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Course Descriptions LANGUAGE ARTS All English courses in grades 9-12 inclu de instructi on in all of the components of language arts. Students will develop skill in standard English usage, in organization and presentation of written and oral communication, and in critical analysis of what they read and view. The specific content at each grade level meets the requirements of the Georgia Performance Standard in Language Arts. Ninth Grade Literature and Composition This course covers the items mentioned in the description of English courses with particular emphasis placed on technical writing. Units are organized according to literary genre such as fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and drama. Tenth Grade Literature and Composition This course focuses on themes in literature and on persuasive writing. Prerequisite: Ninth Grade Literature and Composition Tenth Grade Literature and Composition (Honors) This course will be an accelerated English class. Much of the curriculum will be the same as that of English 10, but students will be expected to have mastered basic reading and writing skills, to be prepared to read and write at an advanced level, and to apply critical thinking skills to tasks assigned. Emphasis will be placed on reading and analyzing literature, expository and persuasive writing, oral presentation, and vocabulary and test-taking skills preparatory for the SAT. Strategies used in the class will be similar to those used in AP English 11 and AP English 12. Students will be enrolled in this course on the basis of performance in English, teacher recommendation, and standardized test scores. American Literature and Composition (11) This course is designed to explore American literature, from its beginnings in pre-colonial times to the present. Students will be involved in tracing the development of American English through its literature, through word study, and through examination of linguistic standards (Standard American English) and principles of composition. Prerequisite: Tenth Grade Literature and Composition AP Language and Composition (11) This course is designed for students who are ready to work on the college level. The course covers the scope of American literature, but emphasis will be on critical thinking, analytical reading of significant pieces of literature, rhetorical uses of language, and analytical and critical writing about literature. Prerequisite: Tenth Grade Literature and Composition AND teacher recommendation English Literature and Composition (12) This course is designed to explore English literature, from its beginning to the present. Students will be involved in tracing the development of the English language through its literature, through word study, and through examination of linguistic standards and principles of composition. Prerequisite: American Literature and Composition AP Literature and Composition (12) This course is designed for students who are ready for work on the college level. The course covers the scope of British literature, but emphasis will be on critical thinking, analytical reading of significant pieces of literature, rhetorical uses of language, and analytical and critical writing about literature. The course also includes experience in public speaking. Prerequisite: American Lit/Comp AND teacher recommendation ESOL (English as a Second Language) This course is designed for students who have limited English Proficiency and need to learn English to succeed in school. All students must meet state guidelines. The English courses, grades 9-12 will be a combination of grammar, composition (written and oral) and literature. In the English classes, grammar will stress skills in usage of standard English. Compositions will stress organizing and expressing thoughts in acceptable oral and written form. Literature will be a survey of major genre and major authors and their works. In all classes students will also analyze English grammatical structure and major genre and representative works. Students in all classes will also be expected to do outside reading and additional assignments that will be geared to specific content and skills needed for technical school or college.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE Spanish I This course is designed to develop the basic skills of understanding and speaking Spanish with maximum emphasis on pronunciation, grammar, and comprehension. The student is exposed to cultural information to cultivate an appreciation and understanding of the language and its people. Prerequisite: An average of 80 or higher in previous English course. Spanish II This course is designed to review and to continue the development of basic skills of understanding and speaking Spanish with maximum emphasis on reading comprehension, writing skills, and the more complex grammatical aspects of the language. This includes a study of verb conjugations of the present indicative and the past tenses. The student is exposed to cultural information to cultivate an appreciation and understanding of the language and its people. Prerequisite: Spanish I Spanish III This course is designed to review the basic skills of understanding and speaking Spanish with maximum emphasis on the more complex grammatical and phonetic aspects of the language. The student will continue to study the culture of the Spanish, while developing an understanding of the differences in the Spanish language and culture that are apparent throughout all Spanish speaking countries. This course includes the study of verb conjugations of the present, past, future, conditional, and subjunctive tenses. Prerequisite: An average of 85 or higher in both Spanish I and II and teacher permission.
