81†	D:†† 72 - 74†	WP: Withdrew passing
	B-:† 85 - 86	C-:† 77 - 78†	D-:† 70 - 71†	WF: Withdrew failing

Courses changed after the add-drop period remain on the transcript and are posted with either a WP or WF depending on the student's average at the point of the change.

HONOR ROLL

To be eligible for the honor roll, a student must be enrolled in a full academic program.† A student will qualify for high honors if an A is received in each subject.† A student will qualify for regular honors if an A or a B is received in each subject.† The honor roll will be published for each quarter and each semester.

GRADE POINT AVERAGES

A student's GPA reflects the student's overall average in all graded courses.† GPA's are calculated for the first time at the end of the sophomore year and then at the end of each semester until the end of the first semester senior year.† Honors level courses and Advanced Placement courses are weighted for the purpose of grade point averages.† Student transcripts reflect the weighted averages.

FAILURES

When a student fails a class, it is his/her responsibility to address that failure.† For most courses, retaking the course in the following semester or year, if required, can make up the failed course.†† Since four years of English are required for graduation, make-up of a failed English class should be arranged through the Guidance Office for an approved summer school or summer tutorial program.

ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS THAT MAY RESULT IN EARNED CREDITS TOWARDS GRADUATION

The following alternative programs must originate with the guidance department and have the final approval of the principal.

1)       Tutorial Program - A student may make up a failed course with an approved private tutor.† The specific course, the goals, the content, the means of evaluation and time constraint must have prior approval of the guidance department, the content team leader and the principal.

2)       College Level Courses - Students may enroll in college level courses in order to make up a failed course or to earn additional credits.† A failed course may be made up in a one-semester three-credit college course.† Two semesters of successful college level courses will earn one academic credit at Falmouth High School in subjects that the student has not taken previously.† All course level work for credit must be approved in advance by the guidance department.

3)       Home School ñ Students participating in a state-approved home-school program may earn credit toward graduation with prior approval of the principal, in consultation with the guidance department and the content team leader.† Standards similar to those applied for tutorial credits will be applied.

4)      Web Based Courses - A student may enroll in a pre-approved web based course. Web based courses require approximately the same amount of time to complete as face-to-face courses. Students taking web based courses must have prior approval of the director of student planning and learning options, the content team leader, guidance counselor, and the principal.

GRADE LEVEL PLACEMENT

The following credit requirements are necessary in order to advance to the next grade level:

Grade 10† - 5 credits†††

Grade 11 - 10 credits

Grade 12 - In order to be classified as a senior, a student must be able to show by September first of that year that he/she is in a scholastic program which, if successfully carried out, will give the necessary 21 credits to allow graduation with the class.† Any student who cannot do this will be considered a member of the eleventh grade.

PARTICIPATION IN GRADUATION EXERCISES

Students who, because of scholastic deficiency, are not allowed to participate in graduation exercises in a particular year, will be encouraged to complete their work.† Those who are out of school when the requirements are completed have the option of receiving their diplomas at a conveniently arranged time.

THE COURSE SELECTION PROCESS

The course selection process involves a balancing of student requests, teacher recommendations, parent preferences, and course availability.† Many courses have prerequisites for the next sequential course, and it is important for the student to check with the teacher to see if he/she has satisfied the prerequisites for the next course.† As a general rule, a minimum of a C average is required in order to move to the next higher level.† Placement in honors courses requires a desire on the student's part to explore a topic in greater depth and a commitment to extra time and effort.† Elective courses are assigned based on student interest as well as both availability and positioning in the schedule.

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Students will be issued schedules based on their selections as reflected on their course selection sheets.† Every effort will be made to satisfy student requests, student needs, and parent and teacher recommendations.† Students will be encouraged and given every opportunity to discuss their choices with teachers, advisors, parents, and guidance counselors before they leave for the summer.† The guidance staff is available for two weeks at the end of the school year and again two weeks before school opens in the fall to discuss scheduling problems.† Therefore, we hope that any changes in the fall will be kept to a minimum and certainly within the first two weeks of school.† A date will be set at the beginning of the school year that will mark the end of the add-drop period.† After that date, each schedule change request initiated by students or parents will require discussion among all parties and will be judged on its own merits with the best interest of the student in mind.† In some cases, a student, teacher, parent and counselor conference may be required.† If all parties make a concerted effort to choose appropriate classes at the recommended level, most schedule changes, which can be disruptive, will be avoided.

To Top of Document

ENGLISH

To earn credit for this course, students will have to earn a passing grade and demonstrate competence in commonly assigned assessments (i. e. assessmentsówriting activitiesógiven to all ninth grade students).† These assessments will determine whether each student can meet or exceed standards in the Process of Reading and the Process of Writing & Response.† Students who are identified as needing help in meeting these standards will be assigned to a learning lab where additional instruction and tutoring will be available.

ENGLISH I (CP)†

(112)††† 9 Full Year†

1 credit

English I (college prep): Freshman English introduces students to literature, the basics of grammar and usage, and multi-paragraph analytical writing. Students read, discuss, and write about a wide variety of literature: short stories, poetry, and novels. Students will work to improve as writers, and instruction emphasizes writing clear and well-developed paragraphs. Texts utilized in English I may include: Adventures In Reading (anthology), Fahrenheit 451, Speak, Great Expectations, The Odyssey, and one or more Shakespearean plays including Romeo and Juliet and/or A Midsummer Night's Dream, Prerequisite for English I CP is successful completion of eighth grade English/Language Arts.

