INSTRUCTION

Drivers Education
Driver and Safety Education (Grade 10)  - Teaches the fundamental rules of the road for safe and responsible driving and provides beginning drivers behind-the-wheel driving experience. Also includes 30 hours of classroom instruction. Learner’s permit required.  (.5 unit elective)

Technology

Computer Applications (Grades 7-8) -  An introduction to the basic applications (word processing, spreadsheets, database, internet usage, email). Students achieve specific goals in typing speed. (.5 unit required, or demonstrated proficiency)

Library & Information Science (Grades 7-12) Students will learn the basics of library organization and research strategies through hands-on experiences at the circulation desk and research computers.  Basic instruction will include lessons on the Dewey Decimal system, Boolean logic, Internet searching and basic computer knowledge working with databases. (.5 unit elective)

Electives

Electives are available according to student interest, staff availability, the school’s instructional priorities and funding.
Humanities electives presently include the following:

 Yearlong Courses

 10-12: AP Art History – A study of the history of art.  Required course for Visual Arts’ majors.  Students who complete this course are qualified to take the AP exam.

 10-12: AP Computer Science* (Programming IV pre-requisite unless approved by instructor) - Students enrolled in AP Computer Science will learn advanced programming design and methodology using the Java language in preparation for the AP Computer Science A exam.  In addition to understanding computer programming in general, and the Java language in particular, students will gain a clear understanding of the process of analyzing problems, proposing and evaluating solutions and implementing those solutions that are appropriate to program. 

 11-12:  AP Environmental Science (APES)* - This interdisciplinary course encompasses natural sciences, applied environmental science and social science. APES offers students a chance to understand both basic ecology and modern environmental issues. APES stresses rigorous scientific principles, inquiry-based labs, quantitative analysis and articulation of student understanding through writing. This yearlong course meets for 47 minutes each day, and 3 hours of homework per week is expected. Suggested prerequisites include Algebra II, Biology and Chemistry. Four weekend fieldtrips will be offered, but attendance on weekend fieldtrips is not required.

 12:  AP Literature – (Available only to juniors who have completed British Literature) - Focuses on college level literary interpretation and analytical essay composition.

11-12:  (Arts only) Calculus – A comprehensive course focused on building on previous math skills.  This course addresses topics such as derivatives, integration, trig applications, vectors, and function analysis.  Students who complete this course are qualified to take the AP exam.

 11-12:  (Arts only) Chemistry – This course introduces students to the theoretical principles behind basic inorganic chemical concepts.    It is a laboratory course that covers chemical principles that will prepare students for college level chemistry.

 11-12:  Forensics – This course will teach the student specific lab techniques used in crime solving.  Students will study and reproduce the science and chemistry behind crime-solving techniques and investigate and examine famous cases in the past and present. (Must have completed Chemistry)

 11-12:  Honors Quantitative Finance* - pre-req:  enrolled in or have completed Calculus.  This course is designed to develop the students’ understanding of quantitative finance in the direction of real market transactions.  Students will gain superior understanding of the fundamental principles, technical methodology, and ethical standards in options trading.

 11-12:  Human Anatomy & Physiology* - This is a comprehensive course in the study of the human body and how it works.  It is a laboratory course that studies the structure and function of each organ systems.

 11-12: (M/S only) Integrated Human Anatomy & Physiology* - Students will delve into advanced studies of anatomical terminology and a & p of different body systems: integumentary, GI, renal/GU, neuro, cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular skeletal, endocrine & immune.  Review/discuss disorders and diseases associated with different body systems.  Teaching methodology includes: lecture, videos, guest lecturers, computer program, work book, labs and observation field trips to medical facilities.  (This course may be taken as a yearlong course, or during 1^st semester, but may not take only second semester)

 12: M/S Senior Research Topics (Research II) -  This course is designed for M/S senior students who have undertaken research projects as partial fulfillment of their graduation requirements.  The course will focus on the two primary forms of research communication: writing and presenting.  A segment of the course will use a journal club format devoted to digesting and presenting scientific research articles/journals. The remainder of the course will be devoted to developing technical aspects of scientific writing and finalizing their research projects (i.e. paper & presentation).

