MATHEMATICS

Pre-Algebra

Texbook:  Pre-Algebra

Publisher:  McDougal Littell

 

Description:  Pre-Algebra will give students a strong foundation in algebra while also preparing students for future study of geometry, probability, and data analysis.  Students will be introduced to a variety of topics including:  Variables, Expressions, and Integers; Solving Equations and Inequalities; Factors, Fractions, and Exponents; Rational Numbers; Ratio, Proportion, and Probability; Percents; Linear Functions; Real Numbers and Right Triangles; Measurement, Area, Volume; Data Analysis and Probability; Polynomials and Nonlinear Functions; and Angle Relationships and Transformations.  Students are also required to research and do a project on how math is used in other countries.          

 

Algebra I

Texbook:  Algebra I

Publisher:  McDougal Littell

Prerequisite:  Pre-Algebra

                                               

Description:  Algebra I is an advanced level course and teaches algebraic and problem-solving skills.  This course is to prepare students for Geometry, Algebra II, and other advanced math classes. Topics covered in this course will include the following:  Algebraic Expressions, Equations and Inequalities; Properties of Real Numbers; Graphing and Solving Linear Equations, Inequalities and Functions; Exponents and Exponential Functions; Quadratic Equations and Functions;  Polynomials and Factoring; Rational Expressions and Equations; Radicals and Connections to Geometry. Scientific calculators will be used occasionally in this class.  Students will be able to apply creativity, planning and mathematical concepts while making a game in a group or individual setting.

 

Geometry

Texbook:  Geometry

Publisher:  McDougal Littell

Prerequisite:  Algebra I

 

Description:  Geometry will encourage students to develop reasoning and problem solving skills.  Topics of study will include the following:  congruence, similarity, properties of lines, triangles, quadrilaterals, and circles.  Students also develop problem solving skills by using length, perimeter, area, circumference, surface area, and volume to solve real-world problems.  Students are also required to design and make a string art project and a tessellation project.

 

Algebra II

Texbook:  Algebra II

Publisher:  McDougal Littell

Prerequisite:  Geometry

 

Description:  This course is a continuation of Algebra I.  Algebra II includes the following topics: First Degree Equations and Inequalities, Polynomial and Radical Equations and Inequalities, Advanced Functions and Relations, Discrete Mathematics Trigonometric Functions, Trigonometric Graphs and Identities.  A TI 83 graphing calculator will be needed for this course. Students will complete a research project and presentation on a mathematician.

 

PreCalculus

Textbook:  Advanced Mathematical Concepts:  Pre-calculus with Applications

Publisher:  Glencoe

Prerequisite:  Algebra II

 

Description:  This course begins with a review of concepts from previous mathematics courses.  The topics included are the following:  Linear Relations and Functions, Systems of Linear Equations and inequalities, The Nature of Graphs, Polynomial and Rational Functions, Graphs of Trigonometric Functions, Trigonometric Identities, and Equations, Vectors and Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates and Complex Numbers, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, and Sequences and Series.  Students will complete a practice application project of mathematical concepts learned in this class.

A TI 83 graphing calculator will be needed for this course.

 

Consumer Math

Textbook:  Consumer Mathematics                

Publisher:  ABEKA

 

Description:  Consumer Math is a very practical math course. It covers topics that students will need to deal with at some time or another. Topics such as buying a car, income, budgeting, food, clothing, banking, taxes, and small business are covered in depth. Buying a car is divided into a series of very practical lessons covering factors to consider and work through such as selecting the appropriate car (including cost comparison vs. utility), taxes and fees, financing, depreciation, insurance, maintenance and repair, annual operating cost, and leasing. Lessons on taxes require students to get actual tax forms and learn how to complete them. Plenty of word problems/applications ensure student understanding.

