2014-2015

CHS Course Information

This PowerPoint is available on the CHS Counseling website.

Scheduling2014-2015

Career & Tech Ed

• Tech Drafting 1,2,3,&4

• Architectural Drafting 1,2,3,&4

• Housing Concepts• Small Engines 1 & 2• Welding (District-

Wide)• OPET (District-

Wide)

Elective CTE Credits

Did you know…

• In Tech Drafting 1&2 you learn the foundations of CAD Computer Aid Design Software

• In Tech Drafting 3&4 you use CAD software to design items for digital fabrication (3d Printing and CNC Machines)

• Architectural Drafting is about residential and commercial design

• You must take Tech Drafting 1 before taking Architectural Drafting 1

• Tech Prep College credit is available on all even numbered drafting classes

• Housing Concepts is not a computer class• In Small engines you learn about basic engine

mechanics• Welding is for Juniors and Seniors and if you are

interested in taking welding you should take Tech Drafting 1&2

Career & Tech Ed (Business)

• Tech Apps 1,2,3• Desktop Publishing 1

(Adobe InDesign)• Desktop Publishing 2

(Adobe Photoshop)• Computer Science• Web Page Authoring• Customer Service• Personal Finance• Business Law• Accounting 1 & 2

Elective CTE Credits

Did you know… • Tech Apps 1 is the foundation course for most business

classes• Tech Apps 2 is advanced Microsoft Word and Excel• Tech Apps 3 is advanced Microsoft PowerPoint and

Access• In Desktop Publishing 1 you learn Adobe InDesign and in

Desktop Publishing 2 you learn Adobe Photoshop• You don’t have to take Desktop Publishing 1 before taking

Desktop Publishing 2• Computer Science is a class about Computer Programing

and is not an intro to Computers class• Customer Service isn’t just about interacting with retail

customers, you also learn about how to interact in a workplace

• Business law will teach you how to be a knowledgeable consumer

• Accounting 1&2 is a junior and senior level class and should be taken consecutively in the same school year.

• Many Business classes offer college credit through Tech Prep agreements with Mat-Su College

Audio/Video Media

(4 credits possible)• Introduction to

Communication Careers (.5 cr)

• Fundamentals of Design (.5 cr)

• Advanced Media 1, 2, 3 (up to 3 cr)

Typical Course Progressions

Did you know… • Introduction to Communication Careers explores all basic fields of

Audio/Video production and provides core skills on equipment. This is the first class in the program and is required for any other class. It is typically offered only in the fall. (9-12)

• Fundamentals of Design focuses on layout and composition for video, still image, and print. Skills for layout of digital signage, print posters, and video will be improved. Further skills of shot composition, movement, and editing sequences are developed. Script writing is introduced. This class is typically offered only in the spring. (9-12)

• Advanced Media 1, 2, and 3 are project based classes where new skills in audio or video programs are developed and experimented. This is essentially three classes where the program will allow students to work ahead of the skill-sets taught as they are willing and able. Further skills in composition, editing, live video directing, audio programming, electronic news gathering, documentary, informational, commercial, and dramatic filmmaking and developed. (10-12, Intro & Design prereq.)

• All classes will participate in the ongoing production of Teen Talk radio show that airs Friday nights at 9:00 PM on KVRF 89.5.

• All students must perform in one outside-of-class live video production, such as live streaming of sporting or other school events – and have the opportunity to participate in more.

• Students will learn real-world job-marketable skills for media and non-media related careers alike.

English

(4 credits Required)• Eng 1,2,3 Electives• Honor Eng 1,2, AP

Lit, AP Lang• Eng 1,2, AP Lit, AP

Lang• Eng 1,2,3,4 • Honors Eng 2, AP Lit,

AP Lang, Eng 4 or Electives

• Eng 1,2, Electives X 2

Typical Course Progressions

Did you know… • English 1 – is required (usually 9th grade)

• English 2 – is required (usually 10th grade)

• English 3 – All students are encouraged to take this class. Its main focus is American Literature and persuasive writing.