Course Outcomes

ENGLISH I (Honors)†††

(111)††† 9 Full Year†

1 credit

Honors English I : Honors Freshmen English builds on the same concepts as English I CP, but the concepts are introduced at a faster pace, and more in-depth analysis is an expectation of the course. Students may consider Honors English I if they are skilled writers who enjoy reading, and if they receive an eighth grade teacher recommendation accompaanied by at least a 93% yearly average for eighth grade English/Language Arts.

Course Outcomes

ENGLISH II (CP)††††
Prerequisites:† Passing grade in previous yearís English class. ††

(122)††† 10 Full Year†

1 credit

English II American Literature: †Sophomore English II focuses on our literary heritage - that is, classic works of American literature from different periods throughout the history of the United States. Students read novels, including Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby and Catcher in the Rye; they read plays, including The Crucible and Death of a Salesman; and they read selected poems and short stories from influential writers representing most periods in America's literary history. As they do, they examine the idea of the American Dream from a variety of perspectives.

The reading of this literature serves as the launching pad that enables students to take the core skills they learned in English I --reading, writing, speaking and listening, among others -- to the next level.

Course Outcomes

ENGLISH II(Honors)†††
Prerequisites: B+ or above in English the previous year and recommendation of dept.
Level H is a very demanding honors course.

(121)††† 10 Full Year†

1 credit

Honors Sophomore English:

This course introduces students to the origins and development of the American literature. Students will read, discuss and analyze works from early to contemporary American literature. Students will also extend their mastery of written and spoken English through various and frequent writing and speaking assignments and the study of grammar and vocabulary. Students will be expected to write well developed papers related to the literature studied in the course.

Sophomore English examines American literature in its historical context, employing this examination to teach abstract analysis as well as oral and written expression. In addition to an anthology of short prose pieces and poems arranged chronologically, students will read several classic texts mostly drawn from the following list: The Scarlet Letter, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Walden, Billy Budd, The Awakening, The Great Gatsby, The Crucible, The Catcher in the Rye, and Ethan Frome. Employing these literary texts along with text from media (i.e. painting, architecture, music, film), students will develop the ability to infer theme from artistic works. Students will craft several essays and oral presentations whose topics demand personal, analytical, and/or researched perceptions and insights. During the execution of these assignments, instruction will focus upon the application of the writing process, the acquisition of the writing process, the acquisition of editorial skills, and the improvement of public presentation skills.

Course Outcomes

ENGLISH III (CP)††††
Prerequisites:† Passing grade in previous yearís English class. ††

(132)††† 11 Full Year†

1 credit

English III: Junior English introduces students to English literature. Students read Beowulf, excerpts from Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, Macbeth, and other classic prose and poetry selected from an anthology of Englihs literature. Students may also read novels such as The Mayor of Casterbridge, Jane Eyre, Dracula, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Power of One, The French Lieutenant's Woman or 1984. Students imiprove vocabulary throuh the study of Englihs words derived from their reading. Students work extensively on literary analysis both through the study of English words derived from their reading. Students work extensively on literary analysis both through the study of a comprehensive list of literary terms and by writing essays. Students complete a term paper synthesizing their research on some aspect of British literature and/or history. In addition, students work toward mastery of English grammar and usage.

Course Outcomes

ENGLISH III (Advanced Placement/Honors)††
Prerequisites: B+ or above in English the previous year and recommendation of dept.
Advanced Placement is a very demanding honors course.

(131)††† 10 Full Year†

1 credit

Advanced Placement English Literature: (Honors): Advanced Placement Literature is a course that challenges students at the highest levels to analyze and interpret complex literary texts, and write clearly and thoughtfully about them. The course is student-centered, structured on discussion and interpretation. Frequent in-class writing prompts and multiple choice tests help students develop interpretive skills and prepare for the AP exam.

Course Outcomes

To Top of Document

English Electives for Seniors/Juniors

Seniors should take one elective per semester unless one of the following conditions applies:

they intend to be absent during one of the two semesters senior year in which case they may take two electives in one semester, or

they have failed to earn three English credits and need to complete more than one English credit senior year.

All Juniors are required to take a year long English course for Juniors (Eng III) CP or Honors. In addition to the English III course, juniors will be permitted to take the semester English electives, if space is available after all seniors are enrolled.

Creative Writing I	(103)	11-12	Semester†	1/2 credit
Students in this seminar will work on their own creative writing in the genre(s) of their choice: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama. Class sessions will consist of sharing new work in written and oral formats, and giving feedback on other students' writing. Readings will be assigned to illustrate and support writing strategies and techniques. Final projects may include individual chapbooks, student reading/performance, a booklet or website of student writing from the course, and a group-writing project for the community-at-large. Course Outcomes

Creative Writing II	(104)	11-12	Semester†	1/2 credit
An ongoing application of outcomes from Creative Writing I. Course Outcomes

Creative Writing III	(106)	12	Semester†	1/2 credit
A continuance of topics presented in Creating Writing II (a prerequisite for this course). Course Outcomes

Writing for College	(107)	12	Semester	1/2 credit
This elective will prepare students to write for college. In addition to working on college admission essays, students will review thorny grammar and usage problems, and work on improving their style (diction, sentence structure) in the context of their own writing. Students will read essays drawn from various disciplines and will focus on writing the kind of expository essays college courses demand.

Writing Personal Essays	(108)	12	Semester	1/2 credit
In this semester-long course, students will read and write a variety of personal essays and experiment with different styles, structures and forms. Students will be expected to share their writing and to critique the writing of others in a writing studio. The course will help students improve as writers as they explore their experiences and topics of personal interest.