 

 

Business Math

Textbook:  Business Mathematics                

Publisher:  ABEKA

 

Description: Business Math introduces the secondary student to the math needed to operate a business, to make investments, to successfully manage family finances, and to apply the principle of good stewardship. The text uses Scripture to train students to have godly attitudes toward finances and work responsibilities. Each topic taught in this class requires students to use skills to solve real-life computing problems. The curriculum abounds in example problems that guide the student toward independent thinking. The variety of word problems tests student’s knowledge of concepts and skills and stretches their mathematical ability. Each unit begins with basic skills and concepts and builds gradually to more difficult concepts.


 

SCIENCE

 

Middle School Space & Earth Science

Textbook:  Space & Earth Science

Publisher: BJU Press

 

Description: Space and Earth Science is the study of the physical universe. This class will include the study of scientific philosophy, outer space meteorology, geology, oceanography and more. The class is divided into four units: the celestial sphere, the atmosphere, the lithosphere and the hydrosphere.

 

Middle School Life Science and Health

Textbook: Science: Order and Reality

            Publisher: BJU Press

 

Description: Life Sciences is the study of the living wonders that surround us every day; students will learn to appreciate the wonders of Nature, as well as its Creator. The basics of science are covered, including classification of species, cell structure and the scientific method, as well as more complicated topics such as evolution and creation, reproduction and more. Illustrations  are used to help to reinforce ethereal concepts, and bright colors bring a pleasing visual element to the class as well as many activities to master the topics being learned.

 

Biology

Textbook:  Biology

Publisher:  Bob Jones University Press

Prerequisite:  Life Science

 

Description:  This survey course covers a wide variety of topics related to biology.  Studies are based upon a Christian worldview; that is, a creation science perspective is taken.  Topics include:  God as Creator, the Chemistry of Life, Cytology, Genetics, Biotechnology, the History of Life, Classification of Organisms, Zoology (including a unit on Kansas wildlife), Anatomy and Physiology.  Frequent labs and demonstrations add to students’ understanding of these topics.  This course includes daily assignments, tests and projects in addition to labs.  Internet access is required.                                                                 

 

 

Chemistry

Textbook:  Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 2nd Edition

Publisher:  Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.

 

Prerequisite:    Algebra II (or currently enrolled)

 

Description:  Exploring Creation with Chemistry is a college-preparatory high school chemistry course.  This course includes laboratory exercises and experiments.  It will cover sixteen areas of concentration: Measurement and Units; Energy, Heat, and Temperature; Atoms and Molecules; Classifying Matter and Its Changes; Counting Molecules and Atoms in Chemical Equations; Stoichiometry; Atomic Structure; Molecular Structure; Polyatomic Ions and Molecular Geometry; Acid/Base Chemistry; The Chemistry of Solutions; The Gas Phase; Thermodynamics; Kinetics; Chemical Equilibrium; and Reduction/Oxidation Reactions.  Students will also be required to do a project during first or second semester.

 

Physical Science

Textbook:  Science of the Physical Creation

                Lab Manual with Chapter Reviews

Publisher:  ABEKA Books

 

Description:  This course will cover an introduction and basic concepts for the physical sciences of chemistry, physics, geology, weather and astronomy.  Students will learn about atomic structure and chemical activity, simple machines and related mechanics, waves, rock and fossil formation, air masses and how they interact to form weather, and a brief look at stars and our solar system.

 

Physics

Textbook:  Physics: The Foundational Science

Publisher:  ABEKA Books

 

Prerequisite:  Algebra II (or currently enrolled)

 

Description:  Physics is a college prep course which contains thorough and detailed explanations with a touch of humor that penetrates the most perplexing questions. Wherever possible, the principles of physics are illustrated by everyday experience and practical devices. The student is shown how the many kinds of technology--from the camera to the car--actually function. Numerous illustrative problems are solved in detail. This course plays an important role in showing students the harmony between scientific knowledge and Christian belief. The text is firmly grounded on the view that we live in a God-created world governed by laws discoverable by reverent scientific inquiry. Issues of vital concern to Christians are handled in depth. Interspersed throughout the course are biographies of great physicists who were also Bible-believing Christians. Students will be required to do a project with a partner or individually.