11-12:  (Arts only) Pre-Calculus – pre-req:  Algebra II - An advanced math course preparing the student for Calculus.

11-12:  (Arts only) Physics – Physics is the study of the natural world.  It deals with the fundamental particles of which universe is made, and the interactions between those particles, the objects composed of them (nuclei, atoms, molecules, etc) and energy.

8-12:  (M/S only) Science Fair* - This class can be used for, but is not limited to: meeting with science teachers for collaboration, researching or working on the project, completing both the written, visual, and interview aspects of the project presentation, and preparing and completing all necessary paperwork. The completion and entry of a science fair project will be a requirement for a passing grade in this class.

11-12:  (Arts only) Statistics for non-majors – An introductory statistics course.

9-12:  Yearbook – This course teaches journalism skills, computer design, story writing, and more.

9-12: Foreign Languages:

French I, French II, French III

Latin I and III

Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III

Fall semester Courses

11-12: (M/S only) Advanced Topics in Chemistry* - In this elective students will have the opportunity to use knowledge and skills from A.P. Chemistry to investigate topics in Polymer, Pharmaceutical, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Health Science. We will be looking at the chemical principals behind things in everyday life including such things as food, soaps, shampoo, household cleaning products, fats (oils and waxes) and medications, as well as the negative impact on human physiology of excessive chemical exposure.  

11-12: (M/S only) Advanced Topics in Math* - the exploration of Calculus topics into multivariable Calculus.  Vector functions, partial derivatives, and multiple integrals with their applications are included in the course.

9-12:  Agriscience* - The Art and Science of Agriculture Program (ASAP) is an interdisciplinary agriscience course in which students must attend classroom sessions and do lab work in the field.  The course is an outdoor experience and provides an opportunity to serve the community.

12:  AP Macroeconomics – This course is a study of national income and price determination, economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics.  Students who complete this course are qualified to sit the AP exam.

12:  AP US Government – This course provides an analytical perspective of government and politics in the US.  Students who complete this course are qualified to sit the AP exam.

9-12:  Art Dimensions – A creative hands-on Visual Arts course for non-majors, mainly 2-D work.

9-12:  Art Fundamentals – A creative hands-on Visual Arts course for non-majors, mainly 3-D work.

10:  (M/S only) - Art of Problem Solving I* – pre-req:  An average of 88% from your previous math classes or permission from the instructor is required

This is not a lecture format course.  We explore, discuss, and even speculate.  The problems are more demanding and require more understanding and creativity than those in our honors Alg II course.  Critical thinking is emphasized since most of the problems are non-routine.

10-12 Computer Programming III* - pre-req: Computer Programming II – Students will learn more advanced computer programming techniques by building and programming Lego Mindstorms robots.  Students will also learn the Python programming language.

9-12:  Introduction to Creative Writing – An introductory course for non-majors.  Students learn the basic elements of the various forms of writing (poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction).

9-12:  Intro to Jazz – This is a basic jazz dance course.  This course would be ideal for Theatre Arts’ students interested in musical theatre or Math/Science students working towards their fine arts’ credit.

10-12:  Driver’s Ed – You must have your learner’s permit when class begins.

10-12:  (M/S only) EngineerIT – An exploratory course with robotics and basic engineering concepts.

10-12:  Ethics in Science* – This course is not designed to teach students ethics but rather help them explore guidelines and principles used in making ethical decisions.

9-12:  Library & Information Services – Students in this course assist with promotion and implementation of library services and programs which includes operating the circulation desk, processing books and periodicals, helping in locating of printable and non-printable information, and learning general organization and technology skills necessary for basic research.

9:  (M/S only) PhiTeam I* - This course compliments the required Geometry course focusing on problem solving, logic and proofs. 

