Saint Michael the Archangel High School 2015-16 Course … 16 course catalog(1... · Saint Michael...

Saint Michael the Archangel

High School

2015-16 Course Catalog

Curriculum

St. Michael the Archangel High School develops the

full potential of each student: spiritual, academic, athletic, and

artistic. Our academic program is a classical college predatory

program that is rigorous as well as comprehensive. The faculty

and staff are committed to assisting each student in reaching

their personal level of success. The school strives to offer

students a variety of leadership and volunteer activities that

will encourage each student’s success personally as well as

spiritually.

The academic focus offers the student every possible

advantage for success at the University level. St. Michael the

Archangel High school believes in the classical approach to

education incorporating the Culture of Life throughout the

curriculum which gives the student the best Catholic education

in the area. This approach is tried and true as it prepares the

student to excel in and out of the classroom. College

Preparatory, Honors, and Advanced Placement courses are

offered based on each individual student’s aptitude.

Schedule

The schedule that is used at St. Michael’s is a rotating block

schedule. Each class is 85 minutes with alternating periods.

There are four periods each day. This allows for over one

hundred and twenty one hours per class for classroom

instruction every school year.

Culture of Life

Saint Michael the Archangel High School, with a

foundational emphasis upon the sacraments and concern for the

salvation of souls, is striving to prepare students to promote a

Culture of Life within our world. Saint Michael the Archangel

High School is firmly committed to the teachings of the

Catholic Church in this regard.

Some of the issues our young people will face include

personhood, abortion, artificial human reproduction (in vitro

fertilization, surrogacy, cloning), embryonic stem cell research,

contraception, genetic manipulation, abnormal pregnancies,

the death penalty, pain management, redemptive suffering,

end-of-life medical care, euthanasia, assisted suicide, organ

donation, and brain death. By the careful integration of faith

and reason, our students will learn the true teachings of the

Catholic Church in these matters and how they can live out

these teachings in order to promote a Culture of Life.

Above all, we believe that it is through participation in

Holy Mass and the Sacrament of Penance and through their

devotional life, especially praying the Rosary and Chaplet of

Divine Mercy that students best understand what Our Savior

Jesus Christ is calling them to do to build up a Culture of Life

in this world and help save souls for eternity.

St. Michael the Archangel A.M.D.G. High School

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Curriculum by Year

9th Grade 10th Grade

Theology 9 Theology 10

English 9 English 10

Math Math

Chemistry Biology

Western Civilization I Western Civilization II

Foreign Language Foreign Language

Fine Arts Fine Arts/ Geography

Physical Education Physical Education

11th Grade 12th Grade

Theology 11 Bioethics

English 11 English 12

Math Math

Science Government

US History Elective

Elective Elective

Elective Elective

Elective Elective

Grading Scale

College Preparatory Advanced Placement

A+ 4.25 100-97 A+ 5.25 100-97

A 4.00 96-93 A 5.00 96-93

A- 3.75 92-90 A- 4.75 92-90

B+ 3.25 89-87 B+ 4.25 89-87

B 3.00 86-83 B 4.00 86-83

B- 2.75 82-80 B- 3.75 82-80

C+ 2.25 79-77 C+ 3.25 79-77

C 2.00 76-73 C 3.00 76-73

C- 1.75 72-70 C- 2.75 72-70

D+ 1.25 69-67 D+ 1.25 69-67

D 1.00 66-63 D 1.00 66-63

D- .75 62-60 D- .75 62-60

Course Level Definitions

College Prep: College Prep courses use a standard high school

text book. The student is expected to complete the majority of

the text.

Advanced Placement (AP): Advanced Placement courses are

taught at college level using a college level textbook. AP

courses have pre-requisites at the high school level. (For

instance, to take AP Biology, a student would need to have

completed high school biology and chemistry.

*requires extra fee to take the exam that is paid to the College

Board

Honors: Honors courses are advanced courses offered in the

core subject areas (science, math, history, English.). They are

also offered in the third level of any other course except for

Physical Education (e.g. Spanish 3 could be designated as

honors). The requirements for honors courses are greater than

for college prep courses. Textbooks and/or other course

materials must be differentiated and more rigorous than those

used in college prep courses. An honors course must have a

published syllabus that verifies rigor that is sufficiently beyond

the college prep or tech prep requirements.

GPA: A GPA is the student's grade point average for all the

high school level courses he has completed. In order to produce

a transcript for college applications and in order to do a class

ranking, students' grades should be given in numerical form -

not as letter grades.


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Graduation requirements and diplomas

Summa Cum Laude diploma

The Summa Cum Laude diploma is for the student who wishes

to pursue the most challenging course of study for all four

years and requires four years each of math, science, literature,

English, theology, history and foreign language. Additionally,

of the core subjects of literature, English, theology and history,

one honors course must be taken as a freshman, two as a

sophomore, two or three AP courses as a junior two or three

AP courses must be taken as a senior. The Summa Cum Laude

exceeds the requirements for college entrance and is based

upon the graduation requirements at St. Michael the Archangel

High School.