• Honors 1 and 2-- yearlong pre-AP courses designed for students with specific interests in an accelerated curriculum in Language Arts. The course of studies parallels the established curriculum of English 2; however, Honors English 2 has an emphasis on advanced writing skills, literary and rhetorical devices, close-reading skills, frequent discussion, and critical thinking strategies. The study of literary classics, vocabulary, active discussion, and expository writing are stressed. These are necessary skills in AP Literature and AP Language.

• AP Lit – focuses on close reading and analysis of literature, with emphasis on American Lit, as well as writing literary analysis essays. It is a course expectation that students will attempt the College Board exam in May to earn college credit.

• AP Language - the focus of this class is on analyzing nonfiction texts (essays, memoirs, columns, etc.), learning rhetorical strategies that authors use and that you can use to improve your writing skills, and on preparing for college writing across disciplines.

• Journalism – Write news stories for the Knightly News

• Yearbook – Everybody loves the yearbook! This counts as a general elective.

• Debate - if you enjoy research and writing, this is the class for you. We write Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas debates. The time you spend in a semester actually debating your cases totals 1.5-2 hours. The rest of the time you are judging others' debates and researching and writing your debates in the library.

• Speech - In a semester you will prepare and deliver informative, persuasive, and special occasion speeches as well as work on interviewing and other skills that require clear verbal communication.

• British Literature - this is a survey course of British Literature covering the span from Beowulf to the modern era. Emphasis is on close reading, literary analysis, research and presentation skills, and honing your writing skills.

English

(4 credits Required)

• Eng 1,2,3 Electives• Honors Eng 1,2, AP Lit,

AP Lang• Eng 1,2, AP Lit, AP

Lang• Eng 1,2,3,4 • Honors Eng 2, AP Lit,

AP Lang, Eng 4 or Electives

• Eng 1,2, Electives X 2

Typical Course Progressions

Did you know… • Bible as Lit – Is the world going to end? How did it start? What does the

Bible have to do with the non-religious world? • Poetry—If you enjoy writing poetry or have never even written a poem, you

will be successful in this class. You will be encouraged to find your own poetic voice as you learn various poetic forms and techniques. You will leave the class with two published books: a class anthology and your own poetry book featuring your best poems from the semester.

• Cinema as Art—This class focuses on learning how to “Read” a movie. You will analyze the technical side of film, the acting, the storyline, and literary motifs that create a quality film. You will leave the class with the knowledge of a film critic.

• Mythology—this course is an upperclassman Language Arts elective with an overview of the huge collection of stories explaining the creation of the world and the lives of the gods, goddesses, heroes and heroines from Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic, and other cultural mythologies. There is an emphasis on reading, writing, projects, and discussion.

• Creative Writing—this writing course elective is designed for upperclassmen to explore various modes of creative expression through writing. This class will help the student enhance and perfect current writing skills, and encourage the exploration of new mediums and genres.

• Transitions – A general elective that is open to seniors in the fall semester and juniors in the spring. The course explores post-secondary options and prepares students to easily transition out of high school into whichever path they choose.

• Science Fiction – travel through time, fight a few aliens, and discover why humans are fascinated with science fiction.

• Contemporary Literature —This course is an upperclassman language arts elective with an emphasis on literature and thematic issues from the modern and post-modern age. There is an emphasis on reading, writing, projects, and discussion.

Grammy-Winning CHS Music Department Excellence in Music Education

GENERAL MUSIC• Music Theory – 1 Year, strongly recommended before taking AP Music• AP Music Theory – 1 Year, strongly suggested for those planning to

continue music after high school. Mr. Burton’s signature required.• Beginning Guitar – ½ Year, YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN GUITAR• Adv. Guitar – ½ Year (Guitar I and instructor approval required)