MATHEMATICS Pre-Algebra (9) Pre-Algebra is a class for the tech prep student. It is designed to bridge the gap from concrete to abstract by integrating topics from arithmetic, geometry, measurement and statistics. Students who successfully complete this class will them take Applied Problem Solving. Pre-Algebra will count as elective credit toward graduation. Applied Problem Solving (9) This course is designed to help high school vocational students and others develop and refine job-related math skills. It includes materials that focus on working with numbers, arithmetic operations, measurement, Geometry, data handling, and problem solving techniques. The primary aim of Applied Mathematics is the students’ ability to use functional mathematics to solve problems in the world of work. The Applied math sequence is recommended for students who plan to attend a Vocational-Technical school after graduation. Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra or higher. Algebra IA (9) This course is designed to introduce the student to arithmetic of signed numbers, polynomials, solutions of various forms of equations and inequalities, properties of numbers and applications of algebra to problem solving situations. Students who plan to attend college and who have the recommendation of their current math teacher are eligible to take this course, which counts as elective credit toward graduation. Algebra IB (9) This course covers graphing, solving systems of equations, working with rational and irrational numbers, factoring polynomials, solving quadratic equations, and elementary statistics. This course counts as Algebra I credit for a college-prep diploma. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra IA. Honors Algebra I (9) This course is designed for the high-achieving and gifted math students. The students who take Honors Algebra I are responsible for knowing the entire curriculum objectives taught in Algebra IA and Algebra IB. The objectives are compacted and taught at a highly accelerated pace. Students who sign up for this class must have the recommendation of their 8th grade Algebra I teacher and are expected to commit to four full years of high school math, including Honors Geometry in the 9th grade and AP Calculus in the 12th grade. Honors Geometry (9) This is the second 9th grade math course for high-achieving and gifted math students. The standard Euclidean Geometry curriculum will be followed at an accelerated pace, supplemented with activities designed to challenge the critical thinking and logical reasoning abilities of the students. Prerequisite: Honors Algebra I Euclidean Geometry (10) In this course, basic concepts of Euclidean Geometry will be covered. In addition, students will develop skills in critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem solving by writing proofs. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I Applied Algebra (10) Applied Algebra will include units on the following: factoring, patterns, and functions, systems of equations, inequalities, statistics and probability. Successful completion of Applied Problem Solving and Applied Algebra satisfies the state Algebra requirement for graduation. Students will take the state mandated Algebra I End of Course Test (EOCT) at the end of this course. Prerequisite: Applied Problem Solving Algebra II (10-11) Topics covered in Algebra I are expanded in the first half of this course. The second half of the course covers such topics as graphing quadratic relations, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometry. Prerequisites: Algebra I and Geometry of Applied Problem Solving, Applied Algebra and Applied Geometry Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry (11-12) This course enhances algebra skills and introduces trigonometry through calculators and computers. It emphasizes real and complex numbers, vectors, matrices, sequences, series, probability, statistics, conic sections, functions and problem solving. Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II Applied Geometry (11) This course includes the exploration of the use of trigonometric functions, including the right triangle relationships, computer-aided problem solving, quality assurance, spatial and coordinate geometry, logic and transformations. This course is designed for Technical/Career preparatory students. Prerequisite: Applied Algebra AP Calculus (12) This course follows the College Board syllabus for the Advanced Placement Calculus AB Examination. It requires four years of college preparatory mathematical preparation, beginning with Algebra I. Topics include functions, limits and continuity; derivatives and integrals and their applications. Students enrolled in the course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in AP Calculus in the spring. Each student will need a graphing calculator in order to take the AP Exam. Prerequisite: Advanced Algebra and Trig
SCIENCE Biology (9) This course provides the student with an in-depth study of such topics as basic cell biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, botany, and zoology. Additional emphasis is placed on student research and laboratory technique. Physical Science (10) This course is a study of matter and energy. The class emphasizes everyday applications of physical science. Students learn the significance of scientific laws, the basics of the scientific method, and skills involved in measurement. The SI system is used exclusively throughout the course. Other units include force and energy, the nature of matter, patterns of matter, interactions of matter, and energy resources. Students learn appropriate laboratory skills and will become proficient in solving problems mathematically where such is appropriate. Chemistry (11) This course provides for a study of atomic structure and the periodic law, basic formulas and equations, the mole concept, gas laws, acids and bases, the study of solutions, and individual elements and family groups of elements. Laboratory techniques, experiments, and problem solving are stressed. This course is recommended for juniors or seniors who plan to attend college. (Students must have approval of current math and science teacher to register for this course.) Prerequisites: Algebra I and Physical Science Environmental Science (11) This course covers science process skills and laboratory safety, parts of an ecosystem, energy flow, the nutrient cycle, principles of population, kinds of ecosystems of communities, community relationships and adaptation to environments, ecological succession, endangered species, land/air/water pollution, land use and conservation of resources, solid waste management, and environmental policy and decision making. It also includes reference and research skills. The Environmental Science class will introduce the student