*student may substitute completing 2 seasons on SMHS sports

teams for PE II, with a coach’s approval.

Graduation Requirements

Theology 4 credits

English 4 credits

Math 4 credits

History 4 credits

Science 4 credits

Foreign Language 4 credits

Fine Arts 1.5 credits

Geography 0.5 credits

*Physical Education/Health 2 credits

Electives 6 credits

Magna Cum Laude diploma

The Magna Cum Laude is the college preparatory diploma, and

is designed to exceed the admission requirements of most state

universities. It provides an academically rigorous course of

study Students are required to take four combined classes in

English and literature, theology, math, science, history and

three in foreign languages. The Magna Cum Laude is the

perfect diploma for the student who is preparing for college.

Theology 4 credits

English 4 credits

Math 4 credits

History 4 credits

Science 4 credits

*Foreign Language 3 credits



Physical Education/Health 2 credits

Electives 7 credits


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Standard diploma

The Standard Diploma exceeds the State of Virginia High

school graduation requirements, and is designed for the student

who needs to make significant changes to the course of study,

or who may not be planning on attending a four-year college

immediately after high school. It is important to note that the

minimum graduation requirements for the Standard Diploma

may not meet the admission requirements of many four year

colleges.

Theology 4 credits

English 4 credits

Math 3 credits

History 4 credits

Science 3 credits

*Foreign Language 2 credits



Physical Education/Health 2 credits

Electives 7 credits


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Fine Arts

Art I

Freshmen Level Course

1 Semester. Prerequisite-None Course content - project based.

This course is an exploratory studio art course that covers a

range of media using the elements of design as a guide. There

are also required sketchbook assignments throughout the

semester.

Art II

Sophomore thru Senior Level Course

1 Semester. Prerequisite- Art 1. Course content- lecture and

project based. This course is designed to introduce students to

the styles and media of a group of artists from different periods

of art history. There are also required sketchbook assignments

throughout the semester intended to develop the student’s

creative process.

Art III

Sophomore thru Senior Level Course

1 Semester. Prerequisite- Art 2. Course content- lecture and

project based. This course is intended to help the student

discover a personal style inside of a preferred media by

experimenting with different techniques and media. There are

also required sketchbook assignments throughout the semester

intended to develop the student’s creative process.

Art IV

*Advanced Placement Art

Junior or Senior Level Course

2 Semesters, Art 3 is a prerequisite

Course content is project based. This course is intended to

guide the student in the process of building a portfolio of

college level art pieces. The student can choose one of three

categories drawing, 2D, and 3D. Each portfolio will consist of

18 to 29 pieces and the student is expected to have completed

25% of those before taking the class. The student will learn

about the creative process from planning their pieces to editing

their final portfolio. The guidelines set for the College Board

Advanced Placement are adhered to and a portfolio is

submitted.

*Advanced Placement Art History


2 Semesters. Prerequisite-Art I. Couse Content: Lecture

This course is designed to engage students at the level of a

college level art history survey class. The course aims to

develop critical thinking as well as an understanding diverse

historical and cultural context of a variety of artistic media.

This includes examining and analyzing major forms of artistic

impressions from cultures around the world as well as

understanding and interpreting the context in which these

works were created.

Choir

Freshman-Senior

2 Semesters, Prerequisite, None. Course content-This course

provides an opportunity for students to participate in a vocal

performance ensemble. Students will learn basic vocal and

choral techniques, sight-singing skills and music theory. A

variety of choral music and musical styles will be

explored. Students will be expected to participate in choir for

weekly Mass, Graduation, and Baccalaureate Mass. Other

performances may be added during the year.


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Ensemble

*Instrumental Ensemble

Freshman-Senior

2 Semesters, Prerequisite- prior experience playing an

instrument through private lessons, group lessons, band or

orchestra. Course content-Students will explore playing

together in both small and large groups. A variety of

instrumental and musical styles, music theory and sight-reading

skills will be included. Students will be expected to participate

in Mass, Graduation, and Baccalaureate Mass. Other

performances may be added during the year.

*Students must provide their own instrument.

Music 1

Sophomores/Freshman

1 Semester. Prerequisite. None. Course Content- Music 1 is a

course in which students will explore, compose, listen, and

perform music. Students will develop and expand skills in

singing, reading music, and music notation. Students will

develop a basic understanding and skills needed to play the

keyboard and guitar. Included in the course be listening,

analyzing, music theory, music history, and appreciating the

music of Western Civilization both secular and sacred.