SR ENGLISH I: Classic Tragedy†††† Prerequisites:† Passing grade in previous yearís English class.	(146)	12	1st Semester†	1/2 credit
†What makes a work of literaure a classic? Why are texts like Oedipus, Antigone and Hamlet still taught to students today -- hundreds of years after they were written? The answer lies in the themes they explore. Using these texts, and others, this course presents students with the opportunity to discover how relevant many of these thems are to their lives, as they prepare for college and beyond. This replaces the first semester of CP English IV. Course Outcomes

SR ENGLISH II: College Seminar (CP)†	(147)	12	2nd Semester†	1/2 credit
Prerequisites:† Passing grade in previous yearís English class. Designed specifically for the second semester of senior year, this course is less about the end of high school and more about the beginning of college. It follows the seminar format--a course structure common at the college level -- one in which students read short works of fiction and non-fiction, including short stories, poetry and essays. This replaces second semester of CP English IV. The emphasis is on discussion of these works -- and the variety of perspectives on the role of the individual in society that they offer. That's a relevant theme, because this course is intended to give each student an opportunity to begin to find his or her own voice. Course Outcomes

English IV †(Honors/ SUPA) †† (Syracuse University Project Advance)	(145)	12	Full Year	1 credit
To succeed in ETS 141 it is crucial to understand that there are different ways of reading and communicating, different modes of discourse, if you will, which produce different critical stances or ìtheoriesî. In this course we will explore various theoretical perspectives in an effort to learn to think critically about what we read and the world we live in. You will be asked to read, write and think in ways you never have before about the various texts that define our lives. The course is divided roughly into three sections: culture and language, personal (psychoanalytic/gender), and ideology, with a focus upon how this discourse manifests itself in our culture(s). We will look at fiction, poetry, film, music, advertising and fashion from these various theoretical frameworks with the goal of making us stronger readers and more engaged members of our fast-changing society. Course Outcomes

Public Speaking†	(155)	11-12	Semester†	1/2 credit
This is a semester course designed to prepare students for presenting a variety of oral projects.† The presentations range from impromptus, childrenís stories, poetry readings, interpretive readings of well-known speeches, and a student written speech.† We will also thoroughly study interpersonal communication and the many different forums where speaking skills are needed.† 80% of the grade will be performance based. Course Outcomes

Shakespeare and You	(156)	11-12	Semester†	1/2 credit
This is a class designed for students interested in studying more of Shakespeare's plays. A major focus will be on how the characterization and the themes still relate to us today. We will focus on why the issues in these works continue to captivate us. Students will be expected to read and study 4-6 plays. We will look at the plays as performance based works. In other words, although we will read them, we will always keep in mind they meant to be acted/performed. Students will be required to perform scenes as part of the class. Course Outcomes

Reading, Writing, and Running	(157)	11-12	Semester†	1/2 credit
This class is designed for students who are interested in personal discovery through Literature about running and runners. Students will keep journals and logs; they will be expected to run for "homework". The "homework" would be relative to the individual students level of fitness. The requirements, beyond reading and some running, are the students mus write a personal essay aout the connections they discover with reading, writing, and running. Students will also be required to do a short research paper on running. Although running is required, students choosing this elective need not be runners, but willing to try running as a means of personal contemplation. Course Outcomes

Introduction to Cinema I: 1895-1965	(164)	11-12	Semester†	1/2 credit
In this course, we will watch, discuss, and write about classic movies from the first 70 years of world cinema. The course will focus on the creative choices made by directors and how their films have changed or reflected upon personal and societal values, institutions, and culture. Works by these directors, and others, will be shown: Lumiere Brothers, D.W. Griffith, Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, F. W. Murnau, Jean Renoir, Orson Welles, Luis Bunuel, Jean Cocteau, Vittorio deSica, Carol Reed, Akira Kurosawa, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, Stanley Kubrick, Ingmar Bergman, Francois Truffaut, and Jean-Luc Goddard. Students will learn how to think critically about film, and how to express their thoughts and observations in oral, written, and visual formats. A final independent project will allow each student to focus his/her study on an in-depth exploration of the work of an important director. Course Outcomes

Introduction to Cinema II: 1965-present	(165)	11-12	Semester†	1/2 credit
A continuation of the topics explored in Introduction to Cinema I (a prerequisite for this course). Students will see, discuss, and write about films from the past four decades by these directors, and others: Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, Jane Campion, Mira Nair, Federico Fellini, Ousmene Sembene, Werner herzog, Roman Polanski, Arthur Penn, Krzysztof Kieslowski, Ridley Scott, Mel Brooks, Satyajit Ray, Joel and Ethan Coen, Francis Ford Coppola, Mike Nichols, Spike Lee, and John Waters. A final independent project will provide the framework for students to create an in-depth exploration of their feeling, ideas, and observations about movies and the cinema. Course Outcomes

To Top of Document

SOCIAL STUDIES

Notes on the Social Studies Program:

The Social Studies curriculum includes instruction and assessment in the state-mandated content standards of civics and government, history, geography, and economics.

1. All freshmen are required to take World History (CP) or World History (Honors).

*2. U.S. History is a three-semester requirement beginning in the sophomore year. All sophomores must take either U.S. History I/II (CP) or U.S. History I/II (Honors). Juniors must take either U.S. History III (CP) or U.S. History III (Honors). Placement in Honors U.S. History is subject to Department recommendation or approval.

3. Students wishing to take the national AP U.S. History examination should enroll in the one-semester AP U.S. History Seminar in the second semester of their junior year.

4. Students can earn the remainder of their Social Studies credits by choosing from among the following electives: AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP European History, AP Psychology, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP U.S. History Seminar, Economics, Holocaust, Humanities, Multicultural U.S. Society, Philosophy, Psychology.

*Class of 2007, 2008, and 2009

For class of 2010

1. All freshmen are required to take World History (CP) or World History (Honors).

2. Sophomore year will consist of 1 semester of 20th Century World History and 1 semester of U.S. Civics and Government. Some sophomores may opt to take AP U.S. Government and Politics as their second semester course.