CHORAL• TREBLE CHOIR – 1 year, No Audition, Gr. 9-12.• Basic vocal technique and choral singing• MEN’S CHOIR/Forte Voce – 1 Year, No Audition, Gr. 9-12 Basic vocal technique and choral singing• ADV. WOMEN’S CHOIR/BELLA VOCE – 1 Year, Audition, Gr. 9-12 Advanced vocal technique and choral singing/performance• SYMPHONIC CHOIR/Vivace – 1 Year, Audition, Gr. 10-12 Performance group, advanced vocal technique and choral singing. Will be traveling to China in 2017

INSTRUMENTAL• Concert /Beginning Band – 1 Year, No Audition or previous experience

required, open to all grades.• Symphonic/Advanced Band – 1 Year, Audition Required• Jazz Band – 1 Year, Must be enrolled in another band/percussion course

(NOTE: This class starts the 2nd day of school at 6:40 am and meets before school)

• Marching Band – ½ Year. No audition or previous experience required. Includes instruments, flags, and rifles. NOTE: This class is held AFTER school and requires 2 weeks of rehearsal during the summer. Starts July 28. Travel to Nationals in 2015-16 school year.

• Beginning Percussion Ensemble – Learn to drum and read music. No audition or previous experience required.

• Advanced Percussion – 1 Year, Audition Required

ORCHESTRA• Beginning - 1 Year, Students with 2 or less years experience on their instrument., Gr. 9-12• Advanced – 1 Year, Students with 2 or more years experience on their instrument, Gr. 9-12

Theatre Arts

• Drama I• Drama II• Acting I• Acting II• Technical

Theatre

All Theatre Arts classes are fine arts credit

Did you know… • Drama I is a rounded introductory class on everything about

the theatre, but it is NOT a pure acting class. We will cover acting, design, technical theatre (set, sound, lights, props, costumes, and make-up.) We will read plays. There is also a research and presentation component, including a research essay on a playwright or director. (9-12)

• Drama II continues the exploration of all things theatre, and the writing component is a thorough play break-down and analysis. (9-12, Drama I)

• Acting I and II are purely about acting. They are“on-your-feet” physical classes. Students will analyze, memorize, conceptualize, and perform. Acting styles of Stanislavski, Meisner, and Method acting are compared and practiced. (10-12, Drama I recommended)

• Technical Theatre will focus on backstage work from play analysis for design to set, sound, lights, costume, props, and make-up. The purpose of the class is to assist with the implementation of the extra-curricular Drama program (we will build the sets, etc.) (requires instructor signature, 11-12; 10 with instructor approval)

Visual Arts

• 9th grade: 2-D Art, 3-D Art & Design Survey

• 10th & 11th grade: Design Studio 1, 2; Photo as Art 1, 2; 2-D Art Studio 1, 2 and 3-D Art Studio 1, 2

• 12th grade: AP Studio Art (Drawing, 2-D Design or 3-D Design) a year long course

Visual Arts ideal progression:

Did you know…

Classes 2014 & 2015 need 7.5 elective credits. 2016 needs 8.5 and 2017 needs 9.5 elective credits to graduate. Fine Arts are often required for colleges/universities. Check with the schools in which you are interested.2-D Art Survey, 3-D Art Survey and Design Survey are beginning art courses open to all students. A variety of media are used to expose students to the practice and processes of art making. Two are prerequisites to move on.2-D Art Studio 1, 2 are the traditional intermediate fine arts drawing and painting courses to develop more advanced skills. 2-D Art Survey is one of the prerequisites.2-D Design Studio 1, 2 are intermediate courses for the more Graphic Design oriented students. Design Survey is one of the prerequisites.

3-D Design Studio 1, 2 are the intermediate sculpture classes. 3-D Survey is one of the prerequisites.

Photo as Art 1 uses the digital camera as the medium for learning about camera technology, composition, the elements of art and photo editing.

Advanced Placement Studio Art is a nationally recognized year long course, in which a student’s portfolio is judged. A score of 3 or better may allow for advancement in college art, exemption of fine arts requirement or scholarship opportunities. Students may repeat this course and submit a different portfolio. (Drawing, 2-D Design, 3-D Design).

