Monday, 06 September, 2010

This course is designed to help students become aware of the activity of God in each of our lives. Students will develop an understanding of how the Catholic Tradition addresses the faith questions in several areas. They will discover spirituality and prayer as a source of growth in a life with God.

THEOLOGY 10 (FULL YEAR- 1/2 CREDIT)

A study of Jesus, as portrayed in the Gospels is presented, along with the history and politics of His time. Along with the Gospel accounts about Jesus, we look at St. Paul’s writings to the early Christian Communities. The class also explores the development of Christianity from the first century until today.

THEOLOGY 11 (FULL YEAR- 1/2 CREDIT)

This course will explore the process of moral decision making within the context of current issues facing our world today. Topics such as abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, and war will be covered. For each issue students will be required to explore historical information, opposing viewpoints, and the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church.

THEOLOGY 12 (FULL YEAR- 1/2 CREDIT)

This course covers the major religions of the world. Students explore both the theology and the historical development of these different faith traditions. This culminating class explores various issues through theological reflection.

ENGLISH

Literature and composition are both essential parts of the secondary Language Arts and English curriculum. Therefore, the English curriculum for grades 9-12 will consist of an intensive reading program in which literature and composition instruction can complement one another. Comprehending what is read and writing about what is read are closely linked.

ENGLISH 9 (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

This course is the first of three Regents English courses, which culminate in the Comprehensive Regents examination in eleventh grade. The emphasis is on building sound vocabulary, determining how to use words in context, listening and writing skills, and the critical evaluation and interpretation of both classic and contemporary literature. Independent reading and public speaking are both required and encouraged to better prepare students for college-level work.

ENGLISH 10 (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

Tenth grade English is a continuation of the skills that have been introduced at the ninth grade level. In addition to reading and analyzing poetry and short stories, novels and drama will be the main genres of study. The theme of “Innocence to Experience” is one that is developed throughout the school year. The students will learn how to further develop their writing skills in preparation for the Regents exam in English that is given in eleventh grade.

ENGLISH 11 REGENTS (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

American Literature is emphasized in this year as well as clear, well planned, advanced writing techniques. Vocabulary, reading, and writing exercises are designed to prepare students for the eleventh grade Comprehensive Regents examination in English. Independent reading and public speaking are required.

ENGLISH 12 (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

Senior English involves the reading and analysis of various pieces of classical and contemporary literature. There will also be a focus on writing skills, research methods and citation, and critiquing of literature and film. Public speaking will be emphasized as well. This course will also prepare students to be active member of their community, reading words of social protest and learning how to make their voices heard.

SOCIAL STUDIES

GLOBAL HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY (2 YEARS – 2 CREDITS)

I & II (1 CREDIT PER YEAR)

This required two-year course begins in 9th grade, and culminates with a mandatory Regents Exam at the end of the student’s sophomore year. The course consists of eight units, which span the history of mankind from its origins in Africa to the world today with the main focus on Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Using a chronological approach, students are expected to develop skills in analyzing historical sources and documents, appreciate the diversity of perspectives in historical interpretations, and understand the interrelationships that exist throughout human history.

ECONOMICS (HALF YEAR-1/2 CREDIT)

This is a 12th grade course that is designed to give the students a basic understanding of economic principles and concepts. Many of these issues are one that the students will have to deal with during their adult lives. Some of the topics that will be covered are Supply, Demand, Scarcity, Resources, Economic Systems, Labor, Finance and Investments, the U.S. Economy, and the Interdependence of World Economics. This course will assist the students in making economic decisions in the future.

PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT (HALF YEAR-1/2 CREDIT)

This grade 12th grade course is designed to give students the knowledge and opportunity to understand and experience government. Some of the areas of study that will be covered are: Why and How Our Government was Formed, Roles and Rights of Citizens, The Legal Obligations of Citizens, Legal Rights and Responsibilities, The View of State and Local Governments, and The Promotion of Democratic Principals in Foreign Policy. The students will also do an observation part in a government function.