 

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

 

Middle School Language Arts

Textbooks: Of People

                  Vocabulary, Spelling, and Poetry I

                  Grammar and Composition I

Publisher: A Beka Book

 

Description:  Middle School literature will include interesting stories and poems, most of which are by well-known writers and poets that have been selected for their emphasis on character. Many selections deal with seasons and holidays—especially Christmas. Others are about family life, great men and women, young people who have accepted a challenge, and legendary heroes. Victor Hugo, O. Henry, Charles Lamb, Louisa May Alcott, and Stephen Vincent Benet are among the prominent authors represented. Some of the selections are excerpts of longer works--Don Quixote, A Christmas Carol, Robinson Crusoe, and Pilgrim's Progress. 

 

Grammar and composition will include a clear explanation of traditional grammar, diagramming, research skills, and in depth study of eight parts of speech. The students will have several essays and a book report each quarter along with a research paper second semester. 

 

Spelling, vocabulary, and poetry will include 24 word lists containing 20 spelling words and 7 vocabulary words emphasizing roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Eight poetry selections chosen for their literary beauty and character building themes will be memorized and some will be recited in front of the class.

 

 

Textbooks: Of Places

                  Vocabulary, Spelling, and Poetry II

                  Grammar and Composition II

Publisher: A Beka Book

 

Description:  Middle School literature includes fascinating stories and poems by well-known authors. These works have been selected for their emphasis on character as it relates to Christian living. The selections are themed around family life, friends, community, great men and women, holidays, and folklore. O. Henry, Stephen Vincent Benet, Louisa May Alcott, C. S. Lewis, and John Bunyan are among the prominent authors represented.

 

Middle School grammar and composition includes a review and study of the eight parts of speech, and an introduction to the more complex aspects of the English language. Students will also continue to develop their research and writing skills through the writing of books reports and a research paper.

 

Middle School spelling, vocabulary, and poetry includes 28 word lists containing 20 spelling words and 10 vocabulary words. Poetry selected for its superior literary quality and its character-building themes will be memorized and recited throughout the school year.

 

 

Themes in Literature and Composition

Textbooks: Themes in Literature

                  Vocabulary, Spelling, and Poetry III

                  Grammar and Composition III

Publisher: A Beka Book

 

Description:  Themes in Literature and Composition include prose and poetry that emphasizes the various aspects of literary structure: plot, voice, theme, point-of-view, symbolism, etc. Students are exposed to many great authors, including Milton, Teasdale, Ruskin, Tolstoy, and Shakespeare, and they are encouraged to appreciate great literature.

 

Grammar and composition is a traditional writing and grammar course that continues the study of diagramming and the eight parts of speech. Students continue the development of research, writing, and analytical thinking skills through writing critical book reports and research papers.

 

Spelling, vocabulary, and poetry includes vocabulary words that emphasize syllabication, pronunciation, and definition. Spelling words are taken from lists of troublesome words to spell. Students will also memorize and recite a variety of poetry chosen for its superior literary merit.

 

World Literature and Composition

Textbooks:  World Literature   

                    Grammar and Composition IV

                    Vocabulary Spelling Poetry IV

Publisher:  A Beka Book

 

Description:  Literature includes a collection of enjoyable prose and poetry from classics by such authors as Dickens, Poe, Goethe, Tolstoy, and Hugo that are arranged to illustrate literary devices such as character development, plot, theme, setting, and imagery; these selections encourage students to appreciate great literature. The text concludes with a brief study of excerpts from major ancient and modern works presented in historical sequence, enabling students to think through the history of ideas in Christian perspective.

 

Grammar and composition is a traditional grammar and writing course that emphasizes the fundamentals of grammar and develops students' ability to think analytically and to write clearly and effectively.