Theatre I

Theatre I

Freshman course

1 Semester. Prerequisite: None. Course Content: Lecture

and Laboratory. This is a fast and furious introduction to

Theatre that will go over a variety of skills such as

improvisation, pantomime, creating characters, and monologue

work and scene study. Students will also be learning about the

foundations of theater leading back to threshing floor rituals

and morality plays. A discussion of the relationship between

the Church and theatre will be analyzed. This is a college

preparatory course with a standard high school textbook

Theater II

Sophomore, Junior, Senior Level course

1 Semester, Prerequisite: Theatre I. Course Content: Lecture

and Laboratory. This is a studio class for those interested in the

art of acting. Students will explore both acting and directing.

Script analysis will be taught as part of this course. The class

will also be required to write a critical review of a production.

Students will also engage with the history of Greek and Roman

theatre. The class will culminate in an evening showcase of

directed scenes. This is a college preparatory course with a

standard high school textbook.

Theatre III

Junior - Senior

1 Semester, Prerequisite: Theatre I, Theatre II. Course Content:

Lecture and Laboratory. This is a studio class for those wishing

to further their craft. Students will explore both acting and

directing. Script analysis, theatre critique, and theatre history

will play key roles in this class. The class will culminate with

an evening showcase of one-act plays. This is a college

preparatory course with a standard high school textbook.

Studio Theatre

Junior -Senior


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1 Semester, Prerequisites: Theatre I, Theatre II, and Theatre III.

Course Content: Laboratory. This is a studio class devoted

entirely to the art of acting. Students will be directed by the

teacher on auditioning, monologues, and scenes. The focus of

this class will be on creating an audition package. The class

will culminate with the performance of a full-length play. This

is a college preparatory course with a standard high school

textbook.

Theatre Shakespeare

Sophomore, Junior, Senior Level course

1 Semester, Prerequisite: Theatre I, Theatre II (preferred).

Course Content: Lecture and Laboratory. This is a studio class

for those interested in the art of Shakespearian acting.

Acting Shakespeare is designed to develop the students' unders

tanding and practice of the challenges of performing

Shakespeare by building upon acting skills and knowledge.

Through scene study, the course will focus on identifying the e

mbeddedtextual clues of rhythm, syntax andrhetoric in order to

align their verbal, vocal and physical expressions to reveal

the emotional life of the character. Credence will also be given

to the historical setting in which Shakespearian plays were

written, including a major discussion of religion during this

time period. This is a rigorous college preparatory course with

a standard high school textbook.

English

Creative Writing

English I

Freshman level course

2 Semesters. Course content: Lecture; integrates grammar and

vocabulary, introduction of analytical writing and reading

comprehension. This course is a college preparatory required

course that incorporates classical literature, Shakespeare, and

in-depth analysis of poetry.

English I Honors

Freshman level course

2 Semesters. Placement is based on Middle School transcripts.

Course content: Lecture; integrates grammar and vocabulary.

This is a college preparatory course that is a survey of the

literature and takes a chronological approach, designed to

parallel Honors Western Civilization I. The focus is on

European literature, both fiction and non-fiction, from Ancient

Greece through the Middle-Ages. Students will begin to learn

textual analysis, and demonstrate their understanding through

research projects, creative writing, short essays, and class

discussion.

English II

Sophomore level course

2 Semesters. Course content: Lecture; integrates grammar and

vocabulary. This is a college preparatory course that is a survey

of the literature of the Middle Ages through the Renaissance

(500-1600). Beginning with the Rule of Saint Benedict and

continuing with Elizabethan literature of Shakespeare and

Marlowe and the Metaphysical poets (John Donne) of the late

Renaissance, students will focus on the Medieval concepts of

love, chivalry, honor and glory and how they are manifested in


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the selected texts. Further students will examine how these

ideals change in the course of our study, if they are still valid,

and if they are not, why and what has replaced them. This

class will also examine the role of the Church and man's view

of God and himself within the Church and how this role and

worldview has changed with the divisions of

Christendom. This course will also develop students' writing

skills and critical thinking skills as well as offer opportunities

for creativity and free expression.

English II Honors


2 Semesters., Prerequisites- recommendation from the English

Department. Course content: Lecture; integrates grammar and

vocabulary. Sophomore Honors English takes a chronological

approach, designed to parallel Honors Western Civilization II.

This college-prep course is open to sophomores, with the

recommendation of the English Department. Particular

emphasis is placed on the great works of British literature from

the Renaissance to the Modern period. Students learn to

analyze literature in class discussions and literary essays.

English III

Junior level course

2 Semesters, Prerequisite: English 9 and English 10. Course

Content: Lecture. The study of literature will be American

authors and will include British colonialism, Native American

Literature, Puritan literature, Transcendentalists, and modern

era literature. Students will be reading and writing about

American authors and their own unique American experiences.

The course will seek to answer the following question: What is

the American Dream and what are the consequences of trying

to fulfill its goals? In applying critical thinking to this question

the student engages and analyzes American literature utilizing

an understanding of the Catechism. This is a college

preparatory class which utilizes standard high school texts.