US HISTORY & GOVERNMENT (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

This required, grade 11 level course, begins with a major emphasis on the origins and development of the Constitution during the early years of U.S. history. Also covered is a chronological study of events from the Civil War to the present. The final parts of the course emphasize events that followed World War II, especially Civil Rights and the Vietnam War era.

SCIENCE

LIVING ENVIRONMENT (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

The Regents Living Environment course is designed to give students a basic understanding of ecological processes and generalizations, how biology applies to life, and how humans fit into the complex web of life. Topics include unity and diversity in living things, maintenance in living things, human physiology, reproduction and development, genetics, evolution, and ecology. Extensive laboratory work illustrates the principles presented in class which is taught from a cellular and systems approach. Class work and homework require strong commitment from the student. To qualify for the Living Environment Regents exam students must successfully complete 30 labs.

This course is taught to 9th graders at Notre Dame.

CHEMISTRY REGENTS (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

Topics covered in this course include concepts of atomic structure, the Periodic Table, moles/stoichiometry, chemical bonding, nuclear chemistry, acids, bases and salts, oxidation/reduction and ideas underlying the chemical interpretation of the behavior of matter. Laboratory work is mandatory to qualify for the Regents Exam, and is designed to put into application the theoretical principles presented in class. The Chemistry Regents Examination is given in June and requires that all labs be successfully completed. Since Notre Dame requires ALL sophomores to take Regents Chemistry, strong commitment is required from the student.

PHYSICS REGENTS (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

This course presents a modern view of physics with a major emphasis on the fundamental concepts underlying this basic science. Topics include mechanics, waves, electricity, and light. Facility with mathematics is important for success in this course. Therefore, students should have completed Math A successfully and be enrolled in Math B. Laboratory work supplements the course topics. The course is typically taught to juniors.

HUMAN BIOLOGY (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

BIO - 102 (GCC – 3 CREDITS)

This college level class surveys basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology, including the structure of cells, tissues, and organs and their normal physiological interactions. Laboratory experiences reinforce important concepts.

Students interested in earning college credit for Human Biology must register with and remit payment to Genesee Community College directly.

MATHEMATICS

MATH 9 (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

This is the first course of a three-year sequence that unifies the study of various mathematical topics. The major portion of the first year is devoted to developing algebraic skills and problem solving abilities. This is done by: focusing on mathematical reasoning, understanding of numbers, use of operations, modeling, measurement, patterns and uncertainty, and function.

MATH 10 (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

This is the second year of a three-year sequence. The first half of the year is devoted to the topics mentioned above by with the focus on geometric applications.

The Math A Regent’s exam will be administered in January and will include the material from Math 9 and the first half of Math 10.

The second half of this year will focus on further development of geometric skills, some algebraic skills and an introduction to trigonometry. An extensive study of Euclidean and analytic proofs is achieved through the use of deductive and logical reasoning.

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Math 9

MATH 11 (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

This final year of a three –year sequence is devoted to the study of Algebra II and Trigonometry. The topics include rational expression, geometry of the circle, transformations and functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trig functions, graphs, equations and applications, complex numbers, probability and the binomial theorem, and statistics.

The Math B regents exam will be administered in June and will include the second half of Math 10 and all of Math 11.

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Math 10

ACCOUNTING (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

This is an 11th and 12th grade course that is designed to give the students a basic understanding of the Accounting Cycle. Some of the topics that will be covered are: Elements of Accounting, The Accounting Equation, The Use of Debits and Credits, Journalizing Entries, Posting Entries, The Use of Financial Statements, Banking Activities, Payroll Activities, Special Journals, AND The Use of Computers in Accounting.

THIS COURSE MAY BE USED AS THE THIRD YEAR MATH CREDIT.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

SPANISH I (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

This course is an introduction to the learning of the four skills, listening, speaking, reading, and writing of the foreign language, and is the first year of a three- year sequence. Emphasis is placed on the necessary vocabulary, conversational patterns, and comprehension of simple grammar. Exploration of customs and culture are integrated into the study of language.