3. Junior year will be one semester of U.S. History to 1900 and 1 semester of 20th century U.S. History or AP U.S. History Seminar (full year).

4. Juniors and seniors can earn additional Social Studies credits by choosing from among the following electives: AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP U.S. History Seminar, AP European History, AP Psychology, AP U.S. Government and Politics, Economics, Holocaust, Humanities, Multicultural U.S. Society, Philosophy, Psychology.

WORLD HISTORY (CP)†††	(208)	9	Full Year	1 credit
This course surveys the political, economic, and social history of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America to 1900. Skills emphasized include research, writing, and public speaking.

WORLD HISTORY (Honors)††	(209)	9	Full Year	1 credit
This course surveys the political, economic, and social history of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America to 1900. Skills emphasized include note taking, research, essay writing, and public speaking. In addition, the honors level requires extensive analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary sources.

20th Century WORLD HISTORY (CP)	()	10	Semester	1/2 credit
This course will be offered starting 07-08 for class of 2010 students. This course explores both the political, economic, and social history of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America during the 20th century and contemporary global issues. Skills emphasized include research, writing, and public speaking.
20th Century WORLD HISTORY(Honors)	()	10	Semester	1/2 credit
This course will be offered starting 07-08 for class of 2010 students. This course explores both the political, economic, and social history of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America during the 20th century and contemporary global issues. Skills emphasized include note taking, research, essay writing, and public speaking. In addition, the honors level requires extensive analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary sources.

U.S. HISTORY I (CP)††††	(220)	10	Semester	1/2 credit
The first semester of the three-semester U.S. History sequence provides chronological and thematic treatment of historical issues from European contact through 1815.† Particular emphasis is placed on the constitutional principles and democratic foundations of the political institutions of the United States. Course Outcomes

U.S. HISTORY II (CP)††††	(221)	10	Semester	1/2 credit
The second semester of the three-semester U.S. History sequence provides chronoloical and thematic treatment of historical issues from the War of 1812 to the end of the Progressive Era. Particular emphasis is placed on the economic development of the United States during the 19th century. Course Outcomes

U.S. HISTORY III (CP)†	(222)	11	Semester	1/2 credit
The third semester of the three-semester U.S. History sequence provides chronological and thematic reatment of historical issues from World War I to the present. Particular emphasis is placed on American foreign policy during the 20th century. Course Outcomes

U.S. HISTORY† I/II/III (Honors)† †††	(223/224/225)	10-11	Semester	1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Students must have an average of at least 93 in World History or be recommended by their World History teacher. The Honors level is designed to provide students with a detailed grounding in the subject matter of U.S. History I/II/III and in the major interpretive questions that derive from the study of selected themes. The approach is to conduct a survey course in which history texts, along with supplementary readings in the form of documents, essays, or books on special topics, provide substantive and thematic coverage. Though little is to be gained by rote memorization of names and dates on an encyclopedic basis, students must be able to draw upon a significant reservoir of factual knowledge in order to exercise and develop skills of analysis. The honors level strives to strike a balance between teaching factual knowledge and the skills of critical analysis. Course Outcomes

To Top of Document

SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES

HUMANITIES†††	(150)	11-12	Semester	1/2 credit
This semester course for junior and seniors will foster an interdisciplinary and "hands-on" approach to learning.† Students will be encouraged to use their minds well in order to connect in a meaningful way with their communities, both locally and globally.† Seminar activities will include consensus decision-making, collaborative projects, community service, creative and persuasive writing, multi-media presentations, and investigation of public policy issues.† Students will maintain the FHS community orchard.† The Falmouth High community service requirement of 30 hours will be satisfied by participation in this seminar. Course Outcomes

AP U.S. HISTORY SEMINAR†	(231)	11	Spring Semester	1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Honors U.S. History III (225) This course is a rigorous thematic review of American history, designed to strengthen the analyistcal skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with problems in United States history. The course begins with Pre-Columbian America and ends with the Reagan Era. Students enrolled in this couse will be required to take the national AP US History examination in May. Course Outcomes

AP U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS††††	(260)	11-12	Semester	1/2 credit
This course gives students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. It includes the study of general concepts in political science as well as an examination and evaluation of American political history. Topics covered include the constitutional basis of the U.S. government; political culture and socialization; political parties, interest groups, and the media; national institutions and informal sources of political power; the development of public policy; and civil rights and liberties. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the national AP United States Government and Politics examination in May. Course Outcomes

ECONOMICS††	(261)	11-12	Semester	1/2 credit
Economics is a semester introduction to the field of economics. The course familiarizes students with economic terms and theories and seeks to enable a better understanding of current economic and political issues. Macroeconomic topics addressed include economic systems, economic measurement, monetary policy, fiscal policy, and the business cycle. Microeconomic topics addressed include supply and demand, business organization, and resource and product markets. The course requires students to examine these topics historically and apply them to the current United States and world economies. Course Outcomes

PSYCHOLOGY	(262)	11-12	Semester	1/2 credit
This course is designed as a basic intoduction to psychology and its application to daily living. The primary goal of this course is to familiarize students with the major principles and applications of the field. The course focuses on the study of human behavior, stressing the development of humans as individuals and as social beings, how they learn, what influences their behavior, and how they influence each other's behavior. The course centers on readings, special projects, and experiments. Course Outcomes

AP PSYCHOLOGY†	(263)	12	Semester	1/2 credit
Prerequisite: Psychology This one-semester course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings. Important psychological experiments, facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the perspectives and major subfields within psychology are explored. Students also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the national AP Psychology examination in May. Course Outcomes