English III Honors

Junior level course

2 Semesters, Prerequisite: English 9 and English 10. Course

Content: Lecture. This is an honors course in which the

emphasis is on analytical writing, critical reading, and

recitation. The study of literature will be American authors

and will include British colonialism, Native American

Literature, Puritan literature, Transcendentalists, and modern

era literature. Students will be reading and writing about

American authors and their own unique American experiences.

The course will seek to answer the following question: What is

the American Dream and what are the consequences of trying

to fulfill its goals? In applying critical thinking to this question

the student engages and analyzes American literature utilizing

an understanding of the Catechism. This is an honors level

course. May be used as a prerequisite for AP English with a

semester average of 90 or higher.

*Advanced Placement English

Senior Level Course

2 Semesters. Prerequisites; Honors English 11 with a 90 or

above and instructor recommendation. Course content: students


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analyze and interpret imaginative literature through the careful

reading and critical analysis of representative works from

various genres and periods.in Honors English but additional

reading and writing is required as per the College Board Exam

AP English.

English IV

Senior Level Course

2 Semesters. Prerequisite: English 9, English 10, and English

11 Course content: Lecture Senior Level course

The study of literature will be diverse and will encompass

literature from Canada, South America, Africa, The Middle

East, India, and Japan. Worldviews present in each of the

cultures will be addressed and contrasted with traditional Holy

Roman Catholic values. The course will seek to answer the

following question: What does it mean to be human? In

applying critical thinking to this question the student engages

and analyzes American literature utilizing an understanding of

the Catechism. This is a college preparatory course which

utilizes standard text books.

*Advanced Placement English Language and Composition

Senior level course

2 semester course. Prerequisite, referral from Junior level

instructor. Course content; rhetorical analysis and

argumentative writing. The course is an AP course that trains

the student in analyzing texts for tone, purpose, syntax,

rhetorical strategies, diction, and figures of speech. The student

is required to produce a well-researched argumentative paper.

*Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition

Senior level course

2 semester course: Prerequisite: Referral from Junior English

instructor. Course content; Lecture, critical thinking, analyzing

and evaluation of literature rhetorical analysis and

argumentative writing. The genres include the epic, drama,

novel, novella, short stories, and a major focus on poetry. This

course prepares students for the College Board Advanced

Placement English Literature and Composition Exam

Electives

Basic Media Communications

Sophomore thru senior level course

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, none. Course content: Lecture;

integrates concepts and skills from journalistic writing,

photography, web and video documentation. This course is a

college preparatory elective that will require the student to

produce a variety of written products. *Laptop computer with

internet access required

Creative Writing

Junior or Senior level course

2 semesters. Prerequisite: Sophomore English. Course

content: An introduction to the major genres of creative

writing, including fiction, poetry, drama, and personal essay.


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This is a college preparatory course in which the student will

compose stories, poems, and dramatic scenes.

Foreign Languages

French I

Freshman throughout

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, none. Course Content. Introduction

to basic French grammar and vocabulary with a concentration

on present and past tense, gain an understanding of French and

Francophone cultures. This is a college preparatory course in

which the student will focus on proficiency in reading, writing,

speaking, and listening comprehension. Students are provided

the opportunity to participate in the “e-pal” program, in which

each student is assigned a French student as an e-pal and

encouraged to maintain (teacher monitored) communication

throughout the school year.

French II

Freshman- Senior

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, French I with 70 or better. Course

content. Lecture, reading, and expansion of the skills

developed in French I. The course is a College preparatory

course that will intensify the study of the grammar tenses;

future, conditional, and subjunctive, while engaging in

conversation, provide and obtain information, express feelings,

and communicate emotions in the target language. Students

will participate in cultural activities associated with French and

francophone holidays. E-pal program continued.

French III

Sophomore – Senior

2 Semesters. Prerequisite French II with a 70 or better. Course

Content: Lecture, conversation, writing, and listening. Students

acquire and use information from a variety of authentic French

language sources. They demonstrate a better understanding of

more advanced grammar structure and vocabulary, thus

allowing them to comprehend and communicate a variety of

topics on a more sophisticated level. A final project will be

assigned and presented to the class during the week before the

final exam. “E-pal” program.

French IV

Junior – Senior

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, French III with a 70 or better.

Course Content: Lecture, conversation, writing, and listening, a

continuation and expansion of French III. The major

grammatical structures of the French language are intensified .

includes and goes beyond grammar and vocabulary by

introducing authentic French literature as part of the course

study. French classics such as Cyrano de Bergerac (by

Edmond Rostand ), La Belle et la Bete (by Gabrielle-Suzanne

Barbot de Villeneuve ), Le Fantome de L’Opera ( by Gaston

Leroux ), and Les Miserables (by Victor Hugo). Students

utilize authentic French reading material (modern media) and


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comprehend, with greater confidence, phrases and idiomatic

expressions. Students demonstrate/solidify their knowledge of

French grammar by engaging as a mentor/teacher in one-to-one

tutor sessions with French III students.