 

Spelling, vocabulary, and poetry includes lists of words which emphasize the following information: syllabication, pronunciation, part of speech, etymology, definition, sentence example, synonyms, antonyms, and related forms. Greek and Latin prefixes, suffixes and roots will be presented so that the meaning of thousands of new words can be determined without having to look them up.  The students will also be introduced to a series of verbal analogies. The spelling words in the first few lessons illustrate the spelling rules to master, and the rest of the words are from lists of the most troublesome words. A wide variety of outstanding poetry will be memorized.

 

 

American Literature and Composition

Textbooks:  American Literature

                   Handbook of Grammar and Composition

                   Vocabulary Spelling V

                  Workbook V for Grammar and Composition

Publisher:  A Beka Book

 

Description: American literature highlights a broad study of various types of literature that helps students to love and appreciate the literature of our country. Authors include Irving, Cooper, Whittier, Clemens, Frost, Thurber, and many others. Transcendentalism and the literary trends of the twentieth century are not simply accepted as "art" but are evaluated in light of the Scriptures for the students' edification. America's great preachers, hymn writers, statesmen, and Bible scholars are given their rightful place in American literature.

 

Grammar and composition emphasizes editing and revising. Students learn how to choose the right words and how to compose correct and effective sentences through repeatedly editing and revising phases of the writing process in much the same way that a professional writer does. Composition will also include using the library and writing paragraphs, paraphrases, and precis, as well as review exercises on grammar and mechanics.

 

Vocabulary, spelling, and vocabulary includes twelve units filled with in-depth vocabulary studies, spelling lists, and practice exercises. A variety of outstanding poetry will also be memorized and recited throughout the school year.

 

British Literature and Composition

Textbooks: English Literature

                  Handbook of Grammar and Composition

                  Vocabulary VI

                  Workbook VI for Grammar and Composition

Publisher: A Beka Book

 

Description:  English literature explores the history and literature of present-day England, beginning with the Anglo-Saxon era and moving chronologically until the Modern era. Students read poetry by great English authors such as Robert Browning, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and Rudyard Kipling. Students explore the religious writings of the Reformers—foundational in contemporary theology—and of other well-known English Bible scholars. Finally, they read excerpts from classic works of fiction like Beowulf, Gulliver’s Travels, and Robinson Crusoe. Students learn the foundations of critical theory (Marxism, feminism, psychoanalytical criticism, etc.) and how to undo those foundations by viewing literature through the lens of Scripture instead.

 

Grammar and composition carries an emphasis on editing and revising. The writing and revision process is reinforced, with students spending a majority of their time learning how to choose the right word, how to compose correct and effective sentences, and how to edit one another’s work. Composition will also include learning to access and utilize free databases offered by the public library. Students will also complete review exercises on grammar and mechanics.

 

Vocabulary includes 12 units of detailed vocabulary studies; roots, prefixes, and suffixes; and practice exercises. Students also learn the basics of translating Old English as well as how to read and speak Middle English.

 

 

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

 

 

Middle School World History

Text:  History of the World

Publisher:  ABeka Book

Prerequisite:  None

 

Middle School World History leads students on a journey through time from Creation to the early 21st century. The Christian perspective is the thread that connects the past to the present in this fascinating narrative of world history, teaching students to recognize the hand of God in human events. An abundance of full-color paintings, lithographs, and photos enhance the text. Colorful maps provide students with a geographic setting for historical events; time lines help them place events in the chronology of world history. Topics covered include: Sumer to Canaan; Egypt; Greece; Rome before and after Christ; Feudalism; Protestant Reformation; Post Reformation Europe; The English Nation; Age of Exploration; The United States; France in the Modern Age; Science and Industry in the Modern Age; The British Empire; World War I and II; The Cold War Era; and many more.  This course is enhanced with current events, research projects, and video presentations.