SPANISH II (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

In Spanish II, each student will master the more common tenses encountered in spoken and written Spanish, past, present, and future. Students will also be exposed to the conditional, perfect, and progressive tenses while continuing to build their knowledge of vocabulary. Customs and culture are incorporated into each unit as was done in the first level of study.

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion on Spanish I, a superior score on the State Proficiency Exam and written recommendation from the lower level teacher.

SPANISH III (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

The third course in Spanish completes the three-unit sequence in a foreign language. It continues the development of proficiency of the four skills in preparation for the Comprehensive Regents Exam at the end of the year. Comprehensive reading and use of the spoken language are increased. Grammar is reviewed and extended to more difficult topics. Emphasis is placed on dialogue and composition writing. Study of culture is continued.

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish II

SPANISH IV (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

In level IV Spanish, there is an emphasis on the culture of the Spanish-speaking people of the world. Advanced grammar and syntax are practiced in both oral and written forms using authentic literature. Instructional strategies include role playing and class discussion in addition to other writing and reading exercises. By completing this course students will have an opportunity to gain college credit by taking the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam in May.

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish III

LATIN I (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

The Latin I course introduces the student to the civilization of Rome by developing his/her ability to read and write the Latin language. There is a strong emphasis on the grammar and vocabulary of the language. The student will also be exposed to some of the history and culture of Roman civilization. Latin serves as an excellent foundation for studying any of the Romance languages as well as increasing a student’s knowledge of English words.

LATIN II (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

This course builds on the foundation laid in Latin I. Students continue the study of the language with an emphasis on grammar, as well as read short passages from a variety of Latin authors.

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Latin I

LATIN III (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

The student will read a survey of Latin authors exposing them to the historical, literary, and cultural contributions of the Romans. The authors include Caesar, Cicero, Horace, Vergil, and Saint Augustine. The student will also read some passages in Latin from the Sacred Scriptures and the Liturgy of the Church. At the end of this course, students will take the comprehensive Regents exam.

PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Latin I & II

BUSINESS

BUSINESS LAW (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

The purpose of this course is to give students a basic understanding of how law affects the business community and the consumer. Some of the topics covered by this course are: The Contract, Personal Property, Real Property, Transportation and Travel, Paying for Goods and Services, Insurance, Employment, Agency Relationship, and Business Ownership

BUSINESS ANALYSIS/BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

Business Analysis/Business Computer Applications is actually TWO courses in one. One part of the course will introduce the student to information and activities that are common to all business. Some of the topics and activities to be covered are: The Framework of Business, Common Activities of Businesses, and Your Place of the Business World. The other part of the course deals with hands-on experience with computers and how businesses use computers. Topics to be covered are: Word Processing, Database, Spreadsheets, and Graphics. Class is offered according to demand.

Recommended Grade Level: 11 or 12

ACCOUNTING I (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

This course is designed to provide students with basic understanding of double-entry accounting. This course will cover the entire accounting cycle for both service and merchandising businesses. Some of the topics that will be covered are: Journalizing, Posting, Creation of Financial Statements, Special Journals, and Ledgers. This course will be very useful for post-secondary accounting training.

Class offered according to demand.

ADVANCED ACCOUNTING (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

This course is designed to develop accounting skills necessary for entry-level accounting positions as well as post-secondary training. The course will review the accounting procedures learned in Accounting I. Some of the new topics that will be covered are: Departmentalized Accounting, Partnership and Corporate Accounting, Deferrals and Accruals.

PREREQUISITE: 80% or higher in Accounting I

COMPUTER EDUCATION

KEYBOARDING (HALF YEAR - .5 CREDIT)

The purpose of this course is to develop a mastery of the keyboard. The goal of this course is for students to type 25 words per minute with no more than 5 errors. The course will also teach the student how to set up and type business letters, personal business letters, memos, and reports. This course is recommended for students who intend to follow a career in the business area and also for students who want to develop knowledge of word processing skills.