Latin I

Freshman-Senior

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, none. Course content: lecture,

examination of ancient roman culture; history, religion,

literature, architecture, and philosophy. This is a college

preparatory course in which the student will begin to

comprehend the impact of Ancient Rome on the present.

Latin II

Freshman-Senior

2 Semesters. Prerequisites: Latin I with a grade of 75 or better.

Course content: lecture, continued examination of Latin II

continues the study of Latin grammar, and introduces students

to short original texts. Authors may include Bede, Cicero, and

Ovid. The class is open to all students who have completed

Latin I with a grade of 75 or better.

Latin III

Sophomore-Senior

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, recommendation. Course content:

lecture, strengthen comprehension and translation skills,

enhancing oral and written language to enrich English vocab

and increase the understanding of the history of the Greco-

Roman civilization and the awareness of the contributions of

classical civilization to the Western world and broaden the

perspective on life and language. This is a college preparatory

course in which the student will prepare and sit for a nationally

recognized examination.

Latin IV

Junior-Senior

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Latin III and recommendation.

Course content: lecture, exploration of Latin literature and

culture as students explore various literary styles and become

acquainted with several Latin authors through a survey of Latin

literature, a review of major grammatical forms, and continued

study of English derivatives. This course will prepare the

student for the AP Latin Literature course. This is a college

preparatory course in which the student will prepare and sit for

a nationally recognized examination.

* Students who take this course cannot miss more than 4

classes.

Spanish I

Freshman or above

2 semesters: Prerequisite Spanish I, with a grade of 70 or

above. Course content: Lecture, dialogue, and vocabulary.

Spanish 1 serves as a basic introduction to learning,

understanding, writing, reading, and speaking a new language.

Classroom instruction starts from “Hola” and progresses

through basic conversation and grammar forms. The student

will begin to learn the basics of Spanish, such as primary

vocabulary, noun-adjective agreement, and verb conjugations.


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Spanish II

Freshman or above

2 semesters. Prerequisite Spanish I, with a grade of 70 or

above. Course content; speaking, writing, reading, listening,

comprehension of preterit, imperfect, future tenses as well as

complex sentence structure and grammar. Hispanic culture

projects aid in the further education, the course is taught in

Spanish and English.

Spanish III

Sophomore or above

2 semesters. Prerequisite Spanish II, with a grade of 75 or

above. Course content; major grammatical structures of the

Spanish language and learn the remaining verb tenses, such as

the future and the conditional. Students will read more

complicated text and literary pieces, and write more complex

essays. The course is taught in Spanish and English

Spanish IV

Junior or above

2 semesters. Prerequisite Spanish III, with a grade of 75 or

above and acquired a solid level of proficiency in the Spanish

Language. Course content; literary selections, international

newspapers and authentic materials will be used in class

discussions. Projects and oral presentations, essays and

informal writings in Spanish are also an integral part of the

program. Students will be able to exchange and support

opinions on a variety of topics in Spanish. They will

comprehend spoken and written Spanish texts form a variety of

authentic sources as well as produce compositions containing

well developed ideas. Students will continue to study the

Hispanic culture. Communication in the language will be

essential for this class.

*Advanced Placement Spanish

Senior

2 Semesters. Prerequisite 85 or better in Spanish I, II, III, IV: A

teacher recommendation

This course is designed for students who wish to develop their

knowledge of the Spanish language skills through listening,

speaking, reading, and writing. Content: World of literature,

and current events of Spanish speaking countries through

authentic writing materials such as magazines, newspapers,

short stories or legends, and Spanish videos will be

incorporated into the practice of Spanish. The AP course is

designed for the student to reach proficiency level that will

prepare them for the Advanced Placement Exam. Students will

improve their culture knowledge of the Spanish Countries by

exploring and presenting the art, history, holyday, food,

traditions, and types of government, etc.

* Students who take this course cannot miss more than 4

classes

Humanities

*AP Macroeconomics

Junior/Senior Level Course

2 semesters. Prerequisite: Algebra I; Teacher

Recommendation. This course is a College Level AP course.

Macroeconomics introduces students to basic economic


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concepts then explores economic decision-making on a

national and global scale. Topics included are national

accounts, international trade, and macroeconomic policy.

Consumer Science


1 Semester, Prerequisite, none. Elective. Course content is

lecture and project based. This course is designed to teach the

student core skills needed for successful life planning and

management. This includes nutrition and foods, family and

parenting, resource management, housing and living

environments, and sewing and apparel as well as leadership

development and career preparation.