AP COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS	(264)	11-12	Semester	1/2 credit
This one-semester elective is designed to introduce students to political science through the comparison of contemporary political systems. Students will learn some basic political philosophy and will then compare and contrast some of the worldís diverse political systems, including theindustrialized democracies as well as nations undergoing fundamental change. Topics include the sources of power and the contrast between theory and reality in the politics of each country examined. Special emphasis will be given to the study of contemporary issues within each nation and current international problems. Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the national AP Comparative Government and Politics examination in May. Course Outcomes

MULTICULTURAL U.S. SOCIETY††††	(265)	11-12	Semester	1/2 credit
This course is about the "US" in U.S. society, history, and culture. We explore groups seldom seen or stereotypically portrayed (including our own variety), and discover the universal human story of American pluralism in balance with American unity. Delving into our own personal family histories, ancestries, and heritages provides the centerpiece and staging ground for understanding the experiences of diverse individuals and groups which make up our vast and unique nation. We employ a nexus of cultural, social, historic, economic, and psychological dynamics. Our interdisciplinary approach involves film, music, art, poetry, and literature. Discussions are lively and intriguing. This will be one of the most satisfying courses you ever engage with, emotionally as well as intellectually. Course Outcomes

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY††††††	(268)	11-12	Full Year	1 credit
This one-year elective is an intensive chronological survey of major events and trends in Europe from approximately 1450 to the present.† Within this approach, major cultural, social, economic, and political themes will be explored.† During the first semester, students will examine the period from the High Middle Ages/Late Renaissance and Reformation to the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Eras.† The 19th and 20th centuries are the focus during the second semester.† Students enrolled in this course will be required to take the national AP European History examination in May. Course Outcomes

HOLOCAUST††	(271)	11-12	Semester	1/2 credit
This course examines the Holocaust - the Nazi destruction of almost 3/4 of the European Jews during World War II - in an interdisciplinary manner, utilizing literature, art, music, film, psychology, philosophy, and sociology as well as history. Students examine ethical values (their own as well as those of others) as they analyze and assess the decisions and actions of perpetrators, bystanders, victims, and resisters. An exploration of the complexities (and mysteries) of human nature will flow throughout the course. The "lessons" of the Holocaust will be universally applied to other events, both past and present and global and domestic. Course Outcomes

PHILOSOPHY †	(273)	11-12	Semester	1/2 credit
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic schools of philosophy and the problems philosophy examines. While Eastern philosophy is examined, there is an emphasis on the Western tradition, surveying the development of philosophy from before Socrates to after Sartre. Philosophy students examine some of humanity's oldest questions: How do we really know something? How do we know what is real? Is there a God? What is the Self? What is Beauty? What does it mean to be good? Although the course concentrates on the study of logic, knowledge, ethics, and aesthetics to answer these questions, the "worldly" philosophies of economics and political science are explored as well. Students develop skills in logical argumentation by preparing position papers and participating in debates. Course Outcomes

To Top of Document

WORLD LANGUAGES

The World Language Department offers sequential programs in French, Spanish, and Latin. †Students who begin the study of Spanish or French in the middle school will be placed in the appropriate level following a placement test.† Latin is offered in a 4-year sequence.† Spanish and French are offered in a 5-year sequence.† First-year Spanish and French course offerings are subject to enrollment requests and available staff.

Honors courses are offered in the third, fourth, and fifth year in Spanish and French.† Honors students follow the same curriculum as in College Prep courses with more rigorous grading and higher expectations for quality work.†

FRENCH

FRENCH I -ADVANCED††††	(311)	9-12	Full year	1 credit
This course is for the student with a background in French who needs a thorough review of the fundamentals of French grammar, vocabulary, and idioms.† Students will explore cultural aspects of the Francophone world, including a study of geography and daily life of French speaking people.† Emphasis is on speaking, listening, reading, understanding, and simple sentence construction using a text, readings, videos, and CD's as available. Course Outcomes

FRENCH II	(314)	9-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† French I and/or permission of instructor The second course in French is a continuation of the skill building process begun in French l with concentration on vocabulary and grammar.† Emphasis is on listening, speaking, understanding, and reading.† A text, readings, videos, and CD's are used as available. Course Outcomes

FRENCH III† (Honors)†	(320)	9-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† French I and/or permission of instructor The third course in French is the study of more complex grammatical stuctures ith emphasis on communicating in the language. In addition to a basic text used for vocabulary and grammar building, students read authentic texts and do guided and original writing. Students who enroll in French III Honors should have a passion for learning all aspects of language, looking up words, and participating in class Course Outcomes

FRENCH III	(321)	9-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† French II and/or permission of instructor The third course in French is the study of more complex grammatical structures with emphasis on communicating in the language.† In addition to a basic text used for vocabulary and grammar building, students read authentic texts and do original writing. Course Outcomes

FRENCH IV (Honors)	(324)	11-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: French III and/or permission of instructor This fourth-year course is for the student possessing a genuine desire to continue their study of French. All the skills will be strengthened through the reading of original short stories, regular writing assignments and in-depth cultural discussions based on the texts of several well-knownintercultural writers/researchers. The viewing of videos/films and the study of music will help round out student's appreciation for Francophone culture. The student's knowledge of grammar will be deepened and broadened. Course Outcomes

FRENCH IV†	(325)	11-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: French III and/or permission of instructor The fourth course in French is conducted in both French and English. It is for the academically oriented student who has successfully completed both semesters of French III. The course offers advancement in listening, speaking, reading and writing through the study of a variety of French literature. Class discussions, individual projects, viewing of French films and writing assignments enlarge the student's understanding and perspective of the Francophone world, its culture, language and literature. A review grammar text will also be used to strenghen the studen'ts knowledge and understanding of grammar. Course Outcomes