11-12:  Social Psychology – Social Psychology is an essential course for all those who want to become better students of human behavior and apply these timeless lessons to their everyday life.  More specifically, Social psychology studies how the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of other human beings.  Subtopics will include: social perception, attribution, attitude formation and change, prejudice, conformity, aggression, group behavior/dynamics, interpersonal attraction and more.  There will be a fee for a textbook.

9-12:  Theatre Tech for non-majors – This course covers all fundamentals of backstage work related to building scenery and lighting.  It also includes some sound and, occasionally, some costume work. 

Spring semester

9-12:  Agriscience* - The Art and Science of Agriculture Program (ASAP) is an interdisciplinary agriscience course in which students must attend classroom sessions and do lab work in the field.  The course is an outdoor experience and provides an opportunity to serve the community.

12:  AP Macroeconomics – This course is a study of national income and price determination, economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics.  Students who complete this course are qualified to sit the AP exam.

12:  AP US Government – This course provides an analytical perspective of government and politics in the US.  Students who complete this course are qualified to sit the AP exam.

9-12:  Art Dimensions – A creative hands-on Visual Arts course for non-majors.

9-12:  Art Fundamentals – A creative hands-on Visual Arts course for non-majors, mainly 3-D work.

10:  (M/S only) Art of Problem Solving I I– pre-req:  Art of Problem Solving I

This is not a lecture format course.  We explore, discuss, and even speculate.  The problems are more demanding and require more understanding and creativity than those in our Honors Alg II course. Critical thinking is emphasized since most of the problems are non-routine.

9-12: Computer Programming II* - pre-req: Comp Prog I

Students will lean the C programming language and broaden their view of computer programming.  Students will gain a more in-depth understanding of the workings of computer programs, compilers, and operating systems through the use of the C programming language.

10-12: Computer Programming IV* - pre-req: Comp Prog III

Students will learn the fundamentals of object oriented computer programming using the C++ language in a Linus environment.  Students will be prepared to take the AP Computer Science course upon completion.

10-12:  Driver’s Ed – You must have your learner’s permit when class begins.

9-12:   Geometric Patterns in Quilting* - The principles of geometry in quilt making.  A hands-on course, yes, you will make a quilt.  Open to all students.

9-12:  Intro to Jazz – This is a basic jazz course.  This course would be ideal for Theatre Arts’ students interested in musical theatre or Math/Science students working towards their fine arts’ credit.

11-12:  Introduction to Psychology – This course is a broad survey course meant to introduce students to the fascinating world of human behavior and all those domains that affect it.  Such topics include psychological theory, research methods, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, motivation, development, personality, clinical and social psychology.  While this course is not a formal AP course, it is designed to prepare well those students interested in taking the AP Psychology Exam.  There will be a fee for a textbook.

9-12:  Library & Information Services – Students in this course assist with promotion and implementation of library services and programs which includes operating the circulation desk, processing books and periodicals, helping in locating of printable and non-printable information, and learning general organization and technology skills necessary for basic research.

9-12:  Nutrition and Health* - This course explores human nutritional health.

9:  (M/S only) PhiTeam II* - This course compliments the required Geometry course focusing on problem solving, logic and proofs. 

9-12:  Theatre Tech for non-majors – This course covers all fundamentals of backstage work related to building scenery and lighting.  It also includes some sound and, occasionally, some costume work. 

9 -12:  Writing for Film – This course is concerned with the fundamental elements of a story craft:  narrative structure, character, and painstaking attention to detail.  This course will be demanding.  When we review and write films, it will be with an eye toward the mechanics of scene building, character development, the interconnectedness of plot and subplot, and so on.  If you don’t love stories, this probably isn’t the course for you.  Performance will be evaluated through exercises, participation in class discussions, a midterm, a final, and a completed screenplay.

 

This website describes the present courses, requirements, programs and services of the Alabama School of Fine Arts, which are subject to change at any time according to state requirements and the policies and procedures of the school.