Philosophy


2 semesters. Prerequisite, none. Course content- Lecture,

discussion, projects, papers. This is a college preparatory

course. The discipline of Philosophy has shaped the course of

human intellectual development for over 2,500 years.

Philosophy is the systematic study of ideas and a reasoned

pursuit of fundamental truths. Introduction to Philosophy

serves as a historical introduction to the heritage of Western

philosophical tradition, from the Ancients to contemporary

philosophical movements.

Geography

Sophomore Level Course

1 Semester. Prerequisite. None. Required Course. This course

focuses on physical and political geography. Students will

begin by learning various geographic tools and how to use

them; students will then review the regions of the world,

learning the physical and political aspects of each.

History

Western Civilization I

Freshman

World Civilization I

Freshman

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, 70 or better in 8th grade History.

Course Content: Lecture and discussion. The time period

covered in this course is from pre-history, river valley

civilization, Greece, the Roman Empire, the Dark Ages, and

the Renaissance.

World Civilization I Honors

Freshman

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, 90 or better in 8th grade History.

Course Content: Lecture, discussion and writing.

World Civilization I Honors is a challenging course designed

to increase the student understanding and appreciation of

World Civilization. It is an intense course that focuses on the

cultural, economic, intellectual, political, and social

development from pre-history to the Renaissance. Solid

reading and writing skills are necessary to succeed.

Western Civilization II Honors


2 Semesters, Prerequisite: Western Civilization I. Course

Content: Lecture and Term Papers


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This course is an Honors class using extensive outside reading

and writing. The student will learn the history of Western

civilization from the fall of Rome to the present day,

concentrating on the Middle Ages and the World Wars.

WESTERN CIVILIZATION II

Sophomore-Level Course

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Western Civilization 1. Course

content; lecture, discussion, in class assignments. This College

preparatory course that is a continuation of Classical

Civilizations introduced in Western Civilization I which

introduces the geopolitical factors and matters of faith in the

development of our civilization from the Middle Ages through

the tumultuous 20th century to the present

*AP United States History

Junior

2 semesters. Prerequisites, Western Civ. I and II. Course

content-Lecture, discussion, essay writing. A freshmen college

course and can earn students college credits. Survey’s

American history from the age of exploration and discovery to

the present. Solid reading and writing skills, along with a

willingness to devote considerable time to homework and

study, are necessary to succeed. Emphasis is placed on critical

thinking, essay writing, interpretation of original documents,

and historiography. Students will take the advanced placement

exam for this course.

United States History

Junior

2 semesters. Prerequisites, Western Civ. I and II. Course

content-Lecture, discussion, essay writing. This is a college

preparatory course in which the study of American history

begins with the colonization of North America, move towards

independence and the establishment of a new gov't. The course

continues with the growth of the nation and the Civil War. The

course concludes with the study of our rise as a major power in

an interdependent global society.

Government


2 Semesters. Prerequisite, US History. Course Content: Lecture

This course is a College Prep class of average difficulty. The

student will learn the structure of American government under

the Constitution, the history of Constitutional interpretation,

current Constitutional crises, the workings of electoral politics,

and how policy is made.

Life Sciences

*AP Biology


2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Chemistry I and Biology I with a

grade of 87 or better in Honors Biology or a 91 or better in

College Prep Biology. Course Content: Lecture and laboratory.

College Level text with online text. The equivalent of a two-

semester college introductory course usually taken by biology

majors their first year. The textbook, Principles of Life, is used


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for AP Biology is one used by many college biology majors.

Preparation for the Advanced Placement Biology examination.

* Many colleges give credit for introductory biology to

applicants with a score of 3 if they are non-science majors, but

few will accept a score of 3 for credit or advanced placement if

the student is a science major. Many colleges DO NOT accept

AP Biology Exam scores for credit for Biology/ Pre Med.

majors. Please visit the College Board web site for more

information.

*AP Environmental Science


2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Chemistry I; Biology. This is a

College Level AP course. This course introduces to human-

environment relations, problems that arise through this

relationship and various solutions to these problems. Students

will conduct experiments and research to test theories

regarding certain environmental issues.

Anatomy and Physiology

Junior or Senior Level course

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Chemistry I and Biology I. Course

Content Lecture and Laboratory. May be used as a prerequisite

to Advanced Placement Biology with a 90 or better semester

average. This course is a difficult College Prep course that

requires the student learn in depth Anatomy and Physiology of

the Human. Each body system includes a bio-ethical analysis

incorporating Biotechnology of current scientific

advancements.

Biology

Sophomore course

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Chemistry I. Course Content:

Lecture, Laboratory, Prerequisite to Anatomy and Physiology

or Advanced Placement Biology with a 91 or better semester

average. The student is expected to pay attention to the detail

of chemical and biological processes. The student is expected

to complete a semester a bio-ethical analysis thesis paper

incorporating Biotechnology of current bioethical issues.