 

Middle School American History

Text:  America, Land I Love

Publisher:   ABeka Book

Prerequisite:  None

 

Description:   This is a basic survey class concerning the history of the United States.  Beginning with the period of exploration and culminating with present day history, the story of America is studied through a Christian worldview.  There will be a special emphasis upon the effects of Christians and Christian thought upon the development of the United States as a nation.  Other topics covered in this course include:  A New World Exploration; The First English Colonies; War for Independence; Exploration of the Appalachians to the Rockies; The Jacksonian Era; Technology Era; Second Great Awakening; Education and Culture; The Civil War and Reconstruction; The Age of Industry; The Twentieth Century; World War I and II; A New Millennium; and more. This course researches topics, discusses current events, and uses video presentations to encourage in depth study.

 

World History/Geography – High School

Textbook: World History & Cultures

Publisher: ABeka Book

 

Description: The world history course takes students through a history of time beginning with God’s creation of the earth. Students will demonstrate acquired knowledge of how the world unfolded throughout Western civilization including Ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, as well as the Age of Exploration. The class is taught from a Christian perspective giving students a historical background into the development of the world and the cultural, economic, and political changes throughout the ages. Students will be expected to use and develop critical thinking skills to analyze what they learn daily.

 

 

American History – High School

Text:  American History for Christian Schools, BJU Press

Prerequisite:  None

 

Description:   This is a comprehensive survey class of American history.  It is intended to give the high school student a solid foundation of knowledge concerning the formation and development of American history.  American history will be studied from the colonial period to present time.  Special emphasis will be given to the influence of the Christian worldview in the development of the United States.  Church and denominational history and its role in the overall development of the United States will also be addressed.  Students will be responsible for reading assignments both in the text and from outside sources, daily work assignments, and various quizzes and tests. 

 

American Government/Economics

Text:  American Government for Christian Schools, Abeka

Prerequisite:  None

 

Description:   This is a comprehensive survey class of American government.  It is intended to give the high school student a solid foundation of knowledge concerning the formation and operation of American government.  Attention is given to the Christian heritage of American government and the thoughts and actions of the founding fathers in creating a democratic republic.  Also as a point of emphasis will be the role of the Christian and the place of the Christian worldview in the operation of government today.  The role of the Christian citizen in America as a participant in American government will be addressed throughout.  One 9 weeks period will be dedicated to the study, understanding and application of personal economics including elements of personal finance such as budgeting, debt and handling of wealth.

 

 

BIBLE / CHRISTIAN ETHICS

 

Personal Ethics – Middle School

Text:  New International Version Bible; Handout materials

Prerequisite:  None

 

Description:  This is a study of different character traits.  Each trait is studied from a Biblical perspective.  Each character trait is studied for approximately 5-7 days with evaluation of understanding at the end of that period.  The study of each trait involves a study of Scripture, definitions and descriptions of impact of the trait on personal life.  Study will involve the importance of the trait, cautions concerning the negative counterpart of each trait and practical application of each to daily living in the Christian worldview.   Traits studied include love, wisdom, obedience, and courage among many others. 

 

Biographies of Great Men and Women – Middle School

Text:  New International Version Bible; Handout materials

Prerequisite:  None

 

Description:   This is a Bible course which presents an in-depth Scriptural study of the life of Old and New Testament characters.  Using both positive and negative examples, students learn from the context of the individual’s life how to face both the challenges of everyday living and the challenges of experiences that enter everyone’s life.  The studies will focus not only on the nature of the challenge but also will emphasize the overcoming nature of the Christian world view in relation to circumstances that result from these kinds of events.  Characters included will be Adam and Eve, Timothy, Leah, Joash, etc. 

 

History of the Life of Christ – High School

Text:  New International Version Bible; Handout materials

Prerequisite:  None

 

Description:   This is a Bible course that is an examination of the life of Christ beginning with His existence prior to creation and His prophesied coming in the Old Testament extending to His second coming and eventual heavenly rule.  In the process of the course other topics will include His birth, His three-year ministry, the passion week, His crucifixion and resurrection.  The class will include Scripture study and memorization, written work and geographically and historically significant information.  Emphasis will be on the application of the principles taught by Jesus to the everyday lives of the students in the class.