to various important aspects of the ecological world and how what they do affects the world in which they live. An overview of ecology will be enhanced by hands on activities that will bring the information home to the student. Labs will be directed toward information that the student will actually see in their lives and therefore be more important to them. With the environmental view, there will be more emphasis on human impact on the ecological systems and what can be done about it. Special issues such as acid rain and toxic waste will be addressed as well as the moral, political, and social decisions behind these issues. Physics (12) This course provides a study of the concepts of force, energy, motion, machines, heat energy, the nature of light, sound energy, the electrical nature of matter, and magnetism. Emphasis is given to problem-solving and laboratory experiments which are coordinated with lecture classes when appropriate. This course is recommended for seniors who plan to attend college. (Students must have approval of current science teacher to register for this course.) Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II Human Anatomy and Physiology (12) This course covers science process skills and laboratory safety, body organization, chemistry of life, cells and tissues, homeostasis, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, endocrine system, circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, metabolism, urinary system, integumentary system, and reproduction system. This course includes reference and research skills. (Students must have approval of current science teacher to register for this course.) Prerequisites: Biology, Physical Science, and Chemistry
SOCIAL STUDIES World Geography (9-12) In this course, the student is introduced to basic map skills and studies the topography, climate, resources, and major industries in the U.S., Canada, Europe, The Orient, Latin America, Africa, the Pacific World, and the Middle East. The importance of bodies of water, landforms, and climates will also be studied. World History (10) This course deals with the origin and development of civilization and its cultures from the pre-history to the 20th century. It is designed to familiarize the student with cultural, political, social, and economical developments which have led to the development of modern nations. U.S. History (11) The purpose of this course is to trace the American experience from colonization to the present day. Some of the topics to be covered are Colonial America, the Revolution, the foundations of the U.S., the Civil War, the western settlement, the growth of business and labor, the Progressive Era, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, and recent developments. Development in America from the end of World War II to the present will receive special emphasis. Government (12) This course is designed to familiarize the student with the political and economical structure of local, state, and national governments. This includes the responsibility of voting, civil rights, political parties, and the three branches of government. Citizenship will be stressed. Economics (12) This course will explain how our economic system operates. It will deal with the unique qualities of the free enterprise system. The main purpose of the course is to enable the student to relate personal economic decision-making to the total economy. Constitutional Theory (Law-12) This course is designed to allow the student to reflect upon the laws and legal procedures of the United States. Student involvement is emphasized through the use of role plays, problems, mock trials, and a variety of other activities. Psychology (11-12) This course investigates the principals of psychology, development psychology, heredity and environmental aspects of psychology, learning theory, personality, intelligence, social disorders, and research methods used in the study of psychology. Psychology integrates and reinforces social studies skills.
BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Computer Applications (9-12) Knowing how to use computer applications software is a basic skill for everyone. Students in this course become proficient in word processing, database, spreadsheet, publishing, and presentation software. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in the Business & Information Technology department. Business Management (10-12) Business Management helps students understand various management theories and functions, and the organization and competitive niche of a business. Students will study the functions of management, including organization, human resources, financial, marketing, ethics, and government regulations. These standards will be met through project-based activities. Communications for Business (10-12) This course utilizes a project-based approach to encourage mastery of the oral and written communication skills essential for interacting effectively with people in the workplace and in society. International communication is constantly evolving and an appreciation and understanding of international communication strategies is critical to one’s future success. Principles of Accounting (10-12) Accounting is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basic elements and concepts of the double-entry accounting system. The course will include posting, journalizing, financial reports, and control systems for proprietorships and partnerships. Automated accounting will be integrated into some aspects of the curriculum. Business Law (11-12) Business Law is designed to develop a basic knowledge of the legal system and how business law impacts commerce domestically and internationally. Areas of study include the structure of the court system; ethics; contract law, law of sales and consumer law; employment law; personal and real property; insurance, secured transactions and bankruptcy; wills and trusts. Entrepreneurship (11-12) Entrepreneurship focuses on recognizing a business opportunity, starting a business based on the recognized opportunity, and operating and maintaining that business. Preparation of a business plan allows students to apply the functional areas of business-accounting, finance, marketing, and management-and the legal and economic environments in which a new venture operates to an idea for a new business venture. International Business (11-12) International Business focuses on raising awareness of the interrelatedness of one country’s political policies and the economic practices on another; learning to improve international business relations; understanding global business environment; identifying forms of business ownership and international business opportunities; and exploring basic concepts underlying international finance, management, marketing, and trade relations.