9th grade: 2-D Art, 3-D Art & Design Survey

10th & 11th grade: Design Studio 1, 2; Photo as Art 1, 2; 2-D Art Studio 1, 2 and 3-D Art Studio 1, 2

12th grade: AP Studio Art (Drawing, 2-D Design or 3-D Design)

AP Studio is the only 1 credit course, all others are for ½ credit.

Visual ArtsVisual Arts ideal progression:

Math

• Algebra 1• Geometry• Algebra 2• Pre-Calculus• AP Calculus AB• AP Calculus BC

3 credits of Math requiredMust include an Algebra and a Geometry credit

Did you know…

Other classes offered by the Math Department:• Introduction to Algebra is a remedial class for

Algebra 1• Algebra 1 can be paired with a KEAS class which pre-

teaches essential concepts for Algebra 1.• Informal Geometry can be recommended by your

Algebra 1 instructor but you cannot go into Algebra 2 from Informal Geometry

• Intermediate Algebra is for after Geometry but before Algebra 2. It strengthens required Algebra 1 skills and introduces you to Algebra 2 concepts.

• AP Statistics can be taken any time after Algebra 2. AP Statistics is comparable to an introductory probability and statistics class in college, which is required for most degrees.

• AP Calculus BC is for those looking to complete a second year of Calculus in high school.

• If you can do Math, you can do anything!

Common Math misunderstandings… • Algebra 2 and Geometry may be taken at the same time but it is not for the

faint of heart. You will have double the work every day and it will take a lot of effort to do well in both. Therefore, it is recommended that you have earned an A in Algebra 1 to follow this path.

• Not all math classes are approved by the NCAA clearing house or for the Alaska Performance Scholarship. Courses that do not count for NCAA are Introduction to Algebra, KEAS, Informal Geometry, and Intermediate Algebra. Courses that do not count for APS are Intro to Algebra and KEAS.

• Informal Geometry does not count as a prerequisite for Algebra 2.• Graphing calculators are a requirement for Geometry and above.• Due to the way the classes build upon each other, earning a D in any class

makes it harder to be successful in subsequent classes.• Geometry and AP Statistics include extensive vocabulary and writing.

PE/Health

PE Offerings:

• Aerobics • Archery

• Teacher Signature Needed

• Dance 1 • Dance 2

• Teacher Signature Needed

• Outdoor Recreation • Sports Activities • Tumbling 1• Tumbling 2

• Teacher Signature Needed

• Weight Training

Did you know…

• Health (one semester) is mandatory for graduation.

• One credit (2 semesters) of PE are mandatory for graduation.

• Outdoor Recreation is only offered in the Spring.

• There will be Advanced Sports Activities and Advanced Weight Training offered next year. Pre-requisite are sports activities or weight training.

• Dance 2 and Tumbling 2 need Johnston’s signature.

JROTC

• JROTC 1, 2, 3, 4

• Leadership Education Training taught over four years.

Typical Course Progression(Elective Credit)

Did you know… • Curriculum includes classes on citizenship, leadership,

foundations for success, wellness, fitness and first aid, geography, American History and Government.

• PE Waiver for two years participation and achieving 350 or higher on Cadet Challenge Fitness Test.

• .5 Credits for attending JROTC Cadet Leadership Camp.• JROTC is a citizenship and leadership program that

approximately 10% of CHS Students participate in.• The mission of JROTC is to motivate young people to be better

citizens and brings students together who are on different learning tracks and from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

• JROTC emphasizes communication skills, taking responsibility for your actions, treating yourself and others with respect, and skills necessary to work effectively as a member of a team.

• JROTC goes well beyond the classroom and provides many opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities, community events and to volunteer for community services. JROTC Cadets take great pride in giving back to the community and consistently perform over 2500 community service hours a year

• JROTC is not a recruiting nor an indoctrination program; it’s for ALL students. The military structure is only a vehicle to develop and improve students’ self discipline, confidence and pride.