 

Ethical History – High School

Text:  New International Version Bible; Handout materials

Prerequisite:  None

 

Description:   This is a Bible course that is based upon the unifying theme of redemption as it is presented in the lives of Bible characters.  The Bible will be surveyed based upon the basic theme.  The class will be divided into the following sections relating to redemption:

                        The Need for Redemption – Genesis 1-11

                        The Nation Through Which Redemption Comes – Genesis 12-Malachi

                        The Person of Redemption – The Gospels

                        The Explanation of Redemption – Acts – Jude

                        The End of Redemption – Revelation

Through the lives of Old and New Testament individuals the students will be introduced to acts of God’s faithfulness through the ages with the intent of developing an appreciation for and application of the same elements of faithfulness witnessed in Scripture of the lives of God’s people.

 

 

Church Doctrines

Text:  New International Version Bible; Handout materials

Prerequisite:  None

 

Description:  The focus of this course is the basic doctrines that are contained within God’s Word.  The main emphasis will be “Understanding and Applying Doctrine – Learn It, Love It, Live It!” The core of the class is the essential truths of the doctrines being studied.  The objective of the study is to provide the students with a useable reference for both studies in school and life in the future.  Among the doctrines studied are those pertaining to God, the Bible, man, sin, salvation and Christ.  Additional areas of study include the Holy Spirit, Christian life, the church, angels, Satan and future events. 

 

 

Ethics – High School

Text:  New International Version Bible; Understanding the Times

Prerequisite:  None

 

Description:   This is a course which centers around the concept that ideas are what controls the world.  It is a survey course that attempts to familiarize students with dominate “worldviews” in the world today.  A worldview is a way of interpreting everything that happens in the world.  The purpose of the study is to strengthen student’s understanding of the Christian worldview to prevent deception and to help students become prepared to advocate for the Christian worldview in a culture that accepts many different ideas.  Six worldviews will be studied in respect to ten separate disciplines.  The worldviews included are:  Christianity, Islam, Secular Humanism, Marxism-Leninism, Cosmic Humanism and Post-Modernism.  These will all be discussed in relation to the following disciplines:  Theology, Philosophy, Ethics, Biology, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Politics, Economics, and History.  Student participation will include text and essay reading, films, class discussion and testing.

 

 

 

 

ALLEN COUNTY COLLEGE COURSES

 

English Composition I

Textbooks: (varies from year to year)

 

Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell. Patterns for College Writing: A Rhetorical

Reader and Guide. 11th Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010.

 

Ruszkiewicz, John, et al. The Scott Foresman Handbook for Writers. 8th Ed. Upper

Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.

 

Description:  English Composition I is designed to help students strengthen their reading, writing, and discussion skills, especially for academic purposes. Writing issues covered in English Composition I include organization, clarity, and, as needed, grammatical usage. The course also provides students with an introduction to research, broadly defined, using resources from the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library, the State Library of Kansas, and Allen Community College. Students also practice the basics of documentation. Assignments include five graded essays and a variety of non-graded assignments.   

 

English Composition II

Textbooks: (varies from year to year)

 

Description:  English Composition II is a continuation of English Composition I, with a greater emphasis on research, persuasive writing, argumentation, and documentation. Students should expect to write longer, more critical essays than those written in Composition I. Assignments include four to six graded essays, most of which require research, as well as a variety of non-graded assignments

 

Introduction to Literature

Textbooks: (varies from year to year)

 

Roberts, Edgar V., and Henry E. Jacobs.  Literature: An Introduction to Reading and

Writing. 8th. ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 2007.