Honors Biology

Sophomore course

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Chemistry I. Course Content:

Lecture, Laboratory, Latin prefix and suffix quizzes.

Prerequisite to Advanced Placement Biology with an 87 or

better semester average. Course is designed to prepare the

student to take the Advanced Placement Biology Course. The

student is expected to pay attention to the detail of chemical

and biological process and required to complete the content at

an accelerated rate moving through Kingdom Animalia to the

study of systems in Homo sapiens, The Honors student is

expected to complete a quarterly a bio-ethical analysis thesis

paper incorporating Biotechnology of current scientific

bioethical issues.


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Marine Biology


2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Chemistry I and Biology I. Course

Content Lecture and Laboratory. This is a college preparatory

course. May be used as a prerequisite to Advanced Placement

Biology with a 90 or better semester average, or may be taken

concurrently with AP Biology.

Projects include: research and design of a marine environment.

Mathematics

Pre-Algebra

Freshman or Sophomore-Level Course

2 Semesters. Prerequisites, 8th grade Math. Course content:

Lecture, problem solving. This course is the prerequisite of

Algebra I. Essential concepts as operations involving positive

& negative integers, fractions & decimals, work with the

Cartesian coordinate grid, and solving for variables in algebraic

equations. Students are also required to memorize the squares

& square-roots of integers from 1-20, and the cubes & cube-

roots from 1-10, to better equip them for subsequent work in

Algebra.

Algebra I

Freshman or Sophomore Level Course

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, None. Course Content: Lecture.

This required College Prep course involves writing, solving,

and graphing linear and quadratic equations, including systems

of two linear equations in two unknowns. Students will solve

quadratic equations by factoring, completing the square,

graphing, and by applying the quadratic formula. The course

will also include the study of monomial and polynomial

expressions, inequalities, exponents, functions, rational

expressions, ratios, and proportions. Algebraic skills will be

applied in a wide variety of problem-solving situations. All

students are required to have a graphing calculator, the goal

being for students to learn and recognize the powerful ways in

which computing technology can aid in solving problems.

Geometry.

Freshman/Sophomore/Junior Level Course

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Algebra I. This course will have

students apply methods and knowledge gained in Algebra I to

theoretical and practical geometric problems. Covered topics

include angles, triangles, polygons, circles, and three-

dimensional figures.

Algebra II

Freshman - Senior level course

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Algebra I, Geometry, Course

Content: Lecture Individual problem solving

This course is a College Prep class of above-average difficulty.

The student will learn the elements of trigonometry,

logarithms, linear and quadratic equations, and systems of

equations.


18

Consumer Math


2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Algebra II. This course introduces

students to mathematical concepts and practical applications

encountered in day-to-day life. Includes resume-writing,

mortgage and loan calculations, taxes, and stocks and bonds.

Pre-calculus

Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Level Course

2 Semesters. Prerequisites, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra

2. Course Content: Lecture. This elective College Prep course

will make connections between mathematics and real-world

situations by integrating technology, science, and math in the

classroom. Pre-calculus topics will include major algebra

topics, trigonometric and circular functions, trigonometric

identities, exponents and logarithms, polar coordinates, vectors,

conics, matrices, higher degree polynomials, rational and

irrational algebraic functions, sequences, series, and the

binomial theorem. Pre-calculus will demonstrate the

connections between other academic disciplines and math.

Mathematical modeling, practical application problems, and a

graphing calculator will illustrate the use of and the

connections between the concepts learned.

*Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus


2 Semesters. Prerequisites, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2,

and Pre-calculus. Course Content: Lecture. This elective

course is intended for students who are preparing to take the

Advanced Placement Calculus AB Exam in the spring. It is a

challenging full-year course covering functions and graphs,

limits and continuity, differentiation, applications of the

derivative, the definite integral, integration, and applications of

integration to geometry, additional applications of integration,

Riemann Sums, and differential equations. All students are

required to have a graphing calculator, the goal being for

students to learn and recognize the powerful ways in which

computing technology can be used to experiment as well as aid

in solving problems.

*Advanced Placement Statistics

Junior – Senior Level course

2 Semesters. Prerequisites-Algebra II. Course Content: lecture,

which is designed to present strategies for collection

organizing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data.

Student driven projects. This is a college level non calculus

based course in introductory statistics.

Physical Education

*Equestrian

*Lifesaving

Physical Education and Health I

9th grade.

2 semesters. Prerequisite, None Course Content: Kinesthetic

participation and lecture. The purpose of Physical Education


19

and Health program is to provide the student the ability to

further his/her physical, mental, and emotional

development. PE 9 deals with team sports, recreational sports,

physical fitness and wellness. Required health units include

wellness, first aid and safety.