TECHNOLOGY Introduction to Technology I The activities of each semester in this course involve class instruction in groups of various sizes as well as individualized work in different technology modules. The group instruction is related to the areas of communication, materials, and processes, and power and energy. The individualized modules include Computer Aided Publishing (CAP), Laser and Fiber Optics, Robotics, Computer Numerical Controller (CNC), Lathe, CNC Milling, Electronics, Flights, Aerodynamics, Weather, Television Broadcasting and Video Production. Prerequisite: None Introduction to Technology II This is a second year course designed to be a follow-up to Introduction to Technology I. Students will complete work in module areas that they did not complete in Introduction to Technology I. Once a student has completed all modules, the student and teacher will decide on a limited number of modules for that student to explore further. Prerequisite: Introduction to Technology I and teacher permission Pre-Engineering Technology I Pre-Engineering Technology II These are third year courses in the Technology Education Curriculum. Students in these classes will perform higher level activities in critical thinking and problem solving. Activities will include combining various modules to complete a single project. Students will be working individually and in groups to achieve these goals. Prerequisites: Introduction to Technology I and II and teacher permission Engineering Applications I Engineering Applications II These are fourth year courses in the Technology Education Curriculum. The activities in these courses are decided on an individual basis by the teacher and student. The student will spend an extended amount of time in one module. The student is expected to be able to work on his/her own with very little instructional help from the teacher. Prerequisites: Introduction to Technology I, II, Engineering Applications, and teacher’s permission Media Technology (11-12) This course is designed to provide students with a hands-on understanding of media (video) production. Students will learn about different aspects of a video production. They will produce a news show every week from start to finish. Class size is limited to fourteen students. Prerequisite: Teacher permission
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE Foundations of Family and Consumer Sciences I (Family and Consumer Sciences I) Foundations of Family and Consumer Sciences is a comprehensive foundation course designed to assist students in developing the core knowledge and skills needed to manage their lives by exploring the impact of today’s choices on tomorrow’s possibilities. Emphasis is on leadership, human development, family and parenting education, consumer economics and resource management, housing and living environments, nutrition and foods, textiles and apparel, and career preparation. Critical skills in decision-making, problem solving, critical thinking, technology, work and family management, and workplace readiness are reinforced through authentic experiences. Prerequisite: None Foundations of Family and Consumer Sciences II (Family and Consumer Sciences II) Family, Community and Careers is the second level in the FACS sequence. Topics covered in Orientation to Life Skills are explored in greater scope with special emphasis on the family, career development and exploration, and service learning. Students will apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to the management of multiple life and career roles and responsibilities. Prerequisite: Foundations of Family and Consumer Sciences I Family and Consumer Sciences, Issues and Applications (Family and Consumer Sciences III) Issues and Applications is the third level in the FACS sequence. This course is designed for students who wish to pursue additional in-depth study of one or more topics derived from the "essential" categories of nutrition and wellness, human development, parenting, interpersonal relationships, family-community-career connections, and family and consumer resources. Students will use critical thinking and decision making for an advanced study of contemporary family issues. Special emphasis is placed upon service learning and in-depth laboratory experiences. Prerequisites: Foundations of Family and Consumer Sciences I and II Advanced Nutrition and Wellness (Family and Consumer Sciences IV) Advanced Nutrition and Foods is a senior level of the FACS course which focuses upon the development of nutrition and food concepts. Topics included are acquiring, organizing, and evaluating information about foods and nutrition, meal planning, exploration of all aspects of the food industry, and the development of advanced food preparation skills. Special emphasis will be placed upon entrepreneurship in the food industry. Frequent in-depth laboratory experiences are necessary. Prerequisites: FACS I, II, and III or permission of instructor
HEALTH OCCUPATIONS Health Occupations I This course introduces healthcare occupations and covers career exploration, postsecondary options, and basic health and disease prevention. Health Occupations II This course is designed to introduce students to emergency medical care by providing an overview of EMS operations; medical, legal, and ethical issues that impact emergency care; anatomy and physiology; emergency packaging and transferring of patients; physical exam of trauma/medical patients; and public safety communications. Students are involved in EMS operations mock scenarios involving assistance with triage/mass casualty. Prerequisite: Health Occupations I Health Occupations III (Apprenticeship) This course enhances and builds upon the skills mastered in Health Occupations I and Health Occupations II. It provides information and skills to prepare students for general healthcare careers. Course information includes: vital signs, nutrition, positioning and transferring people, restorative care, providing care for specific illnesses, mothers and newborns, and geriatric patients. Students participate in clinical rotations and observe at different health care offices/agencies including BJC Medical Center and medical, dental, and veterinary offices. Students must apply for this class and provide their own transportation. Prerequisite: Health Occupations I and II
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION Physical Fitness/Health (9) Health instruction will be a comprehensive health course focusing on decision making for life. Some of the topics to be covered are safety, substance abuse, personal health, environmental health, growth and development, nutrition, mental health, AIDS, disease prevention, health careers, consumer health, community health, and personal safety. Physical education instruction will focus on physical fitness for life. Some of the topics to be covered are lifetime fitness, individual/dual sports, team sports, outdoor activities, and dance. Advanced Personal Fitness (9) Physical Conditioning (10) Weight Training (11) Body Sculpting (12) These courses will consist of activities based upon the development of fundamental skills, history, safety, and rules of weight training. In addition, they will provide a positive approach to: (a) strengthening muscles through weight training; (b) developing quickness through the Commerce Physical Fitness Test; (c) developing endurance through cardio-vascular endurance activities. Team Sports (10) Intermediate Team Sports (11) Advanced Team Sports (12) These courses will include the history, origin, development, basic rules and fundamentals plus playing strategy for various physical education activities. Two or more of the following activities will be combined for a semester grade: physical fitness, basketball, softball, weight training, flag football, volleyball, tennis, and track and field.