FRENCH V (Honors)†††	(327)	11-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: French III and/or permission of instructor Students in the fifth course will survey periods of history in an effort to provide a context for literature to be read. Conducted entirely in French, class discussions and writing assignments help to develop students' communication skills. Grammar is reviewed as needed. Course Outcomes

To Top of Document

LATIN

LATIN I†††	(341)	9-12	Full year	1 credit
Beginning Latin necessitates study and drill on structure and vocabulary.† More emphasis is placed on reading than speaking.† English derivatives and the relation to English grammar are studied.† Aspects of ancient civilization give perspective to the ancient Roman world. Course Outcomes

LATIN II†††	(342)	9-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† Latin I and/or permission of instructor †The second year course is a continuation of Latin grammar through conceptualization and rote.† The emphasis is on building Latin vocabulary, learning more advanced grammatical constructions, and understanding derivation of English words from Latin.† Time is given to studying mythology and Roman civilization. Course Outcomes

LATIN III†††	(345)	10-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† Latin II and/or permission of instructor Latin III focuses on advanced grammar and begins the process of reading Latin literature.† History, politics, mythology, culture, and life in ancient times are examined through readings and outside materials. Course Outcomes

LATIN IV†	(346)	11-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† Latin III and/or permission of instructor Latin IV concentrates on reading original Latin works in relation to their historical, political, military, and social context.† Authors may include: Catullus, Ovid, Caesar, Cicero, Horace, Milne, Livy, and Virgil. Course Outcomes

To Top of Document

SPANISH

SPANISH I†	(381)	9-12	Full year	1 credit
This course is for the beginner who will study the fundamentals of Spanish grammar, vocabulary, and idioms.† Students will explore cultural aspects of Hispanic countries, including geography and daily life of Hispanic people.† Emphasis is on speaking, listening, reading, understanding, and simple sentence construction using a text, readings, videos, and CD as available. Course Outcomes

SPANISH I -ADVANCED	(380)	9-12	Full year	1 credit
This course is for the student with a background in Spanish who needs a thorough review of the fundamentals of grammar, vocabulary, and idioms.† Students will explore cultural aspects of Hispanic countries, including geography and daily life of Hispanic people.† Emphasis is on speaking, listening, reading, understanding, and simple sentence construction using a text, readings, videos, and CD's as available. Course Outcomes

SPANISH II	(382)	9-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† Spanish I and/or permission of instructor This course covers increased learning and mastery of the basic Spanish reading, writing, litening and speaking skills that students possess who have successfully met the level I/IA outcomes. More verb tenses and an augmented vocabulary which incorporates new grammar concepts will be the framework at this challenging level. Increased emphasis on cultural events, both current and historic, will help to attain an even greater global awareness. Course Outcomes

SPANISH III†	(383)	9-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† Spanish II and/or permission of instructor This course covers increased learning and mastery of the basic Spanish reading, writing, listening and speaking skills that students possess who have successfully met the level II outcomes. More verb tenses and an augmented vocabulary which incorporates new grammar concepts will be the framework at this challenging level. Increased emphasis on cultural events, both current and historic, will help to attain an even greater global awareness. Course Outcomes

SPANISH III †(Honors)†	(384)	10-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† Spanish II and/or permission of instructor This course covers increased learning and mastery of the basic Spanish reading, writing, listening and speaking skills that students possess who have successfully met the level II/IIICP outcomes. More verb tenses and an augmented vocabulary which incorporates new grammar concepts will be the framework at this challenging level. Increased emphasis on cultural events, both current and historic, will help to attain an even greater global awareness. Course Outcomes

SPANISH IV (C P)	(385)	11-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† Spanish III and/or permission of instructor This course covers increased learning and mastery of the basic Spanish reading, writing, listening and speaking skills that students possess who have successfully met the level II/IIICP outcomes. More verb tenses and an augmented vocabulary which incorporates new grammar concepts will be the framework at this challenging level. Increased emphasis on cultural events, both current and historic, will help to attain an even greater global awareness. Course Outcomes

SPANISH IV (Honors)	(386)	11-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish III and/or permission of instructor This course focuses on reading and writing. Class discussions and all materials are in Spanish. Students read short stories, poetry, and articles on current events from a variety of sources. Writing includes a variety of styles and techniques such as poems, short stories, research papers, autobiographies, and letters. The study of advanced grammar and vocabulary strengthens the students' background.

SPANISH V (Honors)†††	(388)	12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish III/IV and permission of instructor Advanced Conversation: Spoken Spanish through daily oral presentations and discussions of letters from native speakers and exchange students, newspaper articles, magazines, books and videos. A thorough review of all verb tenses spoken will be ongoing, tying them into daily student-shared experiences throughout the year. 10 after-school conversations per quarter with instructor are mandatory. Expectations:† All of the class work will be conducted and performed in Spanish.† Major vocabulary enrichment, coupled with authentic pronunciation and stylistic fluidity of phrasing, are major components in the broad-based learner outcomes.† Students are expected to master verb conjugations in all tenses.† Listening and response skills are key to the course. Course Outcomes

To Top of Document

MATHEMATICS

The mathematics department offers a wide variety of sequential courses.† Students should select these courses according to their demonstrated performance in previous courses, their personal motivation, career goals / interests, and their mathematical aptitudes.† The cp level courses are intended to be solid college preparatory classes that qualify students for challenging post-secondary schools.†

The Honors mathematics curriculum is conceptually equivalent to a four-course, Advanced Placement, sequence with very high expectations.† Only students who have a special desire to be pushed beyond the routine and are highly motivated in mathematics should consider Honors courses.† Students enrolled in Honors classes are expected to think creatively and to be able to extend concepts beyond the basic ideas with very little time spent on drill and practice.† Students enrolling in the honors classes are expected to meet with the teacher outside of the classroom setting periodically after school, as needed, to foster a solid understanding of the concepts being taught.