Physical Education II

Sophomores

2 Semesters. Prerequisites, PE I. Course Content, Kinesthetic,

Lecture. This course is a more advanced course geared toward

sophomores and upperclassmen. Students are provided the

opportunity to earn Red Cross certifications in first aid,

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),* life guarding, and water

safety instruction. *Lifeguarding requires an extra fee

PE III

1 semester. Prerequisites, PEII. Course content: Mentorship,

This course is a sports management program. The student will

assist a previously identified coach, design workouts

Physical Sciences

Chemistry I

Freshman or Sophomore level

2 semesters. Prerequisite, Pre-Algebra, currently in Algebra I

Course Content: Lecture with Lab, extensive laboratory

reporting. May be used as a prerequisite for Chemistry 2. This

course is a College Prep class of average difficulty. The student

will learn how chemical elements combine and how to write

lab reports.

Chemistry II

Junior or Senior level

2 semesters. Prerequisite, Algebra I and Chemistry I with a 70

or better. Course Content: Lecture and Laboratory

This course is a College Prep class of above-average difficulty.

The student will learn to name organic compounds, predict

chemical reactions, and perform standard lab procedures such

as titration.

Physical Science

Freshman level

2 semesters. Prerequisite, 8th grade science. Students who are

currently test into pre algebra are placed in this entry level

science course.

Physics

Physics


2 Semesters. Prerequisite, Algebra II. This course introduces

students to physics with concepts ranging from velocity and

momentum, to the different forms of energy, to sound waves

and electricity. Students will use various formulas to solve

problems involving these topics...

Social Sciences

*AP Psychology

Junior or Senior Level course

2 Semesters, Prerequisite, Biology I and Anatomy and

Physiology are encouraged. Course content- Lecture,


20

discussion, and projects. The AP Psychology course is

designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific

study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings.

Students learn about some of the explorations and discoveries

made by psychologists over the past century. Students assess

some of the differing approaches adopted by psychologists,

including the biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic,

psychodynamic, and sociocultural perspectives. An interaction

of psychology and the Catholic Church is also offered as part

of this course. Students are urged to apply a biblical worldview

to the critical analysis of psychological thinking. This is a

college level class utilizing a college level textbook. Additional

readings will also be assigned.

Human Geography


2 semesters. Prerequisites, none. Course content, lecture,

culture analysis, analytical writing. Human Geography is a

collect preparatory course, it is the study of civilized

development in the modern world by examining both the

place that is inhabited and the people inhabiting it. Human

Geography seeks to instill in the student a

deeper understanding and appreciation of the global factors

both current and historical that influence

where people live and operate throughout the world.

Theology

Transfer students knowledge and placement in sacred studies

will be determined upon entrance to SMAHS.

Sacred Studies 9

Mass and the Sacraments

2 semesters. Prerequisites, none. Course content, Lecture on

the seven sacraments the order around the Eucharist.

Sacramental theology equips the young Catholic to understand

moral relativism and the importance of upholding the dignity

of human life.

Sacred Studies 10: Faith

2 Semesters. Prerequisite, none. Introduction to the Bible.

Course content lecture, theological readings and

discussion. This course is a moderate in difficulty, college prep

level course that looks with greater depth at the seven

sacraments recognized in official Catholic teaching and the

development and structure of the Divine Liturgy and its many

different expressions found among the different Eastern and

Western Rites of the Church. Sacraments are tied to biblical

roots as instituted by Christ in the Gospels or the evidence

thereof in the NT epistles and early Church Fathers. Religion

variations are also analyzed.

Sacred Studies 11:

Junior level course

2 Semesters. Prerequisites, Sacred Studies 10Course content:

Lecture; critical reading, analytical writing. This is a college

preparatory course.

This is an introduction class into Sacred Scripture. This class

introduces the 14 historical books of the Bible to give students

a general knowledge and appreciation of Sacred Scripture by


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introducing the people, places and events that will show

students how we get from Genesis to Jesus. Through the study

of the Bible, the students in ninth grade will come to encounter

the living Word of God, Jesus Christ with the goal that they

will be inspired to seek the Word who became flesh and dwelt

among us in all that they say do in their lives as Catholic

Christians. In this course, the student will learn not only about

the Bible, but how to properly read the Bible, how the Church

interprets the Bible but also how to apply the Bible to their own

lives. Saint Michael the Archangel High School adheres to the

United States Conference of Bishops' curriculum framework

for high school students.

Sacred Studies 12: Morality

Bioethics

Senior level Course

2 Semesters. Prerequisites, Transfer students may take course

with no prerequisites. Course Content: Biweekly Bioethical

current events, lecture, discussion, group project, twelve page

thesis paper and end of the year “Make a Difference” project

required for course completion. The course examines major life

issues faced today in Christian medicine and health care, with

attention to common ethical dilemmas concerning the all stages

of life. The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic

Health Care Services and several encyclicals offer a particular

moral evaluation of the bioethical issue that the course covers.

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