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (HALF YEAR - .5 CREDIT)

Possible 3 COLLEGE CREDITS - GCC

This course further explores use of the personal computer as a tool to facilitate research and perform tasks. Students will use prepared software to perform Word Processing, Database, Spreadsheets, and Power Point to create different tasks. Students will also increase their research skills by using the Internet. The students will also perform basic programming skills using QBASIC as well as explore the history of computers.

Students interested in receiving college credit for Computer Applications must register with and remit payment to Genesee Community College directly.

COM 217 INTERACTIVE MEDIA DESIGN (HALF YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

Possible 3 COLLEGE CREDITS - GCC

This course will concentrate on designing multimedia modules for teaching, learning and presentation. Students will learn the tools to develop multimedia prototypes incorporating texts, 2D and 3D images, animations, simulations, and sound. Topics such as visual content management, file management and content delivery will also be part of the course.

Students interested in receiving college credit for Interactive Media Design must register with and remit payment to Genesee Community College directly.

CIS 203 WEB PUBLISHING (HALF YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

3 COLLEGE CREDITS - GCC

This course is designed to introduce students to the techniques, skills and tools used to communicate using the Internet. The course consists of three parts. The first part develops skills needed for publishing a simple web page and introduces HTML coding. The second part builds on these authoring techniques and introduces other topics, such as web design, web project management and web maintenance. The third part requires the student to use the acquired skills to build a maintainable web project.

Students interested in receiving college credit for Web Publishing must register with and remit payment to Genesee Community College directly.

ART

INTRODUCTION TO FINE ARTS ( FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

The curriculum for this required Freshmen level course will include immersion into art and music from different cultural approaches. The course will look at dance and theater and see what influences they had on the different cultures while learning music theory and the techniques of the masters. It takes a humanistic approach to the arts with the goal to help the students to appreciate the visual and performing arts. The course explores world religions and their effects on the arts as well as how literary pieces evolved and the effects of writer’s viewpoints during the different time periods. The course incorporates mathematics into various themes exploring the Golden Mean and its effects on the arts. This course requires no level of proficiency in either the visual or performing arts, but will require an open mind and the curiosity to explore what part music and art play in our daily lives.

STUDIO ART (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

This is an introduction to art fundamentals with an emphasis on active involvement of students with a variety of art experiences, exploring the cultural approach to the arts. Covered in all studio art courses are elements of graphic arts, drawing, painting, sculpture and ceramics. The understanding and appreciation of various master artists and styles are incorporated into the overall art experience.

DRAWING & PAINTING I & II (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

The student will learn to interpret their visual world and relay this onto two-dimensional mediums. The students will experiment with a variety of wet and dry media as they study the styles and techniques of the masters. Students will complete an electronic portfolio of their work and be able to critically analyze their compositions as well as those of the masters.

DRAWING & PAINTING III & IV (FULL YEAR – 1 CREDIT)

This course will develop the skills of visual research learned in Drawing and Painting I & II while allowing the students to learn the important skills of critical analysis. They will gain knowledge about the history, the principles, and the masters that create art and be able to make judgements about art from prehistory to present day. Students will complete an electronic portfolio to display their knowledge of critical analysis as well as the depth and scope of their compositions.

PREREQUISITE: Drawing & Painting I & II

ADVANCED ART I (HALF YEAR –1/2CREDIT)

Students will continue building on the fundamentals of drawing as they begin to produce extensive studies in areas of their choice. Project based compositions in oils, acrylics, and multimedia are required to show mastery of fundamental techniques. Students will be required to produce an electronic portfolio displaying both variety and depth of their compositions.

PREREQUISITE: Drawing & Painting I & II

ADVANCED ART II (HALF YEAR -1/2 CREDIT)

Advanced Art II will continue to build on the fundamentals of Advanced Art I.