FINE ARTS Visual Arts I (10) This course is designed to give students a general appreciation of visual arts, knowledge of the elements of art, and principles of design. Visual Arts II (11) This course is designed to enhance the student’s appreciation of visual arts, use of elements of art, and principles of design through different art experiences. Students will explore the world of art and its great diversities. Visual Arts III (12) This course is designed to enhance production of the visual arts, use of the elements of art, and principles of design. Students will produce a portfolio of various mediums. Chorus Chorus provides opportunities to develop performance skills and knowledge in mixed choral singing. This course covers performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies, creative aspects of music and appreciation of music. Students will be required to sing in rehearsals and performances throughout the semester. A student must have teacher approval to sign up for the class. Band The courses listed below are music performance courses designed for those students who play a standard band instrument. The music performed is adjusted seasonally and includes public performance requirements outside the normal school day. Rehearsals outside the normal school day are also required, and a cleaning fee is assessed for use of the organizational uniform. Students are given opportunities to demonstrate individual leadership and musical performance skills as well as group performance skills. Various awards are given for fulfilling various musical and /or leadership criteria. Open to students in grades 9-12 upon approval of band director. Intermediate Band I, II (9) Intermediate Band III, IV (10) Advanced Band I, II (11) Advanced Band III (12)
OTHER CAREER / TECHNICAL ELECTIVES Drafting and Design Technology I & II (11-12) This course introduces history of drafting and AUTOCAD. It introduces drafting instruments, paralleled straight edges, lettering, geometric construction, multiview drawing, dimensioning, sketching, sectioning, axonometric drawing, auxiliary views, developing layouts and intersections. The class links materials processes, techniques and symbols with working drawings. It provides basic CAD familiarization and identification. It also introduces basic CAD startup fundamentals and computer-aided drafting techniques. This course is taught as a dual-enrollment class by an instructor from Lanier Tech. Students who pass this course will receive one unit of credit from Commerce High School, as well as 15 hours of credit from Lanier Tech. Prerequisite: Acceptable score on the ASSET test Teacher Education (12) This course introduces teaching as an integral part of education and covers operations and behaviors for effective learning and a variety of teaching strategies. Teacher Education offers field experiences under the direct supervision of a certified teacher. This course includes school and community service projects and required reading of articles which are pertinent to education. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation Youth Apprenticeship (11-12) This course provides on-the-job, site based training experience for students. Youth Apprenticeship requires supervision, training agreements and special on-the-job projects jointly evaluated by the employer and youth apprenticeship facilitator.
OTHER ELECTIVES Journalism I, II, III - Yearbook (10-12) These courses will teach the skills of desktop publishing, photography, and copywriting with the goal of producing the yearbook. Leadership positions and editing skills are components of Journalism II and III. Mathematical Money Management (12) Mathematical Money Management is a project-based course designed for seniors. Students will learn the mathematics required to make informed decisions about money management. This is an elective senior-level mathematics course. Prerequisite: Applied Geometry SAT Preparation (11) This course enhances skills in test taking, note taking, time management, problem solving, decision making, active listening, goal setting, and organization. Emphasis will be on preparation for the Scholastic Assessment Test. One nine weeks period will emphasize the critical sections, reading and writing, of the SAT, and the other nine weeks period will emphasize the mathematics section. Prerequisites: Students must be on the college preparatory track and must have passed Euclidean Geometry. |
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