An integral part of the Honors program is participation in Math Team.† Honors students, starting in grade 9, are strongly encouraged to be active members of the Math Team.† This activity exposes younger students to topics and techniques that will challenge them in future courses.† Upperclassmen have an opportunity to stay current on all areas of math, not just those covered in their present math course.† Participation in Math Team provides students with a definite advantage in current and future math studies.

Graphing calculators are used in a variety of math courses.† The math department uses and supports the TI-83 plus graphing calculator in their classroom instruction.† Any questions about graphing calculators should be directed to the classroom teacher.

ALGEBRA I† (Honors)	(410)	9	Full year	1 credit
This course is a first year accelerated algebra course designed to build upon, and enrich, the student's understanding of basic algebraic concepts. This course will look at algebra from a concrete, problem-solving approach as well as from a conceptual point of view. Emphasis will also be placed on modeling of data using the graphing calculator. Students are expected to spend time after school with the teacher, on occasion, to enrich their conceptual knowledge of the topics covered in class. Course Outcomes

ALGEBRA I (CP) †	(412)	9	Full year	1 credit
This course is a first year algebra course designed to build upon the studentís understanding of basic algebraic concepts.† In particular, the course will extend the studentís knowledge of linear functions and systems of linear equations.† The student will also begin the study of number of topics that will be expanded on in their following Geometry and Algebra II classes.† Some of these areas include quadratic, exponential and rational functions along with probability and statistics.† Applications of these concepts will be investigated throughout the course. Certain students, identified, as needing additional support for Algebra I CP, will be assigned to an Algebra I Learning Lab.† This lab directly supports the concepts being taught in Algebra I CP and will be scheduled for the student as part of their overall schedule. Course Outcomes

GEOMETRY (Honors)††	(420)	9-10	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: B or better in Algebra I Honors or approval of the department††††††††††† The core content of this course is typical of traditional Euclidean Geometry courses, with strong emphasis on deductive proofs.† The honors class is significantly more demanding than the Geometry CP class with emphasis on more abstract reasoning and challenging non-routine problem solving. Course Outcomes

GEOMETRY (CP)††	(422)	10-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† Successful completion of Algebra I or approval of the department. Geometry CP covers the basic concepts of Euclidean geometry, including some inroductory proof writing. Also included are other topics such as coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and area and volume of two- and three- dimensional shapes and objects. Certain students, identified, as needing additional support for Geometry CP, will be assigned to an Geometry Learning Lab.† This lab directly supports the concepts being taught in Geometry CP and will be scheduled for the student as part of their overall schedule. Course Outcomes

ALGEBRA II (Honors)††	(430)	10-11	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: B or better in Honors Geometry or approval of the department. Students will spend extensive time on analyzing, graphing and solving a variety of equations, such as exponential, quadratic, polynomial, logarithmic and periodic. Matrices, systems of equations, and trigonometry are also covered. The honors class will focus on advanced problems and applications and students are expected to challeng themselves on non-routine problems. Course Outcomes

ALGEBRA II (CP)†††	(432)	11-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: C or better in Algebra I and Geometry or approval of the department. Students enrolled in this second year algebra class will spend significant time on a variety of functions such as exponential, quadratic, and logarithmic.† , Matrices, systems of equations, and trigonometry are also covered. Certain students, identified, as needing additional support for Algebra II CP, will be assigned to an Algebra II Learning Lab.† This lab directly supports the concepts being taught in Algebra II CP and will be scheduled for the student as part of their overall schedule. Course Outcomes

PRE-CALCULUS (Honors)††	(483)	11-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:†† B or better in Honors Algebra II or approval of the dept. This course is a follow-up to Alegebra II Honors. It focuses on understanding of functions such as exponential and logarithmic, their equations, graphs and applications, a comprehensive study of trigonometry and further work in discrete mathematis covering sequences, series and probability. The course also introduces students to the basic concept of calculus. Course Outcomes

PRE-CALCULUS †(CP)††	(451)	12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† C or better in Algebra II CP or approval of the department This course is a follow-up to Algebra II CP. It reviews functions such as exponential and logarithmic, their equations, graphs and applications, and focuses on a comprehensive study of trigonometry. Further work in discrete mathematics is included in this course covering such areas as sequences, series and probability. Course Outcomes

DATA ANALYSIS & TRIGONOMETRY (CP)	(441)	12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II CP or approval of the department The Data Analysis and Trigonometry course is being introduced next year to meet the needs of a growing number of students who have completed Algebra II and need as a final math course one that includes an extensive study of statistics and trigonometry and at the same time strengthens a student's algebra skills. This course is for students that will not be taking AP Statistics but who still require a fundamental understanding of data analysis. This course is recommended for students whose first college math course may be linked to the social sciences or business majors. Certain students who may need additional support should also sign up for the DAT Math Lab.