Science

(3 credits Required)• Physical Science• Biology• Elective(s)

Progression Examples• Physical Science,

Biology, Elective(s)• Biology, Chemistry, and

AP Chemistry, AP Physics or AP Environmental

Required Science Credits & Typical Course Progressions

Did you know…

• Science Olympiad is repeatable with many opportunities for hands-on Science applications. Extra-curricular opportunities are available.

• Zoology is the basic study of the Animal Kingdom with an emphasis on dissection. 1 semester in length.

• Anatomy and Physiology is heavy on vocabulary.• Oceanography is about tides, currents, underwater

geography, waves, & plate tectonics etc… Not whales, dolphins and sea turtles.

• Interested in voles, bears and moose? Consider taking Alaska Wildlife.

• Astronomy is not just star-gazing or learning the constellations.

• You learn about geologic formations, weathering and basic chemistry in Geology.

Science

(3 credits Required)• Physical Science• Biology• Elective(s)

Progression Examples• Physical Science,

Biology, Elective(s)• Biology, Chemistry, and

AP Chemistry, AP Physics or AP Environmental

Required Science Credits & Typical Course Progressions

Electives

• Astronomy• Anatomy and Physiology• AK Wildlife• Chemistry• Oceanography• Ecology• Genetics• Geology• Forensics I & II• Forces of Nature• Zoology• Physics• AP Environmental Science• AP Physics• AP Chemistry• AP Biology

Social Studies

9th Grade: Civics (class of 2016 and after)

10th: World/AP World History

11th: US History, AP US History

12th: US Government/AP US Government

10th-12th Alaska History AND .5 Social Studies Elective

Required History CreditsTypical Course Progressions

Did you know… • Close-Up Government

(for seniors) travels to Washington, D.C. during the Spring HSGQE

• Electives available:– Sociology– World Geography– Current Issues– Psychology– Middle Eastern

Studies

World Languages

• French 1,2,3,4• Japanese 1,2,3,4,5• Spanish 1,2,3,4• ASL

*All Courses are Elective.* Typical Course Progressions

Why should I learn a foreign language?• Improve employment potential - Learning to speak, read and

write in a foreign language increases your employment opportunities.

• Increase native language ability - “Those who know nothing of foreign languages, knows nothing of their own.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

• Sharpen cognitive and life skills - “We have strong evidence today that studying a foreign language has a ripple effect, helping to improve student performance in other subjects.” – Richard Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education under Bill Clinton

• Research has shown that math and verbal SAT scores climb higher with each additional year of foreign language study. – Modern Language Association

• Three years of language study on your record will catch the eye of anyone reading your job or college application. – Modern Language Association

Did you know…• Every year World Language students have the opportunity to travel abroad.

Experience places like France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and the British Isles!• Qualified students can earn membership in French, Japanese, or Spanish

National Honors Societies.Declamation Competition ▪ Carnival! ▪ Day of the Dead! ▪ Dancing

with the Stars! Japanese Calligraphy! ▪ ¡Cinco de Mayo! ▪ Celebrate Mardi Gras!

CybercenterMat-Su iTech

English• Eng 1,2,3,4 • AP Lit/AP Lang• Creative Writing, Media Literacy• Reading and Writing Skills

Math• Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry• Math for Personal Finance S1/S2

Science• Physical Science • Biology• Chemistry• AP Chemistry/AP Biology

Social Studies• World and US History• Government• Psychology/Sociology• AP upon request

Electives• Spanish/French/German/Latin/Chinese• PE/Health• Art and Music Appreciation• Career and College Prep• Financial Literacy

…and MORE!!

Online Courses Available Through APEX

Did you know… • The CHS Cybercenter offers a full-service online

learning center with wifi laptops, proctoring stations for testing, and comfortable “bistro” seating for taking online courses

• You can accelerate your high school experience and graduate early by taking online courses

• Online courses are available 24/7 from anywhere with an Internet connection

• Online courses can be taken in the summer• Online courses meet NCAA requirements for

college scholarships• Time Management on YOUR part is critical to

success, you must work consistently in your course or be withdrawn

See Mrs. Bulovsky in the Cybercenter between periods 4-7 if you have questions about an

online course for next year!