 

Description:  Introduction to Literature reviews and studies the major genres of literature: fiction, poetry, and drama.  Representative selections are read, discussed, and analyzed.  Literary criticism is introduced via theme, mood, characterization, style, tone, language, and other related characteristics. Students will demonstrate their understanding of these concepts through short writing assignments, a class presentation, and written tests.

 

College Psychology 101

Textbook:        The Science of Psychology:  An Appreciative View

Publisher:  McGraw Hill

 

Description:  This class is offered through Allen Community College and is taught by HCS staff.  It is a 3 credit course.  Topics include:  The Roots and Early Scientific Approaches of Psychology, Contemporary Approaches to Psychology, Psychological Research, Biological Consciousness, the Psychology of Learning, Memory, Thinking, Intelligence, and Language Motivation and Emotion, Personality, Social Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Psychological Disorders, Therapies and Health Psychology.  Students must qualify for this course through ACT, COMPASS or ASSET scores.  Internet access is required.

 

 

 

College Sociology 102

Textbook:        Sociology

                        Publisher:  McGraw Hill

Frequently Used Resources:   World magazine & The Truth Project

Publisher:  World and Focus on the Family

 

Description:  This class is offered through Allen Community College and is taught by HCS staff.  It is a 3 credit course.  Topics include: Understanding Sociology,  Sociological Research, Culture, Socialization, Social Interaction and Social Structure, Groups and Organizations, The Mass Media, Deviance and Social Control, Stratification and Social Mobility in the United States, Global Inequality, Racial and Ethnic Inequality, Stratification by Gender, Stratification by Age, The Family and Intimate Relationships, Religion, Education, Government and Politics, The Economy and Work, Health and Medicine, Communities and Urbanization, Population and the Environment, Collective Behavior and Social Movements, Globalization, Technology, and Social Change. Internet access is required.

 

 

 

College Algebra

 

Facilitator:  Allen Community College

Online Class

 

Description: This course introduces the student to the concept of functions and their graphs. Students will graph linear, quadratic, rational, exponential, logarithmic, radical, power, and absolute value functions and transformations; perform operations on and compositions of functions; find the inverse of a function; apply the laws of logarithms to simplify expressions and solve equations; graph non-linear inequalities; solve related applications and modeling problems.

 

ELECTIVES

 

Physical Education/Lifetime Fitness 

Description: This course is required for all students for two years in middle school and two years in high school.  This course is designed to give the student basic fitness knowledge and experience, skill development, activity knowledge and a positive attitude while engaging in physical activity. Through the participation in several sports, students will gain the knowledge necessary to become an educated participant and spectator. Students also learn the importance of exercise, and the benefits it brings throughout their lifetime.

 

Strength Training

Description:  Students will develop an understanding of proper strength training techniques, develop and maintain a suitable level of physical fitness, and acquire desirable social standards and ethical concepts, positive self-concept and self-image. The personal and educational benefits of a strength training program will be emphasized. 

 

Graphic Arts/Yearbook 

Description:  Students enrolled in this course learn all the skills required to develop a school yearbook, while being introduced to Graphic Arts. Students learn advanced publishing skills, interviewing techniques, design and layout expertise, and sophisticated writing skills. An emphasis is placed on the design portion of this class. They become adept at using complex software (Josten’s Yearbook Avenue & Photoshop Elements 6) that is used in the professional publishing industry. In addition, students learn to work as leaders and as a team as they manage this production process. Production of the yearbook requires work outside of class.

 

Art/Drawing

Description:  Art / Drawing is a basic course that provides a foundation for succeeding art courses. The elements and principles of design are emphasized through a variety of problems and media. Emphasis will be on drawing and other media may include painting, printmaking, electronic media, and sculpture. Art history and criticism are included in the curriculum. Development of a portfolio is required. Students will receive course information and a list of supplies at the beginning of the course.