AP CALCULUS ††	(493)	12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† B or better in Honors Pre-Calculus or approval of the department. This course is offered to students who have pursued an accelerated program of studies in mathematics.† The content is similar to that normally encountered in the first semester or two of college Calculus.† Students are required to take the AP Calculus AB exam at the end of this course. Course Outcomes

AP STATISTICS††	(495)	11-12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† Successful completion of Algebra II or approval of the department This class strictly follows the Advanced Placement Curriculum outlined by the College Board with the goal of all students taking the AP Exam in May. Students will work with one- and two-variable data, correlation, regression, normal and non-normal distributions, experimental design, inference and confidence intervals. The course contains extensive writing and justification of student work. Students should be prepared to commit time outside of class in studying for the AP Exam Course Outcomes

To Top of Document

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Graduation Requirements ñ students planning to attend a 4-year college should take at least four years of science.† Students planning to attend a technical college should take at least three years, including both a life and a physical science.† Most students at Falmouth High School take science in grade 9, biology in grade 10, and chemistry, physics or integrated chemistry/physics in grade 11.††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††††

FRESHMAN PHYSICS

FRESHMAN PHYSICS (CP)	(507)	9	Full year	1 credit
Using high quality materials developed by CPO Science, this introductory science course is strongly grounded in practical applications and presents real world connections. Investigations are integral to the course with student measurements and observations providing the evidence to help sutdents uncover the fundamental laws and relationships of physics. This is a very hands on course in which students will see and feel the science, and it will provide the strongest foundation on which students will later build understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth & space sciences and advanced physics. The mathematical ability needed to succeed in this course will be age and grade level appropriate.

FRESHMAN PHYSICS (Honors)	(508)	9	Full year	1 credit
The content and activities for the honors level will be the same as stated above, but the depth of inquiry and mathematical investigations will be at a higher level. It is intended for self-directed and self-motivated learners who accept the challenge of critical thinking and problem solving.

To Top of Document

LIFE SCIENCE/BIOLOGY

To earn credit for either section of this course, students will have to earn a passing grade and demonstrate competence in commonly assigned assessments (i. e. assessments given to all tenth grade Biology students).† These assessments will determine whether each student can meet or exceed standards in the following areas;

Classifying Life Forms: Students will understand that there are similarities within the diversity of all living things.

Ecology: Students will understand how living things depend on one another and on non-living aspects of the environment.

Cells: Students will understand that cells are the basic units of life.

Continuity and Change: Students will understand the basis for all life and that all living things change over time.

Students who are identified as needing help in meeting these standards will be assigned to a learning lab where additional instruction and tutoring will be available.

BIOLOGY (CP)††	(531)	10	Full year	1 credit
This class is a survey course designed to familiarize students with some of the many aspects of biology -- the study of life. Topics covered include: ecology, cell biology, genetics, and natural selection & evolution. The main theme of this course is the interconnections that exist within and among all living things. Through labs, lectures, outside observations, exams, videos, group and individual projects, students will get a look into the fascinating study of the living world and how they fit into the world around them. Students will also gain experience in problem solving and using science process skills such as observation, prediction, data collection and organization, and data analysis to examine the living world. Course Outcomes

BIOLOGY (Honors)††	(530)	10	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in Honors Earth Science or a B+ or better in CP Earth Science This course is designed for highly motivated students with both a strong desire to study science and the ability to think abstractly. Honors Biology will follow the same curricular framework as CP Biology with an emphasis on the molecular basis of Biology. Communication of scientific ideas is an important aspect in this course so students should expect a significant amount of outside reading and writing. There is a laboratory component to this course, and it is expected that students will continue to develop their critical and creative thinking skills. Students should have the ability and self-discipline to work in a self-directed environment. Course Outcomes

ANATOMY/PHYSIOLOGY (Honors)	(532)	11,12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite:† A grade of B or better in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry, or a B+ or better in CP Biology and CP Chemistry. Welcome to Anatomy & Physiology! During the course of this year, we will focus on studying human anatomy (structure) and physiology (function). As we study various human systems, we will focus on understanding how these systems are interdependent, as well as the connection between form and function. I am less interested in your being able to memorize terms than I am in your being able to analyze and respond to mechanistic questions. Therefore, our studies will focus on being able to answer "What if . . ?" types of questions about how the human body functions, and tests will primarily be open-note. We will begin the year by looking at the evolution of vertebrates in general and hnmans in particular. Course Outcomes

AP BIOLOGY (AP)	(533)	11,12	Full year	1 credit
Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in Honors Biology and Honors Chemistry, or a B+ or better in CP Biology and CP Chemistry. AP Biology is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course usually taken by biology majors during their first year. The AP Biology course should be taken by students after the successful completion of a first course in high school biology an one in high school chemistry. This course provides students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. The AP Biology Development Committee conducts college curriculum surveys and develops the AP Biology Examination so that it is representative of the topics covered by these colleges. Accordingly, goals have been set for percentage coverage of three general areas: * Molecules and Cells, 25% * Heredity and Evolution, 25% * Organisms and Populations, 50% The percentage goals serve as a guide for designing an AP Biology course and will be used to apportion the time devoted to each category. The AP Biology exam is also constructed using the percentage goals as guidelines for question distribution. Students who elect to take this course should have a strong interest in Biology, the ability and desire to read college textbooks, and the commitment to work until May. It is also suggested that students plan to take the AP Biology test in May.

GENETICS	(534)	10-12	1 Semester	1/2 credit
Prerequisites: A or B in Biology and Chemistry concurrent This course will establish a conceptual framework for the study of genetics beginning with classical Mendelian Genetics and basic molecular genetics. From there, we will look at how gene expression and genetic diversity affect the evolution, the development, the behavior, the function/malfunction, and the survival of organisms. In addition, current techniques in biotechnology, gene therapy, and the process/outcomes of The Human Genome Project will be introduced. There will be an opportunity for students to individually explore a topic of their choice within the study of genetics.

BIOETHICS	(535)	10-12	1 Semester	1/2 credit
Prerequisites: A or B in Biology This course will introduce students to bioethics as an interdisciplinary subject -- taking skills and familiar/unfamiliar content from Biology, English, History, and Philosophy. Science is advancing at an incredible pace and this class will take the time to reflect upon and understand the ethical consequences of these new developments. Classes will consist of lecture, research, presentation, debate, discussion, and analytical writing. Students will need to be self-motivated to research and read-up