Students will be required to produce an electronic portfolio displaying both variety and depth of their compositions based on Advanced Art II. Exploration and in-depth work in their own style is encouraged while experimenting with present day movements in the arts.

PREREQUISITE: Advanced Art I

SCULPTURE & CERAMICS (HALF YEAR -1/2 CREDIT)

The students will study and create three-dimensional form using many media. Through the study of architecture, sculpture, and concrete symbols the students will be exposed to different styles, designs, and techniques used by sculptors. Students will use paper, wire, balsa, papier mache, and modeling and ceramic clays to create their three-dimensional forms. An electronic portfolio is required to show the development of a variety of techniques and styles used in sculpting.

GRAPHIC DESIGN (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

Students will explore the elements of design that apply to the graphic arts. Students will learn to actively see and apply the art principles that will allow them to design logos, magazine covers, interior and exterior architecture, landscaping, packaging, advertising, and corporate design. Students will be exposed to computer-aided design, the language of design and the principles and techniques used in the commercial application of design.

MUSIC

CONCERT BAND (FULL YEAR-1 CREDIT)

JAZZ ENSEMBLE (FULL YEAR-1/2 CREDIT)

HANDBELL CHOIR (FULL YEAR-1/2 CREDIT)

Each performing ensemble provides the opportunity to perform music of various genres, styles, and cultures that represent the peoples of the world and their manifestations in the United States. This group will perform on all scheduled concerts, school liturgies, and other community concert performances. Students in this ensemble will be eligible for small group or individual instrumental lessons to teach instrumental and music reading skills. These small groups also provide preparation for competition in NYSSMA and county level solo festivals and instrumental ensembles. Concert Band meets every day, Jazz Ensemble and Handbell Choir meets every other day with scheduling flexibility available for those students wishing to participate in multiple fine arts courses.

GENERAL MUSIC (FULL YEAR-1 CREDIT)

This course provides experiences in creating, performing, listening, and analyzing music, in addition to focusing on its specific subject matter. Also included are learning experiences designed to develop the ability to read music, use the notation and terminology of music, describe music, make informed evaluations concerning music, and understand music and music practices in relation to history and culture and other disciplines in music.

CONCERT CHOIR (FULL YEAR-1 CREDIT)

The concert choir is the primary performing vocal group. Students will sing a variety of music, from classic to contemporary, in mixed chorus format (SAB or SATB.) This group will perform on all scheduled concerts, and is also responsible for assisting with the music ministry at our student liturgies. Students in this ensemble will be eligible for small group or individual voice classes to teach vocal and music reading skills. These small groups also provide preparation for competition in NYSSMA and county level solo festivals and choral groups. Class meets every day, with scheduling flexibility available for those students wishing to participate in multiple fine arts courses.

CHORUS (FULL YEAR-1/2 CREDIT)

The chorus is also a performing vocal ensemble, with emphasis on beginning musical performance. This class is designed for those who would enjoy singing and participating, but who are new to the experience. Chorus will perform on all scheduled concerts. Class meets every other day.

INTRODUCTION TO FINE ARTS (FULL YEAR - 1 CREDIT)

The curriculum for this required Freshmen level course will include immersion into art and music from different cultural approaches. The course will look at dance and theater and see what influences they had on the different cultures while learning music theory and the techniques of the masters. It will take a humanistic approach to the arts with the goal to help the students to appreciate the visual and performing arts. The course will explore world religions and their effects on the arts as well as how literary pieces evolved and the effects of writer’s viewpoints during the different time periods. The course incorporates mathematics into various themes exploring the Golden Mean and its effects on the arts. This course requires no level of proficiency in either the visual or performing arts, but will require an open mind and the curiosity to explore what part music and art play in our daily lives.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (FULL YEAR-1/2 CREDIT)

Physical Education is required at each grade level. The program is coeducational and emphasizes lifetime sports and fitness. It includes units on individual and team sports, aerobics, and weight training. Physical growth, strength, coordination, agility, and fun are the goals of our program. Students are encouraged to participate in our inter-scholastic programs.