 

Keyboarding

Description:  Middle school students are introduced to the computer keyboard and learn the placement of letter, number, and special symbol keys.  Students start with the keyboard and correct hand positions as they work on proficiency, accuracy and speed. Through practice and timed writings, most students are typing at a minimum of 35 words per minute at the end of first semester. Students are also introduced to a variety of keyboarding documents including:  Business Documents, Business Letters, Letter Styles and Unbound Reports, Professional Tables, and document formatting.  Through timed writings and computer typing games, students improve their typing skills with enjoyable yet challenging assignments.

 

 

Creative Writing

Description:  Creative Writing is an introduction to the principles and techniques necessary for developing the creative process.  Lectures, reading, and writing exercises in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction along with daily journal writing will be some of the topics covered in this class.

 

Computer Applications

Description:  This high school course provides the student with hands-on experience in business applications using the computer. These applications include word processing, database, spreadsheets, graphics, and presentation software.  Students will use Microsoft Office, which includes Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint.  Additionally, students will learn computer ergonomics and technique along with basic technical terms.  Students will exercise basic keyboarding skills and word processing application skills, including the use and operation of word processing equipment. A strong emphasis is placed on proofreading.  The course is designed to help students improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy while learning how to format personal and business letters, short reports, and other common business documents.  Major emphasis will be placed upon the use of Microsoft Office as a tool to accomplishing academic and business tasks; homework, research assignments, fliers, etc.; other concepts will be explored and/or demonstrated during the course.  Students will be required to do research and give power point presentations.

 

 

Teacher’s Aid

Description:  Students will work in a classroom aiding the teacher in a variety of assignments.  Students may tutor in math, reading, English, or other subjects.  The student will also use their creativity while helping with bulletin boards and art project preparation.  Students will learn to be accountable, dependable, and self-reliant.

 

Choir

Description:  This group of 7th – 12th grade vocalists will learn and perform a variety of classical pieces, hymns, and modern selections for concerts, chapels, and community audiences.  The emphasis of this class will be on using voices for God’s glory, to express joy, and to clearly communicate a message. Students will enjoy the music as they strive to stretch and “fine-tune” whatever musical abilities God has given.  Performance experience will be gained at HCS school programs as well as through ministering to others through song (e.g. nursing homes, shut-ins, etc.).  Special concert clothes will be required for this class.

 

Band

Description:  This group of 5th through high school musicians will practice and perform at concerts, musicals, and for community audiences.  The students will learn correct band etiquette, correct positioning, and blending with other instruments.  Students will be encouraged to practice in order to meet their musical potential.  Music theory will also be taught to the middle school and high school students.

 

Spanish I

Description:  The Spanish 1 class is an introductory class that satisfies the school requirement for one credit of a foreign language, while learning about the Latin American world and its culture. In this class students will learn how to conjugate present tense verbs and be exposed to the beginning of past tense verbs, learn how to write and understand simple to moderate sentences and short children’s stories and poems. They will be exposed to conversation, movies and magazines in the target language.

Spanish 1: Present Tense of -ar, -er, -ir verbs (including irregular verbs)
Ser, estar, tener, and haber
Comparatives
Reflexives
Vocabulary: Clothing, Foods, the Family

 

Spanish II

Description:  This Spanish class is an advanced class for which Spanish I is a prerequisite.

In this class, students will continue to learn how to conjugate present tense verbs and also the preterite tense (past tense), they will also learn how to write, read and understand moderate to more intricate sentences. They will be exposed to conversation, movies, news shows and magazines in the target language.

Spanish 2: Preterit and Imperfect Tenses (all forms and uses)
Direct and Indirect Pronouns
Superlatives
Commands
Por and Para
Subjunctive (forms and used with expressions of influence)

 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

 

Physical Education – Middle School

Description: This course is offered for seventh/eighth grade students.  It is a yearlong course, which is designed to give the student basic fitness knowledge and experience, skill development, activity knowledge and a positive attitude while engaging in physical activity. Through the participation in several sports, students will gain the knowledge necessary to become an educated participant and spectator. Students also learn the importance of exercise, and the benefits it brings throughout their lifetime.